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Exploring Cusco with the Classic Salkantay Trek and Return by Train: A Complete Guide
Exploring the ruins around Cusco can be an exciting and rewarding experience, as they detail the incredible past of the Inca Empire. One of the best ways to explore the area is through the Classic Salkantay Trek, offering sweeping vistas of the countryside and views of Machu Picchu from a distance. Furthermore, this trek is capped off with a 1-day train ride back to Cusco, where you can reflect on your journey and marvel at the marvels of the Inca Empire in peace.
In this guide we will explain the process of completing the Classic Salkantay Trek with a return by train from Cusco. We will examine what activities you should include on your trek, what packing is needed for the journey, and the time constraints you must consider.
What is the Classic Salkantay Trek?
The Classic Salkantay Trek is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in all of the Peruvian Andes. The trek covers a distance of approximately 55km, crossing over people-less mountain passes and through lush green valleys. During this trek you will reach heights of up to 4,650m, offering breathtaking views of the local environment. Furthermore, some lucky travellers will be able to spot wildlife like llamas and condors, adding even more excitement to an already amazing journey.
The highlight of this challenge is a view of Machu Picchu from the mountain pass of Salkantay, a mountain located close to Cusco. Due to its proximity to Cusco, the trek is relatively accessible and can comfortably be completed within 5-7 days with regular physical fitness.
What Activities should You Include on Your Trek?
Given that this is a multi-day trek, it is important to include some interesting activities along the way that can help make your journey even more rewarding.
- Visit Moray
- Take a Detour to Lares Hot Springs
- Climb Huayna Picchu
Located along the route from Cusco to Mollepata lies Moray, a strange and fascinating ruin site consisting of four different circular platforms connected by stone steps. Located almost 3,500m above sea level, Moray was once an agricultural laboratory used by Incan farmers to study and experiment with different crops. In addition to its scientific purpose, it is thought that Moray may also have been an astronomical observatory due to its location in the centre of a deep crater. Taking a short detour to Moray can teach travellers a lot about Inca culture, especially in regards to their sophisticated agricultural prowess.
Along your Salkantay journey you will cross Lares Pass, which lies close to some stunning thermal baths surrounded by verdant green hills. After an especially long day on the trail most trekkers love to unwind in these relaxing pools for a few hours before continuing on their way. Taking a bit of time here can provide much-needed rest for your fatigued muscles, preparing you for some of the tougher days ahead. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to observe local llama farmers carrying out their daily activities, offering a beautiful insight into rustic Andean life.
Finally, if you’re feeling especially up for a challenge you can opt to take a detour over Huayna Picchu. This mountain stands just next to Machu Picchu itself and offers stunning views of the “Lost City” as well as a few interesting ruins scattered around its slopes. The climb itself is tricky and requires quite a bit of physical fitness but is definitely worth it if you are looking to challenge yourself and treat yourself with some memorable panoramas of Machu Picchu.
Packing for Your Trek
Given that you will be far away from civilization for several days it is important pack several essential items for your journey.
- Plenty of Water
- Sturdy Hiking Shoes
- Headlamp or Flashlight
- Appropriate Clothing
- Day Pack
You should aim to carry at least 1-2 litres (1-2 US quarts) of fresh drinking water with you per day, as well as some snacks like energy bars or trail mix to help keep your energy levels high throughout your long days on the trail. It can also be helpful to bring iodine tablets or some type of water treatment system with you in case you come across some unclean water sources along the way.
As with any multi-day trek, building up comfortable with your equipment is key in order to prevent fatigue and exhaustion. Sturdy and waterproof hiking boots with good grip and ankle support are essential if you want to remain comfortable while walking on uneven grounds while carrying a heavy backpack. If weather permits it is also highly recommended to bring sandals and water shoes so that you can rest your feet during river-crossing sections in the trail.
Although you will have plenty of daylight hours at your disposal during most days on this trek, having a reliable source of light will be essential if you decide to hike during one of your mornings or reach camp late due to bad weather or an improvised detour. Headlamps are popular among trekkers because they allow more freedom of movement while providing additional light at night times. Furthermore, they are super useful when pitching tents after dark or entering deep sections into caves if they are located along your route.
Given that you will be crossing through several different environments during this trek it is important to layer up according to predicted temperatures along each stage of the journey (it is best to leave cotton clothing items aside for this Trek as they do not retain as much heat). Furthermore, it is important to include warm clothing designed for cold weather such as a fleece top or down jacket, waterproof trousers, buff or neck warmer and waterproof gloves and beanie if temperatures drop during nighttime. Rain jackets are also important if rain is predicted for any of your trekking days in order to stay dry throughout the day and prevent hypothermia during evening hours. Finally, it is recommended that you bring at least one extra pair of regular clothes in case you complete your hike early and want something different than your hiking outfit afterwards
In addition to taking along items necessary for your general comfort while trekking it is also important that you bring along a reliable day pack so that you can remain comfortable while walking around on important activity days such as when climbing Huayna Picchu or visiting Moray nearby Quillarumiyoc archaeological site. Choose a day pack that fits comfortably around your back and torso while also carrying all necessary items (camera, sunscreen, snacks, rain jacket etc.).
Time Constraints to Consider
Finally, it is important that you consider your time constraints before attempting any multi-day trek such as the Classic Salkantay Trek with Return by Train from Cusco. Most travellers challenge themselves between 5-7 days for completing this route depending on their physical capability; however planning for an extra day or two can also provide flexibility in case bad weather arises or someone falls ill while on trek. It is highly recommended that a minimum number of 5 people complete any multi-day hike around Peru (or South America), so it pays off doing some research beforehand and seeking out like-minded groups that are planning on embarking on this adventure together in order to make sure that everyone is safe and has an enjoyable experience (this will also help spread costs such as food and porter services). Finally bear in mind that most training stations require reservations prior between 3-8 days before departure, so double check schedules beforehand and plan accordingly with respect to time constraints in order to avoid any issues in this regard.
All in all, taking the Classic Salkantay Trek from Cusco with Return by Train provides an unforgettable experience that combines sweeping vistas with cultural learning opportunities along ancient Inca trails. Although this journey can be completed within 5-7 days depending on each person’s physical fitness, it pays off planning extra time into your schedule in order to remain safe and comfortable along this challenging yet rewarding journey. By packing wisely, including interesting activities along the way and considering potential time constraints head of time travellers are certain they are setting off in order to enjoy one if not their most amazing adventures yet!
To help make this vision come true check out amazing activity offers like Classic Salkantay Trek & Return by Train in Cusco, filled with everything mentioned throughout this guide – such as informed tour guides providing detailed information about Incan history along the way and accommodation with restoration meals- perfect for enjoying Peru in all its splendour!
