Salkantay located in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, department of Cusco, rises to 6271 meters above sea level. The Salkantay is the Apu and tutelary mountain of Cusco.
To get to it, you will cross beautiful Andean landscapes, open to 5,000 meters. and the possibility of observing Condors and Alpacas in their natural habitat. You can take baths in natural hot springs from the depths of the earth, different fruit plants and a variety of orchids.
This route covers the southern part of the Vilcabamba mountain range, showing beautiful landscapes that vary from the pampas to the jungle. Far from the agglomeration of tourists and the bureaucratic difficulties of the best known circuits, Salkantay offers privacy and authenticity to travelers who dare to make this trek.
Various treks involve routes from Salkantay Mountain: one joins the Inca Trail at Huayllabamba, then proceeds as before on the main Trail through Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu. To get to Salkantay, you have to start in Mollepata, north west of Cusco on the Apurimac valley, Salkantay to Machu Picchu take five nights or three nights or seven nights. A seven-nights trek goes from Paucarcancha, a camping site on the trek from Salkantay, to Huayllabamba, then on the traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Paucarcancha is a abandoned set of ruins on the descent from Pampacahuana, before the village of Huayllabamba on the main Inca Trail. There are some hot springs nearby.
The classic 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is from Cusco to Mollepata - Challacancha, from there, you start to walk to Soraypampa camping and visit the Umantay Lake and the Salkantay Mountain. The trek countinues to Salkantay Mountain (4550 m) and after a descent to Colpapampa campsite. Next day the walking is moderate to Playa. Then walk up to Llactapata Mountain, appreciate the Machu Picchu Mountain, then 3 hrs to Hydrolectrica and continue the trek to Machu Picchu
Salcantay (Nevado Salcantay) or Salkantay (Nevado Salkantay) is the highest peak of the Willkapampa mountain range, part of the Peruvian Andes. It is located in the Cusco Region, about 60 km (40 mi) west-northwest of the city of Cusco. It is the 38th highest peak in the Andes, and the twelfth highest in Peru. However, as a range highpoint in deeply incised terrain, it is the second most topographically prominent peak in the country.
Apart from being considered another snow-capped mountain in Cusco, it was also revered by the Incas in ancient times to the point that important temples such as Choquequirao and Machu Picchu were built in its vicinity, and today this imposing mountain continues to be revered by local residents. who preserve the myths, stories and beliefs of their Inca ancestors.
Since time immemorial, long before the reign of the Incas in the Andean region, the snow-capped Salkantay stood imposingly over the lands inhabited by various peoples and ethnic groups that worshiped it with fervor. Among those populations that lived in the vicinity of the mountain were the so-called 'Rimactampus' who will worship the Nevado Salkantay. But in the 13th century with the rise of the Inca empire and the first Inca Manco Cápac, each of these towns were absorbed; However, the Incas continued to revere this majestic mountain, which they called 'Apu', referring to it as the great lord of the peaks. Also among their beliefs and rituals were payments to the land with corn, coca leaves and the blood of auquénids, which are still common among the inhabitants of the region.
However, during the colonial era, the Spanish tried to eradicate this cult, since they considered it idolatry, but despite this, the devotion and adoration for the mountains persisted among the Quechua settlers, and today the Salkantay continues to be venerated. as one of the most powerful gods by the inhabitants of Cusco. On the other hand, from the heights of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao and other ancient Inca citadels, the Salkantay can be seen majestically with its characteristic whitish tone and which is part of a challenging hiking route of five days and four nights, crossing the imposing Abra Salkantay; At this high point on the mountain, visitors leave their stone offerings, known as 'apachetas', and endure the intense cold that reigns at night.
The climate in snowy Salkantay is extremely cold, with daytime temperatures that can reach 8°C and drop sharply at night to -10°C. Although during the months of November to April, the highest rainfall is recorded, while from May to October the days are less rainy, but colder. However, the climatic variability on the 'Salkantay trek' route is notable, with the first two days being the coldest, especially at night, as it travels through high-altitude landscapes close to the snow; while the last three days are warmer, as we descend through the high jungle environments of Cusco, with temperatures ranging between 8°C and 24°C.
And while the Salkantay may not possess the international brag factor of the Inca Trail, its advantages are many. The Salkantay Trek offers a different experience to the Inca Trail and delivers the best landscapes of the Salkantay mountain as well as superb hiking.
The Salkantay Trek is also a more strenuous alternative to Inca Trail, the altitude is higher in several places and there is some steep, rugged terrain to tackle. With that said, a little bit of prior fitness training goes a long way and people of all ages, in good physical condition, with some hiking experience will do fine on this trek.
Also, to secure a permit to enter the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you must do your Inca Trail book 2024 many months before,or choose the Short Inca Trail Tour, since its availability is greater On the other hand Salkantay Trek 2024 is an alternative road that does not require additional permission, therefore, finding a space is much easier
