Just as Inca Trail begins in Cusco, the Salcantay Trek begins in the Peruvian mountain town of Mollepata and ends in Santa Teresa or Hidroelectrica where hikers may reach Aguas Calientes to enter Machu Picchu. Less used than the Inca Trail, the Trek acts as a good alternative during peak hiking seasons when permits are hardly to receive. The trip typically takes 6 days and passes around Salkantay Mountain.
The classic Inca Trail begins just outside of Ollantaytambo in Sacred Valley, and ends at Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. The trek normally takes four or five days to complete, passing through several distinct ecosystems including cloud forest, alpine tundra and tropical rainforest; and myriad Inca ruins and tunnels along the trail. The highest point is reached at Abra Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, roughly 13,800 feet above sea level. Be sure to book your spot well in advance, because tighter restrictions on the daily number of hikers have now made it even harder to secure a place on a guided trek. The Inca Trail is normally closed for maintenance in February, which also happens to be the wettest (and least desirable) month of the year.
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