Travel to Peru: Salkantay Trek

Why hike the Salkantay trek

The Saltankay Trek is a great alternative for travelers who are seeking a unique Peru trekking experience in a secluded and tranquil setting away from the popular Inca Trail trek. Offering some of the most breathtaking views in all of Peru, this trek is one of the most exciting alternative treks to Machu Picchu.

Saltankay means “Savage Mountain” in Quechua, the native language of the Inca, a name perfectly fitting this outstanding glacier-capped summit worshipped for thousands of years by fearful local indigenous residents.

Named among the 25 Best Treks in the World by National Geographic, this trek will provide any traveler with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the isolated and sensational landscapes of this sacred region.

The Saltankay Trek is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snow-capped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests. Mount Saltankay is located less than 50 miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south central Peru by the Cordillera Vilcabamba and rises to 20,574 feet (6,271 meters) above sea level.

The remote path winds through an amazing variety of landscapes and habitats varying from green, rich valleys full of blossoming forests and trees of different species, to highland fields and glacial moraines flanked by steep rocky and icy peaks of impressive beauty.

What to do on the Salkantay trek

While considerably more challenging than the Inca Trail, for those with trekking experience the trip throughout the Apurimac Valley is well worth it. This 4-day hike offers great panoramic views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountainside, the majestic Salkantay, and the Valley of Apurimac River.

This trek usually begins in one of the little towns located at the beginning of the trail a few hours from Cusco. There you will begin your ascent through the Apurimac Valley where abundant tropical rainforests meet snow-capped mountain peaks. During the trek, you will sleep under a star-lit sky, leave a stone for the “Apus” mountain spirits some 15,420 feet (4,700 meters) above sea level, and encounter a misty cloud forest with beautiful and unique vegetation.

On your final day of trekking, the trail will take you to your final destination: the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of the Machu Picchu ruins. Leaving the tent behind, you can chose to spend the night here before visiting the impressive Machu Picchu ruins. Take time to go through the ruins of this world wonder, the reward to your Salkantay journey.

When to hike the Salkantay trek

The trek can be done anytime of the year, but the best time is from April to December. Unlike the Inca Trail trek which has to be booked months in advance, the Saltankay Trek is still relatively unknown and allows for more flexibility in organizing your Peru vacation.

Travel Testimonials

Overall, I had an awesome trip! Salkantay is a great alternative route to the Inca trail and has some stunning views of snow capped mountains, rain forests and the experience of meeting locals in remote villages. Guido our guide and the entire crew at the trek were the best. I would definitely recommend it to all my friends and family.

Mythili Madhira (New York, USA)

Our guide Jose during the Salkantay Trek was excellent, the food was plentiful and tasty, support and service was great and they were very well organized throughout.

Scott Smith (New Jersey, USA)

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