The Salkantay or Salcantay (6,271 m.a.s.l.) is a snowy mountain belonging to the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is the second highest mountain in Cusco after Ausangate (6,384 m.a.s.l.) Its name means wild mountain. Due to its imposing and isolated appearance, it was highly appreciated by the Incas. They put the name ‘Apu’ which means ‘lord’ or ‘sacred’. This snowy mountain was considered one of the most powerful in the region. They worshiped it to the point that they built Machu Picchu in view of its summit. According to the Andean worldview, mountains provided life and decided planting, harvesting and even natural disasters. Because of this, respect and offerings should be given to him. Today, the inhabitants of the Andes continue to consider the mountains as spirits of importance. In Cusco, Salkantay is held in as much esteem as the Incas did. SALKANTAY TREK ROUTE TO MACHU PICCHU INFORMATION
General information
Name: Salkantay Trek.
Kilometers: 72 kilometers approximately.
Climate: minimum of less than 0 ° C in the ‘Abra Salcantay’.
Maximum height: 4,572 m.a.s.l. in the ‘Abra Salcantay’.
Minimum height: 1,800 m.a.s.l. in the town of Santa Teresa.
Difficulty: challenging.
How to do it ?: with a tour or on your own.
When to do it ?: in the dry season (April to October).
Places it covers: Mollepata, Soraypampa, ‘Abra Salkantay’, Chaullay, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Physical conditions: it is recommended to be in good physical condition.
Recommendations:
The Salkantay trek is the main hiking alternative to the Inca Trail. More and more tourists are encouraged to arrive at Machu Picchu through this 5-day and 4-night trek through amazing landscapes such as the snowy Salcantay. To fully enjoy this adventure, take into account the following recommendations:
It is possible to do this trek on your own or with a tour. Due to the difficulty of the adventure, it is recommended to do it with a tourism agency. Otherwise, you must have experience in mountaineering.
Perhaps the main drawback to this adventure is the "soroche" or altitude sickness. It is advisable to do a previous acclimatization in the city of Cusco.
Most tourism agencies include the main implements such as tents, food and guide. In case of doing it independently, it is recommended to take everything you need.
The cold at the foot of the snowy Salkantay is perhaps another of the main difficulties. It is recommended to wear thermal clothing.
The rainy season (from October to March) is characterized by the highest probability of river precipitation. It is not a good climate for trekking.
In case you do it on your own, do not forget to book the Machu Picchu Ticket in advance. It is the only way to know the Wonder of the World
Humantay Lagoon is located in the community of Soraypampa, in the district of Mollepata, Cusco. To get to Cusco, you can take different bus companies such as Civa and Palomino. These companies have a ticket price of 40 soles and 100 soles departing from Arequipa and Lima, respectively.
Arriving in Cusco you have to take a mobility to Mollepata. In the Arcopata bus terminal you can find a large number of companies that will take you to Mollepata for approximately 15 soles. When you arrive in Mollepata you have to take a taxi to Soraypampa. This trip, because it lasts longer, has an approximate cost of 70 soles. When you arrive in Soraypampa you have to walk for an hour and a half to Humantay Lagoon or rent a horse. The entrance cost for the lagoon is approximately 10 soles.
To return, we recommend that you agree with the taxi driver who took you to wait for you or pick you up. This is because, as the destination is very far from the nearest town, you may not find return mobility. HUMANTAY LAKEINFORMACION:
1. Take a walk in the snow
To get to the lagoon you have to travel a path that crosses the mountain and snowy Humantay. This is a unique and beautiful experience for all those who like trekking or hiking on nature trails.
The hike is a stretch of 3.5 km for an hour and a half, so we recommend that you assume this adventure if you have any previous experience in doing this activity at 4200 m.a.s.l.
2. Observe the rituals
In the Humantay lagoon an ancient ritual is performed in honor of Mother Earth, Pachamama. Arriving at the lagoon, you can be part of this ceremony by placing stones for gratitude for having successfully reached the lagoon.
According to the residents of the nearby town, the Humantay is the youngest son of the Apu Salkantay. These are responsible for distributing the water that falls through the snow.
3. Taste the typical local dishes
As in every corner of Peru, gastronomy is the essential element in each destination that is visited.
In Soraypampa, you can taste very traditional dishes of the town, such as tamales with potatoes and guinea pig, the slipped wheat with pellejón, pataca with dry giblets, scrambled chochos, stew of chumos, cream of huaynas and more.
The traditional drinks that you can not miss is the already famous chicha de jora, the hot and the mixed.
4. Marvel at the scenario of the Peruvian highlands
The Humantay Lagoon is surrounded by a lot of vegetation typical of the scenarios of the Peruvian highlands. Also, from there you can see the snowy Humantay and the rest of the Vilcanota Range.
Take advantage of this unique view to get in touch with nature and let yourself be enveloped by its tranquility and mysticism.
The Humantay Lagoon is a natural attraction that is not always part of the tourist tours of Cusco. However, it is one of the most impressive and beautiful natural scenarios that this department has, so we recommend you visit it.
Machu Picchu,This stunning site situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley is the best-preserved relic of Inca civilisation and South America’s most popular attraction with an estimated 3,000 people visiting on a typical day.
