History of Salkantay: Origin, Legends and Meaning in the Andes

Published: 05 December 2018 | Update: 20 January 2026 | Reads: 6304

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The Salkantay snowy peak is not just a mountain with an altitude of 6,271 meters; it is the guardian Apu or the main deity that has watched over Cusco since ancient times. In the Inca worldview, this mountain held a special place in the sacred hierarchy. Unlike other routes, the hikes in Cusco that surround this snowy peak allow you to closely know a deity that the ancient Peruvians considered "untamable."

The origin of its name, coming from the Quechua word Salka (wild or shy), explains why this mountain is the star of the deepest legends of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Historically, Salkantay has been the mystical link between the Andean peaks and the Amazon Jungle. It is believed that its position allowed the Incas to observe the water cycle, seeing how the clouds born in the jungle were "caught" by the Apu to turn into ice that, when melting, fertilized the valleys that lead to Machu Picchu.

To understand the history of Salkantay, it is necessary to walk its paths. So come with us and discover its origin, its legends, and its meaning in the Andes of Peru.

Salkantay History

According to some authors, the name of this mountain is a contraction that comes from wild Salqa and Antay produce avalanches. The name of Apu, which in the Quechua language comes to mean lord, is usually defined in front of the great mountains that mean something sacred above the valleys. For example Apu Salkantay in the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Salkantay Mountain, also known as Salccantay, snow capped peak of Peru located in the department of Cusco; It constitutes one of the main elevations of the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, an extension of the Eastern Cordillera, a mountain branch of the Peruvian Andes. It reaches an altitude of 6,271 meters. It presents two peaks covered by snow, known as Salcantay China and Salcantay female, separated by a port that opens to the Santa Ana Valley in the province of Urubamba. Both the mountain pass and the fluvial course that is born there are called Salcantay. This river pours its waters into the Urubamba on its left bank. But you know why this mountain is sacred?

Spirit of the Mountain:

The Apus of the mountains are superior spirits considered protective of men and peoples. The Apus do not speak to humans, it is humans, through invocations, payments, rituals and prayers, who speak to the Apus asking for protection. The Apus are typically male spirits, although there are also female deities. In the Quechua language; spoken by the Incas, the plural of APU is apukuna.

What is the cult of the mountains based on?

It could be based on an ecological reality, since meteorological phenomena such as snow, hail, rain, clouds, lightning and thunder often originate in the mountains. However, other common elements give clues to better understand the reverence that the ancient Peruvians felt for the mountains.

Worship of the sacred mountains

It is possible that a social cohesion has revolved around the cult of the sacred mountains. As the cases of ethnic identity that have been observed in many regions of the Andes. The mountains were perceived as a kind of gods of war; In the Inca culture, the mountains were Apus protectors of the people who lived nearby and they worshiped them. It is said that the Incas tried to appropriate the admiration felt by the pre-Inca peoples through the mountains, building places of worship such as the city of Machu Picchu. This in order to consolidate your government.

A very common belief in the Andes of Peru, is that the mountains (Apus deities Incas) are the owners of wild animals, so the hunting practiced by the Incas is linked to the mountains. The rugged territory of Machu Picchu hosts an enormous variety of fauna, bears, pumas, snakes, birds, etc. The building of the city would have provided additional reasons for the cult of the mountains. One of the deities that protects Machu Picchu, is the imposing Salkantay mountain. The word "wild" is "salqa" in Quechua and it is possible that this was the hunting place of Pachacútec, builder of Machu Picchu.

Now discover the most amazing adventure on Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu the incredible alternative path to Machu Picchu. Explore The Salkantay Mountain the popular wild mountain in Peru and Enjoy the best views of natural landscapes along the Salkantay Trek.

A little about the snowy Salkantay

The Salkantay is a mountain located in the Andes mountain range, in Peru. With an altitude of 6,264 meters, it is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the most important in Andean history and culture, due to its imposing presence and natural beauty, which have turned the snowy Salkantay into a very popular destination. Popular for nature and trekking lovers.

What is the meaning of Salkantay?
The word "Salkantay" comes from Quechua, the native language of the ancient settlers of the region and is composed of "salqa", which means "unsociable or wild", and "antay", which refers to the action of producing clouds or avalanches Therefore, the name "Salkantay" can be interpreted as "wild mountain."
Andean Perspective of Salkantay
In the belief of the people of the Andes, the Salkantay apu is seen as an important guardian that protects the communities of Limatambo, Mollepata, Machu Picchu and Choquequirao in the Vilcabamba mountain range, which is why the Salkantay is said to remain imposing and distinguished, unlike the Ausangate apu, which is considered very powerful. On the other hand, in the local Andean perspective, Salkantay is one of the most important and active deities, being seen as the father of all mountains, so for the Andean worldview this snow-capped mountain is considered sacred and has great spiritual importance. In fact, it is believed that he is an apu, a protective deity of the region.
Offerings for the Apu Salkantay
As a show of devotion and gratitude to the apu Salkantay, people from local communities make different offerings in his honor, these can include food, such as coca, corn and quinoa, as well as flowers and other symbolic elements. Likewise, these offerings are deposited in sacred places near the snowy Salkantay, such as lagoons and apachetas (stone mounds), in this way the offerings are considered a way to establish a spiritual connection with the apu and to maintain a harmonious balance with the nature.

Salkantay Mountain

Additional information about the Salkantay Mountain

The Salkantay is a mountain located in the Cusco region, Peru. It has an altitude of 6,271 meters above sea level, which makes it one of the highest peaks in the Peruvian Andes, and it is also considered a sacred snow-capped mountain by local communities, who attribute great cultural and spiritual importance to it.

Climate
The climate in the snowy Salkantay is very cold due to its high altitude. It is also well known that, in the highest parts of the mountain, temperatures can drop below 0°C, even reaching negative temperatures at night. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for adverse weather conditions and carry the appropriate equipment to protect yourself from the cold and the possible presence of snow or frost.
Salkantay in the time of the Incas
In the time of the Incas, the snow-capped Salkantay was considered an apu, that is, a protective deity, to whom they worshiped and considered sacred. Likewise, it is believed that the Inca priests performed ceremonies and rituals in honor of the Salkantay, asking for its protection and blessing for the Inca Empire.

On the other hand, for the Incas, the Salkantay had an important role in the life cycles of the Urubamba or Willca Mayuc River, since they believed that the thawing waters of the Salkantay fed this sacred river. This is because according to a beautiful legend, they thought that these waters that fertilized the earth reached the Urubamba River and then returned to the mountains at night as a celestial river formed by the stars of the Milky Way (this belief reflected their deep connection with nature and his poetic interpretation of natural phenomena).
Inca trail in Salkantay
The snow-capped Salkantay is known for being part of an alternative hiking route to the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, so this trail offers a different experience to adventurers who want to explore more remote and less traveled landscapes. Since this route crosses valleys, mountains and forests, providing impressive panoramic views of Salkantay and its surroundings, making it a popular option for those looking for a more challenging adventure.
Ascents to the snowy Salkantay
The snow-capped Salkantay is a very big challenge for those mountaineers who want to conquer its summit, since good physical condition, knowledge of mountaineering techniques and adequate equipment are required to make ascents to Salkantay. The ascent route varies depending on the season and weather conditions, but generally involves steep sections, long walks and steep climbs in the high mountains.

Salkantay Mountain Peru

Salkantay Packages

Salkantay Trek packages offer different options to travel one of the most impressive routes to Machu Picchu. They include treks that cross snowy peaks, turquoise lagoons, tropical valleys, and unique Andean landscapes, combining adventure and nature. These are the most outstanding:

Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and more