Many hopeful travelers have recently learned that Inca Trail permits are now sold out for the entire 2010 summer; so the most obvious alternative is the Salkantay Trek. But once you start looking into all the Salkantay treks, it’s kind of tricky to suss out the differences between each option. Our handy guide below will answer all your burning questions about the Salkantay trek.
SALKANTAY TREK (what the heck is it?)
This is the most popular alternative to the traditional Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Of course, no trek other than the Inca Trail will let you hike directly into Machu Picchu. This trek, however, gets you pretty darn close so it’s a good runner up. Basically, you’re going to be hiking around, but not summiting, the Salkantay peak (a gorgeous, snow-topped behemoth that reaches 20,574 ft) and winding up in Aguas Calientes, the small town just outside Machu Picchu. The Salkanty peak is located in the Cordillera Vilcanota, a prominent mountain range in the Andes; it is northwest of Cusco and south of Machu Picchu. It’s considered a moderately difficult trek, especially because of the entire area’s formidable altitude, and some say it’s a bit more challenging than the Inca Trail. There are some variations which make the trek as difficult or long as you like, which you can read about below. No matter how long the trek, most trips start at or near the small town Mollepata.
OPTIONS
4-Day Trek: This route skirts along the west side of the Salkantay peak for a few days and over the Salkanty pass (at 15,091 ft). You hike to the small town of La Playa, where a bus takes you to Santa Teresa and you hike to Hidroelectrica. From there, you either take a train or continue walking to Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. This trek is often called the 5-day trip because of an extra day to get to and tour Machu Picchu. You do not need an Inca Trail permit to do this trek. Read about this version of the Salkantay Trek here: Apu Salkantay Trek (see “Even more options” below as well).
6-Day Trek: The 6-day trek is also a non-permitted trek, and splits from the classic Salkantay trek above at La Playa (before Hidroelectica and Santa Teresa at the end). Instead, the 6-day trek includes an extra two days to trek over the Llactapata pass which feature Inca Ruins, before arriving directly in Aguas Calientes. This lovely extension features hiking through Llucmabamba, visiting some Inca ruins and an awesome view of Machu Picchu from a vantage point few reach. To find out more about the 6-day trek (7-day trip in total if you include Machu Picchu), please click on the following link: Machu Picchu Lodge-to-Lodge Trek.
7-Day Trek: This is usually called the “Salkantay and Inca Trail Trek” or the “Mollepata route of the Inca Trail.” It is a combination between the Salkantay and Inca Trail. You’ll follow the Salkantay trail the first four days of the trek, then from days 5 through 7, you’ll be on the traditional Inca Trail. Because you’re on the Inca Trail for part of the trek, you do need the Inca Trail permits. To learn more about this trek, please visit the following link: Mt. Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek
Hiking from Llucmabamba to Hidroelectrica
Hiking from Llucmabamba to Hidroelectrica
Even More Options!
Of course, there are variations from those main routes as well. For instance the Backcountry Trek does not begin the trek at Mollepata, but a bit further on, which allows travelers to take the hike from Llucmabamba over to Hidroelectrica and visit Machu Picchu (all within 5 days). Another variation is the Salkantay – Chillca route, which splits from the main Salkantay route to cross over into the Sacred Valley and visit Machu Picchu (again, within 5 days).
Once you figure out how much time you have, and how remote you want your hike to be, the Salkantay trek options make more sense. No matter which route you take, this is an exciting and accessible trek for anyone looking for an alternative to the traditional Inca Trail.
Most people come back from Peru wishing they had spent more time in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, and I definitely agree with them. Before any trek, it’s very important to acclimatize to the altitude, but loads of travelers worry that they’ll be bored by having two relatively unscheduled days in Cusco. However, it’s probably one of the most lovely cities in South America, so don’t fret if you have a few days to chill before rushing up to Machu Picchu. For proof, check out some photos I’ve recently snapped while wandering the streets of Cusco.
Traditional Bear Costumes
Waiting for the parade to start
Cathedral in Plaza de Armas
Cusco overlook
Before I reveal the best price for a Peru trek, I need to explain a concept I’ve been mulling over recently. When we think of the “best” rate or price for something, are we actually thinking about the lowest price? But maybe those words shouldn’t be interchangable, especially when we’re talking about something we really want to work well.
When people ask me for the best price on a four day trek in Peru, I usually say it’s about $500 per person- I consider this the lowest cost for a decent trip. This would be like a last-minute sale. And at this price you’re paying for the basics, but you can upgrade a bit (like getting a private departure or hiking on your ideal dates).
However, reading through travel blogs and forums, you’ll find loads of people bragging about rock bottom prices for their treks. This week I came across some surprising readers’ comments on the New York Times travel section. In response to an article about the places to see in Peru, someone suggested doing the 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu because “[it's the] best $150 you’ll ever spend.”
Sounds like a great price at first, but not once you break it down. A five-day trek at $150 means you’re spending $30 a day. That certainly wouldn’t pay for three decent meals a day, entrance to Machu Picchu, and a living wage for your guide or porters. In fact, that probably wouldn’t pay for a mule and a guide. Not to mention that it definitely wouldn’t cover your transportation back to Cusco or to Machu Picchu at the end of your trek. Wow. Sounds like an awesome trip.
Think about it like this: If someone offered you a Ferrari for $20, you’d probably wonder if the car used to be a meth lab or if it was stolen or if it would just fall apart in 5 minutes. Because when it comes to a car, you’d want it to be reliable, legal and safe, and that comes at a certain cost. So when we think about booking a trip, we should probably apply the same logic. You especially want a trek to be well organized, safe, and fun.
I believe that you can save money in all sorts of ways when you’re traveling. Eating delicious street food or sleeping in a simple hostel are excellent ways to save dollars. But your trek? I have friends who went on cheap treks where they ran out of food or the guides had no emergency medical kit. Now I’m all for looking around for deals and comparing prices, but it’s smart to know what prices are too good to be true.
We have just learned from partner Amazonas Explorer that the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INC), the agency controlling the Inca Trail, has informed them that no one will be able to operate treks on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in March of this year due to the recent flooding.
INC will refund all permits purchased for trekking the Inca Trail in March. As Amazonas points out it will be possible to get to Machu Picchu via the road to Santa Teresa in March, and there are many other excellent trek options available such as the Salcantay or Lares Valley treks.
If you have your heart set on trekking the world famous Inca Trail, you better plan your trek for later in the year. Everything should be back to normal by April, and, as always, May is a wonderful month to trek the Inca Trail. It isn’t crowded, everything is green, and the temperatures are warmer than in August or September.
- Trekking in the Lares Valley
If you’re looking for an beautiful and rewarding trek in Peru, we’ve got the perfect answer for you: trekking the Lares Valley. It’s another alternative trek to the traditional Inca Trail, but it’s not filled with low-quality operators leading massive groups as you’d find on the Apu Salkantay. We hope to preserve the quality of this trek and region by promoting highly responsible operators, such as InkaNatura and Amazonas Explorer.
You’ll find dramatic views throughout your trek: steep grassy slopes, alpine lakes and the snowy Vilcabamba range in the background. Furthermore, the valley is home to wonderfully preserved Incan ruins and Incan trails which you’ll be using for part of your trek.
Several villages dot the Lares Valley and their inhabitants live in much the same way as their ancestors here 500 years ago. Many of these villages offer some of the finest weaving and textiles found anywhere in Peru. Buying these handicrafts directly from the weaver is an excellent way to ensure locals benefit from your stay.
Check out Amazonas’ Lares Valley Trek, perfect for those who need a flexible and challenging trek: Lares Valley Trek “Peru’s Other Inca Trail”. As always, Amazonas is doing their part to minimize their impact and help the area: “We include visits to several local communities with whom Amazonas Explorer are proud to work with as part of their commitment to www.onepercentfortheplanet.org and with whom we have been involved in the replanting of over 55,000 native trees over the past few years.”
Clouds on the Inca Trail to Machu PIcchu
Lots of people want to know if they should trek the Inca Trail or an alternate trail near Machu Picchu over the December/January holiday season. After all, this is a time when many of us have time off from work, meaning we can travel without using up all our vacation days.
Unfortunately, this holiday time is also the rainy season in the Cusco / Machu Picchu area of Peru. The rainy season usually starts sometime in November, or early December, and runs through March or even April. The rain is not consistent every day at the same time, or for a predictable duration, like in some places. It could rain all day, or it might not rain at all on any given day. Usually it doesn’t rain for more than a few hours, as scattered showers, not long downpours, are the norm. January and February are the rainiest months.
Does this mean you shouldn’t trek in Peru over the Christmas/New Years holidays, or other times during the rainy season? The answer is, it depends!
First, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed for all of February every year, so if you want to trek that trail you’ve got to do it at another time of year.
Trekking during the rainy season means you will get wet, and you will get muddy. Sometimes your views won’t be too impressive, as clouds or mist will obscure the view.
Of course, it can rain at any time of the year in this region, not just the rainy season, so trekking at another time doesn’t guarantee a dry trip or clear skies. And, traveling in the rainy season almost guarantees you will miss most of the crowds that flock to the area in June, July, August, and September. Plus, average temperatures are a bit warmer at this time of year than in August and September, when temperatures regularly drop below zero on high altitude trekking routes.
For one reason or another, you’re not hiking THE Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; maybe the permits sold out, your travel dates aren’t flexible enough, or you want to do something a little more interesting. While the good news is that there are a lot of options for alternative treks in the area, that’s also the bad news because it can be so tough to make a decision on the right trek. Here are four choices that should help you figure out which trip is best designed for you.
APU SALKANTAY
The Apu Salkantay trek is the most popular alternative trek to the Inca Trail trek. Mt. Salkantay was one of the most sacred mountains to the Incas and this trek takes you up close to the celebrated peak. Great for getting into the heart of the Andes, witnessing dramatic landscapes, and reaching the highest altitude of all the Machu Picchu treks. This is a moderately difficult trek in which you’ll hike for three to six hours a day. Most treks will include a one-day visit to Machu Picchu after the hiking.
Detour Picks:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Apu_Salkantay_Trek_16256.html
This is a slightly more “upscale” operator for the same trek.
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Backcountry_Trek_to_Machu_Picchu_16380.html
CHOQUEQUIRAO
Perched on a saddle between stunning Andean peaks, Choquequirao (or “Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister”) is the type of trip your guides really want to do. The ruins are accessible only by foot which limits traffic and enhances the mystique of this amazing site. You’ll most likely find yourself the only tourists exploring the vast complex of ruins and camping beside the site. It’s very easy, and recommended, to add a one or two-day visit to Machu Picchu after the Choquequirao trek. This is a fairly difficult trek mostly due to the elevation gain and stairs (much like the traditional Inca Trail) and you’ll be hiking about 7 hours each trekking day:
Detour Pick:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Choquequirau__the_Cradle_of_the_Gods_16364.html
LARES VALLEY TREK (or the “Weaver’s Way” trek)
The Lares Valley joins up with the Sacred Valley, but is not overrun with tourists rushing through on one-day trips by bus. Any trek in the Lares Valley will take you through a number of small, traditional weaving communities whose textiles are reknowned for their quality and beauty. The trek also features sweeping views of the Vilcanota mountain range, a dip in the Lares hotsprings and a visit to the well-preserved Inca ruins of Pumamarca. Most treks in the area are moderately difficult with the tougher ones considered on par with the traditional Inca Trail (the trek even follows an ancient Inca Trail for much of the hiking). One of the best options is one that combines a one-day visit to Machu Picchu after the trek.
Detour Pick:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Lares_Valley_Trek__Peru_s_Other_Inca_Trail__16247.html
MACHU PICCHU AND SACRED VALLEY TREKKING
This is a fairly easy trek that takes you through the most popular villages and ruins in the Sacred Valley. Some of these stops include Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, and Chinceros. This combination of trekking, Sacred Valley highlights, and a visit to Machu Picchu makes for a classic Peru experience. Staying in local lodges ensures a more comfortable trip than a typical camping trek in the area. If you choose a private departure, your guide can customize a bit of the hiking for you to make it more challenging if you wish. Hikes last for a couple hours at a time on fairly unchallenging terrain:
Detour Pick:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Machu_Picchu_and_Sacred_Valley_Trekking_16388.html
Want to get off the beaten-path in Peru? Don’t worry, you can always squeeze in a quick visit to Machu Picchu (really, it can be done in just a day). When there’s so much to see in Peru, you’ll wonder why most people don’t venture stray far from the Inca Trail. Here are five trips to get you dreaming . . .
1. Choquequirao- Perched on a saddle between stunning Andean peaks, Choquequirao (or “Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister”) is the type of trip your guides really want to do. The ruins are accessible only by foot which limits traffic and enhances the mystique of this amazing site. You’ll most likely find yourself the only tourists exploring the vast complex of ruins and camping beside the site (can’t do that at Machu Picchu).
2. Cordillera Blanca / Huarez- Where true trekkers get their kicks in Peru. The breathtaking peaks are reminiscent of the Himalayas. Mountaineers and inexperienced trekkers can both find a variety of challenges.
3. Manu- This national park boasts the highest bird, mammal and plant diversity of any park on earth. A spot for people who can forgo a few comforts for one the finest rainforest experiences anywhere.
4. Apurimac River- Considered one of the world’s top ten rafting rivers, the Apurimac cuts through canyon walls twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and offers exciting rapids. A great choice for a shorter rafting trip.
5. Kuelap and Chachapoyas – Kuelap is just one of the many astounding archaeological testaments to a mysterious pre-Incan civilization in northern Peru. The site’s vine draped, towering walls rival the grandeur of even Machu Picchu. The surounding area is dotted with charming Andean towns like Chachapoyas and is criss-crossed by ancient footpaths you can still trek today.
With summer here, you’re probably breaking in your new hiking boots and dreaming about where to take your next adventure. Of course, planning any international trekking adventure takes a bit of perseverance but it shouldn’t be harder than the hike itself. Make it a bit easier for yourself by following these tips from Detour:
1. Make sure you have a local guide. Naturally, a trained local guide is usually your best bet for any international trek; after all, who better to explain the intricacies of Peruvian culture, history, geography, and politics. Also, if you’re paying a local, it means that the revenue generated from your trek stays in the community you’re visiting. Many international outfitters use guides from the US or the EU, so be sure to ask about this one.
2. Figure out what you want. This tip may seem obvious, but a lot of people sign up the most famous trek in the area without considering if it truly suits them. The first step for planning a trek is honestly assessing what you really need, be it uncrowded trails or support horses in case the kids poop out. After you suss out these details, it’s much easier to sift through your trek options.
3. Find out what treks the local guides or operators prefer. Guides generally enjoy treks for the same reason travelers do: beautiful scenery, good itinerary, and trails free of human waste. While this may mean you’re going off the beaten path, keep in mind that most famous sites (Machu Picchu or Torres del Paine peaks) can be visited with a quick day-trip afterwards. The easiest way to find these recommendations is by contacting a Detour specialist who can give you insights into what the local guides prefer.
4. Want a budget trip? To get a good rate on a trek, try thinking outside the box. Think about traveling during the shoulder season, which is the time between the busy and the off-season. Consider a shorter version of your ideal trek. Importantly, be flexible about your travel dates. If you want to join a group departure (one of the best ways to save money), you may have to reorganize your dates to join-up with a group.
5. . . . But don’t go for a price that seems too good to be true. Once you get a sense for the price range of a specific trek, don’t try to drive the price down further or purchase a trip that’s half the price of the others. Treks cost money to operate well so a super-cheap operation will be cutting corners they probably shouldn’t. Before booking that $100 Ausangate trek, consider how you’d feel if there wasn’t enough food one day or if your porter were working for slave wages.
More tips coming soon, so keep checking back while you plan your trek.
Inca Trail trekking permits have sold out incredibly quickly this year, and the trek is now sold out through the end of August. Permits are available on many start dates in September, but permit availability is limited until around September 19. October, November, and December still have good availability, except for the odd day in October. Click here to view more information on permit availability: Inca Trail Trek Permit Availability
What does this mean if you are heading to Peru this travel season? If you haven’t already booked an Inca Trail trek, you won’t be able to get a permit for the famous hike to Machu Picchu. Permits are issued to actual trekkers and are linked to their passport numbers, so once permits are sold out no outfitter can get you a permit for those dates. If you really want to trek the Inca Trail, there are still many permits available for Oct-Dec, or postpone your trip to next year and purchase it now.
Better yet, go ahead and go to Peru. There a number of fantastic alternative treks that go on Inca trails in the area, and all can be combined with a visit to Machu Picchu. All of these treks are less crowded than the Inca Trail, and local guides and others in the know claim many of them are much better treks than the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I have done the Inca Trail a few times, and while I enjoy it very much, I personally would prefer one of these off-the-beaten-path trips. They offer fantastic scenery, interesting culture, and Inca ruins, all far from the crowds of the Inca Trail itself.
Best-Kept Secret Destination: Choquequirao
It may not be a secret for too long, but Choquequirao is a true hidden gem of the Inca Empire. Just like Machu Picchu, the Choquequirao ruins make-up an ancient, extensive site perched high in the Andes. The site is nicknamed “Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister” because of their similar layout and importance in Inca society. In fact, these impressive ruins are even better preserved and far more isolated than Machu Picchu.
The location is no less awe-inspiring: nestled high in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Choquequirao offers majestic view of the surrounding 17,000 ft peaks. The various temples, mausoleums, royal residences and ritual baths speak to the Inca’s worship of the natural world. Like all sacred Inca sites, the architecture also reflects the movement of the sun and other celestial bodies. However, we know relatively little about the true importance of Choquequirao. In fact, much of the site is still being excavated and studied. Newly discovered buildings include the so-called Ridge Group, and the Waterfall Temple, an intriguing ceremonial complex facing the cascades of a steep ravine.
Its mystery is only enhanced by the virtually non-existent tourist crowd. On any given day you may run into a few other tourists, but most trek groups report being alone at the site. Travelers can reach the sacred city by way of a 5-day trek, so make sure you’re up for a rigorous adventure. If you are looking for the off-the-beaten path experience, Choquequirao is sure to astound and satisfy the most rugged of traveler.
To learn more about this destination, visit Detour and book your trip before it becomes as popular as Machu Picchu.
If you’ve been trying to book a trek this summer on the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you may have been disappointed to find that permits are sold out until August. But there’s good news for all you hopeful trekkers. The famous Inca Trail is only one of thousands of Inca Trails, many of which are in the Machu Picchu area. In fact, you’ll probably have an even more scenic and less crowded trek if you take an non-permitted Inca trail to this fantastic destination.
The Apu Salkantay trek is one of the most popular alternatives to the Inca Trail– it’s even referred to as the backdoor to Machu Picchu. The true highlight of Apu Salkantay is the stunning scenery, considered by many to dwarf the views on the famous Inca Trail.
On this five-day, four-night trip, you traverse the high Andean plateau, hiking up passes as high as 15,585 ft. for an up-close view of the sacred Inca peak, Salkantay (20,598ft). The route then descends into the beautiful Aobamba valley with its tropical climate and vegetation. Passing through Andean towns, you also get a rare glimpse in traditional Peruvian mountain life where the dress, farming techniques, and customs have been preserved for hundreds of years.
At the end of the last trekking day, you take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes where you can soak your tired legs in the town’s famous thermal pools. The next morning, you get to visit Machu Picchu in the stunning early light away from the tourist crowds that arrive in the afternoon.
We have received glowing reviews about Apu Salkantay from both travelers and local guides. Because of these recommendations, we’ve decided to offer a fixed group departure every Tuesday for this trek. Please contact Detour Destinations to book this trek or to learn more about this stunning journey.
http://detourdestinations.com/products/Apu_Salkantay_Trek_16256.html
