The Salkantay Route

This hike takes its name from the magnificent Salkantay Snowy Mountain, a natural work belonging to the Vilcabamba mountain range, located in the province of La Convención, district of Santa Teresa and is also one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region.

This mountain is also considered as one of the main Apus, since for the population it is a sacred place above the valleys, located at an altitude of 6,271 m.a.s.l

Best time to travel to Salkantay road:

The Cusco region has two types of marked climates, rainy season and dry season, so the months from May to October are considered the best dates to make such an excursion since the rains are over and the road is firm; However, this route can be done all year round, except for the month considered the rainiest of the year (February), so we suggest you think it through.

What Salkantay Road offers?

The route to Salkantay offers privileged views of the Humantay and Salkantay peaks, since with the melting of these two lakes are formed, being the most important and visited by travelers, called Humantay Lagoon, (it is currently visited by tourists from all over the world to enjoy its beauty and leave offerings to the Pachamama, deity that represents mother Earth in the Inca culture)

In addition to the snowy mountains, the route shows a variety of flora and fauna as far as the region of the jungle is concerned, since one is surrounded by a green and warm landscape that allows us to breathe pure air that does well to our body.

Marvel at vestiges and constructions that our ancestors left us as a legacy. Enjoy magical nights with a starry sky, which makes you think and say that it was worth all the effort made.

Difficulty of the walk:

The degree of difficulty for any walk depends a lot on the physical condition that one may have, in addition to already having experience in a similar route and in the state of health that one may have.

This route is considered by many travelers of greater effort since the degree of difficulty is "High", considering it a great challenge for those who do it.

Physical training:

The preparation for the Road to Salkantay, begins taking into consideration the physical condition that one has, that is why specialists consider having an advance preparation before making such an excursion, since in this way the muscles are strengthened and generate resistance. at the time of our walk to Salkantay.

So much so that gradually your physical condition will be in better conditions, since at the time of making the walk all the muscles will be prepared and in that way also our heart will pump more efficient blood that will make us have more oxygen.

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Maras Moray Tour

We travel to more recondite places of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Discover the best Sacred Valley Tour  start with Chinchero, where you will appreciate the beauty of its town and archaeological complex; also you will have the possibility to participate in a brief exhibition of traditional textiles, a distinctive feature of this town famous for the beauty and high quality of its fabrics and ancestral dyeing techniques. 

Then you must visit Moray, where the view is impressive thanks to colossal concentric terraces simulating a large amphitheater. Its usefulness: to recreate 20 different types of microclimates, measurement that assured the agricultural production of the empire. Finally you will continue to Maras, the famous and ancient salt mines of the colonial era. The contrast of its white wells with the green valley is imposing and must-see for a spectacular postcard of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Discover Moray:

It is located about 7 km southwest of Maras; It is unique archaeological group in its kind in the region. These are gigantic natural depressions or pits on the surface of the land that were used to build terraces or agricultural platforms with their respective irrigation channels. It is therefore a prototype of a greenhouse or biological experimental station that is quite advanced for its time. that the American man of antiquity inherits to the humanity a 60% of the vegetable products that he consumes, that the Andean man consumes a thousand and a half of diverse varieties of potatoes, a hundred and a half of corn, and many other products.

Explore Maras - Salt Mines:

Located to the west of Cusco at 3300 m.a.s.l. From there you can see the Urubamba mountain range and the snowy summits of "La Verónica" (5682 meters above sea level) and the "Chikón" (5530 meters above sea level). Its important occupation began when the Inkan Cusquenian nobles were stripped of their palaces in the Qosqo and had They go out to settle in other small towns like Maras. It has a church made of adobes, typical of the religious architecture of the town, inside the church are kept canvases of the Cusquenian School.

Now talking about Salt Mines, it is located to the northwest of the town of Maras are about 3000 small wells with an average area of about 5 m², during the dry season are filled or "irrigated" every 3 days with salt water that emanates from a natural spring located in the part of the wells so that when the water evaporates, the salt contained in it gradually solidifies, later the salt is hit and thus granulated; the salt will then be bagged in plastic bags and sent to the markets of the region; Today that salt is being iodized, which is why its consumption is not harmful. 

Are you ready to dare with the adventure? Take your package and don't doubt, visit the Sacred Valley Tour.

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Tips to preven the altitude sickness during Salkantay Trek

Altitude sickness, also known as Monge's disease, occurs as a fundamental cause in the lack of oxygen, and manifests itself in non-acclimatized people who rise above 2 thousand m.a.s.l. in less than 1 or 2 days. The tourist who arrives at these points by plane is the most prone to suffer this evil. The symptoms usually occur within the first 48 hours of the ascent and include from insomnia, headache to nausea, vomiting. To start let´s know;

What is altitude sickness? (or Soroche, as it is called in Cusco) 

At altitudes above 2,400 m, the air is thinner, that is, there is less pressure, so while the percentage of oxygen remains the same, the air is less dense, so every time you breathe, inhale less oxygen than you're used to. To counteract this, your body, at first, feels the need to breathe faster and pump the blood more quickly in order to have the same amount of oxygen to which you are accustomed. For many people, this comes as a shock to the body, causing various symptoms.

Now I will describe some of the most popular symptoms:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness 
• Headaches Sickness
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea or constipation 
• Difficult breathing 
• Tachycardia 

However, many of us do not know how to protect ourselves from this evil. Here some
recommendations before hiking the Salkantay Trek:

•  Acclimatization upon arrival in Cusco is very important to fully enjoy the rest of the trip. It is necessary to rest as much as possible the first day, eat little and drink plenty of fluids. 
• Always walk slowly, if you suffer from severe headache. 
• Do not make physical efforts too sudden. 
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and heavy food.
• It is advisable to bring a good supply of lemon candies, as it counteracts dehydration and discomfort due to height.
• If you also feel fatigue, headache, suffer from nausea or vomiting seek medical help at the nearest health post.

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Salkantay Packing List

Before starting your great adventure hike through the sacred snow mountain of Salkantay to Machu Picchu you must have your travel backpack ready. Do not waste time looking for a lot of information on what to bring, that we provide you with the definitive packing list for the Salkantay Trek. 

Backpack for the 5-day hike from Salkantay to Machu Picchu: What backpack to take to the Salkantay tour of 5 days?  

As it is a 5 day journey, you will need a backpack of 30 liters or more, resistant to rain and with extra pockets to carry extra things. 

Clothing: The Salkantay Trek offers diverse landscapes with different climates so it is necessary that you go prepared for sunny days, rain, snow and humidity. We recommend you bring: A coat, also called a jacket, will be very useful to protect you from the cold and rain. Four shirts, which will be used during the five days of the walk. Try to be light and dry fast. Avoid cotton clothes because they are heavy.

Salkantay Hike: 

Choose a jacket that protects from cold and rain You must keep your legs and feet protected during the crossing. We recommend the following items in your travel backpack: 

• Hiking pants. A good idea is to use pants with removable boots (with zipper) to be able to use them as shorts. 
• Underwear: Comfortable pieces and that dry fast. 
• Footwear: Hiking shoes. Choose a pair that has good grip and is suitable for rough terrain and water resistant. Avoid wearing a new pair of shoes, as they can hurt you more than some used ones.Your shoes for the Salkantay trek must be water resistant accessories 
• Hat: Important for days of intense sun. 
• Plastic poncho: Do not let the rain bother you, rather enjoy the landscape! 
• Swimwear. On the route you can optionally enter the thermal baths. 
• Towel. Of regular size and that is of a fabric that dries fast.

Camping equipment 

• Water canteen: You can carry a reusable bottle for water. 
• Gloves: Sometimes the cold can get into your hands, so we recommend taking them. 
• Trekking sticks: They can be useful for some sections of the walk. 
• Lantern: Very useful for outings in the early hours or for camping nights. 
• Binoculars: Do not lose sight of wild animals in the distance!

Personal hygiene items 

Do not forget to bring items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other personal items so you can start each morning refreshed and ready for adventure.

Electronic

The memories of your adventure will be recorded forever in the memory of the camera and you can share them with your friends and family. To ensure the functioning of your equipment, do not forget to bring extra batteries and an additional memory card. The landscapes you will find are one of the reasons to choose the way from Salkantay to Machu Picchu, so prepare that camera!

Documents 

It is very important that your backpack has your original passport and your original identity document to be able to identify you at the checkpoints. In case of being a student, the ISIC card will be useful for some discounts in the price of the tour and in some establishments in the city of Cusco.

Health articles

Small items that will be very useful in your backpack to travel to Salkantay:

• Insect repellent and sunscreen 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Toilet paper 
• Tissues 

Others 

• Cash. It is advisable to have around 400 soles (equivalent to 123 US dollars) in cash for extra expenses. 
• Personal medications: If you follow a treatment, do not forget to take all your medications with you. Snacks: Small healthy snacks like energy bars, granola, yogurt among others.
• Souvenirs of your country. Share your culture with your travel companions and the people you meet along the way!

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Salkantay Trek difficulty

Salkantay trek is one of the most beautiful Inca roads.This trek is an alternative route to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is a 5-day and 4-night hike to the Inca Citadel by accessing the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of the Wonder of the World. On the route you can see landscapes even more impressive than the Inca Trail. Places like the snowy Salkantay, whose summit is 6,721 m.a.s.l. and whose slopes the tourist crosses to 4,572 m.a.s.l. You can also visit places such as the beautiful Mollepata Valley, the ruins of Llactapata and tropical territories where flora and fauna abound. The last section is parallel to the Vilcanota River, until arriving at Aguas Calientes. From there, one ascends on foot or by bus to the entrance gate to the Inca City. The Salkantay Trek was chosen by the National Geographic magazine as one of the 25 best hiking trails in the world. To access this adventure you can hire a tour operator. The other option is to do it on your own. This requires experience and necessary care. There are some variants to this adventure, which start the route in different points.

Road to Machu Picchu through the Salkantay Trek 

The 'Apu' Salkantay (6,271 m.a.s.l.) is a snow mountain belonging to the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is the second highest mountain in Cusco after the Ausangate (6,384 m.a.s.l.). Its name means wild mountain. Due to its imposing and isolated appearance, it was much appreciated by the Incas. They put before him the denomination 'Apu' which means 'lord' or 'sacred'. This snow was considered as one of the most powerful in the region. They paid veneration to the point that they built Machu Picchu in view of its summit. According to the Andean cosmovision, the mountains provided life and decided on plantings, harvests and even natural disasters. Because of this, he should be given respect and offerings. Today, the inhabitants of the Andes still consider the mountains as important spirits. In Cusco, Salkantay is as much appreciated as the Incas were.
View of the Salkantay mountain The 'Apu' Salkantay

• Name: Salkantay Trek. 
• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights. 
• Kilometers: approximately 72 kilometers. 
• Climate: minimum of less than 0 ° C in the 'Abra Salcantay'. 
• Maximum height: 4,572 m.a.s.l. in the 'Abra Salcantay'. 
• Minimum height: 1,800 m.a.s.l in the town of Santa Teresa. 
• Difficulty: challenging. 
• How to do it ?: with a tour or on your own. 
• When to do it ?: in dry season (from April to October). 
• Places you visit: Mollepata, Soraypampa, 'abra Salkantay', Chaullay, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. 
• Physical conditions: advisable to be in good physical condition.

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Salkantay Trek Weather

Salkantay Trek, the old and remote alternative 5 day path to the Inca Trail, it has much more spectacular views and with different ecological levels we will walk among lagoons, impressive snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay and Humantay, crossing rivers and subtropical areas of abundant vegetation and fauna.

This trek is an excellent option for those who want to escape from the most congested routes and in a faster way, or for those who are looking for an alternative when the spaces of the traditional Inca Trail are occupied. This impressive excursion passes under the magnificent mountain Salkantay (6,710 m / 22,014 ft), one of the highest and most impressive of the Peruvian Andes. Its first two days will be dominated by the impressive snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay, as it travels through the high Andean landscape. The third day will descend to the warm cloud forest, to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive sacred citadel of the Incas Machu Picchu is visited during the last day of the program.

This excursion is an interesting alternative for those who have not found space on the route from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The excursion to Salkantay was recently named by the National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine among the 25 best excursions in the world.

Salkantay trek weather is very sunny during the day but cold at night. The temperature falls below 0 ° C at night between June and September. From December to March it is rainy which is why the trail is closed during these months. The best time relative to the weather to make Salkantay trek or hike is between the months of June and September. So if you decide to travel during those months, we recommend you bring warm clothing to prevent getting sick so you can safely make your adventure tours to Salkantay.

Now see the best months to visit the Salkantay Trek:

• February is excluded because the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance all month.
• January and March should be avoided if possible due to the rains. 
• April, November and December are a good balance between a not very cold temperature and a pleasant climate. 
• May and October offer a pleasant climate with fresh tempreatures. 
• June, July, August and September correspond, in our choice, to the best months even if the nights are cool, because the weather is very pleasant and there is very little rain.

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"Taki" the museum of musical instruments in Cusco

"Taki Museum" is an ethnographic collection, it has a permanent exhibition room in which Andean and Amazonian musical instruments are appreciated. It also has a library, an ethnic music archive and a video library. The Museum of the Andean Institute has a collection of varied musical instruments made of different types of ancient andean materials. You can't miss the opportunity to see this fantastic collection of original ancient instruments. Let´s see more details of Taki Museum! 

In the city of Cusco - Peru, the capital of the Ancient Tahuantinsuyo, legacy of the Inca empire is located the museum  "Taki Museum", a place where more than 400 original musical instruments of the Andean and Amazonian indigenous and mestizo peoples can be appreciated. and others from America and the World. The musical instruments that will be exhibited in "TAKI", are made of the most diverse and curious materials, shapes and sizes and present different techniques of sound production and execution. In "Taki Museum", these instruments, not only can be seen but also heard in their sounds, melodies, rhythms and harmonies, through guided tours, live demonstrations and an important archive of original field recordings. In addition, "Taki Museum", allow us to take some Andean music sessions, meditation and healing rituals through ancestral music, musical improvisation sessions, as well as talks, workshops and seminars that are offer regularly.

Here some of the projects done by "TAKI" as a museum and Cultural Center:

• Taki museum show original and indigenous musical instruments and mestizos of the Andean, Amazonian and other peoples of America and the world. 
• Musical and visual archive (photo and video). 
• Specialized library 
• Workshops and teaching of the instruments.
• Instrument building workshops. 
• Training and promotion of musical groups traditional 
• Talks and conferences and organization of seminars. 
• Recordings and production of CDs, videos, etc. 
• Written publications 
• Live sessions of ancestral music, ritual, etc. Andean and Amazonian musical ceremonial calendar. Area and research and projects in relation to original Andean and Amazonian indigenous communities. 
• Store (sale of instruments and related items).

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