The Salkantay Trek is an old and remote alternative path to the Inca Trail, it has much more spectacular views and with various ecological floors we will walk between lagoons, impressive snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay and Humantay, crossing rivers and subtropical areas with abundant vegetation and fauna.
This path is an excellent option for those who want to escape 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.
Andenes is a camp on the Salkantay route, passing through the second camp on Andenes you will be able to find colorful butterflies and beautiful orchids.
How high is Andenes?
Andenes is located at 2,889masl / 9,481ft
How to get to Andenes?
After reaching Soraypampa (3,868m / 12,690ft), the trek begins towards the highest point, which is the Salkantay pass at (4,638m / 15,213ft). Here you stop to enjoy the views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range in all directions, with the south face of the Salkantay glacier rising above you, where you can see Andean condors. From this point, descend towards Wayracmachay to enjoy lunch and continue descending along the left bank of the Salkantay river. Watch the landscape become greener and greener, shifting from puna to rainforest or cloud forest. You can feel the hot air rising from the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and beautiful orchids, until you reach the second camp in Andenes (2,889m / 9,481ft). In the camp, dinner is served and overnight.
The Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, is an adventurous alternative trail to the 4 day Inca Trail Tour, during this trek we can get wonderful views and with different ecological floors; you walk between lagoons, sensational snow-capped mountains: Salkantay and Humantay, also crossing rivers and subtropical areas with abundant flora and fauna; This tour also passes underneath the Salkantay mountain (6,710 m / 22,014 ft), one of the highest and most impressive in the Peruvian Andes.
The Salkantay Walk is an excellent alternative for people who prefer to get out of the routine and be part of an adventure walk. Another incredible alternative treks to Machu Picchu are: 2 day Inca Trail, Machu Picchu 3 day hike, 2 day Inca Trail with camping, one day Inca Trail, Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao Trek 5 Days, Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek, Choquequirao Trek 4 Days.
Attractions within the Salkantay Walk:
- The Salkantay Glacier: This snowy is the highest peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range, part of the Peruvian Andes. It is considered the 38th highest peak in the Andes and the 12th highest in Peru and is the second highest in topographic prominence in the country.
- The Humantay Lagoon: The way to get to the Humantay Lagoon is the same to go to the Salkantay mountain, we must take a detour halfway to reach the lagoon after approximately hours of walking.
- Cocalmayo Hot Springs: The Cocalmayo Hot Springs are also known as the Baths of Santa Teresa, they are located in the Santa Teresa district, in the province of La Convencion, in Cusco.
- Machu Picchu: The Inca city of Machu Picchu that is the cherry on the cake, this architectural gem is surrounded by temples, platforms and water channels, built on top of a mountain and its construction was built with large blocks of stone attached each other, without the use of amalgam.
How is the climate in Salkantay?
The climate is very varied, because it winds through very different terrains, which is why it also has different altitudes.
The only place where the weather is a serious concern is Salkantay Pass and nearby areas. Temperatures here and in the nearby Soraypampa camp may be below freezing; in the other camps they are much warmer, due to their proximity to the cloud forest.
What is the degree of difficulty of this walk?
The level of difficulty of this trek is slightly higher than that of the Inca Trail, but it is not a high level trek either.
It has a duration of 05 days, it is higher and wilder, however in this we find the beauty of the walk. The trek to Salkantay was named by National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine among the top 25 excursions in the world.
