Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes

Listen to the above episode on Experiences You Should Have Podcast on hiking to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay trail. Many have heard of the Inca Trail to hike to Machu Picchu, but it is extremely hard to get a permit. Rob Wisnouckas was a guest on the podcast and shared his experience of hiking the Salkantay as he tried to get a permit to hike the Inca for a year and couldn't obtain a permit. Instead of canceling the idea of trekking to Machu Picchu, he went the alternative route and hiked the Salkantay trail, which doesn't require a permit to get to Macchu Picchu.

Listen above or read on for Rob's full experience.

Salkantay Vs the Inca Trail

The Salkantay trek is less known than the Inca trail, and therefore fewer people. It's a trek you can do at your own pace as you don't need a guide, whereas the Inca Trail requires a guide. The Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu doesn't require permits, while the Inca Trail does, giving you greater availability to hike the Salkantay. The Inca Trail permits are hard to come by.

The Salkantay Trek is about 46 miles long, while the Inca is 25 miles long. The Salktantay will take about 4-5 days to hike, while the Inca trail will take about 4 days. The Inca is known to have better views, but the Salkantay trek has something the Inca trail doesn't, Humantay Lake, and is completely worth the detour. The colors and backdrop of this lake is worth going to and is a lake you should add to your bucket list.

How to Get to the Salkantay Trail

Fly into Cusco (CUZ) from Lima (LIM) then catch a bus to Mollepata, then head to the Salkantay trailhead.

Top Tips for Hiking the Salkantay Trek

* Plan to hike it September or October for great weather. * Get a permit to hike into Machu Picchu* Hit up a hut on the Salkantay at night to rent a blanket as it gets cold. * If hiking isn't your thing or if you need accessible travel, plan to take the train to Machu Picchu instead. * Don't miss out on Lima and Cusco as there are great museums, cultural opportunities, catacombs and amazing things to see (and eat)

What to Bring in Your Pack

* Sleeping Bag* Mattress Pad* Tent* Jetboil* Sleeping Gear* Thermals* Change of Clothes* Camera* Phone* Locator Beacon* Spork

Backpacking on the trail leading to Machu Picchu on the Salkantay Trek, Peru

How to Budget to Hike the Salkantay

Rob knows how to stay on budget and he spent about $2,000 on flights (from the US), lodging and food. Note that the cost does increase if you choose to hire a guide, but if backpacking, this is a budget-friendly trip. Remember to bring extra money to give a tip to bus drivers and/or hired tour guides.

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