The Salkantay Trek is without doubt one of the hottest methods to hike to Machu Picchu. Much less well-known than the enduring Inca Path, the Salkantay Trek is each simpler to e-book and a less expensive trek, as there are not any permits concerned. On prime of that, many say the Salkantay is simply as stunning, if no more so, than the Inca Path!
For these causes, many individuals in search of a multi-day trek to Machu Picchu select the Salkantay Trek.
The 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an epic journey that takes you thru a few of the most beautiful landscapes within the Peruvian Andes. The Trek culminates in a go to to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. This difficult trek is ideal for these in search of a extra rugged and fewer crowded different to the Machu Picchu Inca Path tour.
Background Data
The Salkantay Trek is 74 km (46 miles) lengthy and is mostly hiked over 4-5 days (with a go to to Machu Picchu on Day 5). The Salkantay trek holds historic significance, and just like the Inca Path, was a route the Incas as soon as took to get to Machu Picchu. The principle distinction is that the Salkantay Trek is thru the mountains, reaching practically 5,000m above sea stage, whereas the Inca Path is strolling by way of ruins a lot of the best way.
It’s mentioned that the Salkantay Trek was the route that spiritual leaders took to get to Machu Picchu as a result of the upper elevations introduced them “nearer to god.” The Salkantay Trek is known as after the mountain that the path passes, the Salkantay Mountain. It isn’t simply this mountain you’ll see on the hike, although, because the path gives various landscapes, together with glaciers and tropical Andean forests.
The Salkantay trek begins within the village of Mollepata. That is the place you’ll begin your journey in direction of Soraypampa, your first campsite. Alongside the best way, you’ll go by way of picturesque Andean villages and luxuriate in unimaginable views of the snow-capped peaks of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
Salkantay Vs. The Inca Path
The Inca Path is a world-famous trek that’s consistently ranked among the many greatest hikes on this planet. Nevertheless, as many individuals will inform you, you’ll expertise instantly that the Traditional Inca Path to Machu Picchu is crowded and often booked all year long.
Whereas that is typically the case, you must do not forget that the Inca Path is without doubt one of the most wonderful hikes on this planet, and why so many individuals need to trek it!
The entire system of Inca Trails, known as the Qapaq Ñan, is a community of historic footpaths that related a very powerful sections of the Inca Empire. The Incas constructed the paths, that are nonetheless used right this moment by native individuals and guests from all around the world.
The Inca Path Trek to Machu Picchu is without doubt one of the most well-known and iconic treks on this planet. The trek gives a shocking mixture of pure magnificence, historic ruins, and Andean tradition. The Inca Path kinds a part of the Inca highway community known as the Qapaq Ñan. The Salkantay Trek can also be a part of these historic Inca pathways.
The Salkantay Trek is the lesser-known trek to Machu Picchu with extra wildlife, breathtaking mountain surroundings, and spectacular views. The Salkantay Trek is an possibility for hikers who need to expertise the gorgeous mountainous surroundings of the Peruvian Andes and see an extremely various nature and panorama that regularly reveals beautiful views. It’s a longer and tougher trek than the Inca Path, however it gives beautiful surroundings and a extra genuine expertise of the Peruvian Andes, passing by way of conventional Andean communities.
There are actually fewer ruins alongside the Salkantay trek, however there’s the chance to go to glacial lakes, sizzling springs, espresso plantations, and mango plantations in addition to the lesser-visited archaeological website of Llactapata. Day 2 of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is probably the most difficult day of the Trek. You ascend to the Salkantay Cross, which sits at an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,092 toes). The views from the go are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the encompassing mountains and valleys.
Whichever route you could have chosen, each treks supply breathtaking vistas, Inca ruins, and the wealthy historical past of the Incas’ lifestyle on this area.
Altitude is an Concern!
I’ve already talked about the excessive elevation of the Salkantay trek and it’s value it to speak a bit extra carefully in regards to the acclimatization and the potential for altitude illness.
Attempt to arrive in Cusco a minimum of two or three days earlier than the trek begins and deal with doing a little bodily exercise. Near Cusco are Sacsaywaman and Qenqo ruins, that are superior locations to go to. You’ll be able to take loads of day journeys from Cusco and provides your physique a while to regulate to the elevation. There are a whole lot of issues to do within the Sacred Valley close to Cusco, equivalent to an uphill hike to Pisac Ruins or visiting Rainbow Mountain, each of that are at excessive elevations.
Acclimatization is an important side of the Salkantay Path to Machu Picchu. It includes climbing at excessive elevations the place the air is skinny and oxygen ranges are decrease. To assist mitigate the results of altitude, it’s necessary to spend a minimum of two to a few days in Cusco or different high-altitude areas earlier than starting the trek. Ample acclimatization is essential as a result of you’ll spend the primary evening 3800 meters above sea stage.
The next day, you’ll cross the mountain go and sleep about 3900 meters above sea stage, which is excessive for an unacclimatized hiker. Though nobody can ever understand how you may be affected by the altitude, it’s all the time higher to be ready and know what to anticipate (you would possibly expertise a headache or shortness of breath, for instance). Mules play an important position in supporting treks just like the Salkantay Trek.
They’re typically used to hold provides, tools, and baggage for trekkers. The rugged terrain and excessive altitudes of the Salkantay Path make it difficult to move heavy hundreds on foot. This makes mules invaluable for transporting gear and provides to the campsites alongside the route.
Why Guide a Guided Trek?
Mountain climbing with a guided group is probably the most comfy possibility for having fun with the Salkantay Trek. Typically, probably the most difficult factor will probably be to seek out the suitable, skilled, and sincere tour operator. All the time keep in mind you’ll get the service you’ve paid for, and generally it isn’t value saving a few {dollars} and ruining your expertise.
If you take a tour, you don’t want to fret about meals, transportation, campsites, or tools. Tenting tools is included within the value, you will need to solely hire a sleeping bag with linen, a mattress, or strolling poles if wanted. All the time examine if the bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu gate and the Machu Picchu entrance is included within the ultimate value.
Additionally, you will stroll solely together with your day pack because the journey companies have porters who carry your further garments for you. Mountain climbing is a pleasure when all that you must focus on is the standard of your photographs and the beautiful surroundings throughout you.
Reserving a guided Salkantay Trek journey with a good Peru journey company like Valencia Journey Cusco gives a number of benefits. You’ll be able to improve your general expertise and guarantee a secure and pleasurable journey by way of the Andes. Skilled guides are conversant in the terrain, climate circumstances, and cultural significance of the areas you’ll be trekking by way of.
One other factor to think about is that on the primary day, you go to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon. This turquoise lake is a brief hike from Soraypamapa on day one, and many individuals do a day hike there. Nevertheless, if you are within the area, it’s an important thought to go to Humantay Lake on this tour.
It’s also possible to unwind in pure sizzling springs in your third day in Santa Teresa. Entry to such stunning pure swimming pools makes the Salkantay trek an important alternative on your trek to Machu Picchu! Humantay Lake is a shocking turquoise lake positioned close to the bottom of the Humantay Glacier. It’s a common vacation spot for trekkers on the Salkantay Trek, because it gives breathtaking pure magnificence and an opportunity to expertise the excessive Andean panorama up shut.
When is the perfect time to hike Salkantay?
With a little bit of preparation, you may hike the Salkantay Trek all 12 months spherical, besides February, the wettest month of the 12 months. The official dry season begins in Could and ends in October. Throughout these six months, you could have a excessive likelihood of seeing clear skies and having fun with the sunshine all through the day.
Count on a lot of hikers, particularly in June, July, and August, when individuals within the USA and Europe have holidays. These months are Peruvian winter, which suggests the climate is sunny, dry, and extra secure, however temperatures are decrease. The wet season begins in November and ends in April. Mountain climbing on this season is extra unpredictable.
The most effective time to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is through the dry season.
This runs from Could to September. Throughout this time, the climate is mostly clear and dry, with sunny days and funky nights, making it perfect for trekking within the Andes. It rains probably the most in February, when there’s additionally the next likelihood of landslides, mudslides, and a few impassable sections.
That’s why respected corporations don’t run the trek in February. If you happen to plan on climbing independently, to remain secure, we suggest avoiding strolling the path in February, too, simply in case. The wet season is {the summertime}, which suggests temperatures are larger, though it nonetheless will get chilly within the night, particularly at excessive altitudes.
The wet season on the Salkantay Trek runs from November to March. January and February usually expertise the heaviest rainfall. Trekking through the wet season could be difficult on account of moist and muddy circumstances, in addition to the potential for landslides and swollen rivers.
The Salkantay Trek is a outstanding journey that gives a lot extra than simply an alternate strategy to get to Machu Picchu. It’s a shocking, difficult hike by way of the center of the Peruvian Andes. A trek that sees snowy peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, inexperienced cloud forests, and historic trails winding their manner by way of the Andes. The trek tells the story of a robust civilization and the beautiful land they as soon as dominated.
Whether or not you’re drawn by the epic surroundings, the cultural side, or the joys of the problem, the Salkantay Trek delivers a very genuine and enriching expertise. If you happen to’re in search of a much less crowded, extra immersive, and breathtaking different to the Inca Path, this trek would possibly simply be the right path for you.
