SALKANTAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 7DAYS / 6NIGHTS

The amazing Trek runs beneath the sacred SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN (6,271m) one of the highest and most stunning in the Peruvian Andes, passing through Quechua comunities and lesser-known inca ruins, to finally join the 4 day inca trail to MACHU PICCHU.

Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco – Markoq’asa
We will leave Cusco at 5:00 am. In our private bus, and drive to Mollepata. Along the four and a half hour drive we will stop in the town of Limatambo (2,100m) an important point of accses to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca empire. Here we will visit the archaeological remains of Tarawasi, where we can appreciate an Inca Usno, or place where ceremonies for Mother Earth were conducted.
We will leave Limatambo and drive up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac river, to reach Mollepata (2,800 m) where we will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we will start the ascent on foot towards Cruzpata (3100 m) along a slight climb where we will appreciate various plants, native birds the Apurimac river Canyon (Which is one of the deepest in Peru), and a communitarian irrigation canal. In Cruzpata we will set up our first camp.

Day 02 : Markoq’asa – Salkantaypampa

We will depart at around 8:00am. In the direcction of Salkantaypampa along a climbing trail with many levels variations and along which we will see little groups of houses, flora, small wild birds and spectacular views of the Humantay snow peak (5902m) after approximately six hours of walking we will arrive at our campsite is Salkantaypampa (4,120m) from here we can appreciate the majestic Apu Salkantay (6271m) we will camp near of this mountain.

Day 03 : Salkantaypampa Pampacahuana

We will leave the campsite at around 7:00 am to start the four hour steep climb towards the Inca Chiriasqa pass (4850m), the highest of the entire trail, and from which we will have impressive views of the Salkantay snow peak, we will immediately dessend towards the Pampacahuana community, next to to which exist an original Inca Canal. We will camp and have dinner at this place

Day 04 : Pampacahuana – Wuayllabamba

We will leave camp at around 8:00am to start a down hill walk along the shores of the Pampacahuana river following it’s course towards the Wayllabamba community (3000 masl) on the way down we will visit the Incaraqay archaeological complex (Paucarcancha) which is made up of rectangular constructions, plazas, retaining walls arrive in Wayllabamba, where we will camp and have dinner.

Day 05 : Wayllabamba - Pacaymayu

We will wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast we will leave wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek which consist of an abroupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 Km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna. On the way to the first pass, the Warmiwañusqa ( Dead woman’s pass ) 2,400 masl. from this point we will see the the Veronica mountain. We advise that on this day specially, yor day pack is well stocked with candies,chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help wiht altitude sickneess. Inmediately after the passs, we will desscend into the Pacaymayu valley ( 3,600 masl ), where we will camp after approximately 6h of hiking.

Day 06 : Pacaymayu - Wiñayhuayna

This day is longest but also the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites that we will visit and learn about from our guide. From pacaymayu we will climb to the second pass, the Runcurakay pass (3970 masl )half way up we will visit the archaeological complex with de the same name. And after the pass we will desscend towards Yanaqocha ( black lagoon ) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayaqmarka ( 3624 masl ) this is beautfull complex made up of a semicircular construction. Continuing up an easy climb, we will arrive at the third pass, the abra de Puyupatamarka ( 3,700 masl ).Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the incas ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeng rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveved andean geography. To later arrive at the archeological complex of the Phuyupatamarka ( town over the clouds ). From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid fundations. And olso impressive views of the Urubamba river valley and the along descending stone steps to Wiñayhuayna Camp site.

Day 07: Wiñayhuayna– Machupicchu – Cusco

On this last day we will get up at 4:00 am to leave Wiñayhuayna an hour later and climb to Intipunku, or the sun gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the adges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot we willl see the sinrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we will enter the citadel from the highest point through the “ house of the guardians ” we will then descend to the control point where we will register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We will inmediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca Citadel thet will take approximately 2 hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb to Haynapicchu mountain, where one can experience spectacuklar views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that sourround it, or you can visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca bridge. In the afternoon we will meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like , you can visit and relax in the thermal baths. From here we will take the train to the city of Cusco, where we will arrive after nightfall.

* Departures and ariival times are approximated.

* Campsites are subject to change according to the destination of the gobernmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the evolution of the group.

Departures:

Fixd departures every days exeption: one-month closing period of the classical Inca Trail route in Februry, during which an alternative trail ia used from days 5 to 7.

What is included:

* Pick-up from you hotel in the morning and transfer in private bus to Mollepata, the starting point of the trek.
* Inca trail and Machupicchu entrance fees.
* Igloo tents. 2 people in each 3 people capacity tents to allow for higher confort and a safe keeping of backpacks.
* One mattress per person.
* Dinning tents with tables and chairs.
* Kitchen tent.
* English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 10 persons).
* Cook and cooking equipment.
* Horseman and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) only Sakantay route.
* 1 horse for emergency.
* Porters (carry tents, food & cooking equipment) only Inca Trail.
* Acommodation for our guides, cook, porters and horseman.
* Meals (06B, 06L, 06D tea time and snack service every day).
* First-aid kid including emergency oxigen bottle.
* Bus ticket from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes.
* Train ticket (backpaker service) from Aguas Calientes-Cusco

What is not included:

* Lunch & dinner on the last day.
* Sleeping bag.
* Visit to the hot spring.
* Tips.