Table of Contents
Exploring new corners of the world has become the new way of traveling for many adventurers. Visiting places that comfort you, that invite you to step out of your comfort zone is collecting the best experiences.
The Salkantay Trek 3 days is one of the best hiking routes in Peru. This route is truly magical as it connects the best of the Peruvian Andes with the abundance of the jungle. If you are thinking of doing this trek and don’t have much time, this blog is for you. Discover Salkantay Trek in just 3 days.
Salkantay mountain
Composed of natural elements that have been created for thousands of years and represented by a variety of geological formations. Different ecosystems develop, with plant formations and the diversity of species of flora and fauna characteristic of the area. The geography of Peru is very varied, and the Andean mountain range has contributed a lot to create spaces to explore. Salkantay mountain is at 6264 meters above sea level, it is the most important mountain of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Its name comes from the Quechua word:
- Salqa = surly
- Antay = produce clouds or avalanches
Along with the Ausangate mountain, Salkantay mountain is the largest mountain in the entire Cusco region. Salkantay mountain presents greater technical problems on all its slopes for climbing.
Salkantay the majestic Apu
The Apu Salkantay, also known as the “protective lord,” guards the towns of Limatambo, Mollepata, Machupicchu, and Choquequirao located in the Vilcabamba mountain range. The religious cult continues to this day, considering it one of the most important mountains in the invocations of ceremonies of gratitude towards the Apu, the oldest that the Incas had, to whom they performed ceremonies with honors and sacrifices.
Salkantay trek 3 days, route details
Maximum altitude:
4650 meters / 15255.91 ft. at the Salkantay Pass
Minimum altitude:
2400 meters / 8038 ft .in Machu Picchu
Distance traveled:
70 kilometers / 43 miles.
Salkantay Trek 3 days itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Quisarniyoc – Salkantay Pass – Chawllay
The journey begins very early in the city of Cusco. The journey runs towards the district of Mollepata for a time of 2 and a half hours. In Mollepata, there is a short stop so that the passenger can buy the things he/she needs for his/her trip. One hour more of travel until reaching the town of Soraypamapa where the hike will start.
In this place, the muleteers, people in charge of carrying the mules with the group’s luggage, are waiting. The first hour of the hike is easy and flat. Starting from Salkantaypampa, the road is uphill until reaching the Salkantay Pass located at 4,650 meters above sea level, a very demanding stretch. A short rest at the pass, and the descent begins until reaching the first camp of Chawllay, where you will spend the night to start the next day with a lot of energy.
Day 2: Chawllay – Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
This day is truly amazing, it’s a total change from yesterday’s weather. After recharging with breakfast, we start the hike through the high jungle of Peru. On this day, it is very important to use insect repellent and lots of sunscreen. It’s a five-hour hike where you can observe the abundant flora of the jungle, coffee plantations, and a variety of typical fruits from this area. Upon arriving at Sahuayaco beach, there will be transportation that will take the whole team to the district of Santa Teresa, where there will be time to have lunch and stock up on water and some snacks to enjoy the last trek on foot.
It’s a 30-minute car ride from Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica, where the last 3-hour trek to Machu Picchu town or also called Aguas Calientes will begin. Upon arrival, you can rest in a lodging and recharge for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The third day is lighter and the most anticipated of the entire trip, on this day we finally get to know the Inca city of Machu Picchu. In the morning, we head to the bus station that will take us directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu. There will be a two-hour visit to the entire cultural complex. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu, you must communicate this option when making your reservation with your travel agent so that they can take care of everything. After leaving Machu Picchu, we take the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes, have lunch, and then head to the train station for our return to the city of Cusco.
Natural and Cultural Attractions
Nevado Humantay
From the town of Soraypampa, you can observe the majestic Nevado Humantay, which is located at 5450 meters above sea level. This place is one of the most visited on the Salkantay route. At the foot of the snowy mountain is one of the best and most beautiful lagoons all of Peru, the Humantay lake.
Salkantay Pass
The Salkantay snowy mountain reaches 4,650 meters above sea level, and from this point, you can observe the imposing Salkantay snowy mountain. This place is the highest and coldest point of the entire Salkantay Trek route.
Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town
The district of Aguas Calientes is very picturesque, and you can find hot springs, a butterfly sanctuary, the Machu Picchu site museum, and the Allcamayo waterfall.
Machu Picchu
Considered one of the modern wonders of the world, Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel that perfectly summarizes Inca architecture and how it fit perfectly into nature. Machu Picchu is visited daily by thousands of tourists who come to admire the architectural beauty of the Inca Empire.
THINGS TO BRING
- Personal documents
- Personal hygiene items
- Cash, preferably in soles
- Change of clothes
- Rain poncho and waterproof clothing.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent.
- Hat
- Trekking shoes that protect the ankles
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle Snacks and fruit
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many hours do you walk per day?
You walk approximately 12 hours per day.
What is the maximum weight I should carry?
It is highly recommended that you can carry a maximum of 5 kilos in your backpack, the rest of your luggage will be carried by the muleteers.
What is the best time of the year to do the Salkantay Trek?
The best season is between the months of April – October, as during this season there is no rain.
Salkantay Trek is one of the best way to know Machupicchu, this trekking has allowed many travellers to explore new enchanting routes. Inkayni Peru Tours is an agency specialised in organising trekking trips all over Peru. If you are willing to travel this wonderful route you can consult with our agency to give you all the information.
Shared:
If you liked this article and the information you found, give us 5 stars!
(1 votos, promedio: 5.00 de 5)
Loading...