The imposing figure of the sacred snow-capped mountain Salkantay watches over the path of the visitors who step by step advance towards the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Depending on the season, some sections of the trail are filled with snow, green meadows, rain-soaked earth, or radiant mornings illuminated by sunlight. What is the best time of year to hike the Salkantay?
Weather on the Salkantay trek
During the five days of the Salkantay trek your steps will take you through different places with different climates depending on the season. During the first two days, the temperature will descend little by little as we approach the Salkantay pass, at 4600 meters above sea level.
After the pass, we will descend gradually to the region of the eyebrow jungle, where humidity and heat are the protagonists. The greenery in the trees and mountains announce that we are getting closer to Machu Picchu.
The best time to do the Salkantay hike
The climate of the region is divided into two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.
From December to March, the rain waters the fields, the mountains and the trail, making it slightly more difficult to hike. Nothing that can't be solved with good hiking shoes that you will carry in your Salkantay backpack. However, the vegetation of the jungle brow zone shows its best side and offers a vivid green color to the visitor.
We recommend you to do this trek during the months of May to October, during the dry season. The rains stop and the road is firm. In addition, the landscape is completely illuminated by the sun and you will have starry camping nights. Doesn't it sound fantastic?
Alternatives to extend your experience
Don't forget that you can have a more complete experience in Peru at any time by adding some destinations to your Salkantay Trekking tour:
A morning in the traditional Sacred Valley of the Incas, with a visit to villages of Inca customs and traditions.
Half a day in the salt mines of Maras and the agricultural laboratory of Moray.
A tour of the most amazing of the Imperial City: the City Tour of Cusco.
Meet the reflection of the sky on earth: the one-day hike to the Rainbow Mountain
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