Trek along the snow-capped flanks of Salkantay before joining the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
This fully supported trek covers a distance of approximately 80 km in 7 days. It is a beautiful walk, with the awesome backdrop of Salkantay, the range's highest mountain, for the first two days.
Along the breathtaking 80 km route, you experience an impressive sweep of altitudes, from the ice-capped summit of Salkantay down through puna grassland and cloud forest to sub-tropical jungle at 2,000 metres above sea level. The fourth day you join the Inca Trail.
If you want a shorter trek, please try the Inca Trail only. These trek permits are sold on a first come, first served basis. If the Trail is full, you could try the beautiful Lares Trek or the shorter version of this Salkantay trek.
Royal Road
Although it formed only a small part of the extensive network of Inca highways cris-crossing the vast empire, this 'Royal Road' to Machu Picchu clearly had important ritual functions. It probably
served as a sacred pilgrimage route related to the veneration of
natural and celestial phenomena.
There are many well preserved archaeological sites of fine
engineering and construction along the trail. The absence of both
the Trail and Machu Picchu from the early Spanish chronicles
demonstrates that their existence was not known of during colonial
times. This helps to explain why the Inca structures escaped the systematic
destruction at the hands of Spanish conquerors.
The Trail is a paradise for botanists and birdwatchers due to the
rapid succession of ecological and climatic zones which are crossed.
Hummingbirds can be found all along the trail, and typical at high
altitude are birds of prey such as puna hawks, harriers, buzzard
eagles and sometimes Andean condors. It is also possible to see some
of the 60 species of orchid which have been identified and
classified in this area.
Outline Itinerary –day 1
Leave Cuzco early and drive to the sub-tropical town of Mollepata
(2800 metres), situated in a citrus growing area. It is common to
hear flocks of screeching parakeets as you begin the trek
northwards. Today's destination is the five family hamlet of Soray
at 3500 metres, about 16 km away. Camp in the valley at the foot of
the towering peaks of Humantay (5917metres) and Salkantay (6271
metres).
Day 2
On the second day climb steadily towards Salkantay and the pass of
Incachillasca, at 4830 metres the highest point on our trek. This is
a tough but spectacular day's walking. Descending from the desolate
screes camp on the high puna grasslands. (Pampa Cahuana, 14km
walking, at 3800m)
Day 3
On the third day trek down the broad Cusichaca Valley, backed by
imposing snowpeaks. Pass the Inca site of Paucarcancha, remote
farming settlements and stone corrals as you descend to join the
famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at the village of Huayllabamba,
where you camp (3000m, 12 km walking).
To see the Inca Trail trek in full, please click here.
Day 4
The second stage of the trek begins on the fourth day with a long
climb to the pass of Huarmiwanusca (4200 metres). From here, descend
to camp in the Pacasmayo Valley (14km, 3600 metres), or near the
ruins of Runkurakay.
Day 5
The fifth day begins with an ascent to the third pass at 4000
metres, from where you descend a paved Inca path to the dramatic
ruins of Sayajmarca, and continue on through the lush cloud forest
to the next camp at Phuyupatamarca (14km , at 4200m). The view into
the deep, forested Urubamba Gorge is awesome.
Day 6
On the sixth day, after a dramatic descent of approximately 1500
metres on Inca stairways, you arrive at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
From here you will catch sight of Machu Picchu spread out below.
Drop down to the site mid-afternoon before descending a further 400
metres to the railtrack town of Aguas Calientes (12 km, 2000m).
Tonight we stay in a hostel in the town and you can take a well
earned soak in the hot springs (optional). Hotel.
Day 7
Free morning at Machu Picchu, to explore the site further or
possibly climb Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu mountain or visit the
Moon Temple. In the afternoon return to Cuzco, by train. Hotel.
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