By Eija Rissanen
Trekking to Machu Picchu is a dream for many hikers. The popularity of the Inca Trail has, however, caused the trail to the Lost City to become crowded and no longer desirable for hikers who are looking to admire the scenery without someone in their way. Hikers interested in avoiding the crowds can now choose to trek the Salkantay Trail as an alternative to the Inca Trail. The scenery is as amazing as on the Inca Trail--and your pictures won't include people you don't know.
When to Go
Salkantay Trail is open year-round, and there really isn't a bad time to hike it. Dry season from May to November, however, is the most recommended time to visit Peru because the weather is cool, even though the nighttime temperatures can be freezing. June, July and August are the peak tourist months. Wet season is from December to April when daily showers at least three or four times a week are common. The wet season, however, makes the landscape green and gives you a chance to see blooming flowers. To experience the best parts of the seasons, trek to Machu Picchu either from April to June or from September to November when the weather is still warm and only quick showers are common.
Difficulty
Salkantay Trail is a demanding hike, but anyone in good health should not have problems completing it. The trail twists up to 15,400 feet above sea level, so it is normal to experience at least some kind of altitude sickness, especially if you arrived at high altitude less than five days before your hike. The hike is about 27 miles long, and you generally will complete it in five days.
What Is the Trek Like?
Every tour company has a different itinerary, but panoramic views, snow-topped mountains, local flora and fauna and visits to local villages on the way to the Machu Picchu are part of the trek with all tour companies. Lunch and dinner breaks interrupt the day, giving you the chance to admire the scenery and catch your breath after climbing up the side of mountains in high altitude. In the evening, you arrive at the campsite for the night, then you get up early in the morning to continue your journey. Some tours also include a visit to the Santa Teresa hot springs before you arrive at Aguas Calientes on the last night of the trek. The last day is spent exploring Machu Picchu. All tours start and end in Cusco.
What to Bring
All your luggage is carried by horses or mules, and each hiker is limited to have luggage weighting up to 20 pounds. In addition to your luggage, you should have a backpack to carry your water bottle and warm clothes for the day. Gear needed for the trek include heavy hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing and a sleeping bag. Tents, food, cooking equipment and a sleeping pad are usually provided by the tour company.
Trekking Tours
Independent hiking on the Salkantay Trek is not allowed, so you have to go with a licensed tour company. Permits, however, are not needed for the trek, and reservations don't need to be made several months before such as for the Inca Trail. Tour prices include transportation to the head of Salkantay Trail, accommodation in Aguas Calientes, bus and train tickets, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, a guided tour at Machu Picchu, professional English and Spanish speaking guides, horses and mules to carry gear and meals during the trek.
About the Author:
Eija Rissanen is a freelance journalist living in Hawaii. She has a journalism and environmental studies degree from Hawaii Pacific University. Her articles have been published in Kalamalama, the student newspaper of Hawaii Pacific University, and some other environmental and travel publications and Web sites in Europe and the United States.
