Are you a nature enthusiast and an adventure seeker, tired of walking the same trails as groups of other people? If so, the Salkantay Trek in Peru should be at the top of your bucket list. This awe-inspiring journey promises to take you through breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountains, lush jungles, and ancient ruins, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.

Peru’s Salkantay Trek offers an alternative route to the iconic Inca Trail, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the Andean wilderness while making their way to the legendary lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This challenging but rewarding experience showcases the unparalleled diversity of Peru’s landscape. And while the iconic Inca Trail stands at the forefront of most peoples minds, the Salkantay also holds religious significance. It is said that the Salkantay route was the one the religious leaders took to get to Machu Picchu as, given the higher elevations, it brought them closer to god. The Salkantay route takes trekkers through a mountain pass that reaches an altitude of 4600m (15 062ft) above sea level which can be physically demanding given the ascent gradient and altitude.  This happens on the second day of the trek which is also the most challenging day taking around 9 hours to complete.

The route is named after the majestic Salkantay Mountain, also known as “Savage Mountain” in the local Quechua language. It is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba range and stands at an awe-inspiring 6,271 meters (20,574 feet). The sheer size and beauty of this snow-capped peak make the Salkantay unforgettable.

But the challenge of the high pass and long days is worth every step as you also get to see beautiful landscapes such as Humantay Lake with its crystal clear turquoise water.

Since the Salkantay route is an alternative to the Inca Trail, it generally attracts far less trekkers resulting in a quieter and more intimate experience compared to the well-trodden trails of the classic Inca Trek. This of course, is assuming you do the standard 3/4-day Salkantay trek that leads you to Aguas Calientes.

There is of course, a longer option for those that want the remoteness of the Salkantay with the experience of the classic Inca Trail. This results in a 7 day hike which means that on day 4 you join in with the Inca Trail at Wayllabamba, also known as Huallabamba. From there you get to experience all of the ancient ruins that are found along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu such as Wiñayhuayna and Runkurakay. Bear in mind of course that if you plan on doing the longer Salkantay trek, you need a permit for the Inca Trail.

This way, you will get the best of both worlds, immersing yourself in incredible vistas and high mountain peaks while still following in ancient footsteps on the Inca Trail.