Why should I do the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
The Salkantay trail is a popular hiking route in Peru that leads to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider doing the Salkantay trail:
- Breathtaking Scenery: The Salkantay trail offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. The trail also passes through remote Andean villages, where you can experience the local culture and way of life.
- Challenge Yourself: The Salkantay trail is considered one of the most challenging hikes in Peru, with steep climbs and high altitudes. However, the sense of accomplishment and the stunning views make it well worth the effort.
- Avoid Crowds: While the Inca Trail is the most popular route to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay trail is less crowded and offers a more remote and intimate experience with the natural surroundings.
- Machu Picchu: The Salkantay trail culminates with a visit to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic and mystical archaeological sites in the world. The trail provides a unique perspective on this historic site, as you approach it from a different direction than most other tourists.
Overall, the Salkantay trail is a challenging and rewarding hiking experience that offers stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and a unique perspective on Machu Picchu.
The difficulty of the Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is considered a challenging trek, primarily due to its high altitude, steep terrain, and changing weather conditions. The trail reaches an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) at the Salkantay Pass, which can be a significant challenge for those who are not used to high altitudes.
The first two days of the trek involve steep ascents and descents, as the trail passes through mountainous terrain with rocky paths and narrow trails. This can be physically demanding, especially for those who are not used to hiking for extended periods of time.
Additionally, the weather conditions on the Salkantay Trek can be unpredictable, with rain, snow, and even hail possible at any time of year. This can make the trail slippery and muddy, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the trek.
Despite these challenges, many people complete the Salkantay Trek successfully with the help of experienced guides, proper preparation, and a positive attitude. It is important to train physically and mentally before attempting the trek and to acclimatize to the altitude in the days leading up to the trek.
Food and Accommodation on the Salkantay Trek
Food and accommodation on the Salkantay Trek can vary depending on the tour operator you choose, but most tours include meals and camping accommodations.
During the trek, you can expect to eat three meals a day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meals are typically prepared by the trekking staff and served in a dining tent or outdoor area. The food is often hearty and includes a mix of local and international dishes, such as soups, stews, pasta, rice, and vegetables. Some tour operators also accommodate special dietary needs or preferences, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options.
Camping accommodations on the Salkantay Trek are usually in tents, which are set up and taken down each day by the trekking staff. The tents are typically shared by two people and include a sleeping pad and sleeping bag. Some tour operators also offer optional upgrades, such as larger tents or portable toilets.
In addition to camping accommodations, some tours may also include a stay in a mountain lodge or homestay with a local family. These options provide a more authentic cultural experience and allow you to interact with the local community.
Overall, while the accommodations on the Salkantay Trek may not be luxurious, they are comfortable and provide everything you need for a successful trek.
Things to do and see on salkantay trek
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days offers a variety of things to do and see along the way, including:
- Salkantay Mountain: The trek is named after the Salkantay Mountain, which is one of the highest peaks in the Andes mountain range. You will have the opportunity to see the stunning views of this mountain and its glaciers.
- Humantay Lake: One of the highlights of the trek is a visit to Humantay Lake, a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by mountains and glaciers. It’s a great place to take photos and enjoy the scenery.
- Andean Villages: Along the way, you will pass through several traditional Andean villages, where you can learn about the local culture and way of life. You may have the opportunity to interact with locals and try traditional foods.
- Hot Springs: After a long day of hiking, you can relax in the natural hot springs at Santa Teresa. It’s a great way to soothe sore muscles and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- Machu Picchu: The Salkantay Trek culminates in a visit to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic and mystical archaeological sites in the world. The trek provides a unique perspective on this historic site, as you approach it from a different direction than most other tourists.
Overall, the Salkantay Trek offers a diverse range of experiences, from stunning natural scenery to cultural interactions and historic sites. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Peru while challenging yourself physically and mentally
