Salkantay Trek Information

The Salkantay Traditional Trek is one of the most beautiful routes that cross the immense Andes mountains and to able to do this trek you will need all the necessary information so that your trip is unforgettable.

In this website you will find all the useful information about the different aspects of the trek to Salkantay, such as location, altitude, difficulty level and the main tourist attractions along the route. This information is provided for your safety and health, which are of tantamount importance to us.

Salkantay Location:

The snowcapped mountain of Salkantay 6 272 m, also known as Apu Salkantay, is located to the north of the city of Cusco, in the highest part of the eastern flanks of the Vilcabamba mountains. The name of this mountain in Quechua means ‘Savage Mountain’ because of the extreme difficulty of its ascent.

How does one get to Salkantay?

To get to the beginning of our trek we will collect you from your hotel in Cusco and take you to Mollepata, a journey of around three hours and thirty minutes. If you prefer to arrange your own travel you can take a local bus which leaves from Arcopata.

Salkantay Trek Weather:

In the Andean region of Cusco there are two well-defined seasons: winter, from April to November, which is predominantly dry, with higher temperatures during the day and very low at night and summer, between November and March.

This is known as the rainy season with frequent short torrential downpours, between which are long of periods of sunshine. One can make the trip during the rainy season since the path is good condition, the camping gear is modern and we eat inside a tent.

Salkantay Trek Altitude:

Cusco is situated at 3,400m above sea level, which can be a problem for some people, for which reason we recommend that you have been in Cusco for at least 48 hours before beginning the trek drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and getting plenty of rest.

The maximum altitude of the trek to Salkantay is 4,600 m at the beautiful Salkantay pass. The lowest altitude is 2,200m in the last campsite at Sahuayaco.

Hiking Conditions on Salkantay Trek:

You won’t have any problems completing this route, so long as you are of good health, in reasonably good shape and accustomed to walking. If you are not a regular walker it is suggested that you do some training before your trip to Peru.

Age to do the Salkantay Trek:

This trip is suitable for any age, so long as you are in reasonable shape and don’t have problems walking. Children aged 10 who take part in the Salkantay trek are under the responsibility of their parents.

Salkantay Trek Difficulty Level:

The following are the grades of difficulty:

• - Easy: Doable for anyone in a good state of health.
• - Moderate: Doable for people who do a moderate amount of sport and who are used to walking in all types of terrain, without carrying much additional weight for a 4 or 6 hour period.
• - Challenging: Doable for physically active people with experience in treks lasting from 6 to 7 hours.
• - Demanding: Doable for those with a good level fitness and strength, health and with previous experience in trekking where one must carry one’s own equipment.
• - Strenuous: Doable for individuals who are mentally and physically prepared for a trek involving great physical effort, adventure and often involves carrying one’s own gear.

Taking into account the above difficulty levels, Salkantay Trekking is between Easy and Moderate.

Salkantay Trek Availability:

At the moment the Salkantay Trek doesn’t have any regulations as regards availability or capacity, so you can visit at any time of the year. The only factor to bear in mind is the rainy season between December and March, where the rains can make the walk a challenge. But with the desire and spirit of adventure we will arrive at our final destination: Machu picchu!

Salkantay Trek in times of covid 19 pandemic:

There are different security protocols that we have to follow to carry out the Salkantay Trek:

• - Use the protection mask
• - Social distancing at least 2 meters from other groups
• - The use of rubbing alcohol
• - Wash your hands frequently especially before each meal
• - Follow the tour guide's instructions

Together We will make tourism return, Salkantay is a good option to visit Machu Picchu this 2022.