11 Reasons Why You Should Trek The Salkantay Trail Instead Of The Inca Trail

If you suddenly want to take a trip to Peru and have left it too late to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, don’t worry. You certainly shouldn’t put off your trip to Peru because you didn’t book your Inca Trail spot, because the Salkantay Trail is equally as beautiful, if not more so, and is available to book on the day when you’re in Cusco, and for a fraction of the price of the Inca Trail. You’ll pass by snowy mountains, see a sacred Inca mountain, find a pristine, bright-blue lake, and then descend into the jungle, taking in all of the area’s most beautiful landscapes. You can also add on a ziplining expedition and a visit to some hot springs, so there’s no denying that the Salkantay Trail has loads to offer.

The Zipline

An additional option on the trip is to go ziplining with the company Vertikal. You’ll go soaring over a valley only an hour away from Machu Picchu; when else will you have the opportunity to go flying over the sacred land of the Incas? There are 12 platforms and five cables suspended 820 feet (250 meters) above the valley, and the cables used in the ziplining are stainless steel. The trip to the zipline costs 100 soles (US$31) and they’ll take you and your gear in a private van to and from the ziplines.

The Thermal Baths

Snowy Mountains

Seeing snowy mountains from afar is one thing, but actually trekking though a snowy pass is another. On the Salkantay Trail, during one long day, you’ll trek up and over a snowy mountain pass, which, if you haven’t done this before, is an unbelievable accomplishment.

Horses and Donkeys

Because of the sheer number of people clamoring to get spots on the Inca Trail, the trail is beginning to become worn out and overused. In order to preserve the trail for posterity, the Peruvian government has eliminated the use of horses and donkeys along the trail, which means that Peruvians will be carrying all your packs while you trek. These men, called porters, will be carrying all gear throughout the trail. Watching a human suffer under this weight is not for everyone, and on the Salkantay Trail, horses and then cars can comfortably carry your gear.

It’s Cheaper

The trail fee, not including add-ons, is about $180, a fraction of the price of the Inca Trail. The trail has been voted one of the best in the world by National Geographic and costs about $400 less than the Inca Trail; it’s hard to beat that combination. If you’re a budget traveler or just want to save some money while seeing beautiful Peruvian landscapes, this is your trail.

Apu

In Inca religion and mythology, they worshipped sacred mountains called apus, and Salkantay is one of them. Salkantay is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range and played a major role in Inca cosmology. Because of its height, the Incas believed that it could control the weather.

Availability

Unlike the Inca Trail, you don’t have to book months or even a year in advance. Show up at an agency in Cusco the day before you want to go (go to one of the many tour operators around the Plaza de Armas) and you’ll be off to see some of the most incredible views ever. Because you don’t need to book with an agency ahead of time while you’re in your own country, this can save you a lot in additional fees.

Fewer People

You’ll be traveling with far, far fewer people, meaning that you’ll get more alone time and the chance to see the landscape without all the distractions. More solitude and less crowds; what’s not to like?

The Landscape

The diversity of the trek is what makes it so spectacular. You’ll pass from Cusco to a pristine lake high in the mountains, through a snowy mountain pass, then descend into the jungle before arriving at the most desirable site in all of South America, Machu Picchu.

Humantay Lagoon

On your first day you’ll have the option of hiking to a lagoon high up in the mountains. After eating lunch and setting up camp, you’ll be able to hike for about an hour and a half to a bright-blue lagoon with a snowy mountain peak in the background. It is one of the most beautiful sites along the trek.

The Food

It may surprise you, but the food you get on the trail is actually good. The cooks will travel with you, beat you to your location, and then set up for lunch and breakfast. They’ll also wake you up in the morning with coca tea delivered to your tent, which is a nice touch when it’s freezing outside!

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