Salkantay in Low Season: Advantages of Traveling in 2025

The Salkantay Trek is one of Peru’s most stunning and rewarding treks, offering diverse landscapes, from glaciers to tropical jungles, as you journey toward the legendary Machu Picchu. While most trekkers choose to hike during the dry season, there are several benefits to trekking the Salkantay in low season. Traveling during the low season in 2025, which spans from November to March, provides unique advantages, including fewer crowds, lower costs, and an entirely different perspective on the Andean environment. Here’s why you should consider hiking the Salkantay low season 2025.

1. Fewer Crowds on the Trail

One of the most noticeable benefits of trekking the Salkantay in low season is the absence of large crowds. During the high season (May to September), the trail can become busy, especially at popular campsites and viewpoints. In the low season, you’ll find more solitude, making for a peaceful and immersive experience.

Why Fewer Crowds Matter:

• Tranquility: With fewer people on the trail, you’ll have more time and space to appreciate the natural beauty and serenity of the Andes.
• Better Photo Opportunities: If you’re a photographer, having fewer tourists around means you can capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife without distractions.
• Quieter Campsites: Campsites and lodges tend to be less crowded during the low season, allowing you to enjoy more privacy and a quieter night’s rest after a day of trekking.

For those seeking a more intimate and reflective experience on the Salkantay Trek, low season is ideal. Visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions to learn more about trekking options during this period.

2. Lower Prices and Great Deals

Traveling during the low season often comes with the added benefit of reduced prices. Many trekking companies offer discounts on packages during the off-peak months, and you’re likely to find better deals on accommodation and transportation.

Budget-Friendly Benefits:

• Lower Trekking Costs: Trekking packages are often discounted during the low season, making it more affordable for budget-conscious travelers.
• Accommodation Deals: Hotels and hostels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes tend to reduce their rates during the low season, allowing you to save money on your stay before and after the trek.
• Flight Discounts: Flights to Cusco from Lima or international locations are generally cheaper during the low season, helping you save on travel expenses.

For more information on discounted trekking packages in the low season, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

3. Lush, Green Landscapes

While the low season coincides with the rainy season in Peru, this brings a whole new dimension to the landscape. The Salkantay Trek transforms into a lush, green wonderland during these months, with vibrant vegetation, blooming flowers, and flowing waterfalls. For nature lovers, this is one of the biggest advantages of trekking during the low season.

Scenic Beauty in the Low Season:

• Vibrant Flora: The rains rejuvenate the land, creating lush, green valleys filled with colorful flowers and dense forests. This makes the scenery along the trail even more breathtaking.
• Waterfalls and Rivers: The rivers and waterfalls along the trek are at their fullest during the rainy season, creating dramatic natural features that are less pronounced during the dry season.
• Unique Wildlife Sightings: The increase in rainfall also attracts more wildlife, giving you a better chance to spot animals like birds, frogs, and butterflies thriving in their natural habitat.

If you’re a photographer or nature enthusiast, the Salkantay low season 2025 offers a fresh perspective on the Andean environment, full of life and color. For a closer look at what you can expect, follow Guiding Cusco Expeditions for updates and photos from the trail.

4. A Different Machu Picchu Experience

Visiting Machu Picchu at the end of the Salkantay Trek is always a highlight, but traveling during the low season offers a unique experience of this iconic site. The reduced number of visitors allows for a quieter, more reflective visit, and the misty, rain-soaked atmosphere creates an almost mystical feel.

Benefits of Visiting Machu Picchu in the Low Season:

• Fewer Tourists: You’ll encounter fewer tourists at Machu Picchu, making it easier to explore the ruins, take photos, and absorb the history without the usual crowds.
• Dramatic Atmosphere: The mist and clouds that often shroud Machu Picchu during the low season add a dramatic, almost mystical effect to the site. This weather gives a different visual experience compared to the bright, sunny conditions of the dry season.
• Personalized Experience: With fewer people around, your guided tour can feel more personalized, giving you more time to ask questions and explore at your own pace.

To make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu during the low season, consider booking a trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

5. Less Competition for Bookings

In the high season, trekkers often need to book their trek months in advance due to high demand. However, during the low season, you’ll find that there’s much more flexibility in booking your trek, accommodation, and transportation.

Advantages of Easier Bookings:

• Flexible Dates: With fewer travelers, you’ll have more freedom to choose your trekking dates and won’t need to worry about popular dates being fully booked months in advance.
• Accommodation Availability: Finding a good place to stay in Cusco or Aguas Calientes is much easier during the low season, as hotels and hostels have more availability.
• Last-Minute Deals: If you prefer spontaneous travel, the low season is perfect for last-minute bookings. Trekking companies may offer discounts for late bookings, allowing you to join a group at a lower price.

For last-minute booking options and more flexible travel plans, check out the packages at Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

6. Avoiding the Heat

While the low season brings more rain, it also brings cooler temperatures, especially at higher altitudes. Trekking in the low season means you’ll avoid the intense heat of the high season, making the trek more comfortable, particularly during the long uphill climbs.

Comfortable Trekking Weather:

• Cooler Temperatures: The lower temperatures during the low season make trekking more comfortable, especially when hiking through high-altitude areas like the Salkantay Pass.
• Less Sun Exposure: The cloud cover during the low season means you’ll be less exposed to the harsh UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and overheating.

While you’ll still need rain gear and layers to stay warm and dry, the cooler temperatures provide a more pleasant trekking experience overall. For a full packing list and tips on staying comfortable during the trek, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

Trekking the Salkantay in low season offers a unique and rewarding experience for those looking to avoid the crowds, save money, and see the Andes in a different light. With lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices, the Salkantay low season 2025 provides an opportunity to enjoy this stunning trek at a slower, more personal pace. Whether you’re a nature lover seeking vibrant scenery or a traveler looking for peace and solitude, the low season is an excellent time to embark on this unforgettable journey.

For more information or to book your trek, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions, or contact us directly via WhatsApp.