The Salkantay trek is for purists, for those who know that there is more than just the classic Inca Trail or the short Inca Trail. If you are interested in the Salkantay Trek in Peru, then you know that the Incas created other beautiful trails and that there are more ways to get to Machu Picchu. One of them is the Salkantay Trek. If you decide to go on the 4-day, 3-night Salkantay Trek, you will discover a little-known side of Peru. Of course, the Salkantay route is not for the faint of heart. For the Salkantay Trail, you need to have that adventurous spirit running through your veins. Do you think you are enough for the Salkantay Trail in Peru? Let's go!
What is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is one of the many treks that can be found in the Cusco region of Peru. It is about 75 km (46 mi) in distance and about 3,000 m (10,000 ft) in altitude, so it is considered to be a tough trek compared to the other trekking options in the area. A typical Salkantay trek starts in Cusco, where you are picked up at your hotel to be taken to Mollepata or Soraypampa. A big draw of the Salkantay trek is that you can not only see Machu Picchu, but you can also see Llaqtapata. Pronounced as “Yakhta-Pata,” Llaqtapata is an archaeological site about 5 km from Machu Picchu. It is believed that in Inca times, it was a resting place on the way to Machu Picchu. Still today, on some treks, Llaqtapata is used as a resting place. Make sure you choose the right itinerary if you want to spend the night here.
Sallqantay, Salcantay or Salkantay
The Salkantay trek is all about the Salkantay Pass. These 4580m of altitude are the highlight of the trek and one of the reasons why the Salkantay trek is not easy. You can get altitude sickness while doing this trek. Later on, we will tell you what you can do to prevent this from happening to you. The Salkantay trek was named after the Salkantay Mountain, also known as Salcantay or Sallqantay, in Quechua. It is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range and is called the wild mountain. This is because the word Sallqantay means something like wild, uncivilized or invincible. Now do you understand why we ask you if you are Sallqantay enough?
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
We hope we haven't scared you off with the previous paragraph. You might think that the Salkantay trek is extremely difficult. Don't worry, it isn't. You won't be climbing mountains like Everest or Mount Kilimanjaro. None of the Machu Picchu trekking itineraries are designed for mountaineers. They are meant for tourism, meaning that everyone with a moderate level of fitness is capable of doing them. The same applies to the Salkantay trek. It's not easy, but it's not too difficult to accomplish either. When considering doing the Salkantay trek, you just need to be aware of a few things. We've listed them for you here.
- Spend at least one extra day in Cusco to get used to the altitude.
- The second day of the Salkantay trek is the hardest.
- Don't rush. Enjoy.
- Once you cross the Salkantay pass, it gets easier.
To get the most out of your trip, you should always take it as easy as possible. This isn't a mountain race, so it's best to take time to enjoy the scenery. You don't spend every weekend in the Andes. Bring plenty of snacks and hydrate properly. At higher altitudes, you need more water and one of the benefits of trekking is that you burn a lot of calories. ;) If you have difficulties on the first day of the Salkantay trek, you should know that you can rent a horse for the second day. This can help you relax when climbing the Salkantay pass. You will not need any help for the rest of the trip. You will enjoy it more.
When should I do the Salkantay Trail?
If you are thinking of doing the Salkantay trek, it is good to know what weather conditions you are in. The Cusco area in Peru has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from April to October and the driest months are June, July and August. The latter is also the busiest season. Don't worry, it is not like the classic Inca Trail, so you don't have to worry too much about permits. The rainy season is from November to March and the worst months to trek to Machu Picchu are December, January and February. It's not impossible, but you have to ask yourself if it's worth it. Do you like rain? Then go for it! At least the Salkantay Trail, unlike the classic Inca Trail, is not closed in February.
How much does the Salkantay Trail cost in Peru?
It's not an unimportant question. If you want to make your Euros, Dollars or Soles go further, you should research the options carefully. Most people prefer to do the Salkantay trek with a trekking company, but of course it can also be done privately. Below we give you a rough estimate of the costs of your next trek.
Salkantay Trekking with a guide
The cost of the Salkantay trekking with a guide depends largely on the trekking company that operates the trip. There are many options and therefore there is also a lot of competition. However, it does not only depend on the competition. Some trekking companies, for example, offer an extra night in Llaqtapata, while others just stop and go straight to Aguas Calientes. Also, the most expensive is not always the best. Some companies specialize in Lares trekking or Inca jungle trekking and that is why they have higher costs when operating the Salkantay trek. The costs of the Salkantay trekking with a guide vary between EUR 310 (USD 350) and EUR 700 (USD 780). It is a big difference when you take into account that each trekking does the same route and concludes in Machu Picchu. Depending on the trekking company, a 5-day tour may be more affordable with one company than a 4-day tour with another. Check out the offers for the Salkantay route here and compare the options. The prices for the Salkantay trekking with a guide are always without accommodation in Cusco. You will have to add it to the expenses if the only reason for traveling there is to trek and visit Machu Picchu.
Salkantay trekking without a guide
You do not necessarily have to hire a trekking company to do the Salkantay trekking. Although you won't have the benefit of a guide, arranged accommodations, ready meals and porters, you can do it on your own. If you're thinking of crossing the Salkantay Pass on your own, you'll need to think about the following expenses:
Transportation: EUR 40 / USD 50 per person for the bus to Mollepata, the bus from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco and the bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Accommodation during the trek: EUR 58 / USD 70 per person for a shared room during the trek.
Meals: You'll spend about EUR 30 / USD 35 on meals during the trek.
Permits and entrance to Machu Picchu: about EUR 68 / USD 75. You'll need to arrange these in advance.
How high is the Salkantay Pass?
The Salkantay Pass is your biggest obstacle during the Salkantay trek. The pass has an altitude of 4,600 masl (15,100 feet). On a typical Salkantay trek you are more likely to cross the pass on the second day. It is essential to take things slowly. If you are prone to altitude sickness, then this is where it can occur. Luckily, once you cross it, you will descend fairly quickly. This will help with acclimatization and should resolve the worst symptoms of altitude sickness.
Salkantay Trekking, how to identify and prevent altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the health effect that occurs when exposed to low amounts of oxygen at high altitude. It exists and should be taken seriously when visiting destinations located at considerable altitudes. Its dangers should not be taken lightly, as they can ruin your trip or, in the most extreme case, even cause death. Although many people may experience some of its symptoms, altitude sickness does not have to be aggravated if you are aware of them and have them under control. AMS can occur when trekking on Salkantay Trekking so below you can find some relevant information related to it:
Here are 7 ways to minimize the risk of AMS:
1. Gradual Ascent
One of the most effective ways to prevent AMS is to ascend gradually. When traveling to high altitudes, try to take several days to acclimatize before going higher. This allows your body to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. All of our treks in Nepal take sufficient acclimatization into account.
2. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can increase the risk of AMS, so drink plenty of fluids. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption as these can contribute to dehydration.
3. Diet
Eat a balanced diet with adequate carbohydrates and avoid heavy, fatty meals. Carbohydrates can help your body use oxygen more efficiently at high altitude.
4. Medication
Some people may consider taking medications, such as acetazolamide (Diamox), to help prevent MMA. Check with a healthcare professional before taking any medication and be aware of the potential side effects.
5. Rest
Make sure you get enough sleep and rest during the climb. Fatigue can increase the risk of MMA.
6. Avoid overexertion
Take medication and avoid overexertion. Listen to your body, and if you experience AMS symptoms, rest or descend to a lower altitude.
7. Descend if symptoms persist
If you experience AMS symptoms, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath, it is crucial that you descend to a lower altitude. Symptoms should not be ignored or dismissed.
Salkantay Trekking, Packing List
If you are thinking of taking a guided tour in Peru, you have made the right decision. Everyone knows that when you embark on a solo adventure you carry too much stuff in your backpack. And surprise! No one is going to carry that weight for you. Which is not the case when you book the tour with a local trekking agency. They will take care of (almost) everything for you: from food and tents to sleeping bags, mats, and a thousand other things. If this is your case, here is a detailed packing list with everything you will need on the Salkantay Trek:
Essentials
- Original valid passport, copies will not be accepted
- Valid student ID if you booked as a student
- Immigration card, they give you this on the plane when you enter Peru
- Lightweight, comfortable and previously used trekking boots
- Day-to-day backpack; good quality, light, small and comfortable
- Hydration bottles or backpack (camelback type) to carry at least 2 liters of water
For the day-to-day backpack
Below you will find a list of items that we recommend carrying with you at all times in your personal backpack. Remember that you will have to carry these every day of the hike, so we recommend that you bring a good quality, light and comfortable backpack. It is important to keep in mind that due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25 liters. Large backpacks cannot be brought into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the park.
- Hat and sunglasses
- Rain gear
- Warm clothing such as fleece or long-sleeved shirts
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- Band-Aids or tape
- Extra camera and batteries
- Headlamp
- Extra snacks such as energy bars or chocolate
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips (with coins you can pay for the use of the villagers' toilets on the first day)
Additional items for your travel bag
During the hike you will be provided with a duffel bag in which you can store any items you do not need to carry with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag for you throughout the hike. Please note that this bag must weigh no more than 7kg, including the weight of your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring or rent one). When you rent from us, both items weigh approximately 3kg. On the Inca Trail you will experience different temperatures as you go up and down, and it can also get cold at night at camp. So it's best to dress in layers!
- Sleeping bag, for the Inca Trail you can rent from us
- Inflatable mattress, for the Inca Trail you can rent from us
- Lightweight and comfortable footwear for camp
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves for the Inca Trail
- 2-3 T-shirts, preferably moisture-wicking (Dri-FIT)
- 1-2 trekking pants
- 4 changes of underwear
- 4 pairs of hiking socks
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 lightweight down jacket for colder nights
- Microfiber towel
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Moisturizing face cream
- Power bank or solar charger
- Plastic bags to separate wet or muddy clothes
Salkantay Trekking, where to book?
At Machupicchut.com you can book this route and many others. Our guided options are assisted by experts so you can explore nature in a comfortable, stress-free, safe and educational way. Find our offers here. Our intuitive platform allows you to explore and compare different hiking options and find the one that best suits your interests, abilities and budget.
