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Salcantay's proximity to Machu Picchu makes trekking
around it it attractive as an alternative to the oversubscribed Inca
Trail. There are three possible routes starting from Mollepampa. All
three begin with a day of approach, heading north along a dirt road.
Then they diverge:
The longest route, heads north to the base of the mountain, then turns
right, following the east side of the mountain, then heads northeast to
eventually join the Inca Trail itself at Wayllabamba. This route takes 4
days to reach the Inca Trail, then another 2 days to reach Machu Picchu.
The most common route used by trekking companies heads north, then west
around the west side of the mountain, over Salcantay Pass at 4600m. It
continues as far as the village of La Playa, where buses usually make
the connection to Santa Teresa. From here, trekkers walk to the
Hydroelectric project then either train or walk to Aguas Calientes, at
the base of Machu Picchu. This route takes 4 days in total.
A more satisfying variation on this route turns right before reaching La
Playa, over a ridge and arriving directly at Aguas Calientes two days
later. This route takes 6 days in total. |
