Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu 7d/6n

This amazing trek runs beneath the sacred Salkantay mountain (6.271m), one of the highest and most stunning in the Peruvian Andes, passing through Quechua communities and lesser-known Inca ruins, to finally join the 4-day Inca Trail to Machupicchu.

Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cruzpata
We leave Cusco at 7.00 am in a private bus and drive to Mollepata. Along the four-and-a-half hour drive, we 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 visit the archaeological remains of Tarawasi, where we can appreciate an Inca Usno, or place where ceremonies for mother earth were conducted. We leave Limatambo and drive up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River, to reach Mollepata (2800 masl), where we meet our horsemen and horses. From this point we start the ascent on foot towards Cruzpata (3100 masl) along a slight climb where we may appreciate various plants, native birds, the Apurimac River canyon (which is one of the deepest in Peru), and a communitarian irrig

Day 2: Cruzpata – Soraypampa
We depart early after breakfast in the direction of Soraypampa, following a climbing trail with many level variations and along which we encounter 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 arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3900 masl). From here we can appreciate the majestic Apu Salkantay (6271 masl). We camp and dine at this place.

Day 3: Soraypampa - Pampacahuana
In the morning, we continue our hike 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 then 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 continue towards the Pampacahuana community, next to which exists an original Inca canal, where we will set our third campsite and spend the night.

Day 4: Pampacahuana – Llulluchapampa
We 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 visit the Incaracay archaeological complex (Paucarcancha) which is made up of rectangular constructions, plazas, retaining walls and terraces. After approximately four hours, we arrive in Wayllabamba, where we 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 5: Llulluchapampa – Chaquicocha
Today we 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 then continue to climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3970 masl). Halfway up, we stop to 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. Chaquicocha offers awesome views of the neighboring mountain ranges at sunrise and sunset.

Day 6: 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 7: 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.

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.
** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the evolution of the group.

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