This route offers trekkers the chance to arrive at Machu Picchu, having followed a wilder, less travelled route through the Andes mountains. Soak up local customs and culture, and get up close and personal with some of the incredible towering peaks in the region, traversing high altitude mountain passes, and clambering through dense, atmospheric cloud forests.
Hike around the 6271m high Salkantay, literally translated as 'Savage Mountain'.
Trek to the Sun Gate, to discover the lost city of Machu Picchu.
Pass through traditional villages, to soak up local culture and customs.
Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ)
Av. Velasco Astete
Cusco
08006
Peru
Fly to Cuzco, taking a transfer to the hotel. Full pre-trek briefing in the evening.
A day to acclimatise to the altitude, offering great preparation for the trek. Cuzco sits at 3400m above sea level. Plenty of time to explore the ancient Incan capital.
Take a transfer to the start point of the trek., passing through the picturesque towns of Pampa de Anta, before heading into the Limatambo valley, to discover the ruins of Tarawasi. Starting the hike at Soraypampa, following trails to Humantay Lake, before ascending to the campsite at Salkantaypampa. Spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
Leaving the main Salkantay trail, to skirt around the southern edge of Mount Salkantay (6917m), climb to Pampa Japonesa, surrounded by snow capped mountains.
A challenging ascent to the Incachiriaska Pass, at 4880m, the highest point of the trek. Watch the skies above for circling Andean Condors, before descending to the campsite at Sisaypampa.
Hike through the valley to Pampacahua, to find the Inca canal. Visit the archeological site at Paucarcanca, before entering the Cusichaca valley, trekking to Wayllabamba to meet the Inca Trail. After lunch, it's a further three hours trekking before arriving at the campsite at Llulluchapampa.
Hike to the Warmihuañusca Pass, also known at the Dead Woman Pass, at 4200m, this is the most difficult section of the Inca Trail. Catch breath at the summit, before descending towards the Pacaymayo River to take lunch. A further ascent in the afternoon to the Runkurakay Pass, before following the trail down to the campsite at Phuyupatamarca.
Enter into the cloud forests, and a marked change in the climate, flora and fauna. Descend to Intipata, stopping at Winay Wayna for lunch. Reach the Sun Gate, the entrance to Machu Picchu in the afternoon, before taking a bus to overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Take a guided tour of the ruins of Machu Picchu, with an optional climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking the site. Afternoon transport to Ollantaytambo by train, before a further transfer to the hotel in Cuzco.
Take a transfer to the airport to start the journey home.
Price per person (inc deposit)
£1549.00
Went with this company in September 2019 for the Salkantay trail and Machu Picchu. Everything was really well organised and the guides were friendly and helpful. The food was amazing specially when considering the circumstances it was prepared under. Will definitely go with this company another time. | Thomas
If you have any questions or would like to check availability or make a booking, please provide a few details about you, your group size and any preferred dates. A member of the team will then get back to you or you can go ahead and book online.