The Salkantay Trek is among 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 lovely, if no more so, than the Inca Path!
For these causes, many individuals searching for 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 gorgeous 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 searching for a extra rugged and fewer crowded various 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 almost 5,000m above sea stage, whereas the Inca Path is strolling by way of ruins a lot of the way in which.
It’s mentioned that the Salkantay Trek was the route that non secular 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 provides 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 way in which, you’ll move 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 continually ranked among the many greatest hikes on the earth. Nevertheless, as many individuals will let you know, you’ll expertise straight that the Traditional Inca Path to Machu Picchu is crowded and normally booked all year long.
Whereas that is usually the case, you need to keep in mind that the Inca Path is among the most wonderful hikes on the earth, and why so many individuals wish to trek it!
The entire system of Inca Trails, known as the Qapaq Ñan, is a community of historical footpaths that related a very powerful sections of the Inca Empire. The Incas constructed the paths, that are nonetheless used immediately by native folks and guests from everywhere in the world.
The Inca Path Trek to Machu Picchu is among the most well-known and iconic treks on the earth. The trek provides a surprising mixture of pure magnificence, historical ruins, and Andean tradition. The Inca Path varieties a part of the Inca street community known as the Qapaq Ñan. The Salkantay Trek can be a part of these historical 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 wish to expertise the attractive mountainous surroundings of the Peruvian Andes and see an extremely various nature and panorama that progressively reveals gorgeous views. It’s a longer and more difficult trek than the Inca Path, however it provides gorgeous 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 may be the chance to go to glacial lakes, scorching 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 essentially 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 move are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the encircling mountains and valleys.
Whichever route you’ve chosen, each treks provide 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 price it to speak a bit extra intently in regards to the acclimatization and the potential of altitude illness.
Attempt to arrive in Cusco no less than two or three days earlier than the trek begins and concentrate on performing some 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 loads 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 facet 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 vital to spend no less than two to 3 days in Cusco or different high-altitude areas earlier than starting the trek. Satisfactory 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 move and sleep about 3900 meters above sea stage, which is excessive for an unacclimatized hiker. Though nobody can ever understand how you can be affected by the altitude, it’s at all times higher to be ready and know what to anticipate (you may expertise a headache or shortness of breath, for instance). Mules play an important function in supporting treks just like the Salkantay Trek.
They’re usually 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 essentially the most snug possibility for having fun with the Salkantay Trek. Typically, essentially the most difficult factor might be to seek out the proper, skilled, and sincere tour operator. All the time keep in mind you’ll get the service you’ve paid for, and generally it’s not price saving a few {dollars} and ruining your expertise.
Whenever you take a tour, you don’t want to fret about meals, transportation, campsites, or tools. Tenting tools is included within the worth, you should solely hire a sleeping bag with linen, a mattress, or strolling poles if wanted. All the time test if the bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu gate and the Machu Picchu entrance is included within the remaining worth.
Additionally, you will stroll solely along with your day pack because the journey companies have porters who carry your additional garments for you. Mountain climbing is a pleasure when all you’ll want to focus on is the standard of your pictures and the gorgeous surroundings throughout you.
Reserving a guided Salkantay Trek journey with a good Peru journey company like Valencia Journey Cusco provides a number of benefits. You’ll be able to improve your general expertise and guarantee a secure and fulfilling journey by way of the Andes. Skilled guides are aware of the terrain, climate situations, and cultural significance of the areas you’ll be trekking by way of.
One other factor to contemplate is that on the primary day, you go to the gorgeous Humantay Lagoon. This turquoise lake is a brief hike from Soraypamapa on day one, and many individuals do a day hike there. Nevertheless, while you’re within the area, it’s an important concept to go to Humantay Lake on this tour.
You too can unwind in pure scorching springs in your third day in Santa Teresa. Entry to such lovely pure swimming pools makes the Salkantay trek an important alternative in your trek to Machu Picchu! Humantay Lake is a surprising 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 provides breathtaking pure magnificence and an opportunity to expertise the excessive Andean panorama up shut.
When is the most effective time to hike Salkantay?
With a little bit of preparation, you may hike the Salkantay Trek all yr spherical, besides February, the wettest month of the yr. The official dry season begins in Could and ends in October. Throughout these six months, you’ve a excessive probability of seeing clear skies and having fun with the sunshine all through the day.
Count on plenty of hikers, particularly in June, July, and August, when folks within the USA and Europe have holidays. These months are Peruvian winter, which suggests the climate is sunny, dry, and extra steady, 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 superb for trekking within the Andes. It rains essentially the most in February, when there may be additionally the next probability of landslides, mudslides, and a few impassable sections.
That’s why respected firms don’t run the trek in February. In case you 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 greater, 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 will be difficult resulting from moist and muddy situations, in addition to the potential of landslides and swollen rivers.
The Salkantay Trek is a outstanding journey that gives a lot extra than simply another option to get to Machu Picchu. It’s a surprising, difficult hike by way of the center of the Peruvian Andes. A trek that sees snowy peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, inexperienced cloud forests, and historical trails winding their approach by way of the Andes. The trek tells the story of a robust civilization and the gorgeous land they as soon as dominated.
Whether or not you’re drawn by the epic surroundings, the cultural facet, or the joys of the problem, the Salkantay Trek delivers a really genuine and enriching expertise. In case you’re searching for a much less crowded, extra immersive, and breathtaking various to the Inca Path, this trek may simply be the proper path for you.
