Local Quechua Indians consider Salcantay to be sacred, worshiping the mountain as their ancestors have for thousands of year. After exploring the Sacred Valley and colonial Cusco we begin our 7 day trek, making our way through mountain passes, glacier-carved valleys, and over hillsides decorated with a colorful array of wildflowers. We then join the classic Inca Trail, arriving at the Intipunku Sun Gate for our first magnificent view of Machu Picchu. This journey combines the most popular trekking route in Peru with the road less traveled, making it a perfect two-week alpine adventure!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Lima
Day 2: Fly Cusco
An early morning flight brings you to the Inca capital of Cusco. Colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the arrival of the Conquistadors. The church walls have fallen many times throughout the years, but the Inca walls remain. Quechua speaking descendants of the Incas bustle back and forth in the busy plazas and markets.
The morning is yours to explore Cusco at your leisure. In the afternoon, you can tour Cusco's traditional markets, talking to the women selling natural medicines and charms for curing heartache and other afflictions. Afterwards, you'll head off to the old neighborhood of San Blas and a possible visit to a local artisan's workshop.
Day 3: Explore Cusco
Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. Travelers can go on a city tour of the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco. You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.
Day 4: Sacred Valley
This morning you'll wind your way past snowcapped mountains, which tower above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In the pueblo you'll test your bargaining skills with the locals and enjoy one of the best textile markets in the Andes. At Pisac, Inca terracing climbs the steep valley walls, and the ruined temples command panoramic views of the sharp granite mountains. After lunch you'll head off the beaten track to explore the seldom visited town of Moras and the pre-Columbian salt mines of Moray. Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Days 5-11: Andean Trekking (7B,6L,6D)
Early this morning you'll board a van for the five hour trip to the trailhead. To your right as you crest Tika-Tika pass, the imposing peaks of Salcantay and Humantay are visible in the distant horizon. Continuing along the dusty road, you'll arrive in the mestizo farming village of Mollepata where you'll meet your arrieros and load your gear onto their mules. From here you'll begin your trek into the glacially sculpted terrain of the Andes.
The steep slopes and jagged peaks are a testament to the young geologic age of these snow-capped mountains. Your trail through the Vilcabamba range leads you through magnificent mountain scenery, past glacial lakes and down through the lush greenery and colorful orchids of an Amazon cloud forest. Cresting Incachiriasca pass, you'll reach the highest point of our journey at 15,252 feet and are rewarded with breathtaking views in all directions.
On Day 9 you'll pass through the small community of Huayabamba and join the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Falling into step with fellow pilgrims from around the world, you'll pass by ever larger Inca ruins that bring to life the rich history of the area. The carefully laid stonework trail gives way to a well-trodden path as you approach the Sun Gate for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After exploring the ancient city, you'll relax in the village of Aguas Calientes below the ruins.
Trek Details
Day 5 - Trek length: 2 hours; Camp elevation: 10,496 ft
Day 6 - Trek length: 6-7 hours; Camp elevation: 12,815 ft
Day 7 - Trek length: 7-8 hours; Camp elevation: 13,776 ft
Day 8 - Trek length: 5-6 hours; Camp elevation: 10,332 ft
Day 9 - Trek length: 5-6 hours; Camp elevation: 12,300 ft
Day 10 - Trek length: 7-8 hours. Camp elevation: 11,972 ft
Day 11 - Trek length: 5-7 hours. Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 12: Machu Picchu/ Cusco
Explore the ruins today at leisure and enjoy the ancient city in the tranquil morning hours. Later head through thick cloudforest to the seldom visited Temple of the Moon or climb Huayna Picchu, overlooking the ruins. Return by train to Cusco in the afternoon.
Day 13: Fly Lima and Return Home
Accommodations: 6 nights comfortable hotels, 6 nights camping
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: 2 local flights, private van or bus, and your own two feet!
An active itinerary of snowcapped mountains, ancient ruins, and a vibrant colonial city. This route is a moderate to difficult 7-day hike, so travelers should be fit.
Start Dates Any Monday, Thursday or Saturday
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$340
US$1995
4 or more travelers
US$2595
3 travelers
US$2680
2 travelers
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$140 for meals not included, US$28 international departure tax, US$10 local departure taxes, US$80 optional excursions (US$55/185 soles for return visit to Machu Picchu), money for souvenirs!
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$45, Single US$90
Note: Roundtrip flight Lima-Cusco-Lima is not included. Please add US$310 (flight cost subject to change). Price assumes that Inca Trail Passes are $80 per person. Travelers are responsible for any additional increase created by the National Park Service.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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