Information about Salkantay, Difficulty, Distance and Altitude

The difficulty of the trek

The difficulty of the Salkantay Trail depends on your physical condition. You must be well-prepared and healthy before starting the walk. You must be in moderate form to complete this trip.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent hike to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Some people chose this trip when the famous Inca Trail in Peru ran out (which happens quite often). Salkantay Trek is the best alternative hike to Machu Picchu.

The Altitude

Here you will see the elevations that we will cross during our walk:

Cusco – Soraypampa:

1. Initial elevation “Mollepata” 2900 meters / 9,515 feet
2. The height of the “Soraypampa” camp is 3850 meters / 12,631 feet.
3. Considered: Moderate
4. The area: Andes-Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Challway
5. The highest elevation, “Salkantay Pass” – is 4,600 meters / 15,090 feet.
6. The height of the “Challway” field is 3000 meters / 9,842 feet.
7. Considered: Difficult
8. The area: Andes, Salkantay Glacier.

For the way – Santa Teresa:

1. Start of elevation “Challway community” 3000 meters / 9842 feet.
2. Elevation of the “Santa Teresa” camp – 1811 meters / 7055 feet.
3. Considered: Moderate
4. The area: Cloud Forest

Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes

1. Walking distance – 15 km / 9 miles
2. Initial height: “Santa Teresa village” – 1,811 meters / 7,055 feet.
3. Elevation of the hotel: “Aguas Calientes pueblo” – 2,050 meters / 7,986 feet.
4. Considered: Moderate
5. The area: Cloud Forest

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

• Inca City of Machupicchu 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet
• Huayna Picchu is a sacred mountain 2,720 meters / 8,924 feet

Distance from Salkantay trail

The Salkantay trek crosses impressive landscapes from the cloud forest to the high mountains. On the way, you will see the fantastic views of the second-highest mountain in Cusco; we are talking about the imposing Apu Salkantay, the “wild mountain” in Quechua Inca, located at 6,271 meters /20,574 feet. This trip to Machu Picchu crosses little-frequented areas and combines culture and tradition with Peru’s incredible flora and fauna. You will be in the real Andes and in the perfect conditions to have an idea of life in the area.

Now we present the distances you will walk during Salkantay Trek:

• Day 1: Soraypampa to Suyroc Cocha 08 kilometers / 4.96 miles
• Day 2: Suyroc Cocha to Collpapampa 16 kilometers (9.92 miles).
• Day 3: Collpapampa to Lucmabamba 16 kilometers /9.92 miles.
• Day 4: Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes 16 kilometers / 9.92 miles
• Day 5: 2 – 3 hours Machu Picchu walking guided tour.

1. The altitude of this mountain is higher (6,271 meters) than other mountains in Cusco – Peru.
2. The walk’s highest point is at 4,600 – 4,800 meters /15,100 – 15,700 feet. Each person reacts differently, but we generally feel the effects of elevation when we reach 10,000 – 11,000 feet.
3. The key to dealing with altitude sickness is spending 2 or 3 days in Cusco to acclimatize. The first, third, and fourth days are moderate walks. They will go up and down.
4. The second day of the Salkantay trail will be the longest and most difficult (18 km / 11 miles). The coldest night will be the first night at 0 ° C.

How challenging is Salkantay Trek?

It is necessary to trek through the Andean mountains of Cusco and the plains to more than 4000 meters above sea level. This hike has medium to medium-high difficulty due to the high altitude and longitude. People of all ages make this trip every day with Kondor Path Tours. Are you ready for this hike?

The difficulty of the Salkantay walk

It has medium-high and medium difficulty and lasts approximately five days at an average rate. This walk requires good physical condition. The route to Machu Picchu includes steep climbs and plains that progressively rise.

The starting point is the Mollepata area at 2900 meters / 9514 feet or Soraypampa. The final issue, Machu Picchu, is at 2040 meters / 6692 feet. Along the trail, there are areas uphill and others downhill. No risk factors exist, so this walk is safe because signs indicate it.

If you need help or rest, do not hesitate to leave the way to sit down for a moment and enjoy the scenery and the fresh air of the Andes – Peru. The cold is moderate, depending on the season, but we recommend bringing a coat.

Recommendations

1. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses: the dry season runs from March to November and does accompany by the radiant sun, so it is necessary to protect it adequately.
2. Hydrate properly; bring a water bottle or rehydration drinks for your trip.
3. Do not make much effort; use a cane or take extra horse service if necessary.
4. Bring snacks with you; there are no places to buy food, so it’s good to have snacks to replenish energy and overcome any difficulty.
5. Take what is necessary: protect your back. Take what is required so that this walk avoids problems.
6. Do not give up: the route’s difficulty becomes easy if you take pictures, talk to other people, and pay attention to details.