Breathtaking Photos That Will Make You Want to Hike the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu
Experience the sheer beauty of nature and browse through the pictures I've taken in my journey to Machu Picchu, Peru. From stunning landscape views to snowcapped mountain peaks, these photos just might make you want to take a less beaten path and hike the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu.
The start of the hike, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
Striking peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, and Ausangate, Peru 2017
Huts on the Salkantay Trail, Peru 2017
Salkantay will make you feel as if you've stepped into an epic, adventurous movie. During the trek, you will be greeted with magnificent views and incredible wildlife.
River, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
There are countless ascending paths on this trail. Needless to say, this is not for the average hiker. There are high-altitude and strenuous trails to conquer, so physical training is a must.
To learn more about Salkantay Trek or Peru, read "Traveling to Peru: Ways to Get to Machu Picchu."
Hiker on the Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
Horseman on the Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
Traversing to the highest point in Salkantay (15,092 ft) is considered to be one of the most challenging hikes in Peru. All throughout you are rewarded with spectacular views that make the climb all worthwhile.
Foggy snowy mountains, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
Abra Salkantay, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
Abra Salkantay, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
This place truly is a nature lover's paradise.
Travelers hiking down from the peak, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
After a cold snowy first day, you will be journey through a cloud forest. When the weather permits, you will get to feel the warmth of the sun and enjoy the magnificent views of the jungle during this hike.
Subtropics surrounding Machu Picchu, Peru 2017
Rest area on the Salkantay Trek, Cloud Forest, Peru 2017
Later in the day, you'll then set up camp in Playa Sahuayaco, where you can rest and shower.
Campsite in Playa Sahuayaco, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
G Adventures, Campsite in Playa Sahuayaco, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
Hiking to the Inca site Llactapata, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
The next morning, you and your group will then prepare to hike to the Inca site in Llactapata. This is where you'll first get a glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Bienvenidos camping site near the Inca site Llactapata,
To learn more about Salkantay Trek or Peru, read "Traveling to Peru: Ways to Get to Machu Picchu."
On this trail, you will need to observe your surroundings. Llactapata is filled with beautiful blooming flowers and butterflies.
Butterflies on the highest peak of Llactapata
At the top, you will see a gorgeous site of the Sahuayaco River and experience Llactapata's Inca Ruins. This archaeological site is the traditional lookout post used to spot intruders, threatening Machu Picchu.
Inca site Llactapata, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
First sight of Machu Picchu, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
Descending down the Llactapata trail, Salkantay Trek, Peru 2017
Once you've reached the end of the trail, you will then be lead to the closest train station.
Next stop, Machu Picchu Pueblo, AKA Aguas Calientes.
I hope you enjoyed scrolling through my photos from my adventures on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. I'd love to know which photo(s) you liked the most. Comment below!
To see more photos of the next part of my journey to one of the seven wonders of the world, read "Traveling to Peru: Ways to Get to Machu Picchu."
A travel & lifestyle blog about hiking, traveling and working.
Hey there! My name is Margareth. I'm a curious individual, with a great desire to explore eclectic cities, gaze at the great wonders of the world, and more importantly - inspire others to live, love and travel.
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If you’re headed to Peru or thinking about visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll want to read the following travel tips below. Peru has become one of the world’s famous destinations, thanks to the stunning site of the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. With its vast array of natural beauty to explore, it’s no surprise that the numbers of visitors have grown exponentially in the past decade.
From transportation options to souvenir shopping, below are nine very important things you need to know before traveling to Peru: