A true Andean odyssey, this 6-day trek through the dramatic Cordillera Vilcabamba offers a wonderful alternative for those who want to take a less-traveled and exceptionally beautiful route to Machu Picchu. Crossing a pass between the peaks of Salcantay (6270m.) and Humantay (6070m.) with spectacular glacial vistas, we visit hot thermal springs and descend through a stunning progression of ecological zones ranging from sparsely vegetated alpine meadows to lush sub-tropical valleys.
Arriving to the “Ceja de Selva,” or the “Eyebrow of the Jungle,” we encounter numerous tropical fruit and coffee plantations as well as an abundance of flower and bird species. From the valley, we take an original Inca trail up through a cloud forest of Quehuna trees, orchids, and moss. At our last pass, we are rewarded with a magnificent view of Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco – Mollepata – Marcocasa
Pick up from the hotel and transfer by bus to the town of Mollepata (2,800m.), located 3 hours away from the city of Cusco. The trek will start here, where we
can meet the local inhabitants and have a chance to see the agricultural work of the area. Then we continue the trek to Marcocasa (3,340m.) where we will camp for the night.
L, D
Day 2
Marcocasa – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pampa
We will ascend slowly along steep slopes that will take us to the Marcocasa pass (3,650m.). Our trip continues through the beautiful scenery until we reach the view point of Mount Humantay (5,917m.). We will head toward a great pampa called Soray Pampa (3,900m.) enjoying excellent views of the landscape and the Vilcabamba Mountains. We continue until the beginning of the Salkantay gorge and set up camp near it.
B, L, D
Day 3
Salkantay Pampa – Paso Incachiriasca – Pampa Cahuna
We start this part of our trip with exceptional views of the sacred peak of Mount Salkantay and by the time we ascend to Incachiriasc pass (4,880m.), the close proximity of this mountain will amaze us. We will then descend to Pampa Cahuna (4,210m.), where we will camp at the base of Salkantay, enjoying the view of the other beautiful face of this mountain.
B, L, D
Day 4
Pampa Cahuna – Huayllabamba – Llulluchapampa
In the Pampa Cahuna valley, we find the remains of an ancient Inca canal. We will also visit very attractive small communities. Descending the Cusichaca Valley, we can visit and admire the archaeological Inca site of Paucarcancha (3,205m.). Then we continue walking toward Huayllabamba (3,000m.), where we have lunch and then continue on to our camp site at Llulluchapampa.
B, L, D
Day 5
Pampa Cahuna – Huayllabamba – Llulluchapampa
After approximately one hour of walking, we make our first pass at the highest point in our trip, Warmiwanusca (4,200 m.). From here, we descend into the Pacamayo river valley, then up to the circular Inca ruins of Runcuracay. Following the ancient Inca steps along one of the most stunning sections of our trek, we descend upon the Inca complex of Sayacmarca. After wandering the site, we head for camp at Phuyupatamarca, where we enjoy an astonishing panoramic view of both the Vilcanota and Vilcabamba mountain ranges.
B, L, D
Day 6
Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu
Our morning begins with a tour of the incredibly complex and unique Inca remains of Phuyupatamarca. Continuing down through the tropical cloud forest, we arrive to some of the most spectacular and important ruins before reaching Machupicchu: Intipata and Winay Wayna. Leaving Winay Wayna, this last section of trail leads us to Intipunku (Sun Gate), where we get our first breathtaking view of Machupicchu. We will have an official tour of this amazing archeological wonder, then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a comfortable hostal.
B, L (Bag lunch)
Day 7
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today we take the bus to Machu Picchu early in the morning with our guide and have the official tour of this magnificent complex. We have time to explore on our own before taking the train back to Cusco. Transfer to hotel in Cusco.
B
Included:
- Private transportation to head of trail
- Professional, English-speaking guide and camp staff
- Plentiful, nutritious meals (Vegetarian option available) where indicated
- Double-occupancy tents and camping equipment (includes dining tent, kitchen tent, and latrine tent)
- Pack animals to carry personal gear and equipment for Salkantay portion
- Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Officially-guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Bus to and from Machu Picchu
- Lodging in Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket back to Cusco (Backpacker Service)
- Transfer from train station to hotel in Cusco
Not included:
- Sleeping bag
- Breakfast 1st day / Meals in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Tips
Group Service starts with Min. 6 Trekkers
Group Service starts at USD 1095 per person.
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT RESERVATIONS BE MADE AT LEAST 10 MONTHS IN ADVANCE AS PERMITS ARE LIMITED PER DAY AND SELL OUT QUICKLY.
Or the 6 Days Option visiting Machu Picchu the same day we arrive and this day we are coming back to Cusco.
