Salkantay Trek, an Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu what Should Consider
Posted on : 23 August 2021
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is a marvelous route from Cusco to Machu Picchu and is a great alternative if you can’t take the traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Going on this journey will let you appreciate some of the most beautiful landscapes in Cusco with snow-covered mountains accompanying you, you’ll get through the Salkantay Pass, with an altitude of 20,574 feet (6,271 meters) above sea level. n
It is a unique combination of culture and mystique, proudly preserved by the Peruvian people around, this incredible adventure has an extraordinary natural beauty. You will be walking near to one of the highest peaks of the Humantay Mountain and you will have the chance to visit the wonderful Humantay Lake.
Salkantay trek is very diverse and rich geographical walk, imagine walking with a breathtaking view of the most beautiful mountains in the world and surrounded by the Andean culture and history.
The hike along this route offers an incredible diversity of attractions and adventure opportunities not found anywhere else on earth. We will get to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs in the middle of the jungle.
Now if you are thinking that this may not be a Luxury Trip, you are mistaken. You can enjoy luxury services among the route, while you enjoy an exclusive service in the camps, a private cooker, porters that helps you carry your luggage, specialized guides to help you on the way and even a massager if you want the complete luxury experience.
7 Tips to remember while doing the Salkantay trek!
The best time to travel is from March to October. Sure, it’s the high season (especially from June to August), but it’s also the dry season. And without a doubt, you will not want to visit this site during the rainy season!
- Make your reservations for Salkantay Trek and Huayna Picchu entrance with several months in advance, so you can find all the services you need.
- You must take your passport and a photocopy of it, also we recommend you to store it in a plastic bag in case of rain.
- There are some biting mosquitoes in Machu Picchu, Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes, wear long-sleeved shirts use lots of strong insect repellent. Avoid open shoes!
- Be prepared with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Some people even get small umbrellas. Feel free to look a little silly, but don’t burn!
- Take some Peruvian currency to buy bottled water and snacks along the way, as well as to tip the guide, cook and porters.
- Waterproof and good trekking boots. Good quality and comfortable footwear and headlamp are essential.
How is the weather in the Salkantay Trek
FROM DECEMBER TO MARCH
This time is considered as the official rainy season throughout the country, although the magnitude of the storms is quite bigger in the salkantay trek and the Amazon Rainforest.
It is not advisable to do the typical treks to Machu Picchu: such as Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or Choquequirao Trek because the paths tend to get wet and more challenging. But if you are willing to take the train to Machu Picchu, this may not be a problem, just prepare your raincoat and enjoy the colors of this beautiful mountain jungle.
On the other hand, in the coastal cities, you can enjoy comfortable weather: temperatures reach a maximum of 26oC (77oF), combined with humidity levels of around 81%. God time to visit Lima.
FROM APRIL TO MAY
April indicates the stop of rains and the bloom of colors; vegetation appears and flowers blossom.
It is the ideal time for those who enjoy trekking and nature, at this time you can appreciate the great number of natural resources offered by the valleys located through all the Andean Mountain Range.
It is the best time to do any of the treks to Machu Picchu like Salkantay trek or the full-day tours to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain.
FROM JUNE TO – AUGUST
These are the months of highest demand in Peru, to do the salkantay trek, these dates match the summer holidays in the northern hemisphere with the patriotic Peruvian festivities and the Inti Raymi festivity which it’s a magnum event for all tourist in the world.
If you plan to travel to Peru during these months, we advise you to grab your warmer coat to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes. In the mountain areas like salkantay trek pass, temperatures drop below 0º, despite that, you can enjoy sunny days that make the journey pleasant and easier to walk through. Just remember, the tourist flux it is much more extensive which tend to increase the prices.
FROM SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER
It is the beginning of spring, temperatures in the salkantay trek and throughout the country increment and the number of visitors decreases, it is a good season to visit Peru.
In Cusco, some light rains can begin, but the mild climate favors trekking along the Inca Trail or Salkantay trek that leads us to the Machu Picchu sanctuary.