Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek 6D/5N

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA-SALKANTAY PAMPA (L) (D)

We leave Cusco very early, passing the picturesque villages of Izcuchaca and Limatambo.  After about 3 hours in private transportation, we arrive to the village of Mollepata (approximately 9 a.m).  After a short stop here, we continue until Cruzpata where we meet with our horsemen and the pack mules, and start the beginning of our hike.  We will be hiking close to the Salkantay Mountain, towards Soraypampa.  On the way we will have lunch with a panoramic and impressive view of the valley.  As we continue, we will have an appreciative view of the snowy Umantay Mountain (5460 m.a.s.l.), passing Soraypampa and finally arriving to our first campsite known as Salcantaypampa located at 4100 meters, where we will have a beautiful view of the Salkantay Mountain, resplendent in the evening’s view.

DAY 2: SALKANTAY PAMPA – PAMPA JAPONESA- SISAYPAMPA (B) (L) (D)

After a good breakfast prepared by our expert chefs, we start our hike from Salkantaypampa with Salkantay to our right, until the Pampa Japonesa (Japanese Plains) and then to the Inca Chiriaska Pass from where we can appreciate a panoramic view of Salkantay and a lucid lake, then descending until Sisaypampa seeing llamas and alpacas along the way.  With a little luck we might catch a glimpse of the Andean Condor.  Later we will set up camp for the second night of on our adventure.

DAY 3: SISAYPMAPA – CANAL INCA – PAUCARCANCHA- WAYLLABAMBA (B)(L)(D)

After breakfast we start the hike, a more easy part of the trail, until the Andean community of Pampa Ccahuana, later a visit of the Inca Canal, a well conserved archaeological point, and a tour of the Paucarcancha complex located in the Cusichaca Valley.  We continue on arriving finally to Wayllabamba where we will see other adventurers that start the Inca Trail at kilometer 82 (the start of the Classic Inca trail 4 day trek).
Later we set up camp for our 3rd night.

DAY 4: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA – PACAYMAYO (B)(L)(D)

This is the hardest part of the Inca Trail, but not impossible! We will start the day with a hot cup of tea and then a good breakfast to be ready for the day, where we ascend continually through an area full of vegetation and trees typical of the Andes known as Q’euña. Around half-way of our day’s trek we will arrive to Llulluchampampa, and after that we also cross an area of cloud forest, where we may see some deer, lamas and alpacas and Andean bear which we called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Omatus). This place is also habitat for a lot of different kinds of birds and hummingbirds, sparrows, etc.,a nice opportunity for birdwatching. On rare occasions it is possible to see the real Andean Condor. Once we arrive to the famous pass of Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the Inca Trail, hikers will not only enjoy the incredible panoramic views but also have the satisfaction and proud feeling of having reached the top.  After a break which is well stocked with chocolates, candies and some coca leaves that will help you to keep your energy, we make our way down to the second campsite by the Pacaymayo valley (3500 meters) where we also take a later lunch and relax for the rest of the day.

DAY 5: PACAYMAYO – PHUYUPATAMARKA – WIÑAY HUAYNA (B)(L)(D)

After our breakfast, we start walking the longest part of the trail, but also some of the most beautiful. There is a number of archaeological sites and lush cloud forest area that we cross, rich with Andean flora and fauna. After about a half-hour we arrive to the Runcurakay Incan caves, consistsing of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower, then continue in ascent noticing the amazing micro-climate change from dry and mountainous to semi- tropical rainforest. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest and arrive to Sayacmarca (Town in a Steep Place). This Inca Site was built over rock overlooking the trail and is accessible only via a single narrow stone staircase. This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals and the walls still stand strong. The shape of the fortress can be seen easily, and at a liesurely climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient work, 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.  This pass includes an Incan tunnel that is eight meters wide and long enough to allow humans and animals to pass through. As we walk, we will have the opportunity to see the majesty of Salkantay Mountain, the second highest snow-capped mountain in the Province of Cusco, and a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Towards the end of the Inca flats we begin to make our way up to another important Incan place called Phuyupatamarka (Village in the Clouds), leading to where we will have lunch with  great views overlooking the Urubamba River. Down the valley we get our first views of Machu Picchu Mountain, though the site itself is still hidden from view. After a nice break, we start out again in descent of more than 2000 steps that take us to Wiñay Huayna (Eternally Young), a unique Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. We will have a guided tour of this historic site. This is where the route of the Inka Trail 4 Day Trek meets with the route of the Inca Trail 2 Day Trek, and is also where we will set-up our final campsite at (2,700meters).

DAY 6: WIÑAY HUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B)

After an early breakfast around 4.30 am, we’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and chef and head out towards Machu Picchu! This will take about an hour and a half of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle, arriving to the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate) where we will look through the Sun Gate doorway and have a beautiful view of the majestic ancient city of Machu Picchu (located at 2400 m.a.s.l.). Demonstrating her splendor in a welcome to every visitor, this Incan temple is considered a world wonder thanks to the masterwork of architecture engineered to last many generations. We descend into the Lost City of the Incas (Machupicchu), and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨ and then arrive to the control-point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. After the control point, we enter into the Incan city, starting with our 2 hour private professionally guided tour. This includes the main plaza, Sacred Solar Clock (Sagrado Reloj Solar), Circular Tower (Torre Circular) living quarters, temple of the Three Windows, cemeteries, etc.  Later there will be free time to explore more, take photos, also visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge, before ending the tour to catch the bus that heads down to Aguas Calientes town (2000m). Here, you can visit and relax at the hot springs, or explore the town, and finally board the return train and transportation to your hotel in Cusco city.

THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Detailed explanations by your guide in a briefing 1 or 2 days prior to your tour that included maps related to the trek
• Private Tourist transport to the start of the trail (Cusco – Cruzpata)
• Horsemen and assistant horsemen, and mules to pack tents, kitchen gear and kitchen and dining tents
• Entrance tickets to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Bus tickets to Machupicchu / Aguas Calientes
• Tourist class train tickets Aguas Calientes/ Poroy  (you can upgrade to Vistadonme by request in advance)
• Professional bilingual English / Spanish guide for all of Inca Trail
• 2 hour private guided tour within Machupicchu City.
• Assistant or second guide when there are groups over 8
• Porters carry your personal belongings ( up to 8 pounds) at no extra cost!! (and carry all equipment such astents, cooking gear, food, etc.)
• Cook, assistant Chef and Waiter
• Support Staff or porters – Snacks handed out before each trek
• Meals according to the program (Allergy related meals or Vegetarian can be pre-programmed in advance)
• Boiled water to refill water bottles for each day and for programmed tea-time
• Camping equipment: Rainproof 3-season tents for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people
• Personal insulated camping mattresses
• Chemical portable bathrooms
• First Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle available to use any time you require.
• Transfer from train to Cusco hotel

THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Sleeping bag (we can rent quality down sleeping bags with advance request)
• Extra Horse (available to carry up to 45 Pounds)
• Extra porter (Extra porters available to carry up to 22 Pounds)
• Entrance to Huaynapicchu Mountain (book in advance if interested due to limited spaces)
• Tips for porters, cook and guide
• Walking stick ( we can rent if needed)
• Entrance tickets to Hot Springs

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING

• Original Passport (for check-in to the trail),
• Sleeping Bag (we can rent)
• Back pack
• Sun-Block
• Mosquito repellent or insect repellent
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Flashlight or head-lamp
• Walking sticks (we can rent)
• Clothing for both cold and warm weather
• Warm clothing and rainproof
• Toque or warm hat, sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Disinfectant hand gel
• Towel + toilet paper
• Plastic poncho, rain coat or rainproof jacket
• Plastic bag to cover backpack
• Camera, with extra batteries
• Plastic bag to cover camera
• Small personal snacks (chocolate bars, granola bars, dried fruits, candies and nuts)
• Extra spending money in Soles (for Hot Springs, drinks, tips, etc).
• Water bottle
• Personal medication

PRIVATE SERVICE:

STUDENT DISCOUNT:

$35 off per person

Discounts:

1. Students: Those who have the ISIC card valid, in the event that you book under a student rate with this benefit, you will need to bring the original card (not a copy) to show it at the control points throughout the route.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

As you see in our Additional Items under Trip Overview, there are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Overview section for more details.

Upgrades

Huaynapicchu: $80 per person
Vistadome Train (One Way): $40 per person

Level: Overall moderate difficult day 2^nd  and  4^th are very difficult whit high 15´912 ft pass the rest of the trail is moderate.

Duration; 6days / 5Nights we can also offer this trek in 7D6N or upgrade one night in Aguas Calientes town, please email us for pricing and itinerary.

HOW TO BOOK

It’s always a good idea to contact us directly and confirm with our team before your booking. Once you are ready, please fill in our Booking Form and pay the Deposit according your Invoice. Our office will email you back that day with your confirmation. We always send out confirmations, so if you don’t hear from us, check your spam or contact our offie and we will resend.

Rentals all trek

• Hiking poles pare – US$30.00
• Sleeping bag – US$45.00
• Bag Pack – US$45.00
• Extra Porter USD220.00