Altitude Variation in Salkantay Trek

On Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, your journey will start from the city of Cusco at 3,400masl, to where you can arrive by flying one hour from Lima the capital of Peru. From the city of Cusco you’ll travel four hours to “Shallakancha” at 3,800masl from, here you’ll start walking with splendid mountain views. You ascend starts in the zone of Soraypampa to the highest point at Salkantay Pass 4,650masl. That means you will experience 850m of the altitude variation in Salkantay Trek starting from Shallakancha.

To cover the altitude variation in the trail of Salkantay, you need to walk slowly and cautiously. On an average, you will walk 6 – 8 hours per day and ascend/descend several meters of altitude. The last day of your TREKKING is the only day when you will be walking less than the average number of days and gain a small altitude. Because you’ll exlore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu so, in a total of 5 days, you will gain an altitude of 850m and descend an altitude of 3,150m to the zone of Santa Teresa.

Salkantay Trek is one of those few treks that offer you spectacular views of the Andes from a lower elevation. On this trek, although you do not ascend to much higher altitudes, you will be near the towering peaks with the least chances of altitude sickness.

Altitude Variation Each Day in Salkantay Trek

Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa:

Cusco, which is at a height of 3,400m, is the starting point of your; from where you travel for four hours to “Shallakancha” the starting point of your TREK. On the first day, you will be driving for 4 hours from Cusco to Shallakancha. The altitude gain on this day is only 400m. So, you may not find any difficulty in adjusting to the climate.

Day 2: Soraypampa to Chullay:

On this day you’ll trek from an altitude of 3800m up to the highest pass. The altitude gain for this day will be 850m after walking 4 -5 hours. The day will start with an easy climb of 400m up to Salkantaypampa.

From Salkantaypampa, you will walk up a steep climb past the “seven snakes trail” until you reach to Suyruccocha fron where you’ll have gentle climbing to the top located at 4,650masl. From here you’ll descent to Chullay at 2,920 masl so; you’ll descent at attitude of 1730m; due to the total altitude gain and descent on this day which can get tedious as this is your hardest trekking day.

A good way to make your trek easier is by walking on your own pace and enjoying the surrounding sceneries. We always say, ‘do not only focus on reaching the destination but enjoy the route’. This way you may feel lesser exhaustion and get the best out of the trek.

Day 3: Chaullay to Lucmabamba:

From lucmabamba you will descend for 6 -7 hours to lose an altitude of 570m. The walk will be mostly downhill which is not as tedious as climbing up a hill.

But, it does exert a lot of pressure on your knees and ankles. Wearing kneecaps and using trekking poles is a good option to avoid the pain.

Day 4: Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes town:

From Lucmabamba the trail accents to the second pass of llactapata where you’ll gain an altitude of 400m, the walk is moderate. You also will descent from 2750m to 2000m where you’ll have accommodation in the hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes. Today you’ll have a total of 7-8 hours of walking; you will be descending down a hill. Like the previous day, you may wear your kneecaps and use trekking poles to ease your trek downhill. This day marks the end of your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Day 5: Machu Picchu

On this day you’ll explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and in the afternoon you will drive back to the city of Cusco.

The Map for Altitude Variation in Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek Packages

For wanderlust souls, trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the best ways to explore the rather serene parts of the Andes walking along beautiful rivers, deciduous to alpine forests, rugged terrain, and ethnic settlements. Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu starts from 2,800m to the highest of 4,650m altitude and descent to 1,550m where the trekkers come across various vegetation and biodiversity, along with diverse cultural as well as religious practices. The main highlight of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the mountains in the background that accompany the trekkers throughout the journey and the iconic Machu Picchu.

The most recommendable Salkantay Trekking Route to Machu Picchu is the 5-days Salkantay Trek which includes the visit of the Umantay Lake.

Salkantay Trek Cost Ideas:

Basically, trekking to Machu Picchu by the Salkantay Trail, the costs will include the charges of Machu Picchu the trail permits, Horses & guide, and finally, food and accommodation. Other miscellaneous expenses might be for transportation, shopping (if you wish), or any possible charity. The Prices mentioned here is in USD for your convenience. The prices for Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu vary from 400 to 800 per person; it is subject to the quantity and quality of item included.

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