Machu Pichu is undoubtedly one of the places that every person should visit before they die (at least in my opinion)
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| Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu |
“Inca Trail” is certainly the best known, but the Salkantay trail is very good and less disputed.
The only disadvantage of Salkantay, compared to “Inca Trail”, is that you will only see ruins at the end, however there are much less people and you don't need to book so far in advance.
Another important detail: the trail is more physically challenging than “El Camino Inca”.
This differential can be proved by being a high mountain path (highest point 4,600 meters) and passing very close to glaciers.
The minimum temperature on the Salkantay Trek can reach -5ºC, but only on the first night.
On this trail you will feel the true spirit of mountain and adventure, in addition to meeting people from the interior of Peru and seeing incredible landscapes.
Salkantay Trail, Peru: is it worth it?
Salkantay is among the top 25 trails in the world according to National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine.
There are 74 kilometers covered in 4 or 5 days, passing through altitudes ranging from 2,800 to 4,650 meters, from negative temperatures to the heat of the Peruvian Amazon, in terrain that varies between stone, valleys full of waterfalls and forest.
At the foot of the snowy Salkantay, 6,271 meters high, we pass through small towns and landscapes of extraordinary beauty in the great Vilcabamba mountain range, in the Andes, until we reach Aguas Calientes, the last town, which is the base for visiting Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek is cheaper than the Inca Trail, the most famous circuit to Machu Picchu (about half the price).
In addition, it is less crowded, eliminating the need to book months in advance (as happens on the other trail). It is a challenge for those who enjoy trekking and mountaineering, with much higher attitudes than what we are used to in Brazil.
Main recommendations
For those who are not highly experienced in hiking, the Salkantay Trek has to be done with the assistance of an expedition (mountain guide, cooks and pack horses), as the path is not signposted.
There are several companies in Brazil that provide this service (in general, they only outsource), but I strongly recommend hiring a Peruvian company directly, as the prices are much more affordable, I recommend that you find out here https://www.salkantaytrekmachu.com/en/
Take a very light backpack (with a capacity of 45 to 50 liters), porters usually take up to 5 kg., but the last day you carry everything.
The temperature range in the 5 days of the trail is very large, so it is recommended to take clothes to use the layering system (second skin + fleece + anorak), taking care to take only the essentials.
Salkantay Trail: best time to go
The region has well-defined seasons, and the best time to hike the Salkantay Trail is during the dry season, which runs from May to October.
The months of June and July are very popular due to the winter solstice and the holidays, which require reservations in advance.
How to get
There are several options, you can fly from Brazil to Lima and then another flight to Cusco, or a bus from Lima to Cusco, which takes around 21 hours.
The option of going by bus is ideal for those who want to make a more adventurous and cheaper trip.
Some people choose to fly from Brazil to Bolivia, because the flights are much cheaper, but remember that from La Paz to Cusco it takes more than 30 hours by bus, so this alternative is worth it if you want to enjoy the trip and know the path that It's very beautiful
The expeditions leave Cusco with everything ready, but the trail actually starts in Santa Teresa
Best time of year: From April to September
Trail time: 5 days and 4 nights
You arrive in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Pichu, around 6 pm.
Only that last night sleep in the city, there are hostels (hostels) and hotels of different categories, again I recommend Ecopackers.
The next day, the trail starts very early and is the most important one, as it leads to the ruins of Machu Pichu.
It is recommended to leave at 3:30 in the morning (the park opens at 4) as there is a long queue to enter the park due to visitor control.
The climb begins with a stone staircase, so a golden tip: the head lamp will be your best friend during the climb, which takes an hour and a half on average.
You will arrive in the city still dark, there is ticket control to the park and an even longer queue (because there are many people who go up by bus or car).
And for sure this will be one of the best sunrises of your life.
Necessary equipment
- Backpack 45- 50 liters
- Waterproof trekking boot
- Socks: 4 liners and 4 socks (if possible with cool-max technology)
- Sleeping bag, at least -10 degrees of comfort.
- Trekking pants, I recommend those that turn into shorts, because during the day it's hot
- Windproof and waterproof jacket or anorak
- Layered coat, hat and sunglasses
- Light snacks for the journey, in general expeditions include breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Flashlight – (recommended head lamp, to have your hands free)
- Water: There is water at some points along the way, I recommend carrying 3 liters a day.
Salkantay Packages
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