8 Reasons To Hike The Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay trek is one of the few trails in the Cusco region which leads to Machu Picchu’s nearby town, Aguas Calientes. It is considered as an alternative to the notorious “Inca Trail” which is often fully booked out at least 6 months in advance.
With a lower price and the possibility to book up to two days before directly from Cusco, the 5-day salkantay trek to machu picchu is an attractive hike to those on the budget or not able to plan 6 months in advance. No surprises then that its popularity is growing. Here is a blog post about 8 reasons why you should hike the Salkantay Trek.
WHY YOU SHOULD HIKE THE SALKANTAY TREK?
1. YOU GET TO HIKE UP TO 4,630 M
The Salkantay trek isn’t very challenging, but it is slightly less accessible than the Inca Trail because of the altitude. The hike starts at around 3,800 m on day one and after a night at 4,000 m, it leads to the Salkantay Pass, the highest elevation of the hike at 4,630 m. The hike to the pass is a steady zigzagging trail that will require a slow pace to not feel breathless.
At the pass, the views of the Salkantay mountain and the thundering sound of its glacier will be your reward. A well-deserved break to enjoy the movement of the clouds hugging the surrounding snow-peaked mountains, creating mystifying energy the Inca’s once glorified.
Tip: Make sure to drink a lot of water, chew Coca leaves and avoid alcohol if you don’t want to suffer from altitude sickness. The ultimate secret to copping well is a good acclimatisation for a few days in Cusco, especially if you arrive from low altitude.
2. VISIT THE GORGEOUS HUMANTAY LAKE
The start of the Salkantay trek brings you past the Humantay lake and a lagoon holding the same name. While the lake is often mistaken to be a laguna, it is possible to see the two blue expanses of water during the trek.
The most famous is nestled just below the Humantay peak. It is a large clear blue lake, consisting of many beautiful turquoise shades. Most tours visit the lake on the first afternoon of the Salkantay trek but some come here as part of a day tour from Cusco.
Tip: To the left of the lake, there is a trail leading up to a ridge. Climb it to enjoy an incredible viewpoint of the lake and the Humantay mountain. This section requires walking on the saddle of a ridge which can be dangerous in strong winds.
3. LEARN ABOUT INCA RITUALS
Along the Humantay laguna this time, which is a marvellous turquoise pond, you will find many stone towers. These are not the usual “I was here” reminders left by tourists, instead, there are what the local people call “Apacheta”.
In this area, some guides introduce visitors to a ritual in which they place 3 coca leaves representing the Andean trilogy. This offering is part of the prayers to Pachamama, Mother Earth, for protection during the hike.
Tip: Add a cookie to your offering, we heard Pachamama likes them too!
4. YOU WILL CROSS 5 DIFFERENT CLIMATES
With an elevation oscillating between 3,800 m and 1,500 m via the Salkantay pass at 4,630 m, the trail crosses 5 different climate zones. As you start the hike in the shadow of the snow-capped Andean peaks, you then embark on a journey that will lead you along sweeping plains before entering a cloud forest and ultimately the sub-tropical jungle below Machu Picchu.
The best part of all this is that you will have plenty of time to enjoy the change of scenery and appreciate the different ecosystems that go with it.
Tip: 5 different climates means that you may encounter all four seasons in one day, or at least during your 4 to 5 day hike. Make sure to pack accordingly.
5. THE TRAIL PASSES THROUGH COFFEE FIELDS
The area of Santa Theresa along the trek is one of the main coffee producing regions in Peru. During the hike down through the cloud forest into the jungle, you will have the chance to see many coffee fields.
Depending on the season you may even be able to taste the cherry from which the beans are extracted before roasting or you may see the plant flowering.
Tip: Grab a couple of deep red coffee cherries and taste the sweetness of it. If you have never tried it, you will be surprised how different it is from the coffee you drink. Don’t forget to spit the coffee beans though!
6. YOU CAN ZIPLINE THROUGH THE TROPICAL FOREST AND CHILL IN HOT WATER SPRINGS
As an addon to the Salkantay trek, most of the agencies offer activities such as ziplining or the possibility to chill in hot water springs. The Zipline is incredible. There are 4 lines, of which one is 1km long. Each zip line is done in different positions, which makes the thrill even more enjoyable: sitting, Superman, upside down…
The hot water springs, on the other hand, are a great excuse to relax. It is really enjoyable after 4 days of walking. Keep in mind that there may be a lot of mosquitos by the hot springs!
Tip: If you are planning on doing the ziplining, make sure to book it at the same time as the trail. The price is much higher if you decide to join at last minute. For those who don’t want to zipline but still want to get there to see a friend or a partner, you can go but will be asked to pay for the transport, which shouldn’t be more than 20 soles.
7. IT IS CHEAP AND YOU CAN BOOK LAST MINUTE
The Salkantay trek doesn’t require a permit like the Inca Trail, therefore it is possible to book a tour anytime directly in Cusco or online if you prefer.
Tip: In Cusco, go around a few agencies and see for yourself what they offer and what price they ask for. You can bargain a better deal if you wish to include the ziplining and a day-tour at the Rainbow Mountain.
8. YOU CAN HIKE THE SALKANTAY TREK ON YOUR OWN
A great thing about the Salkantay trek is that you can do it self-guided. It won’t especially be cheaper than a tour, but DIY is always better for the freedom of hiking at your own rhythm and stopping wherever and whenever you want. In terms of sleeping options, there are hospedajes and campsites along the trail where you can book a place for the night.
Most of these accommodations offer breakfast and dinner (extra fee for a packed lunch) so you don’t even have to carry any food except for snacks. You will, however, have to take care of booking your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, your night in Aguas Calientes and your transport to the start of the hike.
Tip: If you don’t want to carry anything, you can rent a horse like the guided tours do ,directly at the start or along the trail.
Choose the Salkantay Trek; You Won’t Be Disappointed
So, there you have it! Our top 8 reasons why you should opt for the Salkantay trek. Of course, the list could go on and on, but we think this enough to help you decide. The scenery, places you visit, and the Andean villages along the way will amaze you and make for some perfect shots with your camera. If you like small groups and something a little more affordable, this is the trek for you.
