The Salkantay Trek is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail that offers hikers stunning views of the Andes mountains and a unique glimpse into Peruvian culture. Here are some of the highlights of the Salkantay Trek:
- Salkantay Mountain: The trek is named after the majestic Salkantay Mountain, which is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range. The mountain towers at 6,271 meters (20,574 feet) and provides a stunning backdrop throughout the trek.
- Humantay Lake: On the second day of the trek, hikers will visit the stunning Humantay Lake, a turquoise-colored lake nestled in the mountains. The lake is considered a sacred site by the locals, and legend has it that it was created by the tears of a goddess.
- Llactapata Ruins: On the third day of the trek, hikers will visit the Llactapata ruins, which are believed to have been used as an astronomical observatory by the Incas. The ruins offer stunning views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.
- Hot Springs: After a challenging day of hiking, hikers can relax in the natural hot springs in Santa Teresa, a town located along the trek.
- Machu Picchu: The Salkantay Trek culminates with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu ruins. Hikers arrive early in the morning to catch the sunrise over the ruins and explore the ancient site.
- Andean Culture: The trek takes hikers through several local villages, offering a glimpse into the Andean culture and way of life. Hikers will meet locals and learn about their traditions and customs.
Overall, the Salkantay Trek offers a unique and rewarding experience that combines adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery. It is a great alternative to the Inca Trail and is becoming increasingly popular among hikers from all over the world.
The Salkantay Trek is a popular hiking route in Peru that takes adventurers through breathtaking Andean landscapes and traditional Andean villages. The classic Salkantay Trek usually takes 4 days and 3 nights, but there is also a longer 5-day version that offers a more leisurely pace and more time to explore the area. Here is a breakdown of the Salkantay Trek 5-day itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa The first day involves a 4-hour scenic bus ride from Cusco to Mollepata, where hikers will have breakfast before continuing on to the trailhead at Soraypampa. From there, hikers will begin the trek with a gradual ascent towards the Humantay Lake, one of the highlights of the trek. After lunch, hikers will continue the ascent to the first campsite at Salkantaypampa, located at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,467 feet).
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Collpapampa On the second day, hikers will have an early breakfast and begin a steep ascent towards the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,600 meters (15,090 feet). After reaching the pass, hikers will begin the descent towards the campsite at Collpapampa, located at an altitude of 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). This day offers stunning views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
Day 3: Collpapampa – La Playa On the third day, hikers will descend through the cloud forest towards the village of La Playa. Along the way, hikers will pass through traditional Andean villages and see coffee and fruit plantations. The campsite at La Playa is located at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,217 feet).
Day 4: La Playa – Aguas Calientes On the fourth day, hikers will take a local bus to the town of Santa Teresa, where they can relax in the natural hot springs before continuing on to the Hydroelectric station. From there, hikers will walk along the train tracks towards the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The campsite is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters (6,562 feet).
Day 5: Machu Picchu On the fifth day, hikers will wake up early and take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. After a guided tour of the ruins, hikers can explore the site on their own and climb the nearby Huayna Picchu mountain for stunning views of the surrounding area. In the afternoon, hikers will return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco.
The Salkantay Trek 5-day itinerary offers a more relaxed pace and extra time to explore the area, making it a great option for those who want to experience the beauty and culture of the Andean region.
