Trekking the Inka Trail

Difficulty degree of this hike: Challenging.
Please Inquire departure dates ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR BOOKING SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHUPICCHU 7days/6 nights – Pool Service This amazing trek runs beneath the sacred Salkantay mountain (6.271m/20569ft), one of the highest and most stunning in the Peruvian Andes, passing through Quechua communities and lesser-known Inca ruins, to finally join the 4-day Inca Trail to Machupicchu. An acclimatization period of at least 2 days in Cusco or at elevations above 3000m/9840ft is recommended.

Cusco to Cruzpata We leave Cusco at 7.00 am in a private transportation and drive to Mollepata. Along the three-hour drive, we stop in the town of Limatambo (2100m/6888ft), an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire. Here we visit the archaeological remains of Tarawasi, where we can appreciate an Inca Usno, or place where ceremonies for mother earth were conducted. We leave Limatambo and drive up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River, to reach Mollepata (2800m/9184ft), where we meet our horsemen and horses. From this point we start the ascent on foot towards Cruzpata (3100m/10168ft) along a slight climb where we may appreciate various plants, native birds, the Apurimac River canyon (which is one of the deepest in Peru), and a communitarian irrigation canal. In Cruzpata we set up our first camp. Meals: L, D	day 1

Cruzpata to Soraypampa We depart early after breakfast in the direction of *Soraypampa*, following a climbing trail with many level variations and along which we encounter little groups of houses, flora, small wild birds and spectacular views of the Humantay snow peak (5902m/19359ft). After approximately six hours of walking, we arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3500m/11480ft). From here we can appreciate the majestic Apu Salkantay (6271m/20569ft). We camp and dine at this place. Meals: B, L, D	day 2

Soraypampa to Pampacahuana In the morning, we continue our hike to start the four hour steep climb towards the Incachiriasca pass (4850m/15908ft), the highest of the entire route, and from which we will have impressive views of the Salkantay snow peak. We then descend towards our lunch spot at Sisaypampa, a flat area from which one can observe Salkantay´s neighboring valleys (it is possible that you will see condors in this area). After lunch we continue towards the *Pampacahuana* community, located next to an original Inca canal, where we set our third camp and spend the night. Meals: B, L, D	day 3

Pampacahuana to Llulluchapampa We leave camp after breakfast to start a downhill walk along the shores of the Pampacahuana River following its course towards the *Wayllabamba* community (3000m/9840ft). On the way down we visit the Incaracay archaeological complex (Paucarcancha) which is made up of rectangular constructions, plazas, retaining walls and terraces. After approximately four hours, we arrive in Wayllabamba, where we stop for lunch. This is the point in which our trek joins the classical Inca Trail to Machupicchu. Since pack animals are not allowed in the Inca Trail, we say goodbye to our horsemen and instead, are introduced to our group of porters, which will accompany us until the end of our trek. In the afternoon, we leave Wayllabamba behind to start our way up the *Warmihuañusca* mountain pass (Dead Woman’s pass) through an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. We will only climb halfway up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we will camp and spend the night. Along the climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation), having the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We will also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). Meals: B, L, D	day 4

Llulluchapampa to Chaquicocha Today we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then continue to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Only 20 minutes away is Chaquicocha, where we will set our camp. Chaquicocha offers awesome views of the neighboring mountain ranges at sunrise and sunset. Meals: B, L, D	day 5

Chaquicocha to Wiñaywayna After an early breakfast we will continue up an easy climb, to arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, 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. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft). At this campsite we will find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. Meals: B, L, D	day 6

Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu On this last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or the Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the *Huaynapicchu* Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall. Meals: B	day 7