Best Time of the Year to Do the Salkantay Trek

Salkantay Trek

Have you gone on a lovely hike that was unforgettable? Planning the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is not that conceptually different. But before you start tossing things in a backpack and packing your bags, it is good for you to also have some general ideas about when to go. Your overall trekking experience is quite partially based on the weather, crowds, and even the condition of the trail. So, if you are the backpacking-type traveler who has roughly planned on doing this renowned Peru Salkantay Trek, it is all covered right here for you.

Why Timing Matters For the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

This is the question almost every tourist will ask. But think about this: would you truly want to visit this incredible place in the rainy season? Nah, because no one appreciates being soaked and dealing with unsafe trekking conditions. So, go to the Salkantay treks​ in the dry season, which is usually May to September. Now, you will be able to enjoy:

Wet Season Realities on the Peru Salkantay Trek

If you’re considering trekking anytime from November to March, make sure that you’re aware of the following issues and plan accordingly:

That said, we have seen some experienced hikers actually prefer to hike the trip in the wet season. This is mainly because they experience the lush green landscape, and who doesn’t have a soft spot for a nice view! 

Shoulder Season Magic for Salkantay Trek 5 Days

In case you’re planning to book a Salkantay Trek 5-day route, the shoulder seasons are something you must be aware of: You’ll get a sweet balance of:

This way, you’ll be getting all the benefits of dry and wet weather, and also, we’ve seen a lot of seasoned hikers say that October offers the best view of Salkantay Mountain.

What Each Month Feels Like on Salkantay Treks​

Here’s a gist of what each of the above months will offer you:

Your Salkantay Trek Packing List Changes With the Season

Here’s a quick question. Have you ever gone on a beautiful trek with all the planning and yet forgotten to bring in the essentials? Yeah, we’ve all been there, and just so it doesn’t happen again, keep on reading the list of things that you must carry with yourself:

Dry Season Essentials

Wet Season Must-Haves

Choosing Salkantay Trek Tour Operators Based on Season

You can be the most experienced trekker and yet need the right tour guide, mainly because many trails can be unpredictable. That’s why you must always choose an operator that’s reliable and has a good reputation and expertise. This way, you can just enjoy the trek without worrying about the right pathways or any safety concerns. Here’s what you must look out for while going for a service provider:

When Is the “Worst” Time to Go For the Salkantay Trek 

As expert tour operators, we’ve seen that most of the people who come for this trek struggle during the months of January and February. Why? Simply because you’ll witness landslides, extreme cold and rainfall, and we’ve seen even the best operators cancel their treks during this time. 

Conclusion

By now, you must’ve gotten the basic idea of how to go ahead with the Salkantay trek. Still, if you have some questions, we’d suggest you go through more details on your own. After all, no one wants to reach the destination unprepared. The last vital thing that’s very important is the tour operator that you’ll choose, because while reliable guides can elevate your experience, the wrong ones can make it stressful. Go Xplore Peru makes your trip effortless. Book now and enjoy a hassle-free tour.