6-day journey: Salkantay via Inca trail to Machu Picchu trek

Salkantay via Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek

06 Days / 05 Nights

This trek perfectly combines cultural and natural beauty, we will enjoy the magnificence of the Salkantay (6264 m. / 20551 ft).

This is the most important divine symbol of the mountains. We will not only be amazed by the great landscape, but also by the great variety of plants and flowers which have developed in the depths of the river basins having a pleasant climate. We also meet with the local farmer being an event of Andean life in the customs and traditions. After Wayllabamba, we will continue into the famous Inca Trail which leads towards the Majestic city of Machu Picchu.

Itinerary:  

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata (Cruz Pata) – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pampa

We will leave Cusco at 5:45am. After having passed the town Mollepata (3000 m./9843 ft.) we will head for Cruz Pata (3400 m./11155 ft), where we will meet the rest of the group. From Cruz Pata we start hiking into a magnificent valley surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains, such as the Humantay (5217 m./17116 ft.) and the Salkantay (6264 m./20551 ft).

Our campsite will be at Salkantay Pampa (3900 m./12795 ft).

Climate: moderate and cold during the night.
Transport time: 4 hours.
Hiking time: 6 hours.

Day 2: Salkantay Pampa – Inca Chiriasqa Pass – Sisay Pampa

After breakfast we will continue our journey around midmorning and head for the highest mountain pass in the park of Machu Picchu: Inca Chiriasqa pass (5200 m./17060 ft). From there, we will have an exceptional view of the snow- capped Salkantay (6264 m./20551 ft). Thereafter, we will descend towards the Pampacahuana and Sisay Pampa (3700 m./12139 ft), next to the evidence of an original Inca Channel. We will camp and have dinner at this place.

Climate: difficult and cold during the night.
Hiking time: 8 hours.

Day 3: Sisay Pampa – Chanel of the Inca – Wayllabamba

We will leave camp at around 8:00am to start a downhill walk along the shores of the Pampacahuana river following its course towards the Wayllabamba community (3000 m./9843 ft). On the way down, we will visit the Incaraqay archaeological complex (Paucarcancha) which is made up of rectangular constructions, plazas, and retaining walls.

Wayllabamba, our campsite for this night and also the starting point for the Classic Inca Trail on the next morning.

Climate: moderate and cold during the night.
Hiking time: 5 hour

Day 4: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – 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 consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 Km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to pune.

On the way to the first pass, the Warmiwañusqa (Dead woman’s pass) 4200 m./13780 ft, from this point we will see the Veronica mountain. We advise that on this day specially, your day pack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness.

Immediately after the pass, we will descend into the Pacaymayu valley (3500 m/11483 ft), where we will camp after approximately 6h of hiking.

Climate: moderate to difficult and cold.
Hiking time: 6 hours.

Day 5: Pacaymayu – Runkurakay – Chaquicocha – Wiñayhuayna

We begin this day, which will be the prettiest of the trek, with energy after a delicious breakfast.

The first place where we are going to arrive is the archaeological site of Runkurakay (3800 m./12464 ft). Perched on a rocky outcrop, this site was supposed to be a Tambo. We continue the rise to a pass, at an altitude of 3950 m./ 12959 ft, before coming down to the ruins of Sayacmarca (3600 m./ 11811 ft), a small city composed of a maze of narrow streets, plots, houses, terraces, fountains, etc.

The path continues quietly and we pass by an Inca tunnel, then walk throughout a forest before reaching the last pass at an altitude of 3700 meters. Below the ruins of Phuyupatamarka “town over the clouds” (3800 m./12464 ft): Inca relay, impresses by its circular walls and its ingenious system of aqueducts that still supplies the baths. We enjoy a incredible view on the snow-capped peaks and the Urubamba Valley.

The descent of the other side is done under a thick canopy of bamboo. On the merits appear the extraordinary ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2700 m./8829 ft) on a rocky spur at the heart of the forest and overlooking the Urubamba Valley. Dominated by a vast array of Inca terraces, the urban complex is separated in two by a grand staircase leading to a ceremonial area. This is where we will spend our last night in tents.

Climate: difficult cold, warm with mosquitoes.
Hiking time: 8 hours approximately.

Day 6: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

On this last day we will get up at 4:00 am to leave Wiñayhuayna an hour later and climb to Inti punku, or the Sun Gate (2700 m./ 8858 ft). This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in the highland jungle. From this fabulous spot we will see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu (2400 m./7874 ft), 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 immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca Citadel that will take approximately 2 hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb to Huayna Picchu mountain (subject to availability), where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround 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 (2050 m./ 6725 ft) where, if you like, you can visit and relax in the thermal baths. From here we will take the train to Cusco, then transfer to the hotel.

Overnight Climate: normal warm with mosquitoes.
Hiking time: 02 hours.

**Prices may vary depending on travel dates. For more information, fill in the form to get in contact with a Travel Advisor.

What’s included:

Transport from the hotel to Mollepata.
High quality camping equipment (We use professional tents, Doite, Model Kailas 3, extra light / 4.5kgs or Doite, Model Cima 4, extra light / 4.5kgs, both are for 2 persons. Mattress, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / Option vegetarian).
Professional bilingual guide.
Cook and assistant.
Horseman and mules, for our camping and personal luggage of customers from Salkantay to Wayllabamba (8 kg per person).
Emergency horse during the hike of the Salkantay to Wayllabamba (for a minimum of 2 persons).
Porters in the Inca Trail for our camping equipment (From Wayllabamba to Machu picchu).
Entrance to the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu.
Bus down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
First-aid kit, oxygen bottle and safety rope.

Not included:

Sleeping bag (If you don’t have this, we can offer it).
Porters in the Inca Trail for the personal luggage (It must be carried by the customer).
Hotel in Cusco.

Important information:

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

What to pack for the trek?

Backpack with rain shelter.
Sleeping bag.
Clothing for warm and cold climates like a waterproof jacket.
Rain pants and lightweight pants.
Trekking shoes.
Slippers or sandals (for showers).
Woollen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
Long and short-sleeved shirts.
Rain poncho and a hat.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
Camera (wrapped in plastic bag).
Flashlight and batteries.
Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
Since the weather can be very cold and moist, your clothes – once gotten wet – won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.