All You Need to Know About The Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - All You Need To Know!

The ultimate destination of The Salkantay Trek is of course Machu Picchu. While the Inca Trail Trek is the only trek that hikes directly into Machu Picchu, other trekking routes such as The Salkantay Trek will get you pretty close! Machu Pichu is one of The Seven Wonders of the World and a designated UNESCO site. This is why so many people want to visit Machu Pichu Picchu on their Peru tour packages. Whether you visit there by train or hike to Machu Picchu along one of the different Peru treks to Machu Picchu, one thing is for sure. Machu Picchu is a must-visit! Read the following links for more detailed information such as the history of Machu Picchu, The most famous temples and sites inside Machu Picchu, the different ways to get to Machu Picchu (remember, there are no roads!) and more general information about the iconic Inca citadel.

 

Part of the Team on the Salkantay Trekking Route

 

All  ABout Machu Picchu

The Different Ways to Get To Machu Picchu

Optional Cusco Add-Ons to your Salkantay Trek

The Nature and Ecology of Machu Picchu

 

The Different Salkantay Treks To Machu Picchu

 

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - 5 Days

The Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu generally involves a 4 day hike crossing the Salkantay Pass before dropping into the Cloud Forest and heading to Aguas Calientes. This is the town below Machu Picchu. The 5th day is spent exploring Machu Picchu. This spectacular route passes through cloud forests and mountain passes and is dotted with azure glacial lagoons. The Salkantay Trek showcases the natural beauty of this region just South of Machu Picchu. Then at the heart of any guided tour of Salkantay to Machu Picchu is The Salkantay Mountain, which at 6,271 m (20,574 ft) is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range and the twelfth-highest mountain in Peru. The religious importance of The Apu Salkantay to the local people is immense who believe that mountains and condors were messengers from the heavens and part of Mother Nature´s bounty. Mountains had both a religious and practical purpose for the Incas, serving as the physical manifestations of their deities and ancestors as well as providing the Incas with their homes.

 

Llamas on The Salkantay Trekking Route

 

Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu – 8 Days

The 8 day Salkantay Trek includes 2 acclimatization days in Cusco in preparation for the 5 day Salkantay Trek ahead of you. You will also have a night in Cusco included after the trek so that you don´t have to search for accommodation after your trek. Our 8 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu trek traverses the flank of this sacred mountain, offering some of the most awe-inspiring views in Peru. It’s one of the more challenging alternative routes to Machu Picchu, simply because of the high altitude. It also receives far fewer trekkers than the classic Inca Trail, so you can walk through this natural and remote paradise comparatively free from fellow humans. However, you might have to share the stunning scenery with Andean condors and other local wildlife. Why don’t you try off-season? March, April, September, and October are particularly good months, on either side of high season, the weather is still decent along the Salkantay Trail and there are fewer hikers!

 

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - Private

Our private 5 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu visits Humantay Lake and summits the Salkantay Pass offering some of the most awe-inspiring views in Peru. It’s one of the more challenging alternative trekking routes to Machu Picchu, simply because of the high altitude. But it also receives far fewer trekkers than the classic Inca Trail, so you can walk through this natural and remote paradise comparatively free from fellow trekkers – but you might have to share the stunning scenery with Andean condors and other local wildlife. On a private Salkantay Trek, YOU dictate the pace and Trek at the speed you like as on the private Trek it's just you and your Valencia Travel team of guide, muleteers, and cook (and mules, of course!) Enjoy the perks of a Private Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and absorb the energy of this impressive Sacred Mountain - Apu Salkantay.

 

A Private Salkantay Trekking Group at Lunch

 

Salkantay and Short Inca Trail Trek - 6 Days

This Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail is unique as it joins up with the Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu! This way you can have the best of both worlds. You will trek through the stunning scenery of the Salkantay Trek and climb the pass of the sacred Apu of the Incas ---Salkantay. You will experience some of the main highlights of the Classic Inca Trail, including the beautiful Wiñay Wayna archaeological site with its spectacular series of agricultural terraces, as well as Inti Punku, Machu Picchu’s famous Sun Gate. And then, of course, there’s Machu Picchu itself, one of the most sublime sights on the planet.

 

Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 7 Days

This opportunity to combine 2 of the most iconic treks in Peru that combine the magnificent scenery of The Salkantay Trek and the wonderful archaeological sites along the 4 day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is the perfect way to experience all aspects of trekking in Peru.  It perfectly combines Mother Nature´s gifts and the magical aspects of The Inca Trail. Machu Picchu will still be the ultimate destination at the end of the trek as this unique trekking route will still arrive directly to Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate. 

 

Salkantay Trek River Crossing

 

Tips on Physical Preparation For Your Salkantay Trek

Traveling to any destination anywhere in the world can be hard both emotionally and physically. Peru and South America are no exception; you need to take care of your health to enjoy your Machu Picchu Trek. Here, we will offer some useful tips for healthy travel and some advice on staying healthy during your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.                                                 

 

Before you leave home for Your Salkantay Trekking Adventure

Visit a medical clinic before you travel, your doctor will be able to give you the injections you need for the locations you wish to visit on your Peru vacation packages. Vaccines and medications are one of the best ways to protect yourself while traveling. Vaccines for Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Tetanus, and a rabies vaccine are our recommendations for traveling to Peru. There are also other illnesses you could encounter, such as the famous Travelers' Diarrhoea, and colds (there are different cold viruses in Peru) are the most common things you may encounter when you travel to Peru for your Salkantay Trek.

 

First Aid Kit

Pack a good first aid kit, you may think that you do not need this but this is an essential part of any preparation for The Salkantay Trek. Take the essentials like anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamine, anti-motion sickness medication, pain relievers, laxatives, antacids, anti-bacterial ointment, hand sanitizer, band-aids, cream for sunburn, and rehydration salts.  if you don’t need them then great, but it is better to have a fully equipped first Aid kit on The Salkantay Trek than not! Remember, your Salkantay Trek involves trekking in remote regions where medical facilities are scarce or non-existent.

 

Essential Kit on The Salkantay Trek

 

Travel Insurance, we all know when traveling this is an extra expense that you might not be thinking about for your  Salkantay Trekking trip. However, a basic travel insurance policy is essential for your Salkantay Trek and any travel in Peru. Obviously, we hope that all will run smoothly, but, if something should happen, you can at least rely on your insurance policy for emergency treatment and to help get you home if necessary. Without it, you may be in serious trouble during your Machu Picchu vacation!

Fitness Levels

Build up your fitness level with aerobic training, or cardiovascular training before hiking The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This refers to exercise or activities that use oxygen to adequately meet the demands of exercise through aerobic metabolism and should be the focus of your preparation. Swimming, running, and hiking, are all excellent ways to prepare for your Salkantay Trekking adventure.

Mental Preparation

Training for a Machu Picchu hike is as much about your physical endurance as it is about your mental stamina. There will be points along The Salkantay Trek that are particularly tough, usually on the way up to high passes such as The Salkantay Pass. Despite tired legs and sore bodies, you will need to be able to dig deep to push yourself up and over these passes. Make sure you have a positive attitude before arriving in Cusco. That means preparing yourself mentally for your Salkantay trekking challenge ahead!

 

The Salkantay Pass on The Salkantay Trek

 

During your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Water:

Anywhere you travel in the world you need to be careful with the drinking water. Normally what most people do is buy bottled water, this is the best idea but make sure that the seal is intact. For the Salkantay Trek, it is important to take a refillable water bottle as pre-boiled water will be provided by our chef. This is also a good way to protect the environment and avoid the use of unnecessary plastics along your journey on The Salkantay Trek to discover Machu Picchu. Taking purification tablets is also a good idea depending on the season you are trekking the Salkantay Trail. In dry season water is harder to come by, but don´t worry, we have you covered all along the Salkantay Trek! We also provide plenty of hot drinks that help keep you hydrated, and warm and you know the water has been boiled to avoid any stomach issues on the Salkantay Trek.

 

Filtering River Water on The Salkantay Trek

 

Food: 

Eat healthy and in reputable restaurants before your Salkantay Trek to avoid illness. Getting sick before the Salkantay Trek is not a good way to prepare for this challenging Peru hiking tour! Remember that your body is dealing with the altitude gain even before you begin to trek the stunning Salkantay Trek and getting sick could take away valuable travel time on your trip to Peru. Wait until after your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu trek to sample or experiment with the local cuisine and try all of the delicious dishes (and pisco sours) on offer during your Peru tour package!

The Altitude:

Take it easy when you arrive in Cusco and drink plenty of water. Do not take the altitude lightly this can make you feel sick and you do not want to spoil your Machu Picchu Trek via the Salkantay Trail. For the first few days in Cusco, do nothing more than stroll around until you feel your breathing is normal and you are used to the thinner air. After a couple of days do some day hikes around the local archaeological sites or some mountain biking in The Sacred Valley for example, which is at lower elevation.

 

The High Point of The Salkantay Trek

 

Alcohol:

Save the parties and drinking until after your Salkantay Trek, your body will thank you for it. Alcohol can cause terrible hangovers at altitude and should be avoided, at least while you are acclimatizing 😊 In any case, you will probably want to celebrate completing the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu so save the Pisco Sours until after your  Salkantay Trek!

Hotels:

The top-end hotels throughout Peru usually have decent gyms and excellent spa facilities to help you keep fit and well during your stay. There are a number of wellness options for those who are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle during their Machu Picchu vacation packages, ask us at Valencia Travel for more information on wellness options for either before or after your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Staying for long periods of time in Peru:

If you plan to stay in Peru for a while, there are plenty of hiking options to help you keep fit.  The most famous alternative trek is of course is The Salkantay Trek, however, there are many different trekking options. There are a number of hiking clubs in Cusco for example, where you can keep fit and also enjoy some of the more off-the-beaten-track trekking routes of the Andes in the company of other trekkers.

 

The Magnificent Rainbow Mountain

 

You can also sign up for a local gym if you want to maintain your fitness regime from back home before you hike the Inca Trail. Explain to the trainer how long you have been traveling in Peru, or at high altitude, and that you want to prepare for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. They will make sure you are not over-exerting yourself, especially in Cusco or other high-altitude cities, when you first arrive.

 

 

High Altitude and Acclimatization Tips for Your Machu Picchu Hike

If you are planning to travel to Peru to hike the epic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you will experience an incredibly diverse range of landscapes and habitats where you can take part in all types of adventurous and cultural activities. One of the ultimate trekking experiences to be enjoyed in Peru is the incredible Salkantay Trek which can be found at over 4400 meters above sea level, and close to the city of Cusco. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be a phenomenal experience for even the most worldly-wise trekker however, acclimatization to the altitude is just as important as not forgetting your walking boots for the Salkantay Trek or taking plenty of water on your Machu Picchu trips!  Remember, acclimatization is a lot more complex than simply popping a few tablets. Here are some top tips to help you avoid suffering from high altitude when you arrive for your guided trek to Machu Picchu along the Salkantay Trek.

 

 

Take it Easy When You Arrive For Your Salkantay Trekking Tour

On arrival in Cusco, first thing is first, there should be no rushing around. The best thing to do is take it easy for the first 24 hours. The remarkable Andean scenery will still be there the following day! If you have made plans to trek at high altitude in Peru, such as the Machu Picchu Trek via the Salkantay Trek then plan your ascent over a period of days. This gives your body time to adjust, rather than just heading off into the mountains to hike the Salkantay Trek, after leaving your bags at your hotel.

 

Relax as You Acclimatize for The Salkantay Trek

There are plenty of amazing things to do in the city of Cusco and if you can allow yourself as much time as possible to relax and take things easy then you will be in much better shape for when you start to take things to a higher level on The Salkantay Trail. Coffee shops, reading material, and getting to know the area, are all excellent ways to relax in Cusco, and as there are some impressive examples of Inca architecture to be visited before you set off on your epic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. It is definitely worth taking a look around Cusco on a Cusco City tour as part of your acclimatization to the high altitude in the Andean region of Peru.

 

Relaxation Before and After the Salkantay Trek

 

Pack Light On Your Machu Picchu Hike

Make sure you only take the absolute necessities on the Salkantay trek. Carrying an overweight backpack will not only slow you down but will over-exert you in areas where there is less oxygen at higher elevations of the Salkantay trek and the difficult terrains that you will be facing.  You can store your main luggage at your Cusco hotel or at our office and we will provide you with a duffle bag that mules will carry. This means that you only need to carry your essentials in your day pack for each trekking day along the Salkantay trek. So, remember to pack light for everyone’s sake!

 

 Eat Well In Preparation for The Salkantay Trek

This refers to eating the correct way and the right meals on your arrival to Cusco… not eating everything in sight! Salads (washed in purified water), sandwiches, and plenty of water are excellent in order to prepare your body for any potential altitude issues. Don´t forget, your digestive system slows down at high altitudes so smaller more frequent meals are the way to go instead of massive plates of food. Try and stick to carbs instead of greasy food to keep your energy levels up. This is the best preparation for the Salkantay Trek.

 

Eat Light Meals Before your Salkantay Trek

 

Avoid Alcohol Before the Salkantay Trek, At least!

Although all that sitting around as you acclimatize for your Salkantay trekking adventure can often lead to the more sociable side of life in Peru, it is worth avoiding alcohol until your body has acclimatized to the altitude. Feeling nauseous, dizzy, and suffering severe headaches can really take their toll even without a few drinks and when altitude is combined with alcohol the effects can be seriously nasty. Save the pisco sours until after the Salkantay Trek!

 

The Magical Coca Leaf On The Salkantay Trek

For centuries, the humble coca leaf has been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes in the Andes. This magical leaf helps to combat altitude symptoms, act as a diuretic, and is downright tasty! Whether you make a herbal brew or chew them directly, this incredible natural remedy will help with the headaches and other side effects of high altitude, immediately.  The muleteers on the Salkantay trek, swear by them (take some to give to the muleteers as a gift…and they will be eternally grateful!) for the extra energy boost.  Mules carry all the camping equipment and your belongings along the Salkantay trek so any extra assistance is always welcome, as you will soon find out as you are summiting The Salkantay Pass!

 

Coca Tea is Excellent for Salkantay Trek Preparation and Acclimatization!

 

 Time is a great healer as they say, and it certainly is when it comes to adequate acclimatization before your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Allow in general 2 to 3 days of acclimatization before even thinking about venturing along the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Your body will thank you for it and you will have a much better Salkantay trekking experience if you are feeling at your best. Find out more about trekking the Salkantay Trek with Valencia Travel here.

 

Fit and ready to go Hiking along the Salkantay Trekking Route!

 

Trekking Distances on The Salkantay Trek

 

Day-by-Day Trekking Distances Along Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is a relatively long trek that goes up then down and along mountains, rising up through mountain passes, and then takes a circuitous route through the tricky terrain of The Andes. This makes the Salkantay Trek a more strenuous 75km hike than most, but also one with spectacular scenery, passing through various Andean environments including cloud forests and jagged mountain tops.

Day 1: 7 Km / 4.35 miles. (4-5 hours approx).

Day 2: 16 Km / 9.94 miles. (8-9 hours approx).

Day 3: 15 Km / 9.32 miles (6-7 hours approx).

Day 4:   18 Km / 11.19 miles. (8-9 hours approx).

Hiking the Sakantay Trek is not just a trek; it's a testament to Inca ingenuity and the allure of human exploration. As you reach the end of your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you'll carry with you not just photographs and memories but a profound sense of accomplishment and wonder that will stay with you, long after your epic Salkantay adventure is over!

 

Daily distances chart

  

Starting and Ending Points for The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is often considered one of the best treks in the world, weaves through Peru's stunning Andean landscape, and offers an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a novice hiker, the SalkantayTrek to Machu Picchu is an experience that will leave you awestruck. To fully enjoy the remarkable Salkantay Trail, it's crucial to understand the starting and ending points of the Salkantay Trek. Here, we will guide you through the trail's key points, ensuring that your Salkantay trek is not just a hike but a journey of discovery and inspiration. Here are the most common starting and ending points for treks in Peru.

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Starting Point: Soraypampa

On any of our Salkantay treks, we will collect you from your Cusco hotel at the pre-arranged time. We will travel in our private car to the trailhead for the Salkantay trek which is generally Soraypampa. From here, we will hike the return trek to Humantay Lagoon.

 

Ending Point: Machu Picchu.

The culmination of your Salkantay Trek to Machu Pichu adventure is, without a doubt, the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. This ancient city, nestled high in the Andes, is the ultimate reward for your effort. As you approach Machu you will be awestruck by the beaty of the Inca Citadel, leaving you breathless with its magnificence.

Machu Picchu: The heart of your journey, Machu Picchu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the intricate stonework, the Temple of the Sun, and the Intihuatana stone, all while learning about the history and culture of the Inca civilization.

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, combining physical challenge with cultural immersion. By understanding the starting and ending points, you can make the most of your epic journey along The Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu!

                                   

*Please note that the ending point of The Salkantay Trek is Machu Picchu, however, Valencia Travel always includes the transport back to your chosen hotel in Cusco.

 

Soraypampa Trailhead for The salkantay Trek

 

The Ultimate Packing List For The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

 

Machu Picchu is one of those places that is on most people´s most people’s bucket lists. As a wonder of the world, and an incredible feat of Inca engineering, the sense of awe and amazement you feel when you arrive there, will always surpass your expectations. While there are many ways to get to Peru’s famous Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular ways to arrive at the mid-blowing Machu Picchu. This 5-day, 4-night hike has fewer trekkers than the Inca Trail, and while it’s no walk in the park, the sense of achievement is fully accomplished when you arrive at the majestic site that is Machu Picchu. When you plan your trip, one of the biggest dilemmas is what to pack. Here is the essential Packing List for The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

 

Any reputable company will provide a duffel bag for your main luggage. This will be carried by a pack mule along the trek so you will only need to carry a small daypack with essential items for that day´s trekking. The ultimate tip is to pack light. Most companies actually have weight limits for your duffle bag so you’ll be forced to pack light. A weight restriction of 7 KG approx. is the normal weight allowance and 3 kilos will be for your sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

 

Clothing for the Salkantay Trek

• Jacket
• Mandatory for the trek, as there will be extremely cold weather at certain points along the trail.
• Raincoat or waterproof jacket
• The elevation of Machu Picchu is more than 2000 meters above sea level, and is situated in a cloud forest so you can always encounter rain at those altitudes.
• Fleece
• A warm fleece will come in handy for when temperatures start to drop especially at the campsites each evening.
• T-shirts
• 5 for this trek you will wear a fresh one each day
• Thermal clothing
•  it will depend on the season in which you go, but just in case, it never hurts to carry it in your backpack. The first night is at very high elevation and temperatures often drop below freezing.
• Comfortable trekking pants
• There are 5 days, so 2 or 3 pairs is perfect
• Underwear: You choose on how many to bring 😊
• Pajamas
•  At night it will get cooler, so pajamas are essential
• Swimming Costume… for the thermal springs in Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes
• Sun hat
• Beany
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Sunglasses

 

Pack Lightly on Your Salkantay Trek!

 

Footwear for the Salkantay Trek

• Trekking boots. It will depend on the season when you go. If you go in dry season, we recommend boots that are breathable. On the other hand, if your trip to Machu Picchu is during the rainy season, they had better be waterproof.
• Running shoes. We advise you to take a pair of trainers just in case. You never know what can happen to the ones you’re wearing, and better safe than sorry
• Comfortable shoes for the campsite /Sandals. This is optional, but you will need to forget about your boots for a while at the end of each day
• Woolen socks for the cold
• Synthetic socks for hiking, they are lighter and more comfortable

 

Equipment required for the Salkantay Trekking

• Daypack where to put everything we told you before
• Flashlight
• Trekking poles: you can also rent them there before starting the trek
• First aid kit
• Refillable water bottle

 

Don´t Forget Your Camera for The Salkantay Trek!

 

Hygiene Products

• Sunscreen
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Insect repellent
• Hairbrush
• Quick-drying towel
• Toilet Paper
• Baby wipes (they're very handy when trekking!)

 

Always check with the company what equipment they include in the cost of the trek and base your packing list on that. If you have any questions about what to pack for the Salkantay Trek, contact us here!