Hidden Valleys of salkantay
Step off the beaten path on this 4-day Salkantay trek along traditional Inca trails. Departing from Cusco and the Sacred Valley, we drive north across Antapampa and into the Apurimac watershed. The town of Mollepata is the starting point of our trek across the Cordillera Vilcabamba, past Mt. Humantay and Mt. Salkantay into the headwaters of the Santa Teresa valley. We then leave the high alpine environment and descend into the cloud forest, eventually gaining great views of Machu Picchu from a different perspective. We hike into the Aobamba Valley and will arrive downriver from the Machu Picchu citadel, spending the night in Aguas Calientes. Next morning we explore the Machu Picchu ruins before returning to Cusco.
SUMMARY
DAY 1: Thu, Jul 2 ::: CUSCO ARRIVAL
DAY 2: Fri, Jul 3 ::: CUSCO EXPLORATION
DAY 3: Sat, Jul 4 ::: Cusco Free Day
DAY 4: Sun, Jul 5 ::: Salkantay Trek
DAY 5: Mon, Jul 6 ::: Salkantay Trek
DAY 6: Tue, Jul 7 ::: Salkantay Trek
DAY 7: Wed, Jul 8 ::: Salkantay Trek to MACHU PICCHU
DAY 8: Thu, Jul 9 ::: DEPART Machu Picchu FOR CUSCO
DAY 9: Fri, Jul 10 ::: DEPART CUSCO
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1
Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.
Overnight: Quinta San Blas
Cusco Arrival
Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Rest and relaxation are encouraged today as the city sits at an elevation of 11,000' and most of us will be feeling the effects of the altitude. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Cusco on your own.
Day 2
Over look Cusco from the ancient walls of Sacsayhuaman.
Meals: B
Overnight: Quinta San Blas
City and Ruins Tour in Cusco
After breakfast, we’ll explore the ancient city of Cusco. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Korikancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center. We then travel to the edge of the city where we’ll visit the Inca sites of Q’uenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco.
A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers an afternoon at your leisure.
DAY 3
The kindness of the locals is ever more vibrant than their attire.
Meals: B
Overnight: Quinta San Blas
Cusco Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Cusco to explore on your own and have more time to acclimatize.
Additional tours available, please inquire.
Day 4
The high altitude mountain views are unparalleled.
Meals: B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Cusco to Tinco
From Cusco, we drive toward Limatambo, past the Tika Tika Pass where we will aain our first views of majestic Mount Salkantay and Humantay on the horizon, before crossing the Anta plateau. Driving past breathtaking panoramas of this vibrant agricultural region with views of rugged snowcapped peaks in the background, we will arrive at the ruins of Tarawasi. Aer a visit to this important Inca ceremonial center, with its long asymmetrical stone walls, we will continue our drive toward the trailhead at the village of Tomacaya, where we’ll begin our trek.
This day’s hiking is all uphill. As we are approaching the heights, we’ll observe how the ecosystem changes with the altitude, starting in a relatively warm, sheltered valley where crops of fruits and vegetables thrive, then onto higher plateaus where native potatoes are grown. Finally, as we reach our campsite, we’ll observe herds of sheep and camelids grazing the high meadows.
Sleep surrounded by a stream and side valleys in our campsite at Tinco (13,628 ft).
Trekking distance: 6.9 mi, 6-7 hours
DAY 5
History appears around every corner on this magical trail.
Meals: B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Tinco to Pampacahuana
Leaving Tinco, we will head up the valley and take the leeward trail to begin a long uphill climb toward the pass. As the day warms up during our climb, we may see some Andean bird species, including endangered Andean Condors, as they soar majestically above the mountains. After 3-4 hours of steady climbing, we’ll arrive at the Tocto Pass (16,072 ft) where we’ll marvel at the incredible and dramatic views of the south face of Mt. Salkantay, while enjoying the special feeling of solitude that comes with knowing there are few other humans in the vicinity. We begin our descent along the Pampacahuana Valley toward our campsite at Mirador Pampacahuana at 3902 masl (12,801 ft) all the while accompanied by amazing mountain views. On a clear day, we can see both the eastern face of Mt. Salkantay up the valley to our le, and Mt. Veronica down the valley to our right. Sleep surrounded by mountains and stars in our Pampacahuana campsite (12,801 ft)
Trekking distance: 9.3 mi, 6-7 hours
DAY 6
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more idyllic view that those from the Salkantay Trek. This fully catered trek ensures you sleep well to better enjoy the view.
Meals:
B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Pampacahuana to Chamana
We’ll take our leave of imposing Mt. Salkantay and continue our hike downhill along an ancient Inca canal flowing down the center of the Pampacahuana Valley, passing through a landscape dotted with small farm settlements. At the end of the valley, we’ll once more begin to observe a greater variety of vegetation as we descend past the tree line before arriving in Paucarcancha, a remote Inca site at the confluence of the Pampacahuana and Q’esca valleys, where we’ll optionally stop for lunch. (We may, instead, have lunch on reaching Chamana, which is a couple of hours down the road.) The choice depends on the pace of the group and whether everyone is hungry yet – today ́s itinerary is flexible!
After a short visit to explore the Inca stone walls and remnants of ancient houses at the site, we’ll continue our journey downhill and join the first stretch of the famed Inca Trail, descending toward Chamana.
Chamana is located just outside the Llactapata ruins, and we will have a chance to explore these ruins after enjoying a hearty lunch (if we were not yet hungry in Paucarca ncha). These ruins were once an important rest stop for the Inca on the way to Machu Picchu, and this site will also be our private “rest stop” for the evening. We are the only company that uses this campsite, and we have equipped it with a hot shower for you to cleanse and refresh aer the strenuous activity of the previous few days. Campsite at Chamana (8480 ft)
Trekking distance: 10.4 mi, 6 hours
Day 7
Connection is the root of all travel.
Meals:
B | L
Overnight: El Mapi
Lucmabamba to Machu Picchu Village
At this point, we will be on the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Aer visiting the ruins of Huayna Q’ente, with its amazing Inca terraces and impressive landscaping, we will leave the National Sanctuary through the town of Qoriwairachina and head towards Piscacucho, where the main entrance to the Inca Trail is located. The trail will take us alongside the Vilcanota River and through several more ancient archaeological sites. In fact, this is the same path that Hiram Bingham used when he was first led to Machu Picchu by local people living here in 1911. From here, we’ll travel by car to Ollantaytambo, and then take the afternoon train to Machu Picchu Village, where we will take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night at a local hotel. Dinner on your own.
Trekking distance: 10.4 mi, 7 hours
DAY 8
Reaching the Citadel of Machu Picchu will leave us awe inspired.
Meals:
B
Overnight: Quinta San Blas
Machu Picchu – Cusco
We ascend up to Machu Picchu citadel by bus and spend the day in both guided and individual exploration, visiting the most fascinating features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. Some will want to take the optional hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu for an amazing overview of the site, while others may want to investigate Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument of Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Cusco.
Option to hike Huayna Picchu if permits are available, additional charge.
Day 9
After a week of immersing in the culture, we have to say a bittersweet farewell.
Meals: B
Depart Cusco
Today, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Price: $2495 per person
Single Accommodations
Deposit: 30% due today
Final Balance: due 90 days prior to departure
Payment plan available, please inquire
Sample AcCommodations
In the middle of the bohemian artisans’ neighborhood of San Blas, is Quinta San Blas, an enchanting colonial house completely renovated into a hotel boutique. In it, the stone courtyards and the high quality service of Ananay Hotels stand out.
The location is excellent, just three blocks away from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco.
The hotel has two ideal cozy courtyards to enjoy the environment. It has a massage room and a dining room where the buffet breakfast is served with warm option on request.
Our superior guides and support staff will show you a camping experience like no other. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you feel supported in all areas. Our porters carry your bags to the campsite ahead of you, ensuring your campsite is set and ready for your arrival. Our spacious 3-person tents for 2 people and camping mattresses ensure you have a comfy sleep.
Each evening and morning you will enjoy a basin of hot water outside your tent to clean up and feel refreshed. We great you each morning with your choice of tea or coffee in your tent before you meet us in our dining tent equipped with tables and chairs for a hot breakfast. We also provide a private tent with a transportable toilet ensuring we leave no trace!
Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El MaPi, amidst the picturesque Machu Picchu Pueblo. Discover an efficient, lively and friendly atmosphere, welcoming guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. The flowing lobby creates a sense of vitality. Lofty ceilings, panoramic windows and an open café allow natural light to filter between tall dried eucalyptus branches, creating an ambiance of order and well being.
Relax and rest in a pleasant and wholesome ambiance after your unforgettable and enlightening trek along the incredible Inca Trail.
Included:
Tours as detailed
Entrance tickets to sites mentioned
Transportation by vehicle as described
Double occupancy tents
Thermarest sleeping pads
Pack Animals to carry luggage and Equipment
Kitchen crew
Necessary camping gear (No Sleeping Bags)
Meals included as detailed
Bilingual guide
Transfer from Ollantaytambo or Poroy station back to Cusco
First aid kit
Not Include:
Alcoholic beverages
Tips
Huayna Picchu entrance
Travel Insurance
Airline tickets (where applicable)
Personal gear or items