Salkantay Trekking Information
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most beautiful routes that crosses the immense mountains of the Andes, and to be able to do this trek you will need the necessary information (Salkantay Trek Information) to make your trip unforgettable.
In this page you will find useful information about different aspects of the Traditional Salkantay Trek such as the location, altitude, degree of difficulty of the trek and the main tourist attractions that we will be able to visit on the trek.
This information is updated constantly and responsibly because for us your safety and health is paramount and the main basis for our services, we hope that all this information will be useful:
Location of Nevado Salkantay:
The Nevado del Salkantay, (6272 m.a.s.l.) or also called Apu Salkantay is located north of the city of Cusco, it is the highest mountain range of the eastern flank of the Vilcabamba mountain range. The Quechua name of this mountain means “Wild Mountain” because it is difficult to climb to the top.
Salkantay Trekking Information on how to get there:
To get to the start of our trek we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to Mollepata the trip lasts approximately 3 hours to 3 hours 30min, or if you want to make this trip independently you can take local buses that leave from Arcopata.
Salkantay trek Climate:
In the Andean region of Cusco there are two well-defined seasons: Epoca de Secas, which runs from April to November and is predominantly dry, with high temperatures during the day and very low at night and summer, between November and March, when it rains the most.
It is possible to do the Trail in the rainy months as the road is in very good condition, the camping equipment is modern and all meals are taken inside a tent.
Altitudes of the Trek
Cusco rises up to 3,400 meters above sea level, which may pose a problem for some people, we recommend that you are in Cusco for at least 48 hours before starting the trek, during which time you should drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and rest.
The maximum altitude within the Salkantay trek is 4 600 m.a.s.l. which is the beautiful Salkantay pass and the minimum altitude is 2 200 m.a.s.l. at the last camp at Lucmabamba.
hiking the salkantay trek
You will have no problem completing this route as long as you are in good health, moderately fit and used to walking. If on the other hand you do not walk regularly you can always do some training with before your trip.
Age to do the hike
Any age is ideal for this hike as long as you are reasonably fit and have no problems walking. Children under 10 years old taking part in the Salkantay Trek will be under the responsibility of their parents.
Difficulty level information
Taking into account the following points of difficulty where:
- Easy: Accessible for all types of people in good health.
- Moderate: Accessible for people who do a little sport eventually, and who are used to walk in all types of terrain, without much weight to carry 4 to 6 hours of walking.
- Challenging: Accessible to Physically active people with some hiking experience with a duration of 6 to 7 hours.
- Demanding: Accessible to people who require endurance and effort, good health and average hiking experience is necessary, in certain circumstances you may need to bring your own equipment.
- Strenuous: Accessible to people physically and psychologically prepared for a trek of great effort, it is a level of adventure, often involves carrying your own equipment.
Taking into account these levels of difficulty the Salkantay trek is between easy and moderate.
Salkantay Trekking Availability Information:
At the moment the Salkantay Trekking Information does not have any kind of regulation regarding availability and quotas, so it can be visited at any time of the year.
The only detail is the rainy months (December to March) where the rains make the hike a challenge, but with a lot of desire and an adventurous spirit we will reach our final point of visit which is Machu Picchu. Salkantay trek and inca trail, are the best combinations for you to reach Machu Picchu.
