Cusco Salkantay Trek Review: 4 Days to Machu Picchu

Okay, so you are dreaming about Machu Picchu, yet maybe the thought of battling crowds on the Inca Trail kind of puts you off? Is that so? There is an alternative. The Salkantay Trek is that. It is arguably a less traveled, and many say a bit more dramatic, route. I am chatting about my personal spin hiking the Salkantay Trek in four days, ending with the legendary views of Machu Picchu. I am going to provide details about what makes it worthwhile, alongside some helpful hints for those keen to give it a go.

Why Pick the Salkantay Trek?

Right, the Salkantay Trek. It gives a change of scenery from the more heavily visited Inca Trail. As a matter of fact, this path takes you through some really eye-catching spots. Think mighty snow-capped mountains that practically kiss the sky. I am referring to the stunning Salkantay mountain (a whopping 6,271 meters or 20,574 feet in height). So picture yourself passing through flourishing cloud forests and obviously seeing bits of authentic Peruvian life in villages. Basically, this hike feels more off the beaten track, providing you with, almost, a more wild kind of Peruvian experience.

In some respects, it’s also a little physically easier. Okay, the Salkantay Pass is fairly high. It really is, yet the total elevation gain and loss could be spread out. It tends to be across longer distances when you think about what is required to do the Classic Inca Trail. What I mean by that, the permit system that protects the Inca Trail tends to be, you know, extremely restrictive and makes it expensive. You will find you don’t need those permits for Salkantay. Plus, that it could mean a fairly shorter planning window, should you get the impulse to hike it. What could be better than all this?

Day-by-Day Salkantay Trek Overview

Typically, the 4-day Salkantay Trek usually looks like this:

Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa (with Humantay Lake)

Right, first up. You’re leaving Cusco pretty early. You know, generally you’re going to be heading to Mollepata and from there, to Soraypampa, where that hiking is getting under way. In fact, the spotlight is typically a visit to Humantay Lake. By the way it’s famous for that awesome turquoise water set underneath snow-topped glaciers. Anyhow, remember you are at altitude. Arguably, so pace yourself, it seems like everyone mentions that!

Day 2: Soraypampa to Challway (Crossing Salkantay Pass)

Actually, this is typically your tough day, so mentally get yourself ready for it. First, you are making your way up to Salkantay Pass, the trek’s high point, which comes in at around 4,600 meters (15,091 feet). Very important to realise, it’s freezing. I guess so expect cold, very high winds, but like you are talking of spectacular views. That being said, what follows, you know, the downhill stretch, seems to be no picnic on those knees either, as I was saying, but at the end of that you will be inside that welcome warmer climate as you make the move, arguably into the cloud forest areas.

Day 3: Challway to Aguas Calientes

Alright, arguably Day 3, so this is a bit gentler as you make the move along the Santa Teresa valley. Basically, you can just soak up that stunning landscape all round. First you are heading for “La Playa Sahuayo,” you will then usually jump in a vehicle taking you on to Hydroelectric, before heading off on foot to Aguas Calientes, so getting closer to Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Alright, and for that grand finale. Remember, that is an extremely early wake-up in order to be able to beat the crowds entering Machu Picchu. This way, you know, hopefully, so you are going to be there for sunrise. Afterwards, get a guided tour learning all regarding the background to the spot, later, like that, do explore for yourself. In general, the afternoon requires going back down to Aguas Calientes for your train ride returning to Cusco.

What to Consider Choosing a Trekking Company

Right, is that so you’re thinking about getting an operator involved in Salkantay, well there’s heaps of options to consider!

• Reputation and Reviews: So see just what other travelers mention concerning this trekking provider! You will find websites for getting your reading fix, by the way, for instance, Tripadvisor, plus obviously other travel blogs, could offer great insights.
• Included Services: Make sure to check what’s contained within that tour deal. Make inquiries, for instance, when food is offered, is equipment is offered (for instance sleeping bags and walking sticks). Also that transport has already been dealt with, and finally those entrance fees associated with Machu Picchu.
• Guides: Okay, they are great folks for letting you have background knowledge and of making that trek safer. This is due to guides talking fluently, just to be clear about things.
• Group Size: Have a think regarding what vibe that you might have from smaller and more intimate group hikes as these enable even more personalized service. The bigger a gathering might well translate into some savings and being that they have lots more, that’s potential fellow buddies!.
• Sustainable Practices: In reality, check what they’re performing by preserving those fantastic environments that that you’ll get to hike!. The Eco conscious guides should guarantee a lesser footprint upon these areas of delicate character.

Gear and Packing: Things You’ll Need

Right, I am chatting now around what to pack with you so you will be good when out and about regarding the Salkantay!

• Backpack: Something which has comfort from day to day, by the way I reckon I might recommend it has 30 – 40 litres of space!.
• Hiking Boots: You would like things already broken in before you go trekking with good ankle support is key I suggest!
• Clothing: Prepare by means of layering! And also that involves t shirts (wicking ones). Obviously that you want a fleece, one insulated coat. Next of all trousers for trekking, last up obviously some waterproof stuff just incase!
• Sleeping Bag: Generally graded at 0°C (32°F) which often ought to make things just okay if not doing your Inca going alone yet maybe just see if your operators include some good gear anyway.
• Trekking Poles: They actually do relieve load off these knees so people say!
• Essentials: Okay so in my mind. That may involve. Sun cream, many people rave about hats sunglasses. In addition insect spray headlamps (as that may come very convenient particularly walking pre sunrise!), plus any medicine from the doctor too.

Altitude Acclimatization Tips

Fine, talking through a little thing regarding managing those heights, it tends to be the biggest challenge during the Salkantay!

• Arrive Early in Cusco: Maybe allocate yourself by way of 2 to 3 entire days relaxing in Cusco well before embarking so giving one the chance for one body adapt.
• Drink Plenty of Water: That tends to be like what anyone may explain though keeping extra fluids truly really does assist battling against dehydration (which could make altitude related illnesses truly that that a bit worse).
• Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: These tend to be really making these adaptations to being high one bit trickier really!.
• Eat Light Meals: Prefer easy food options as that digestion is already a greater effort, which means prevent the extra straining effects, to that system to adjust better anyway!.
• Coca Tea: Just so you know coca tea will be presented commonly, while many swear regarding effectiveness relieving that slightly of symptoms brought on with altitude sickness although maybe those beliefs is based upon traditional applications plus it’s psychotherapeutic!.
• Descend if Needed: Any feelings being terribly terrible may be signals something going awry which means that head down to get yourself looked at!.

What to Expect: Difficulty and Physical Preparation

Okay so the Salkantay often does score really high on tough ratings! Make it your point by planning your own preparations!

• Cardio: Doing exercises with running/cycling probably assists just because getting your heart being pumping.
• Strength Training: Get certain that one leg has great support doing moves like lunges squat so it gets great balance particularly that it’s downhill too!.
• Practice Hikes: Wear and utilize stuff that may you anticipate out while outside around those area trails as practice!.

Making the Most of Your Salkantay Trek

Is that so that I should chat about truly that doing incredible things with things with any and that hike here?!

• Interact with Locals: Benefit just through talking as this genuinely is that chance seeing that traditions are. Do it even out near these distant mountainside areas. Always practice consideration when you will find that you’ll take things or just images by folks.
• Enjoy the Scenery: Keep that device somewhere also admire any sceneries everywhere since that mountains provide remarkable chances. By any clouds or simply sunlight patterns keep admiring every inch given nature herself since they do not often ever replicate any single scenario!
• Take Plenty of Photos: Create copies with times over just because those things preserve one’s own adventures, but rather recall that you also have times for which simply delight at every actual instant too!.
• Be Open to New Experiences: Look outside something familiar also admire various dinners customs not being afraid giving it that try various different offerings if feasible! These type of moves simply could enhance any journey to getting unforgettable type with regards to understanding other ethnicities along just by this Salkantay trail!

FAQs About the Salkantay Trek