SALKANTAY TREK AND THE INKA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU $1390 USD Per Person

At 7AM we'll pick you up at your hotel and take our private transportation to the town of Mollepata (3000m), On the way, we’ll pass through the picturesque towns of Pampa de Anta, Izcuchaca, Zurite, and Ancahuasi. Our trip will take us into the Limatambo Valley, where we will see the archaeological sites of Tarawasi. Mollepata meet the second part of our camp staff (cook, horsemen and horses), also here we will begin our hike. We’ll pass through the small village of Cruz Pata (3400m) where we’ll have the most spectacular sights of Mollepata Valley. Our campsite we wil set up in Salkantaypampa (3800m), the night will be in the most majestic and spectacular mountainous range of Salkantay snow-capped (6264m) and Humantay (5217m) and under starry sky (Lunch - Tee time - Dinner).

After country breakfast prepared by our professional cook will start to climb to the highest pass of this amazing trek. After 3 hours of uphill we will reach the pass of Salkantay (5200M), during this ascend we have a emergency horse to ride. At the top will one of the best viewing of the surrounded snow-peaks as Soray Hill (5420Mm), Tucarhuay (5455M), Humantay (5215m) and other smaller peaks through the mountainous range. 3 hours of downhill on nice and serpentine trail to Sisaypampa (3750M). On the way down you will feel the change of the climate and flora of the high Andes and valleys into the canyons. Set up our camping in the middle of the nature and surrounded by peaceful atmosphere (Breakfast - Lunch - Tee time - Dinner).

At 7AM breakfast with best view of the mountains and downhill towards the Incan canals and some ancient path in order to enter Huayllabamba (3000M). The trek will quiet easy and warmest of the day before. During our trek, we'll be able to fully appreciate and take in the imposing Andean topography. After 6 hours of trek we will connect to classic Inka Trail hike till our 3rd camping in Huayllabamba (Breakfast - Lunch - Tee time - Dinner).

After breakfast, following the left bank of the Lluyuchayoc river for about 1 hour we climb up to three stones and cross a small bridge over the Wayruro river. There is a toilet facility. The stream is named after the Wayruro, an ornamental tree.

Hiking up 4½ hours, you will see spectacular views of Lluyucha Pampa (3680M). Continuing up you will get to the first and highest pass of the Inca trail, called Abra Huarmy Wañusca meaning "Dead Woman's Pass" (4200M). At the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail with a warm and delicious lunch. We then do an steady decent following the trail on the left side of the Paqaymayo valley. Our dinner and second campsite is at 3600 meters over sea level (Breakfast - Lunch - Tee time - Dinner).

After breakfast we climb up for one hour to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Paqaymayo valley. Another hour hiking we will be at the top of the second pass, called Abra de Runkuracay at 4000M. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep. This section of the trail is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about one hour walking we will arrive at the pass called Sayaqmarca = "Inaccessible Town". This describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins. After lunch, we level out into cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel.

We then climb up to the 3rd pass called Puyupatamarca = "Town in the Clouds" (3700M). Here excellent views are offered of several snow-capped peaks, Salkantay Mountain (6180M) and Veronica Mountain (5750M). Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six Inca Baths, probably used for the water ritual.

Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins, you will descend a thousand steps. Take care with your knees. After three hours walking through cloud forests you will arrive to Wyñay Wayna. This is our last campsite before Machu Picchu. There is a restaurant, a patio bar to buy drinks and well deserved hot showers.

That afternoon we go to the ruins of Wyñay Wayna "Forever Young". The ruins located on a nice slope comprise magnificent agricultural terraces. There are many buildings of quality stonework, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water (Breakfast - Lunch - Tee time - Dinner).

At 4AM we will wake early, have breakfast and hike up to the last pass at to Inti Punku "Sun Gate" to get Machu Picchu before sunrise. From here you will appreciate Machu Picchu ruins, Wayna Picchu and the low canyon called Aguas Calientes. We will spend an hour watching a spectacular sunrise over the ruins.

Continuing down the trail to the best views of the ruins, you will have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu. We then descend to the main entrance, where you can safely check your large backpacks. Following a guided tour for two hours of the major sections, you will have free time to explore the ruins alone or to climb to Wayna Picchu (2 hours to go uphill and downhill).

At 1:30PM the entire group together hikes down through low jungle and continue hiking on left bank of the river to Aguas Calientes. There you will have a short time to buy some lunch, drinks or go to the toilet. The train departs at 4PM you will return back to Cusco about 8pm (Breakfast).