Salkantay trek is a magnificent trail, perfect for adventurers who want to integrate personally into the changing ecosystems from one day to the next. You will walk through magical and dazzling landscapes of a snow-covered mountain paradise to a tropical jungle where you will find a wide variety of animals, medicinal plants and varieties of flowers. Witness, with your own eyes, a living culture, ancient, in remote villages hardly seen by foreigners! The Vilcabamba range mountain is impressive and extends for more than 260 km. The snow mountain Salkantay rises to 6271 meters above sea level. This is an extraordinary snow peak, located less than 90 km northwest of the city of Cusco, in south-central Peru. Due to its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible by car and has been climbed by professional mountaineers since 1952. To achieve this route, you must have a reasonable level of physical condition, but age should not be a barrier. The most important thing is to be well-acclimatized at a good altitude. The highest point will be 4, 650 masl. A day of acclimatization before the trek is ideal.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu passes through stunning landscapes varying from the cloud forest to the high mountains. Along the way you will see the fantastic views of the second-highest mountain in the Cusco, we are talking about the imposing Apu Salkantay ("Savage mountain" from Quechua) standing at 20,574' (6,271 m). This trek to Machu Picchu goes through unfrequented areas and combines culture and tradition with the incredible flora and fauna offered by Peru. You will be in the real Andes and in the perfect conditions to get a sense of life in the area. Now we present you the distances that you will hike during Salkantay Trek :
No matter the time of year, the trail cools at night (the altitude is more than 6000 m) until you reach Aguas Calientes. Bring a warm sleeping bag and dress in layers. A high-quality warm sleeping bag is essential. We recommend bringing your best sleeping bag if possible.
If you plan to rent a sleeping bag, consider bringing a silk liner for extra warmth and comfort. A four-season sleeping bag (or -10°C rating) is recommended for the winter months.
During other times of the year, a three-season sleeping bag (or -4°C / -5°C rating) should be sufficient, though this depends on individual tolerance to cold and should only be used as a guideline.
For the trip from Salkantay to Machu Picchu, we provide roll-up mats. However, for added comfort and warmth, thermal-style mattresses can be rented in Cusco. If you're traveling in winter and don't want to invest in a four-season bag, consider using a three-season bag with a liner and wearing additional layers.
