This is a remote and old path that offers marvelous views and is less concurred that the Inca Trail. On the route we will see a progression of the diverse geological flats with sub tropical zones and glacial peaks, to arrive to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cuzco - Mollepata - Soraypampa
About 05:30 in the morning we leave Cuzco to Mollepata, the beginning of the tour. The village of Mollepata is situated about 4 hours by bus. We will start the walk joined by a professional and bilingual guide; the mules will carry our luggage. We will also have some horses in emergency case. So, we will walk until Soraypampa where we’ll have our first camp.
Day 2: Soraypampa - Salkantaymayu
We slowly walk to the pass of Markokasa (3,650 m.a.s.l.), continuing through beautiful landscapes to the sight place of Humantay (5,917 m.a.s.l.). Then we continue towards the little valley of Salkantay where we will camp.
Day 3: Salkantaymayu - Beach
We will begin our trek with exceptional views of Salkantay snow-mountain (6271 m.a.s.l.) while we elevate toward the pass of Inkachiriasca (4880 m.a.s.l.). Then we descent to Sisaypampa, and we continue until the beach where we will camp at foot of the majestic snow mountain of Salkantay.
Day 4: Beach - Hidroelectric - Aguas Calientes
After a healthy breakfast, we will begin our trek to the valley of Pampacahua where we are going to find an Inca canal rest. Subsequently we will descent until an archeological complex of Paucarcancha. In Santa Teresa we continue our trip to Machu Picchu by hydroelectric train. We arrive at Aguas Calientes, a small village at the foothills of Machu Picchu.. Here we are going to spend the night in a lodge inn.
Day 5: Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Our last day we wake up very early to visit the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu. We enjoy the magic view over Machu Picchu as the sun is rising, about 6:30 am. We will have a guided tour during 3 hours, then you have spare time to walk around. For example you can ascent to Huayna Picchu, that is the high mountain close to Machu Picchu, where you can have an amazing view of the complex. About 2:30 pm, we get back to Aguas Calientes, to have some meals (by passenger own) and then we take the train back to Cuzco. Tranfer from the train station to your hotel.
Gallery
FAQ/INFO ABOUT TOUR
Our service includes:
Transport hotel - Mollepata
Professional guide
Carriers
Mules
Horse (optional)
Trainticket Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes (1 hour)
Hostel in Aguas Calientes (day 4)
Entrance to Machu Picchu
Busticket Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes
Trainticket Aguas Calientes - Cuzco
Transport trainstation - hotel
All meals except meal in Aguas Calientes on day 5
INFO ABOUT TOUR OPERATOR
The Inca Trail is Peru's best known hike, combining a stunning mix of Inca ruins, mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest and rich subtropical jungle. Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous birds such as hummingbirds, waterfowl and the majestic Andean Condor. The star of the Sanctuary is the spectacled bear - a shy, herbivorous animal that is extremely rare and close to extinction.
Essentially the Inca Trail is a mountainous jungle hike leading to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu. The 45km trek is usually covered in 4 days, arriving at Machu Picchu at daybreak on the final day before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
The trek is rated moderate and any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route. It is fairly challenging nevertheless, and altitudes of 4200m are reached, so ensuring that you are well acclimatized is important. If arriving from sea level, plan to spend at least 2 full days in Cusco (3 days is better) prior to commencing the trek. This should allow plenty of time for acclimatization and give you sufficient opportunity to visit the City of Cusco and nearby Inca ruins at Sacsayhuamn, Quenqo, Pucapucara & Tambomachay as well as spending a day or two exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas visiting the tradition market town of Pisaq, and the fascinating Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo
