Located northwest of Cuzco, Nevado de Salkantay, the cordillera’s tallest peak rises to 6,271 metres above sea level. The name Salkantay means ‘Savage Mountain’ and it is a strikingly beautiful single peak providing a great focal point for this route. The trek normally takes 5 days and is popular with trekkers wanting to combine a quieter, less trodden route with a visit to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.One of the reasons the Salkantay trail is so popular is the incredible diversity of the views and ecosystems. Voted among the top 25 best treks in the world the walk is dominated by the 20,500-feet-high Mount Salkantay and cuts through the beautiful Mollepata Valley and passes Salkantay at an altitude above 15,000 feet before traversing around the mountains to arrive at Aguas Calientes. The trek is only a little more difficult than the Inca Trail, and horses are used to carry food and equipment.