Salkantay or the Inca Trail?

There are many things in the world that are taken for granted and/or not given the recognition they should be: Salkantay is one of them. Although the Inca Trail is the classic when it comes to Peru, that does not mean that it is the only one. You can find the tranquility of Peruvian nature in many different places throughout the country.

This was once named by National Geographic as one of the 25 best hikes in the entire world. It’s easy to see why once you’re in it. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and you travel through a variety of terrain, from grassy fields to Andean mountains to cloudy jungle.

The trek can be done in four days by taking transport to a point farther from the trail, but it is preferably done in five. This will see you walk towards Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Pueblo on the fourth day. The next morning, you will walk or take the bus to Machu Picchu. There is also an alternative that includes walking part of the Inca Trail. An Inca Trail permit and seven days are required for this.

Dressing appropriately is crucial due to the changing terrain that will be there. Layered dressing is always recommended when in the highlands. Walking will obviously also warm you up a bit. But the temperature swings can be extreme on this particular hike.

The first night, for example, when you approach the ice-covered mountain of Salkantay, it is bone-chilling cold. The highest point of the hike will be reached during this morning when you put your hiking boots back on. After that you will basically descend to warmer climates, although the trail will go up and down.

Santa Teresa is home to wonderful hot springs, and this is something to enjoy on the third day of your trek. They are still being rebuilt after the 2010 floods, but at least some of the pools have been reopened. There are also some cheap hostels in the area that can be a nice change from sleeping in a tent.

On the last day of the trek, you will be fully into the jungle portion of the trek as you make your way to Aguas Calientes. With a wide variety of fruits, flowers, coffee beans, orchids and bananas; vegetation tends to be a reflection of climate. Despite the heat and humidity, it’s a beautiful end to the hike and makes it hard to believe you were shivering the first night.

The best way to see Machu Picchu is before the crowds arrive, so when you get up before dawn on the fifth morning, be sure to take advantage. I would suggest taking the bus instead of walking so you don’t have to get up so early. If you’re interested in climbing Huayna Picchu while you’re there, be sure to mention it when you book your trek. Access to the peak has to be purchased, and this ticket is purchased when you are purchasing your Machu Picchu ticket.