By Simon

Question:
Why do local people in the Cusco region refer to Mount Salkantay as “Apu Salkantay”?

Answer:
Many locals of the Cusco region refer to Salkantay as “Apu Salkantay” as this is a term of reverence and worship. “Apu” literally means “Spirit of the mountain” or “mountain god”.

This was an important part of the religion of the Inca Empire: the Incas had great respect for mountains such as Salkantay and Ausangate as they towered towards the skies – home of the “Inti” Sun god – and the stars. They believed that a spirit or god resided within these mountains that protected their culture .

Today I walked right past Salkantay, here’s some photos:

You can read my day by day account of the lodge to lodge Salkantay Trek here.