Salkantay - Santa Teresa - Machu Picchu Trek (5 days) (Alternative Inca Trail)
| Map of the Salkantay - Santa Teresa - Machu Picchu Trek | |
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Distance: 50km
Duration: 5 days
When to go: Best from April to December although can be done year round.
Altitude: 2400m to 4600m
Difficulty: Moderate
Fees: None
The mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba rise to form a ragged chain between the regions' two great rivers; the Urubamba and the Apurimac. Along the cordillera's northern side, massive snow peaks collide with lush tropical rain forests.
Located northwest of Cusco, Nevado de Salkantay, the cordillera's tallest peak, is at the eastern end of the chain and rises to 6271 meters above sea level. The name Salkantay means 'Savage Mountain' which may refer to the swirling clouds that rise up from the jungle lowlands and engulf the peak.
The Salkantay - Santa Teresa - Machu Picchu is often referred to as the "alternative Inca Trail". In recent years it has become popular due to restrictions and price increases on the Classic 4 day Inca Trail. Trek permits are not required for this alternative route so reservations can easily be made upon arrival in Cusco even as late as just one day before departure! More adventurous independent trekkers can do this trek without either a guide or using the services of a trekking agency but a guided tour is recommended. Although many guide books and travel agencies often describe this route as "the-road-less-travelled" or "get away from the crowds" this can be misleading. There is currently no control over the maximum number of trekkers so during the peak season (June - September) there can sometimes be more trekkers than the Classic Inca Trail and each year it is becoming more popular especially with Latin American visitors.
Typical Trek Itinerary
The trek starts with a bus ride to the trail-head just beyond the village of Mollepata (3 hrs). The trail then follows the Rio Blanco (White River) and Rio Huamantay to the north of Nevado Salkantay and then follows the route of the Rio Santa Teresa until it reaches the Hidro-Electrica (Hydro-Electric Plant) on the Rio Vilcanota. Travellers then take an afternoon train for the short ride to Aguas Calientes where the night is spent. Machu Picchu is then visited on the 4th day of the trek. Travellers return to Cusco by train late in the afternoon.
