An expanded Inca trail trek with
exciting glacier trekking and views of the Andean Condor.
Camp at the base of Salcantay where summit expeditions
begin. Join the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
DAY 1 - TRAILHEAD
Depart for the trailhead, traveling
west across the Anta Valley and over the Vilcaconga Pass.
Descending into the hot, dry Apurimac Valley, visit the
remote Inca shrine at Tarawasi, with wonderful stonework
detail. Further on, ascend to the village of Mollepata,
where wranglers load all the gear onto horses. Short afternoon
hike up a pretty valley to camp at 10660 feet overlooking
the Apurimac Valley. (L,D)
DAY 2 - RIO BLANCO
Climb a ridge high above the Rio Blanco,
which drains Salcantay's main glacier. Condors are frequently
seen in this part of the trail. From camp at 12500 feet,
are the first views of the massive south face of Salcantay,
20600 feet. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 - SALCANTAY BASE CAMP
Continue rigorous ascent along an
enormous glacial moraine, and reach the most spectacular
camp at 15100ft, directly beneath Salcantay's south face.
From here a Japanese climbing expedition successfully
scaled a knife-like ridge linking our airy camp to the
summit. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 - GLACIER ROMP
Leave the horse trail to traverse
a 15400 feet glacial saddle. Depending on weather and
snow conditions linger on the glacier or move steadily
across to descend to a delightful camp beneath Salcantay's
east face. This is a short, easy day despite the altitude
because only 650 feet is gained before reaching the glacial
summit. Camp in a magnificent valley at 13750 feet. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 - LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Climb once more to cross the pass
over 14,104 ft. Gateway to Paucarcancha Valley where the
irrigation system built by the Incas flows to the terracing
system. Descend to Wayllabamba community where the group
joins the classic Inca Trail. In the afternoon, start
the climbing to Llulluchapampa where camp is set. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 ~ LLULLUCHAPAMPA - CHAKICOCHA
Hike uphill gradually in about two
hours ascend to Warmiwañuska pass, 13,280 feet,
then descend to Pacaymayo River, and climb slowly to the
second pass where incredible views of the Vilcanota mountain
range are, and finally descend to Chakicocha where camp
is set. On the way visit Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca ruins.
(B,L,D)
DAY 7 ~ CHAKICOCHA - MACHU
PICCHU
The flagstone trail winds sharply
down into the cloud forest, visiting Phuyupatamarca and
Wiñay Wayna ruins. Then, a two-hour hike takes
the group to Inti Puncu pass (the gate of the Sun) to
witness the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu. Note:
Camp at Machu Picchu is included but a hotel can be arranged
at an extra cost. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 ~ MACHU
PICCHU
A fascinating tour of temples, houses,
terraces for growing crops, and even gardens is given
at Machu Picchu, words and pictures will never do this
place justice. Truly a magical place to experience, later
in the afternoon back to Cusco
by train. (B)
Contact
us for pricing and to include Salkantay Trek in
your next adventure in Peru.
