The Snow Capped of Apu Salkantay

Salkantay is located within the Vilcabamba Mountains range, northwest of Cusco.

The activities

The snowcapped Apu Salkantay (APU means Sacred Mountain “watcher”) is 6271 meters (20,574 feet) high. It can observe some condors “if we are lucky to see one” in their natural habitat.

The Cordillera of Vilcabamba (mountain range of Vilcabamba; north of Cusco) is where the Salkantay massif is, with a beautiful and secluded area.

The area is visible during the hike of Phuyupatamarca, which makes the Inca Trail (the third day of the experience). The geography is intricate and whimsical, and it is attractive all around. From Mollepata, Challacancha, or Soraypampa, go towards the classic 4-day Inca Trail to connect by Wayllabamba.

Salkantay Climate

The temperature falls below 0 °C / 32 °F at night from June to September. The best time for the weather to do this Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is June to September.

Heights of camps on the Salkantay Trail

• Mollepata 2,900 meters / 9,515 feet
• Soraypampa 3,850 meters / 12631 feet
• Salkantay Pampa 4,100 meters / 13,500 feet
• Salkantay passes 4,600 meters (15,090 feet).
• Huayra Machay 3,800 meters (12,500 feet)
• Challway 3,000 meters / 9842 feet
• La Playa 2,100 meters / 6,889 feet
• Llactapata PASS 3,000 meters (9,842 feet)
• Aguas Calientes town 2,040 meters / 6,690 feet
• Machu Picchu 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet

Mountains surrounding the Nevada Salkantay

At its highest point, it reaches 4,650 meters above sea level (15,255 ft). It is the 38th-highest peak in the Andes and the 12th-highest in Peru. However, it is the second-highest topographic prominence in the country after Huascaran.

Central Mountains around Nevado Salkantay:

• Snow Capped:
  • Humantay 5,917 meters / 19,412 feet
  • Salkantay 6,264 meters / 22,847 feet
  • Palcay 5,422 meters / 17,788 feet
  • Ocomba 5,126 meters / 16,817 feet
  • Moyoc 5,210 meters / 17,093 feet
  • Huayanay 5,188 meters / 17,020 feet
  • Corner 5,024 meters / 16,482 feet
  • Bonanta 5,319 meters / 17,450 feet
  • Huacayhuilca 5,361 meters / 17,588 feet
  • Marconi 5,319 meters / 17,450 feet
  • Veronica 5,682 meters / 18,641 feet
  • Chaupiloma 5,339 meters / 17,516 feet
  • Amparay 5,418 meters / 17,775 feet
  • Soray 5,428 meters / 17,808 feet

When to Go to Salkantay.

The dry season, “Temporada Seca,” is the best time for this Salkantay trek. In Cusco, the dry season lasts from April to November, and the wet season lasts from December to March. May and October usually offer the best weather conditions for exploring the Andes via Salkantay.