Salkantay Machu Picchu Trek

Cusco - Machu Picchu

Peru

Salkantay (6274 m/20600 ft) rises stately over Machu Picchu in the breathtaking Vilcanota Range. The journey combines the rarely surpassed magnificence of its natural backdrop and the attraction of the world's best known pre-Hispanic legacy, Machu Picchu.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
As you may know and since the begining of this year the government issued a new law regarding the Inca Trail (Inclusive the Salkantay) circuit stating the Total Capacity of the Circuit per day which now is a maximum of 500 people including passengers, guides, porters, coockers and other helpers and the National Institute of Culture is in charge of the reception and control of the bookings, so now we need to do our pre-bookings, subject to be re-confirmed and paid at least 30 days prior to the initiation on the program.
Due to these new government regulations, the re-confirmation of our pre.bookings for the Inca Trail have to presented by us to the National Institute of Culture at least 30 days prior to the initiation of the Inca Trail which means you have to book at least 38 days prior to the initiation. For details about the regulations please read the Regulations .

The Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata
We journey west through the Anta Valley and over the Vilcaconga pass. Descending into the warm and dry Apurimac Valley we visit the Inca temple of Tarawasi, a fine example of Inca ceremonial stonework. A little further along the road we climb to the village of Mollepata, where our mule drivers will be waiting to load our things on to horses or mules. We will then walk a short distance towards a nearby valley where we will camp at 3250m (10,660ft), from where we will get fine views of the Apurimac Valley below us.(L D)

Day 2: Rio Blanco
We climb a summit above the Rio Blanco which is fed by Salkantay's principal glacier. It is common to see condors along this section of the trail. From our campsite at 3800m (12,500ft) we will have our first sight of the south face of the Salkantay massif (6247m / 20.600ft). (B L D).

Day 3: Salcantay Basecamp
We continue our steep ascent up the enormous glacier, arriving at our most spectacular campsite at 4600 metres (15,100ft) directly below the south face of Salkantay. It was from here that a Japanese team successfully climbed the knife edge ridge that begins at our camp and ends at the summit. (B L D)

Day 4: Huayllabamba
Today we will cross a pass at 4200m (14,104ft). Our trail continues along the Paucarcancha valley, where we will observe the irrigation system built by the Incas to carry water to the terraces in this area. We descend to the community of Huayllabamba where we will say goodbye to our mule drivers and continue with porters to carry our gear. Camp at Huayllabamba. (B L D).

Day 5: Pacaymayo
From the village of Huayllabamba the trail climbs steadily through high Andean woodland to a plain called Llulluchapampa just before the first pass, from where there are excellent views of the Huayanay mountain chain. After another two hours walking we will reach the pass of Warmiwanuska (4050m/13,280ft), before descending as far as the canyon of the Pacaymayo river where we will make our second camp. (B L D).

Day 6: Winay Wayna
The trail now climbs to the second pass at Runcuracay from where we will be able to see the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges. After a short rest we will descend slowly along a paved Inca road to the ruins of Runcuracay and Sayacmarca which have been recently restored. Here we enter the cloud forest and in the afternoon the trail descends via a stone staircase past the ruins of Phuyupatamarca to Winay Wayna, where we will camp for the night.

Day 7: Machu Picchu
After about two hours walking we arrive at Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, from where we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. On arriving at the citadel we will tour the temples, houses, agricultural terraces and palaces of this magical place. Return to Cusco by train in the afternoon.

General Information

Rated: moderate/strenuous

We also run a 5, 6 and 8 days Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek. Please enquire for price and itinerary.

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 1165	$ 915	$ 785	$ 85
EUR	€ 967	€ 759	€ 652	€ 71
GBP	£ 652	£ 512	£ 440	£ 47

(*) Price last updated on 07 June 2004. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .

Included in price:
Bi-lingual mountain guides, experienced cooks, camp and field staff, transport and meals as mentioned, top quality camping equipment, inclusive mess tent, cooking gear, portable toilet, first aid kit.

Not included:
Sleeping bag and foam pad, tips.

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