We will begin our Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek with pick up from your hotel at 5:30 AM in our private transport and we’ll head toward the town of Mollepata (9184ft/2800m). Here we’ll eat breakfast before continuing on an hour more to the town of Cruzpata (10,168ft/3100m). In this town, we will meet our horseman and his horses that will transport the equipment (tables, seats, food, baggage, tents, and food) for the next three days. From Cruzpata we’ll begin the ascent toward Soraypampa by a fairly flat road.
Once in Soraypampa, we will see the snowcapped mountain of Salkantay (21,000ft/6400m). We’ll continue through the valley, crossed by rivers and streams and filled with native birds and vegetation, to arrive at our camp in Salkantaypampa (12,770ft/3890m) at the foot of Salkantay. The camp is surrounded by many rocks and streams. Here we will pass the night, with the stars and the snow-covered Salkantay filling the sky. A Delicious dinner Will be prepared by our Cook.
Today we will wake up to a hot cup of coca tea, 30 minutes before breakfast to give us strength for the morning. After we enjoy our meal, we’ll begin the 4 hours climb to the highest point of our trek. This place is called El Paso de Inkachiriasca (15,915ft/4855m).
From this point, we can enjoy our closest view of Salkantay and the surrounding ancient glaciers shining in different shades of turquoise and blue. We can also appreciate the small lakes and sometimes will even hear avalanches from Salkantay. Later we’ll descend toward the part of the plain known as Sisaypampa.
From here we can see more snow-covered mountains that accompany us on our trek. Here we will have our lunch before we continue on the hike toward our camp called Canal Inka (11,155ft/3400m).
This place has a canal that was built by the Incas to bring water from the snow of the mountains to the valley below. We’ll pass the night here, and once again, our cook will dazzle us with his cooking.
After breakfast, we’ll proceed with our trip across the valley close to the stream Pampacahuana. A couple of hours down, we’ll show up at the first archeological complex called Inkaracay, which we’ll explore with the assistance of our guide. Later we’ll proceed with the plummet, and a couple of moments further down we’ll track down the town of Wayllabamba (9840ft/3000m).
Here we will pass on our horses and express farewell to our horseman. Starting here, our watchmen will be responsible for moving the hardware. On the Inca Trail, it is restricted to entering with pack animals since it expands the disintegration of the path. Here in Wayllabamba, we’ll partake in our lunch and a rest. Later we’ll make the four hours move to our camp in Llulluchapampa (12,650ft/3855m).
To get to our camp, we get to stroll through woods of native trees, greeneries, greenery, orchids, and birds. From our camp, we can notice the snow-covered pinnacle of Wayanay as we partake in a tasty cup of hot cocoa.
After breakfast, we will leave to vanquish the second-most elevated mark of our journey. We’ll track down this point 2 hours up the mountain at Warmiwañusca (13,780ft/4215m), likewise called Paso de la Mujer Muerta, and that implies Dead Woman’s Pass. It’s called this since it has the shape of a resting or dead lady. Starting here, we’ll descend for two hours toward Pacaymayó (11,850ft/3600m), where we’ll have our lunch and rest. Revived, we’ll proceed with our journey and visit the second archeological complex called Runkuraqay.
There we’ll stop to visit and investigate with our guide. Later we’ll proceed with the journey toward the third pass likewise called Runkuraqay (13,000ft/3900m). From this spot, we will have one more fantastic perspective on the encompassing scenes. Later we’ll slide toward the following archeological complex called Sayacmarca which we’ll likewise require some investment to investigate.
At long last, we’ll make a beeline for our camp for the evening, which is around a 30-minute stroll from Sayacmarca. Our camp is called Chaquiqocha (11,811ft/3600m), and that implies a dry lake. Here we can visit the swamp and we will spend the evening.
This part of the hike is exceptionally gorgeous due to the encompassing vegetation. Today we can see the value of crude plants. After our morning meal, we’ll proceed with our journey toward the third pass called El Paso de Puyupatamarca (12,130ft/3700m). There is one more archeological complex here that we will explore, and afterward, we have the opportunity and energy to visit and unwind.
From this spot, noticing the rear of the mountain of Machu Picchu is conceivable. After pictures, we’ll plunge toward our camp close to the archeological complex of Wiñaywayna (8600ft/2700m) which we’ll likewise investigate with the assistance of our guide. The view from this spot is lovely since we will see the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the waterway that crosses it, and the pile of Machu Picchu.
This camp offers showers (cold) for travelers. Here we’ll triumph ultimately over our last supper together and express farewell to our staff (cook and watchmen).
Your wake-up time is at 3:30 AM and eat breakfast at 4:00 AM. We will then wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30 AM. We’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and chefs and then it’s “Forward On” to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). We will reach the Sun Gate by 6:30 AM. From here we have spectacular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its glory. Then it’s just an hour’s trek down to reach the Lost City of the Incas.
As we hike and get closer to Machu Picchu, the views of the city get better and better. Around 7:40 AM we will reach the final checkpoint and enter the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu.
Then, you will take on a 2 hour guided visit in Machu Picchu. Your knowledgeable guide will then take you on a comprehensive tour of the most important parts of Machu Picchu, including:
You will also learn about the three sectors of the site: agricultural, residential, and religious.
After the tour, you will be given your bus tickets to make your way down to Aguas Calientes, and there you will have plenty of free time to explore all the city has to offer on your own. You also have the option to climb one of the neighboring mountains: Huaynapicchu. This must be arranged ahead of time.
Your guide will offer to meet you down in the village of Aguas Calientes to enjoy your last lunch in a local restaurant for lunch (Not Included). Later, you will start your journey back to Cusco with a train ride.
From Ollantaytambo or Poroy (based on which train you get), where an Apple driver will meet you and drive you back to the city on our bus and then drop you off at your hotel.
Important. The list given here is a suggested packing list, based on the experience of our guides and staff, and passengers that enjoyed the Salkantay trail and Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Feel free to pack what you think you need to be comfortable along the hike.