Salkantay is a mountain range located in the Andes of Peru. It is a popular trekking destination, known for its stunning natural beauty and challenging terrain.
The mountain range is part of the larger Vilcabamba mountain range and includes several peaks, with the highest reaching an altitude of over 20,500 feet (6,200 meters). The area around Salkantay is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, including Andean condors, llamas, and alpacas.
The trek to Salkantay is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail and offers hikers the opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Andes while avoiding some of the crowds that can be found on other popular trekking routes.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
05:00 AM.
The Ausangate Trek is a challenging 5-day trek that takes you through stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and rolling hills. The trek is known for its breathtaking views of Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region of Peru.
Trekkers can expect to encounter diverse wildlife and flora, including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and Andean condors. The trek is physically demanding, with high altitude passes and steep ascents and descents.
The Ausangate Trek is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Andes Mountains and to experience the rich culture of the Andean people. Along the way, trekkers will have the chance to interact with local communities and learn about their traditions and way of life. The trek is a unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking an adventure in the Peruvian Andes.
Starting our Salkantay Trek adventure, we woke up early at 5:00 am and met our guide before embarking on a scenic drive from Cusco to Mollepata. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast before continuing to our starting point, Soraypampa.
We arrived in Soraypampa around midday, where we were greeted by stunning views of the snow-capped peaks surrounding us. After lunch, we began our hike to the beautiful Humantay Lake, nestled at the base of a glacier. The trail was challenging but rewarding, and we were amazed by the stunning scenery along the way.
We returned to our campsite at Soraypampa in the late afternoon, where our team had set up our tents and prepared a delicious dinner. We spent the evening relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Andes. The first day of our Salkantay Trek was a challenging but unforgettable experience, and we were excited to see what the rest of our journey had in store for us.
On the second day of our Salkantay Trek, we woke up early at Soraypampa and had a hearty breakfast before beginning our hike towards the Salkantay Pass. We climbed steadily through rocky terrain and dense forests, with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains surrounding us.
As we approached the pass, the trail became steeper and more challenging, but we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding valleys. We took some time to rest and take photos at the summit, which stands at an altitude of 4,650 meters (15,255 feet) above sea level.
After the pass, we descended towards the campsite at Collpapampa, passing through a variety of landscapes, including cloud forests, waterfalls, and small settlements. We arrived at our campsite in the late afternoon, where our team had set up our tents and prepared a delicious dinner. We spent the evening relaxing and reflecting on the incredible experiences of the day.
After a good night’s rest at our campsite in Collpapampa, we woke up early and had breakfast before starting our trek. We began our hike by crossing the river and hiking uphill, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
We continued our trek through the lush cloud forest, where we encountered a variety of exotic flora and fauna. We stopped for a picnic lunch along the way, taking in the incredible scenery around us.
After lunch, we continued our descent to the village of La Playa (Sahuayaco), where we set up our campsite for the night. We had some free time to explore the village and interact with the locals, learning about their traditional way of life. The first day of our trek had been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and we were excited to continue our journey the next day.
On the fourth day of our Salkantay Trek, we started early with breakfast at our campsite in La Playa. We then began our hike towards the Hydroelectric station, passing through lush vegetation and crossing the Lluskamayo River along the way. We enjoyed stunning views of the mountains and valleys as we made our way towards our destination.
After a few hours of hiking, we arrived at the Hydroelectric station, where we stopped for lunch. From there, we continued on foot to the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. We checked in to our hotel and had some free time to explore the town and relax before dinner.
On the final day of our trek, we woke up early and took the first bus to Machu Picchu. Our guide gave us a detailed tour of the ancient citadel, explaining the history and significance of the site. We explored the main plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, and many other structures within the ruins.
On the final day of our Salkantay Trek, we woke up early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu. We arrived in time to see the sunrise over the ancient ruins, which was a truly magical experience. Our guide gave us a fascinating tour of Machu Picchu, sharing stories and insights about this incredible ancient city.
After the tour, we had plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu on our own, taking in the stunning views and marveling at the impressive Inca architecture. We then caught a bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train to Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival, we were met by our driver who transferred us back to Cusco, arriving in the late evening. We were tired but exhilarated after completing the Salkantay Trek and experiencing the wonder of Machu Picchu. The trek was challenging but rewarding, and we felt grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible region of the Andes.
Deciding to embark on a guided tour of the city was an inspired choice. Our tour guide’s extensive knowledge of the city’s history and culture enriched the experience greatly. We were taken to captivating landmarks and hidden gems, providing an authentic glimpse into the city’s character.
