Cheap Salkantay trek Adventure

It is an old and remote alternative path to the Inca Trail, it has much more spectacular views and with different ecological levels we will walk among lagoons, impressive snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay and Humantay, crossing rivers and subtropical areas of abundant vegetation and fauna. This road is an excellent option for those who want to escape from the most congested routes and in a faster way, or for those who are looking for an alternative when the spaces of the traditional Inca Trail are occupied. This impressive excursion passes under the magnificent mountain Salkantay (6,710 m / 22,014 ft), one of the highest and most impressive of the Peruvian Andes. Its first two days will be dominated by the impressive snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay, as it travels through the high Andean landscape. The third day will descend to the warm cloud forest, to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive sacred citadel of the Incas Machu Picchu is visited during the last day of the program.The excursion to Salkantay was recently named by the National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine among the 25 best excursions in the world.The Salkantay Trek is an ancient and remote trail that is located in the same region as the Inca Trail, where massive snow-capped mountains collide with lush tropical forests. Located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco, in southern central Peru by the Vilcabamba range mountain and reaching 6271 meters above sea level (20574 feet) Apu Salkantay is an exceptionally topped glacial peak adored by thousands of years for the local inhabitants. The name Salkantay is a Quechua word meaning "wild mountain".An economical alternative to get to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Machu Picchu route, is considered one of the best by NatGeo, and the level of difficulty is similar to that of the Classic Inca Trail. This will be an exciting adventure for those who like to enjoy nature at its best and walk surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Quick Itinerary:

• Day 1: Drive to the trailhead - Challacancha, hike to Soraypampa and Umantay Mountain, camp overnight in Soray.
• Day 2: Hike to Salkantay Mountain, lunch, then, continue to Colpapampa.
• Day 3: Wake up early and walk down to La Plata Sahuayaco. Take a bus to Santa Teresa and visit the hot springs.
• Day 4: Continuing the trek from ST to Aguas Calientes town - ZIP Line optional
• Day 5: Hike the last stretch to Machu Picchu. Entrance, guided tour of the legendary citadel, return to Cusco by train

Salkantay tour peru 

Salkantay trek is one of the most beautiful Inca roads that you will travel and enjoy with us. Every time some of tourist see the pictures of those adventures, and their skin bristles, and then they decide to take the tour.Can you imagine arriving at Machu Picchu having enjoyed this unparalleled natural environment in a big way?This route as it passes through the slopes of the majestic Apu Salkantay of more than 6200 m does not leave anyone indifferent. You can almost touch the glaciers that fall 1,600 meters below their summit. It has absolutely everything: 

• High mountain 
• Jungle height Rain forest 
• Towns 
• Camps
• Valleys
• Peace and tranquility
• Culture 
• Nature 
• Gastronomy

The Trekking of Salkantay offers the possibility of knowing the life of the local people. You can also interact with the guides and muleteers who accompany you, sharing with them long cultural talks.There is nothing better than a quality hot spring to recover strength and continue on the road from Salkantay to Machu Picchu. The thermal waters of Santa Teresa are incredible. For this and more reasons you can not miss the opportunity to take this adventure. 

Highlights of  Cheap Salkantay Trek Adventure: 

• Hike next to the magnificent Apu Salkantay and then reach the ruins of Machu Picchu. 
• Location: The Salkantay Expressway begins with a 3-hour road trip to the west of Cusco, Peru. We passed the village of Mollepata and started the trek in Challacancha.
• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights  
• Level: Moderate  
• Classification of the Adventure: Given the new restrictions on the Inca Trail, Salkantay is the second most popular trek in the region and some of the camping sites are less remote than those of other roads. 
• Inka Trail alternative: Yes, the Salkantay trek is an excellent option.  
• Departure dates: Any day . 
• Humid Season Trek: Suitable for December, January or February (depending on weather conditions). NOT RECOMMENDED in December, January or February (weather conditions). 

FREQUENT QUESTIONS:
What does salkantay mean? 

That white colossus, which seems to be closer to heaven than to earth, does not accept challenges. Anyone does not scale it, nor does he have the opportunity to touch his skirts. For something his name, Salkantay, which in Quechua means "wild mountain" indomitable. This is defined by Ever Gibaja, 41, owner of the only small store in Soraypampa, the camp three hours from the Salkantay apu and from where he leaves for it. According to some authors the name of this mountain Salkantay is a contraction that comes from (Salqa means wild ) and Antay means to produce avalanches. The name of Apu, which in the Quechua language comes to mean lord, is usually defined in front of the great mountains that mean something sacred above the valleys. For example Apu Salkantay in the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Is there an age limit for the road? 

No, there is no age limit, but if it is older, it is recommended to have a medical check-up before traveling, try to acclimatize in height. We have had children from 7 years old and people up to age 68 many times. Do not worry, we are here to help you do it! When there is a will, it is possible!.

What about the weather? 

In Cusco we only have 2 seasons 6 months of rain and 06 months of dry, the dry season begins in April to October, the days are usually sunny and warm, but keep in mind that the time is very variable in the high cities as well as in the mountains, from November to March the rainy days and unstable varied months, where the rains can be strong. Please Note: The temperatures are for the Cusco Valley at 3400m. And the temperatures change depending on the altitude.

What is and how to avoid altitude sickness?  

Altitude sickness, or mountain sickness, is caused by a lack of oxygen at high altitudes. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, irritability, and in more severe cases, respiratory distress, confusion and even coma.It is important to acclimatize before embarking on the trek, arriving in Cusco 2 or 3 days in advance. The pills for soroche or altitude sickness also help and are very used by tourists. You have to drink plenty of water to hydrate the body, especially with coca tea. It is important to eat light, that is, foods that are easy to digest, such as soups, vegetables and carbohydrates that are not fried. Sleep as much as you can and you will feel much better. Keep your body warm and do not forget to eat before you feel hungry, drink before you feel thirsty, warm yourself before you feel cold and rest before you feel exhausted. Throughout the journey you will travel with experienced and trained guides to assist you in any situation. Ask all the questions you should ask to be prepared and have the best experience in the Salkantay trek

ADVISABLE TOURS:

• Short Salkantay Trek
• Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
• Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Choquequirao Trek
• Jungle Trek Machu Picchu
• Cusco Jungle Tours