Salkantay trek to machu picchu is a spectacular hike for high peaks snow capped mountain and tropical valley the salkantay trek is one of the 25 best new treks of whole world according to national geographic magazine the qechuas and pre inca people denominated this mountain apu salkantay god protector salkantay is located into vilcabamba mountain range and altitude is about 6 271 meters above sea level 20 574 feet this is a great alternative to inca trail