Salkantay Trek
The name of the trek is given by the name of the Sacred Mountain towards which it heads. The mountain is called Salkantay or Apu Salkantay (6,271 m.a.s.l.) expressing its sacred meaning. Salcantay means "Savage Mountain" in Quechua native language while Apu meant powerful mountain spirit in the Incan mythology. It is still believed that each mountain has its spirit. Moreover, these mountain spirits are alive! The majority of Apus have been male spirits; however, there are some female spirits too.
Apus has been serving as protectors of their surrounding territories as well as nearby inhabitants, their crops, and livestock. The Apus were commonly offered small offerings, e.g. chicha (a fermented drink made of corn) and coca leaves. In difficult times, the Apus was called upon through offerings. In desperate times, the Incas made human sacrifices. The most important Apus are the highest Peruvian mountains. Cusco has got twelve Apus. Salkantay is the second most important Apu (after the towering Ausangate of 6,384 meters) in the Cusco region. The mountain is also the twelfth-highest mountain in the country and the second most topographically prominent Peruvian peak (after Huascarán). The Salkantay Mountain is situated in Cordillera Vilcabamba, in the Andes.
Best Tours Salkantay Trek Machu:
The Salkantay Trail offers a marvelous experience passing places surrounded by snow and ice (Pass, 4,600 m) until places lying 1,700 meters lower where bromeliads and orchids blossom. On the way, you can appreciate views of the imposing Salkantay Mountain from immediate proximity. The trek is not much difficult. There is not either snow or ice on the path. The only problem can be the high altitude (the beginning of the trek is at 2,800 meters and the highest trekking point is at 4,600 meters) so acclimatization should not be underestimated.
The name of the trek is given by the name of the sacred mountain towards which it heads. The mountain is called Salkantay or Apu Salkantay (6,271 MAMSL) expressing its sacred meaning. Salcantay means "Savage Mountain" in Quechua native language while Apu meant powerful mountain spirit in the Incan mythology. It is still believed that each mountain has its spirit. Moreover, these mountain spirits are alive! The majority of Apus have been male spirits; however, there are some female spirits too.
Apus has been serving as protectors of their surrounding territories as well as nearby inhabitants, their crops, and livestock. The Apus were commonly offered small offerings for example chicha (a fermented drink made of corn) and coca leaves. In difficult times, the Apus was called upon through offerings. In desperate times, the Incas made human sacrifices. The most important Apus are the highest Peruvian mountains. Cusco has got twelve Apus. Salkantay is the second most important Apu (after the towering Ausangate of 6,384 meters) in the Cusco region. Salkantay is also the twelfth highest mountain in the country and the second most topographically prominent Peruvian peak (after Huascarán). The Salkantay Mountain is situated in Cordillera Vilcabamba, in the Andes.