Salkantay trail
Photo: James Heilman, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Salkantay Trek (Salcantay) is a hiking trail in Peru. This trek was named among the 25 best treks in the world, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. The part around Mount Salkantay has some outstanding views and the descent later down to 1,000 m above sea level is quite gorgeous and not too steep.
UnderstandThe trail starts in Mollepata, a couple of hours away from Cuzco, and ends in Santa Teresa or Hidroeléctrica, giving access to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu.
PrepareThe usual Salkantay route does not require technical climbing equipment, but it is a high-altitude multi-day hike with cold nights, changeable weather, steep descents and some remote sections.
Get inTo get to Mollepata you can take a taxi (S/60-80 for the whole car) or take a shared minibus from Arcopata in Cuzco for S/15-20 per person.
WalkThe first day of hiking from Mollepata to Soraypampa is gently uphill and mostly along a road, with a couple of places selling drinks and snacks.
Stay safeAltitude, sun, cold and landslides are the main hazards. Spend at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cuzco before starting, and know the symptoms and treatment of altitude sickness.
Go nextFrom Aguas Calientes, most hikers continue to Machu Picchu before returning by train and road toward Cuzco. From Hidroeléctrica or Santa Teresa, it is also possible to return toward Cuzco by road.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Salkantay trail" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: James Heilman, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons