Salkantay Trek Pros and Cons. Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a five-day mountain expedition across the Andes mountains in Peru. It starts at an elevation of 9,185 feet and ends at 13,100 feet, making it one of the highest altitude treks in This popular Alternative trek after the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The best time for climbing Salkantay Trek is between May and October when the weather is milder.

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu has numerous advantages, some of which are: Experience of a lifetime. You will get an opportunity to explore the Andes mountains on foot for five days. It promises rich biodiversity and scenery on route with different terrains including snow-capped mountains such as Mount Salkantay, tropical rainforests, and cloud forests.

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About Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Pros and Cons.

When planning a trip to Peru, the question of whether or not to go on Salkantay Trek is one of the most common dilemmas. This trail provides an opportunity for people with virtually any fitness level to experience the Andes mountains, high-altitude plains, and cloud forests of the Cusco region.

Though the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the highest altitude trails in the Cusco Region (ranges from 9185 feet to 13100 feet above sea level), it is not as hard as other trails like Choquequirao Trek 5 Days or Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 7 Days. This makes it an ideal choice for people who are not in the best shape, don’t have a lot of time in Peru, or simply cannot afford a more rigorous hike because of age or health issues.

Salkantay Trek Cons

On the other hand, there are a number of reasons why some people choose not to attempt this hike. The first reason is time. To enjoy the quintessence of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, it should be undertaken in five days. If you only have about a week or less in Peru, then this will not be possible.

Salkantay Trek is located in a relatively isolated area with only one small village on route (Marccoccasa). Finally, there are no local medical facilities in this region and it’s very difficult to call for help.

If you are unsure about attempting Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, here is a list of Pros and Cons for you to consider. Hopefully, it will make your decision easier by highlighting the good things as well as the not-so-good ones.

1) The first day of the hike is the hardest because you’ll have to climb for about six hours, some of which are very steep.

2) It’s cold on this trail, so it will be difficult to sleep during the first night. (it Need Good Quality Equipment)

3) This hike is very hard and not appropriate for people who are not physically fit.

4) If you don’t travel with an agency or tour, you’ll have to carry all your gear yourself.

5) There are no places to buy food or water during the hike, so it’s important that you bring enough.

6) You may only get a few hours of sunlight every day because Salkantay Trek follows the rainforest line. (mainly first 2 days)

7) It is very hard to communicate from the trail, so if something goes wrong, assistance may be hard to find.

8) The high elevation affects people differently. Some hikers get sick with the change in altitude while others don’t feel anything even when they are above 10,000 feet.

9) Strong winds can make it difficult to camp during this hike on some nights.

Salkantay Trek Pros

1) This trail is very beautiful and offers tons of amazing views to hikers.

2) The high altitude is only a problem for the first night, so you won’t need to carry oxygen or deal with any other related medical issues, usually Travel Companies Carry their own oxygen and Medication.

3) Salkantay Trek hasn’t a limited number of tourists compared to Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 4 days, so it feels more intimate and authentic.

4) It’s easier to book Salkantay Trek as there is no fixed departure date like Inca Trail (which has only 500 places).

5) The trail passes through several different ecosystems. This means you’ll get the chance to see everything from high-altitude plains, forests of banana and coffee plants, and cloud forests.

6) Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a challenge because it requires determination and effort from hikers but is worth it.

7) It’s cheaper than other treks like Inca Trail and Choquequirao (about $600 USD for 5 days).

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the best hikes in Peru and South America. It has everything you could want: beautiful landscapes, great weather, and a sense of remoteness that is hard to find these days. Rather than fight through throngs of tourists on the Inca Trail, consider this alternative.

If you think you’re ready for the challenge, then start planning your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu today. make sure to read our Travel Article About COUNTRIES THAT ARE WELCOMING US TURIST DURING COVID19

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