We recommend the Salkantay Trek among the best things to do in Cusco. It is a longer and more picturesque route of walking that, although it is exhausting since Machu Picchu is accessed by a slightly more difficult path than the Inca Trail, it offers you a very different experience.
This route can be done in five days and the impressive thing is that it will take you from the jungle to snowy terrain. Although it can be done without a guide, it is best to do it with one or under the service of a formal tour operator such as Colibri Experience. You know, that it is better to be safe than regrett and have a helping hand in a new and unknown terrain , always recommended.
During the tour you will cross the highest point located at a height of 4,700 meters above sea level: passing close to the Salkantay peak covered by glaciers. The peak has a total height of 6,271 meters above sea level. Don’t worry, from that point you will no longer go up but will begin the descent through some surprising subtropical valleys.
We recommend the best things to do in Cusco
Definitely one of them is to visit the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu as well as touring different archaeological sites and historical monuments. But the walks or trekkings are inevitable in our list.
This is because during the tours you will find amazing landscapes. You will learn about the immense biodiversity of Peru by interacting with travelers from all over the world. You will cross scenarios of unique natural beauty which will give you an experience that you will remember for life.
Without a doubt, the Inca Trail is the most famous trekking route to access Machu Picchu, but for that same reason, it is usually in high demand. This forces you to book the experience more in advance, running the risk that it does not coincide with your travel date. That is why we recommend the second most popular alternative to access Machu Picchu: the Salkantay trek.
This snowy is considered sacred. In the Andean culture it is known as an “apu” or protective entity of the walkers and inhabitants of the place. Depending on the time of year, some sections will be covered in snow. In other cases, you will observe very green territory or land wet from rain.
If we must recommend a better time to do the Salkantay trek as one of the best things to do in Cusco, it will be during the months of May to October, during the dry season. At this time of year the rains stop and the road is firm. During the day you will have a radiant sun and the nights will be starry.
Keep in mind that the height to travel can cause altitude sickness, to avoid it we suggest you read our article on how to avoid altitude sickness. It is also important that you prepare physically for this walk. An experience that we definitely recommend as one of the best things to do in Cusco. You dare? Leave us your comments