About Salkantay Hikes

The Salkantay trek is one of the many treks that can be found in the Cusco region of Peru. It is about 75 km (46 miles) in distance and about 3000 m (10 000 ft) in altitude, so it is considered to be a tough trek, compared to the other trekking options in the area. A typical Salkantay trek starts in Cusco, where you are picked up from your hotel to take you to Mollepata or Soraypampa. A great attraction of the Salkantay trek is that not only can you see Machu Picchu, but you can also see Llaqtapata. Pronounced as “Yakhta-Pata”, Llaqtapata is an archaeological site about 5 km from Machu Picchu. It is believed that in Inca times, it was a resting place on the way to Machu Picchu. Still today, on some treks, Llaqtapata is used as a resting place. Be sure to choose the right itinerary if you wish to spend the night here.