Introduction
Located in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, among the Cusco Andes, the Salkantay rises over 6271 meters high, it is a hike open to all without any limitation of space or permits that connects to the sanctuary of Machupicchu.
Ascending its steep slopes, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, dreamlike lakes and a great diversity of flora and fauna, make this adventure a unique and incomparable experience.
Within our Salkantay itinerary, you will be able to trek Mollepata, Soraypampa, ‘Abra Salkantay’, Chaullay, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Here we offer you the most popular treks:
Best time of the year to do the Salkantay Trail
Salkantay – Llactapata & Machu Picchu 5 Days
Salkantay & Macchu Picchu 5 Days, it is a perfect combination between the cultural and the natural; we will appreciate the challenge of the ecosystem and the magnificent view of the snowy Salkantay.
Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail Machu Picchu 6 Days
The Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail is the combination of the Salkantay trail and the classic Inca Trail trail is a mixture of the natural landscape.
Humantay Lake Trek Full Day
Discover the beauty of our land with a visit to Laguna Humantay. Its turquoise waters and incredible views will leave you wanting more. Find your destination here.
Information
Salkantay trek, is a perfect combination of the cultural and natural; we will appreciate the challenge of the ecosystem and the magnificent view of the snowy Salkantay (6264 m.s.n.m. / 20551f), considered the most representative mountain of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Best time of the year to do the Salkantay Trail:
If you are thinking of doing the Salkantay trek, it is good to take into account the climatic conditions in which you find yourself.
In the city of Cusco there are two different 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.
According to mountaineering experts, June, July and August is the best time to do the Salkantay trek.
How long is the Salkantay Trek
The total trekking time is a maximum of approximately 70 kilometres and a minimum of approximately 54 kilometres. The total duration of this Salkantay trek, depends very much on the trek you may choose, from a 4 day Salkantay trek, 5 day Salkantay trek, 6 day Salkantay trek.
How to prepare and what to bring
To do the Salkantay trek, it is important to acclimatise 2 or 3 days in advance in Cusco. It is also advisable to drink plenty of water to hydrate the body, especially mate de coca. It is advisable to eat light, that is, meals that are easy to digest, such as soups, vegetables and carbohydrates that are not fried, in order to have the best experience on the Salkantay trek.
And what you need to bring:
- Sleeping bags.
- Hat or cap.
- Trekking shoes.
- Trekking backpack.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Trekking trousers.
- Rain poncho.
- Water bottle with water.
- Water purification tablets.
- Sun block.
- Personal toiletries.
- Snacks.
- Cash
Guide
Complete guide for a great experience on the Salkantay Trail
Complete guide for a great experience on the Inca Trail.
Additional:
Entrance ticket to HUAYNAPICCHU $18.00 USD price per person
Entrance ticket to the MOUNTAIN $18.00 USD price per person
Entrance ticket to the MUSEUM $18.00 USD price per person
Early train ticket to Cusco (additional cost subject to availability)
Precautions against Covid-19
Safety measures in force:
- You should keep a safe distance from vehicles.
- The number of visitors shall be limited to avoid congestion.
- All surfaces that visitors come in contact with will be purified frequently.
- A safety kit will be provided.
Requirements for travellers
- You must bring your own mask (2 masks).
- Bring your vaccination card or vaccination certificate.
- You will need to fill in an optional travel information form.
- You will need to bring your own personal headphones.
Altitude
Altitude of the Salkantay Trail
In trekking, the snow-capped Salkantay reaches 6,271m. The trekking route that leads to Machu Picchu has its highest point at the ‘Abra Salcantay’, at 4,650 m.a.s.l. From there you can see the peak of the snow-capped mountain, and minimum altitude: 2,750 m approximately.
Transport
Transport on the Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay trek is a trekking route that takes the visitor to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. During our hike on the Salkantay trail our means of transport are the ASEMILAS (Horses), which will carry our camping equipment and personal luggage (5 kg).
Accommodation
Accommodation on the Salkantay Trail
During our trek on the Salkantay Trail, the accommodation we use is high quality camping domes and camping equipment.