Mount
Salkantay’s glacier-covered summit reaches 20,576feet or 6255meters and
dominates the peaks of the surrounding Cordillera Vilcabamba. The mountains of
the Cordillera Vilcabamba rise to form a rugged chain between the region’s two
great rivers, the Urubamba and the Apurimac. Along the Cordillera's northern
side, massive snow peaks collide with tropical rain forests to create a
brilliant contrast between lofty desolation and lush vegetation. It is one
of the last great mountains before the highlands drop dramatically into the
Amazon Basin and is still worshiped as a god by the local Indians of the Cusco
region. In the forest and valleys at its base the rebel Inca leader, Manco,
escaped and sought refuge from the Spanish Conquerors whose horses could not
reach the relative paradise of the lower elevations beyond. Mollepata, an
attractive village built on a mountainside overlooking the deep citrus producing
valley of the Apurimac, is the starting point for the trek.
Trekking
itinerary 7D/6N
Day 1. Bus from Cusco to Mollepata - Markokasa (approx. 5 hours). On the way to Mollepata we'll briefly stop off at the ruins of Tarawasi - an Inca temple with one of the finest examples of Inca polygonal masonry in a long retaining wall. This area was the site of a battle between the Spanish and the Incas. Hernando de Soto and his soldiers were resting here on their way to Cusco when they were attacked by Inca warriors; 4 Spaniards were killed and many injured. Arriving at Mollepata in the early afternoon we'll walk up hill out of town ascending through valleys filled with flowering shrubs buzzing with hummingbirds, across streams and past isolated houses.
After about 4 hours walking we'll set up camp in the Markokasa Pastures.
Day 2. Markokasa – Soray pampa Today we'll hike from the Markokasa to Soray Pampa. In the morning you'll have magnificent views of Nevada Humantay (5855m). After about 5 hours trekking we'll arrive at the small settlement of Soray where the valley broadens and flattens and Nevada Salkantaypampam comes into view. To hike from Soraypampa to the camp in the upper valley requires about one hour.
Day 3. Soraypampa – Pampaccahuana It's a 4 hour trek to the Inca Chiriaska Pass which lies at 4880m. At the lower valleys there are hummingbirds in habitats around Nevada Salkantay, but here in the rocky crags is the home of the Andean Condor, the world's largest bird. The trail continues east down through a long broad valley to Pampaccahuana, a small village some 5 hours from the pass. We'll camp by the village.
Day 4. Pampaccahuana – Wayllabamba In the morning you will see that the valley begins to narrow and the river Pampaccahuna becomes a canal. The Incas frequently made canals through valleys to increase the agricultural land. This is an excellent example. From Pampaccahuana it's a 3 hour hike down the narrow valley to the Inca fortress of Inca Racay (also well known as Paucarcancha). This is a site well worth exploring. It's about another 1 hour walk down to the small village of Wayllabamba, where you join the Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Depending on the progress made by the group in the previous days, we may camp the night at Wayllabamba or continue a couple hours further along the Inca Trail (three white stones). Our mules and horsemen will return to Mollepata and be replaced by porters. They are coming from Ollantaytambo.
Day 5. Wayllabamba - Pacaymayo Up at 06.00a.m, breakfast at 0630, wide awake and full of enthusiasm to commence trekking at 0700. Before we start trekking we pass the check point 10 min. from camp site. The trail from Wayllabamba to the 1st pass of Warmiwañusca (4200m, highest point of the Inca Trail) climbs nearly 1200m. and takes about 5 hours. Lunch is provided 10 minutes after the pass or at the camp site. Everything depends on the progress of our group.
We enjoy lunch after the pass, It’s another 1½ hours down hill (easy walking) to our camp at Pacaymayo (3600m). There are cool showers and we’ll have there dinner.
Day 6. Pacaymayo- wiñaywayna (16 km) Leaving the camp at 0700 you’ll walk another 16 km (approx. 8 hours) to the ruins of Wiñaywayna (2750m) passing some ruins of Sayacmarka and Phuyupatamarka on the way, as well as stopping for a tour at each Inca site. Lunch and snacks.
At Wiñaywayna we’ll set up camp and have dinner. There’s also a place to take another hot shower (US$1.50 extra) and a small bar for those who may wish to have a very cool drink or consume alcoholic beverages!
Day 7 WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU (6 km)
Up at 04.30am, breakfast at 05.00am and back on the trek to Machu Picchu early to arrive at Inti Punku (the sun gate), an hour hike just prior to sunrise with beautiful views of Machu Picchu (depending on our luck with the weather). We'll arrive at Machu Picchu ruins (2400m) at 0730 and have a guided tour of the Ruins for about 2 ½ hours, followed by some free time. After that you have more free time and this is an ideal opportunity to climb the mountain of Wayna Picchu, offering great views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys and mountains.
In the afternoon we'll go down to Aguas Calientes (where the train station is) by tourist bus for a meal. There many restaurants. You can also enjoy a relaxing soak in the town's hot thermal springs. Return by train back to Cusco. End of trek.
WHAT
IS INCLUDED
Two
guides for groups over 9 persons; one guide for smaller groups
Bilingual
guides and knowledgeable about of the area and its customs.
Camping
equipment including bathroom, cook and dining tents
Tables,
chairs
Kitchen
personnel
Cook
Transfer
to start trek and from end of trail to Ollantaytambo
four hot
meals a day tea, hot water and snacks
Horses
Pack animals: horses for camping equipment and your personal items
Day 1. Bus from Cusco to Mollepata - Markokasa
