Along the route you will also be able to visit incredible places. No one wants to hike to Machu Picchu without seeing other Inca ruins. Well, fear not! On the 5 day Salkantay trek you will visit the spectacular Llactapata spring. It is truly impressive and you will even get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance.
In addition, on the first day you will hike up to the beautiful Humantay Lake, which many describe as a jewel in the middle of the mountains. It boasts a beautiful clear turquoise color amidst towering mountains with snow-capped peaks. You will not have seen anything like it.
To top it off, on the second day you will cross the impressive Abra Salkantay, at more than 4,600 meters above sea level. Not many people can say they have climbed this high. It is an excellent place to take incredible pictures. After a lot of hiking, you will surely want to rest. You will have the opportunity to visit the hot springs of Cocalmayo, a very nice place to rest and relax after all the trekking. You will be able to relax in the hot springs with the mountains around you and the river running beside you.
Fewer people make the trek to Salkantay.
Sure the sound of the Inca Trail is exciting, but because of its name and huge popularity, it can be crowded. Not everyone wants their time hiking on wild mountain trails to be taken up by other visitors.
The Salkantay trek 5 Days is generally much quieter. If you get ahead of the group or decide to lag a bit behind, you may get some time to yourself to enjoy the stunning surroundings. Also, the campsites are quiet and not too crowded.
Nature on the Salkantay trail
As you hike the mountain trails, you will occasionally come across small communities. It can be fascinating to see how people live here, as it is very different from what you are used to. They are very friendly and always happy to see hikers passing by.
You will discover that many do not have electricity and they grow much of their own food, as it is not easy for them to get to the grocery store or corner store for their needs.
You will also have lunch in many of these areas along the route, where you can sample some of the best Andean dishes Peru has to offer. To your surprise, the cooks will manage to prepare a delicious dish either in a hut or in a tent.
Salkantay trekking is more economical
Another reason why many people choose this trek, and why we think it is an excellent option, is that it does not cost too much. Compared to the Inca Trail, it is much more affordable. The main reason is that the Inca Trail requires a special permit, while the Salkantay does not.
The price makes this route much more accessible to everyone, and you will still have a great time!
Choose the Salkantay route
There you have it. Top 5 reasons why you should opt for the Salkantay. Of course, the list could go on and on, but we think this is enough to help you decide. The scenery, the places you visit, and the Andean villages along the way will amaze you and make for some perfect pictures with your camera. If you like small groups and something a little more affordable, this is the hike for you.
