From Cusco to Machu Picchu: Salkantay Trek Review (5-Day)
So, you’re considering swapping the usual Inca Trail for something a bit more wild? Perhaps the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu has popped up on your radar? Well, you’ve landed in just the right spot! This detailed review dives into the ups and downs, the gorgeous views, and maybe, just maybe, a few blisters along the way, too it’s almost a complete guide to help you decide if this trek is actually the adventure you’ve been searching for.
What Exactly *is* the Salkantay Trek?
Okay, before anything else, what makes the Salkantay Trek different? Is that a good question? Instead of sticking to the famous (and sometimes overcrowded) Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek presents a really awesome alternative. That winds its way around the impressive Mount Salkantay. This towering peak that’s definitely one of the highest in the Peruvian Andes. Very impressive if you ask me.
That Salkantay route usually takes about five days, give or take, and that will depend on the tour group you select and how many scenic detours your team leader feels like making. You’ll go through unbelievable scenic diversity. That including snow-capped mountains (seriously, pack those warm layers!), that has very, very lush jungles (hello, humidity!), and a good mix of everything that the landscape has to offer to everyone.
Is that trek strenuous? Well, a bit more than moderately. Expect quite a few challenging ascents and definitely some knee-wobbling descents, but that final payoff? Is that the views of Machu Picchu itself? Seriously, some of the greatest on Earth. Not even kidding!
Day-by-Day Breakdown: What to Expect
Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa (Acclimatization Begins)
So, that first day is usually about getting from Cusco to Soraypampa. That’s really where the hiking kicks off. Most tours start pretty early. Like, *really* early, too it’s almost always a predawn pickup. That’s something you might need to be prepared for. After that, you will head in the general direction of Mollepata for breakfast. Is that correct? After breakfast comes a drive onward to Challacancha, so that’s the actual trailhead. From there, it’s up to Soraypampa, is that generally a slow and steady climb. You’ll be gaining altitude rapidly. Which, honestly, can be pretty challenging.
That pace is key. Keep in mind to go slowly. Drink plenty of water. So, you will feel more than a bit out of breath. Trust me. By the time you hit Soraypampa, that’s about 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) above sea level. That means it’s definitely time for some serious acclimatization.
Day 2: Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass to Huayracmachay (The Big Challenge)
Okay, brace yourself for the toughest day of the entire trek. Day 2 takes you over the Salkantay Pass. So, you’re looking at reaching a staggering 4,600 meters (that’s over 15,000 feet!). Is that a real knee-knocker? That ascent can be very challenging, physically demanding for most people, so pacing yourself is extremely important.
Those views from the pass are truly worth every single labored step, though! That will be sweeping panoramas of snow-capped peaks and a great feeling of achievement, honestly it might be unmatched. That descent from the pass is a really sharp contrast. You will move rapidly from that frigid mountain scenery into warmer, much greener landscapes near Huayracmachay. So, this day tests your stamina. Make no mistake about that!
Day 3: Huayracmachay to La Playa (Jungle Vibes)
Time for a serious change of scenery! So, day 3 brings a delightful shift to lush cloud forest as you make your way from Huayracmachay to La Playa. That’s really quite a lower altitude. So, the air gets noticeably warmer and very, very more humid. This is a pretty relaxing and very scenic stretch with so many waterfalls. All these stunning views accompany us. Also it presents tons of opportunities to see that diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Most likely you will see that tour guides pointing out local plants. Or edible berries and that will really bring that area to life. Reaching La Playa provides that possibility for a refreshing shower and perhaps a celebratory beverage or two at that village. Okay, only maybe one!
Day 4: La Playa to Aguas Calientes (Coffee and Relaxation)
Day 4, you usually continue descending towards Aguas Calientes, that is the town just below Machu Picchu. Some tours include visiting a coffee plantation along the way. So that is often pretty insightful look into that local agricultural methods of the region.
That trail from Hydroelectrica to Aguas Calientes runs along that railway line, so it’s a pretty easy hike that offers a bunch of previews of Machu Picchu in the distance. Is that so amazing? Once you are there, you’ll check into your hotel in Aguas Calientes. And, if you’re feeling up for it, is that some exploring the town’s hot springs might be something of the things you are doing.
Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Grand Finale)
Alright, this is what you’ve come for! Rise extra early, usually way before sunrise. So that you’re first in line to enter Machu Picchu. Very possibly is. Seeing that ancient citadel emerge from the mist as that sun begins to rise? Absolutely something else. You’ll usually have a guided tour to learn all about Machu Picchu’s background. Then is the best time for a solo explore and photos galore! Many people do consider climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to get even more fantastic panoramic views.
It should be noted that after that you can descend back to Aguas Calientes for that train back to Ollantaytambo and from there, the transfer to Cusco. The end of an amazing experience that could arguably mark your existence forever.
Is Salkantay Trek Hard? Considering the Physical Requirements
Yes, the Salkantay Trek can be tough for you. That’s a serious point. Those altitude gains are not easy to manage. So, you need a basic level of fitness before taking this excursion. That’s why. Remember that those days involve a lot of hours walking over variable terrain. So, make certain that you will be working at capacity in order to go ahead with that. If you are often out of breath just walking from the couch to the refrigerator? Then definitely make a choice for the option of getting fit way before taking any long mountain excursions.
It’s important that before committing to that, make a choice of beginning regular cardio exercises. So, that can improve endurance of that nature. Do so, too it’s almost a win for both your trekking and everyday life.
What to Pack for Your Salkantay Adventure
Packing the most right things is really critical for enjoying the excursion. That includes bringing things, or items such as durable trekking boots to protect feet when on mountain. Don’t make a mistake about it, pack layering clothes to take care of every condition with respect to temperature, additionally do not be hesitant to wear waterproof and water repellent hiking pants.
You may want to carry with yourself many individual essentials like a top quality backpack where items are kept very dry as well sunscreen for protection from daylight and bugs repellant which ensures mosquitoes usually are not problematic when strolling through areas full of bushes plus a portable phone charger for many picture taking minutes! If your backpack exceeds the guidelines it could get turned aside by airport terminal personnel for assessment before final take off stage is passed while in addition remember your particular medications or needs since you will require such even more out when from home especially that particular hiking excursions need bodily activity from beginning towards the ending location too.
Choosing the Best Salkantay Trek Tour Operator
The tour that can guide the tour and the experience in general will need good review that you may consider before finalizing something and always keep yourself prepared with questions in all issues involving quality equipment available with that organizer as well as being licensed/registered as a travel agency respectively to get most from these hikes for Machu Pichu.
Cost of Salkantay Trek: What to Budget
Costs differ commonly; costs for such expeditions might usually commence at around $400 as minimum even exceeding over 800 USD on that of luxurious choice. This mainly encompasses items from accommodation, foods included each day when over there but never overlooks all travel associated entry cost considerations involved also ensure every component regarding trip suits requirements very before booking at anytime given circumstances around travel duration happens otherwise refunds might show tough. A better aspect requires setting monetary limitations beforehand thus that budget control while travelling occurs appropriately throughout vacation trip regardless where ever your preferences place value for experience above anything that money provide therefore never skimp when choosing service offers while saving funds everywhere.
Altitude Sickness: How to Handle It
Altitude problem on trails as such is taken more very, which necessitates time with it so this might be addressed, for you to slowly become utilized with heights thus you are not stricken when heading upwards but consuming great quantities liquid additionally assist as preventing associated diseases regarding level alterations throughout the adventure alongside talking about that with personal specialist whenever you have health complications for assistance when this kind is presented.
Salkantay Trek versus Inca Trail: Which Is Right for You?
Although that both these trek activities head off somewhere in Machu Picchu for that spot however those offer particular trips completely, those activities inside Salkantay is a superb move that the excursion lover usually undertakes as an issue offering those individuals landscape designs also challenge through reduced travelers rather from very costly options regarding those inca versions who usually offer classic background and a considerably controlled encounter.