Salkantay Trek Itinerary

Day 1. Bus from Cusco to Mollepata (approx.  4 1/2 hours). On the way to Mollepata we'll briefly stop off at the ruins of Tarawasi - an Inca temple with one of the finest examples of Inca polygonal masonry in a long retaining wall. On the upper level are 28 tall niches possibly used for displaying the mummies of the Inca nobility. This area was the site of a battle between the Spanish and the Incas. Hernando de Soto and his soldiers were resting here on their way to Cusco when they were attacked by nearly 4000 Inca warriors; 4 Spaniards were killed and many injured.

Arriving at Mollepata in the early afternoon we'll walk up hill out of town ascending through valleys filled with flowering shrubs buzzing with hummingbirds, across streams and past isolated houses.
After about 3 hours walking we'll set up camp in pastures close to an irrigation canal.

Day 2. Today we'll hike from the pastures to just above the village of Soray. In the morning you'll have magnificent views of Nevado Humantay (5917m). After about 5 hours trekking we'll arrive at the small settlement of Soray where the valley broadens and flattens and Nevado Salkantay comes into view. To hike from Soray to the camp in the upper valley requires about one hour.

Day 3. It's a 4 hour trek to the Incachiriaska pass (where the Inca cools down) which lies at 4880m. The hummingbird inhabits the lower valleys around Nevado Salkantay, but here in the rocky crags is the home of the Andean Condor, the world's largest bird.
The trail continues east down through a long broad valley to Pampachuana, a small village some 4 hours from the pass. We'll camp just above the village.

Day 4. In the morning you will see that the valley begins to narrow and the river becomes a canal. The Incas frequently cut canals through valleys to increase the agricultural land - this is an excellent example. From Pampachuana it's a 3 hours hike down the narrow, steep valley to the Inca fortress of Inkaracay (also known as Paucarcancha). This is a site well worth exploring.
It's about another 1/2 hours walk down to the small village of Wayllabamba. where you join the Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Depending on the progress made by the group on the previous days, we may camp the night at Wayllabamba or continue a few hours further along the Inca Trail. Our mules and horsemen will return to Mollepata and be replaced by porters.

Day 5. (12 km)
Up at 0600, breakfast at 0630, wide awake and full of enthusiasm (!) to commence trekking at 0700.
The trail from Wayllabamba to the 1st pass of Warmiwañusca (4200 m highest point) climbs nearly 1200 m. and takes about 5½ hours. Lunch is provided 10 minutes after the pass.
It’s another 1½ hours (easy walking) to our camp at Pacaymayu (3600 m), near to Runkuraqay, where we’ll cook dinner.

Day 6 (15 km)
Leaving the camp at 0700 you’ll walk another 15 km (approx. 7 hours) to the ruins of Wiñaywayna (2600m) passing the smaller ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca on the way, as well as stopping for lunch and snacks.
At Wiñaywayna we’ll set up camp and have dinner. There’s also a place to take a hot shower (US$1.5 extra) and a small restaurant for those who may wish to participate in the consumption of alcoholic beverages !
Day 7  (5 km)
Up at 0430, breakfast for 0500 and back on the trek to Machu Picchu early to arrive at Inti Punku (the sun gate) just prior to sunrise at approx. 0645 with beautiful views of Machu Picchu (depending on you luck with the weather).
We'll arrive at Machu Picchu ruins (2400m) at 0730 and have a guided tour of the Ruins for about 2 hours followed by some free time. This is an ideal opportunity to climb the mountain of Wayna Picchu offering great views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys.
In the early afternoon we'll return to Aguas Calientes by tourist bus for a meal in one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a relaxing soak in the town's hot thermal springs.
Return by  train back to Cusco. End of trek.

(Note that this is a typical itinerary and may be subject to change depending on speed of the group, group size and availability of camping space allocated by the UGM. Alternative campsites may be used.)           Back Adventure
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