AC7 - SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU

8 days / 7 nights -- from US$ 1520.-- / EUR 1070.-- This fantastic hike combines two of the most spectacular trekking routes in the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. An extraordinary altitudinal range (1’725-6’271 mts/5’700-20’700 ft) makes the sanctuary one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, with ten distinct life zones. Our adventure begins on the slopes of Mt. Salkantay with its glaciers, lagoons and 5000 mts/16’500 ft pass, home to the majestic condors and andean chinchillas. From here we descend to the high andean plateaus - breeding areas for alpacas, before entering the famous Inca Trail to the lost city of the Incas: Legendary Machu Picchu. An incredible ecological diversity of snow peaks, andes and rich cloudforest, combined with the most astonishing archaeological sites on the way make this adventure a breathtaking experience!

ITINERARY DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA - MARCOCCASA A panoramic bus ride of about 3 hours brings us in the morning to the village of Mollepata where we meet up with our wranglers. From here we start up gently climbing rural paths, through the crops of the locals towards Marcoccasa (3450 mts/11’400 ft). After lunch we continue hiking for another hour uphill to our first camp at Hornadapata (3500 mts/11’550 ft) from where we have some fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. (L/D) DAY 2: MARCOCCASA - SALKANTAY PAMPA After breakfast a short ascent to the Pakiswaraka Ridge (3665 mts/12’100 ft), from where we continue on an easy path towards the water canal built by the community. From this point we can enjoy beautiful views into the valley and towards the majestic Mt. Humantay. We continue on a nice flat path along the canal into the valley until lunchtime. In the afternoon we have another 1-2 hours of gentle climbing to our camp at Salkantay Pampa (3900 mts/12’900 ft) right below Apu Salkantay, offering some breathtaking views of this spectacular mountain (prepare for a cold night). (B/L/D) DAY 3: SALKANTAY PAMPA - ACCOBAMBA In the morning we start refreshed for our climb, passing glaciers and lakes on the way up to the Salkantay Pass (5000 mts/16’500 ft and highest point of our hike). From the summit we descend for appr. 3 hours into the valley where we camp at Accobamba, beside an Inca canal. This is a famous alpaca breeding region and with luck we may observe large flocks of these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. Weather permitting we will have the most spectacular views of Mt. Salkantay above us. (B/L/D) DAY 4: ACCOBAMBA-HUAYLLABAMBA Today we leave the cold heights of Salkantay behind us and descend into warmer regions, following the Inca canal and later the Cusichaca creek, passing local farms. We stop at the restored archaeological group of Paucarcancha for lunch, with time to explore the site and rest. Here we say goodbye to our wranglers and meet up with the Quechuan porters who will accompany us for the rest of our adventure. A short hike brings us mid afternoon to the start of the Inca Trail at the village of Huayllabamba where we camp for the night (3000 mts/9’900 ft). (B/L/D) DAY 5: HUAYLLABAMBA-PACASMAYO After an early breakfast we start our long and steep climb up to Warmiwañusca Pass (4200 mts/13’900 ft) which is the highest point on the Inca Trail. The ascent leads through different ecological levels that offer a variety of orchids and birds (many endemic to the area). From the summit we can view the next pass, the ruins of Runcuracay and our camp down in the valley which we will reach after a 2 hour descent. On a clear day the camp offers fantastic views towards the glaciers of Mount Veronica. (B/L/D) DAY 6: PACASMAYO - PHUYUPATAMARCA Today is the most diverse day of our adventure. We start in the morning with the climb up to the third pass at Runcuracay (3900 mts/12’900 ft) with fantastic views of the Vilcabamba Range with its glaciers. A 2 hour descent brings us to the fascinating archaeological site of Sayacmarca. After exploring this beautiful construction we continue - now on original Inca stone paths - through high cloud forest with its lush vegetation, offering glimpses of waterfalls, valleys, canyons and the glaciers of Salkantay. In the afternoon we arrive at our camp on the fourth. and last high pass of Phuyupatamarca (3600 mts/11’900 ft) from where we will get our first glimpse of Machupicchu. Weather permitting we will have the most spectacular views of the surrounding snow peaks and far way down the Urubamba River. (B/L/D) DAY 7: PHUYUPATAMARCA - MACHUPICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES After breakfast we say goodbye to our Quechuan porters and start the long and steep descent (over Inca staircases) towards the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, considered one of the most beautiful sites in the area due to its location and architecture. We visit this magnificent site and enjoy lunch in fantastic surroundings before we continue our hike through high cloud forest with its diverse flora and fauna towards the famous Sungate or Intipunku. From here we can enjoy the first and best view of the Lost City of the Incas: legendary Machupicchu (2400 mts/8’000 ft). A short walk brings us down to the entrance from where we continue by bus to the village of Aguas Calientes. Here we can choose to relax in the natural hot springs and stay overnight in a comfortable hotel. (B/L) DAY 8: MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO After an early breakfast we take the first bus up to Machupicchu to enjoy sunrise in this magical place before other tourists arrive from Cusco. We enjoy this enigma in a guided tour and will have enough free time to explore the site individually or do some hikes before we descend to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. Train ride back to Cusco, transfer to the hotel and overnight. (B) OUR SERVICE INCLUDES: Private transport Cusco-Mollepata, bilingual guide, cook, wranglers, pack mules and support saddle horses, Quechuan porters (for Inca Trail section, for personal gear too), entrance fees for national park & Sanctuary of Machupicchu, camping equipment (double-, dining-, kitchen- and toilet tents, mats, etc), meals (7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners and snacks), bus ticket Machupicchu-Aguas Calientes (roundtrip), 1 night hotel (3-4*, double rooms), train ticket Aguas Calientes-Cusco and transfers Cusco NOT INCLUDED: Sleeping bags, not mentioned meals, extra services such as tips and entrance fees to hot springs in Aguas Calientes. SEASON: April-November DURATION: 8D/7N Cusco - Cusco FITNESS-LEVEL: Active Strong (High Passes, long distances) DEPARTURE DATES 2008: Daily (Check Availability) TRIP COST 2008 2-3 Participants 4+ Participants Single Supplement Private Service US$ 2290.--/Pers. EUR 1610.--/Pers. US$ 1520.--/Pers. EUR 1070.--/Pers. US$ 130.-- EUR 91.-- Extra Porter: US$ 120.-- (€ 85.--) / Student Discount: US$ 40.-- ( € 30.--) For special group discounts or customized tours contact us: info@culturasperu.com PRINT THIS PAGE BOOK THIS TRIP