The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is the most popular option trek Machu Picchu. For a valid reason: it gives trekkers immensely diversified trekking. Also, is reasonably easy to access from Cusco. There are no permission restrictions, unlike the Classic Inca Trail.
Certainly, the Salkantay trek can be done without the assistance of a guide or tour company.The path passes through breathtaking scenery, including lowlands rainforest, high alpine landscapes, and glacier peaks.
A 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is among the most gratifying experience you’ll have ever, but it’s not without its challenges. You trek lengthy days with some tough downhill parts, reaching elevations of 4600m.
National Geographic ranked the Salkantay journey the Top Alternatives Treks to Machu Picchu because it is less congested than the Inca Trail.
How can you be ready for the Salkantay trip at such a high altitude?
While it is necessary to be physically healthy and capable of walking at least 20 kilometers at lower altitudes, preparing for elevated trekking is difficult.
This is because you can’t foresee how your system will react to these situations, and it has nothing to do with how active, youthful, or strong you are. Even the healthiest individuals might succumb to the effects of altitude sickness.
Therefore,the ideal way to prepare for the Salkantay journey is to be in Cusco at least 2 days before the start of the climb. This is for your body to adapt to high altitude. Get lots of rest, and drink plenty of water to improve your health and acclimatize.
When to travel?
Although the Inca trail, requires reservations at least 6 months ahead of time, the Salkantay journey may be planned with far less advance. This is because permissions are not necessary to trek along this path; rather, you must have a pass to Machu Picchu.
However, if you intend on going from May to September, you’ll have to schedule this journey at minimum a few weeks ahead of time. This is peak season. It is often challenging to obtain Machu Picchu permits for your days.
The Salkantay trip may be done at any time of year, but for the greatest weather (and to catch those famous vistas of Machu Picchu on the last day), skip the annual rainfall, that runs from November to February.
What is the cost?
The price of the hike varies based on whose organization you travel with. The five-day – four-night package costs approximately USD 650 per participant, with a wide majority size of 16 individuals.
My name is Marko Andinauta, (I'm Machu Picchu & Inca Trail Guide), I have hiked more than 500 times the famous INCA TRAIL in more than ten years (2007 – 2019); and I have survived the highest point of the Inka Trail “dead woman’s pass at 4215 M - 13780 Ft”; also more than 500 times. Unfortunately, my knee cartilages could not support more to keep hiking The Legendary Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Therefore; I created Happy Gringo Tours Channel to keep working in the same industry; giving information on YOUTUBE about the Inca Trail hike and inviting you to travel to Machu Picchu with us. I got enough knowledge to give you concrete information for unforgettable tours in Peru. We are Official Inca Trail, Machu Picchu tours, and alternative treks Operator.
