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Hiking Salkantay to Machu Picchu

Anta, Peru

Details

Distance

50 miles

Elevation Gain

6000 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Joshua Little

This is an amazing 6 day + 5 nights trek located a few hours away from Cusco, Peru that leads you up and over the Salkantay pass (15,200 ft) then to Machu Picchu.

I completed this trek in early January before heading south to the Patagonia region of Chile & Argentina. Starting around 9,500 feet, you climb up to 15,200 feet before descending down into Machu Picchu. This 5 night, 6 day trek is one for the books. It really is no surprise that the Salkantay Trek is ranked among the top 25 best hikes in the entire world! In total, I hiked around 50 miles with all the extra adventuring in and around Machu Picchu. The hike is a backpackers dream with multiple changes in scenery. Day one begins in the farmlands. Day two brings you to the base of Mt. Salkantay. Day 3 goes over the pass (15,000+ Feet!) and back down into farmlands. Day 4 is a journey down into the jungle. Day 5 is a long walk through multiple different farms and raging rivers to the base of Machu Picchu, and day 6 is a blessing in one of the greatest wonders of the world. 

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Features

Rock Climbing
Chillin
Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Bathrooms
Forest
Groups
River
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

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