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SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHUPICCHU 7D/6N

Day 01: Cusco – Cruzpata
We will leave Cusco at 7.00 am in a private bus and drive to Mollepata. Along the four-and-a-half hour drive, we will stop in the town of Limatambo (2100 masl), an important point of access 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 (2800 masl), where we will meet our horsemen and horses. From this point we will start the ascent on foot towards Cruzpata (3100 masl) 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: Cruzpata – Soraypampa
We will depart at around 8:00 am in the direction of Soraypampa along a climbing trail with many level variations and along which we will see little groups of houses, flora, small wild birds and spectacular views of the Humantay snow peak (5902 masl). After approximately six hours of walking, we will arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3900 masl). From here we can appreciate the majestic Apu Salkantay (6271 masl). We will camp and dine at this place.

Day 03: Soraypampa - Pampacahuana
We will leave the campsite at around 7:00 am to start the four hour steep climb towards the Incachiriasca pass (4850 masl), the highest of the entire trail, and from which we will have impressive views of the Salkantay snow peak. We will immediately descend towards our lunch spot at Sisaypampa, a flat area from which one can observe Salkantay´s neighboring valleys (it is possible that you will see condors in this area). After lunch we will descend towards the Pampacahuana community, next to which exists an original Inca canal, where we will set our third campsite and spend the night.

Day 04: Pampacahuana – Llulluchapampa
We will leave camp after breakfast to start a downhill walk along the shores of the Pampacahuana river following its course towards the Wayllabamba community (3000 masl). On the way down we will visit the Incaracay archaeological complex (Paucarcancha) which is made up of rectangular constructions, plazas, retaining walls and terraces. After approximately four hours, we will arrive in Wayllabamba, where we will stop for lunch. This is the point in which our trek joins the classical Inca Trail to Machupicchu. Since load animals are not allowed in the Inca Trail, we will say goodbye to our horsemen and instead be introduced to our group of porters, which will accompany us until the end of our trek. In the afternoon, we leave Wayllabamba behind to start our way up the Warmihuañusca mountain pass (Dead Woman’s pass) through an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. We will only climb halfway up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we will camp and spend the night. Along the climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation), having the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We will also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus).

Day 05: Llulluchapampa – Chaquicocha
After breakfast, we will continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (4200masl) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600 masl), from which we will then continue to climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3970 masl). Halfway up, we will visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800 masl, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624 masl). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Only 20 minutes away is Chaquicocha, where we will set our camp.

Day 06: Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna
After an early breakfast we will continue up an easy climb, to arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 masl). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2700 masl). At this campsite we will find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.

Day 07: Wiñaywayna – Machupicchu
On this last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or the Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We then begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or 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.

PRIVATE SERVICE

If you would like to make a reservation and check our prices, for this program, please click here, and specifying:

  • trekking program
  • number of people in the trek
  • departure date

Available discounts

  • Students: US$30.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age)

STANDARD SERVICE:

What is included

  • Transfer Cusco Airport - Hotel
  • Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in bus to Mollepata, the starting poing of the trek.
  • English speaking professional guide
  • Meals 6 breakfasts / 6 Lunches / 6 Dinners & snacks
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) days 1 to 4
  • 1 emergency horse
  • Porters to carry tents, food, cooking equipment and backpacks (days 5 to 7)
  • Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes.
  • Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
  • Transfer train station – hotel
  • Gear:
  • Igloo tents 2 people in each 3-people-capacity tents, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks.
  • Rolling mattress per person
  • Dinner tent
  • Toilet tent
  • Kitchen tent
  • Tables & seats
  • Table set
  • First aid kt including emergency oxygen bottle.

What is not included

  • Breakfast on the first day
  • Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated around 9.00pm, dinner being at your own expense too.
  • Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the 4-day trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is S/. 5.00. Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes.
  • Tips

What you need to bring and carry

  • A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
  • Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
  • Strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes
  • Warm clothes, including jacket, fleece and sweaters
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold
  • Sun block
  • Insect repellent
  • Toilet paper
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
  • Water bottle and sterilizing tablets (ie. Micropur)
  • Small towel
  • Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs)
  • Cash in soles and US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
  • Original passport
  • Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required)

Optional services to be hired

  • An extra hotel night in Aguas Calientes can be booked for you at an additional cost depending on the hotel you choose.
  • If you wish to visit Machupicchu again the following day, the additional cost of the entrance fee will be charged (S/. 116.00 adults, S/. 58.00 students).
  • An extra horse to carry your additional personal items (above the included 9kg) days 1 to 4: US$ 40.00. A horse can carry up to 20 kg.
  • An extra porter to carry your additional personal items (above the included 9kg) days 4 to 7: US$ 80.00 / 4 days. A porter can carry up to 18 kg, which should be enough for 2 people.
  • Vistadome Service train (First Class) instead of the Backpacker one (Tourist train), at an additional cost of US$ 25.00 per person.
  • Sleeping Bag rent: US$ 21.00 / 7 day.

    Price: per person Standard Group service US$ 465.00

Available discounts:

  • Students: US$ 30.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age)

Departures are available along the period April to November, the rest of months this route not being operated due to weather conditions.