The snowy Salkantay: complete information
What does Salkantay mean?
The Salkantay is a snowy whose name translated from Quechua would mean ‘Wild Mountain’. This summit is known as ‘Apu’ (‘Lord’) for its majesty and elevation.
Where is it located?
The pu Apu ’Salkantay is located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range in the Andes of southern Peru. This snow is the second largest in Cusco, after Ausangate (Mountain of the 7 Colors).
How high is the snowy Salkantay?
The snowy Salkantay reaches 6,271 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.). The trek route that leads to Machu Picchu has its highest point at ‘Abra Salcantay’, at 4,650 m.a.s.l. From there you can see the snowy peak.
How's the weather?
The snow itself has an extremely cold climate (several degrees Celsius below 0º).
The weather during the Salkantay trek, however, is varied. The intense sun and the cold night in the first days change for the tropical atmosphere of the last.
How is the flora and fauna?
The 5 days and 4 nights that the Salkantay trek lasts runs landscapes with a great variety of flora and fauna. Among the species of flowers and plants, the orchid and ichu (Andean grass) stand out. Among the species of birds and animals, it is worth mentioning the llama, alpaca, vizcacha, condor, spectacled bear and the cock of the rocks (national bird of Peru)
Salkantay trek: everything you need to know
What is the Salkantay trek?
The Salkantay trek is a hiking route that takes the visitor to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. The total walking distance is approximately 70 kilometers (5 days of route).
The Salkantay trek is considered among the 25 best excursions in the world by the National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
How is the tour to Machu Picchu with the Salkantay trek?
The most common way to do the Salkantay trek is with an organized tour. On the internet (and in the Historic Center of Cusco) there are many tourism agencies that offer this adventure.
This is the Salkantay trek with tour:
Day 1 (16 kilometers of walk):The tour starts in the city of Cusco. The agency picks you up by car from your hotel along with the other hikers to the town of Mollepata. Then you ascend for approximately 7 hours to the Soraypampa camp through the Huamantay lagoon. There the tours organize food and tent for tourists to rest.
Day 2 (22 kilometers of walking):
The walk starts after breakfast. The highest point of the trip is traveled in the ‘Abra Salcantay’. Then continue downhill to the town of Chaullay, where the cold weather begins to change to tropical. That day is considered the most difficult.
Day 3 (16 kilometers of walk):
The trek that day is easy. It begins with a descent to the so-called ‘Sahuayaco Beach’. After lunch, the walk begins again to the town of Santa Teresa. In this tourist town you can enjoy the Thermal Baths of Cocalmayo. He spends the night there.
Day 4 (16 kilometers of walk):
That day is one of the funniest of the trek. It begins with a walk of a few kilometers to the Hydroelectric station. After lunch, the journey continues parallel to the Vilcanota River (and the train rail) until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain.
Day 5 (ascent by bus to Machu Picchu)
That day starts very early with a bus trip to the entrance door to Machu Picchu. Another option is to walk the 9 kilometers of ascent to the mountain. The rest of the day is dedicated to enjoying the Wonder of the World. The return to the city of Cusco is with a train and bus trip.
View of Salkantay mountain with a tourist
View of Salkantay mountain on the trek to Machu Picchu
How to do the Salkantay trek without a tour and on your own?
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek can be done without a tour, on your own and without a tour guide. To make this walk you must take all necessary precautions.
Follow these recommendations to make the Salkantay trek on your own:
Book the Machu Picchu tickets in advance before making the Salkantay trek. Otherwise, you can return without knowing the Wonder of the World.
The route to follow is the same as the Salkantay trek with tour. The journey on your own may take more or less days, depending on the visitor's ability.
The first step is to reach the town of Mollepata from the city of Cusco. Cars are taken at the ‘Arcopata’ bus terminal, in the city of Cusco.
From Mollepata the ascent begins. It is advisable to carry what is strictly necessary (food for 5 days and sleeping equipment) to avoid carrying excessive luggage.
What to wear for the Salkantay trek?
- Sleeping bags.
- Cap or hat
- Trekking shoes
- Trekking backpack
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking pants
- Poncho for the rain.
- Canteen with water.
- Sunscreen.
- Personal toiletries.
- Snacks
- Cash.
In general, tours to Salkantay trek include the following:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Sleeping tents
- Tour guides
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Transportation from Cusco to Mollepata.
- Transportation by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Horses to transport luggage (5 kilos).
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is in the dry season (from April to October). During those months, there is less chance of rain so the roads are in better condition.
In the dry season, however, the days are sunnier and the nights colder. According to mountaineering experts, June, July and August; It is the best time to do the Salkantay trek.
Tips for the Salkantay trek
Acclimatize one or two days in the city of Cusco before performing the Salkantay trek.
Avoid alcoholic beverages or high fat meals. The altitude sickness or soroche in Salkantay and Machu Picchu is one of the greatest difficulties.
Perform some exercise prior to Salkantay trek. You don't need to be in excellent physical shape but a little exercise will help.
No matter what part of the year, he wears warm clothes during the Salkantay trek. The nights are especially cold in the first two days.
Plan up to the smallest detail the Salkantay trek on your own.
Salkantay trek: prices, difficulty and more
How much does a tour to Machu Picchu cost with the Salkantay trek?
The Salkantay trek of 5 days and 4 nights has an approximate cost of US $ 350 per person. There are more complete services (better camps, food and train service) that can cost US $ 500 per person.
Most tourism agencies offer a discount of between US $ 20 and US $ 50 for minors (between 3 and 17 years old) and university students.
Tourists doing the Salkantay trek
Tourists doing the Salkantay trek
How much does it cost to do the Salkantay trek on your own?
Doing the Salkantay trek on your own costs nothing. The only important expenses are the entrance to Machu Picchu, the train services from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
How much does the Salkantay trek cost on its own? Price in dollars
Machu Picchu Ticket 48 U $ D
Train service (Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo) 70 U $ D
Bus from Ollantaytambo - Cusco 5 U $ D
Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (round trip) 24 U $ D
Food, accessories and other expenses 50 U $ D
TOTAL PRICE 197 U $ D
Is it difficult to do the Salkantay trek?
The Salkantay trek has a medium-moderate difficulty. In the opinion of some tourists, this adventure is more demanding than the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Who can do the Salkantay trek?
There is no age limit to perform the Salkantay trek. Many tourism agencies do not allow this adventure accompanied by children. Older adults should check with their doctor before taking the walk.
Salkantay trek summary
Salkantay trek Destination Walk Duration
Day 1 From Cusco to Soraypampa 16 kilometers 7 hours
Day 2 From Soraypampa to Chaullay 22 kilometers 10 hours
Day 3 From Chaullay to Santa Teresa 16 kilometers 5 hours
Day 4 From Santa Teresa to Machu Picchu town 16 kilometers 6 hours
Day 5 From Machu Picchu to Cusco Bus trip 0 hours
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