The Salkantay trek is probably one of the mountain route that cross most of the Peruvian eight natural regions. It starts at Mollepata and after setting the camp at the foothill of one of the most sacred mountains of the andes, the Salkantay. You ascend to the abra Salkantay at 4600masl, to start a huge drop that crosses snowy highlands, Andean highlands, little forests, jungle highland and cloud forests. As you descend the vegetation becomes lusher with orchids, palms, giant ferns and cañaverales. The climate becomes warmer and more humid. The final point is the town of Santa Teresa, a beautiful valley where known for its coffee and the longest zip line in South America. Also you can access Machu Picchu crossing by its hydroelectric station.
Useful Tips
- Difficulty: one of the less demanding hikes because of it soft drops and height ranges.
- Season: The best time to do it is from April to June and September to November.
- Operators have all the camp equipment, horses and logistics for the trip.
- Operators:
- www.enigmaperu.com
- www.munaycha.com
- www.tanittrails.com
- www.terraexplorerperu.com
- Zip line in Santa Teresa:
Text & Photos by Iñigo Maneiro (www.bitacora.pe)
