Salkantay Mountain, located in the Peruvian Andes near Machu Picchu, is a majestic peak standing at an altitude of 6,271 meters above sea level. Known for its wild and untamed nature, Salkantay offers breathtaking landscapes from snow-capped glaciers to lush tropical forests. The Salkantay Trek is a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts, providing an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning Andean scenery. In this article, we will explore the history, geography, trekking options, and other attractions in the Cusco region, highlighting Salkantay Mountain as a natural wonder of the Peruvian Andes.
Climbing Mount Salkantay
What You Need To Know Before Attempting The Salkantay Mountain Summit
Summiting Mount Salkantay is difficult, even for experienced mountaineers. You need to have technical experience with mountain climbing in icy conditions. It is essential that you are in very good physical condition before the climb.
You also will need to be well acclimated to altitudes above 5,000m/ 16,400ft. The nearby Cerro Soray (5,446m / 17,867ft) is a good mountain for a training hike to acclimatize for Salkantay.
The best time to attempt this summit is over the dry season (May-September).There are very few companies that offer this summit as a guided trek. If you do book with a tour company, you can expect to pay around $1,700 per person.
Route Up Mount Salkantay
To get to base camp for this mountain, you need to ascend two high passes – Icachillaska pass (5,100m / 16,732ft) and Abra Palqay (4,700m / 14,920ft).
From base camp, it is a steep and difficult climb. The most typical route taken is along the northeast ridge. During the trek, you will gain 1800m / 5,900 ft of elevation over snow, ice and rock.
The slope averages 70° with sections of 80°-90°. It is a 1 kilometre / 0.6 mile ascent up an exposed slope.
The ridge is easier to get up when there is more snow. This is earlier in the season though. As the temperatures increase, the glacier retreats further and the route becomes more technical.
It takes approximately 9 hours to reach the summit of Salkantay Mountain from your camp at 5,500m / 1,800ft, plus another 4 hours to return to camp.
SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN ON GOOGLE MAPS
Salkantay Mountain FAQs
How high is Mount Salkantay?
Mount Salkantay is 6,271m / 20,574ft above sea level.
What is Mount Salkantay’s Mountaineering Grading?
On the French Adjectival Scale, Mount Salkantay’s Mountaineering Grading is graded ‘D’ for its difficulty with snow and ice and inclines of up to 75°.
What are the best months to summit Salkantay Mountain?
The best months to summit Salkantay Mountain are from May to September.
Is Mount Salkantay The Highest Mountain In Peru?
No, Mount Salkantay is not the highest mountain in Peru. It is, however, the 12th highest mountain in Peru. Peru’s highest mountain is Huascaran (6,768m / 22,200ft).