DAY 01 CUSCO – MOLLEPATA
Leave Cusco by Bus a few hours drive via the interesting Inca remains
(visit included) of Tarawasi on to Mollepata. We continue to the
road head at Marcocasa where we spend our first night under canvas.
The total driving time is 5 or 6 hours. Camp.
DAY
02 MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA
Our trek begins on the southwest facing slopes of the Andes, through
a dry landscape of cactus and prickly pears. We climb gradually
northwards over Marcoccasa Pass, heading through the farming hamlet
of Soray, towards the broad snow peak of Humantay (19723 ft. / 5917m);
soon the whole of the massive bulk of Salcantay (20,903ft. / 6271m)
dominates our view. We camp in Soraypampa at around 13,333 ft. /
4000m in the high grassy meadow of Salcantay Pampa, below the south
face and glaciers of the impressive peak. Camp. Mules support. (B;L;D)
DAY
03 SORAYPAMPA – SYSAYPAMPA
The high point of the trek and today’s goal is the Inca Chiriasqa
pass at 16,833 ft. / 5050m. Climbing more
steeply now we walk close to the spectacular glaciers and ice walls
of Nevado Salcantay. Passing through Pampa Japonesa base camp for
a Japanese mountaineering expedition, we finally top the pass and
gain some excellent 360? views Inca Chirisaqa means ‘chilly
Inca’, and the exposed situation makes it easy to see why.
We drop down into the upper reaches of the Pampa Cahuna valley in
Sisaypampa where we make camp (B;L;D).
DAY
04 SISAYPAMPA – PAUCARCANCHA
Further along the valley bottom the bulk of Salcantay reappears
in a new profile. We pass the huge ridge of terminal moraine, once
the snout of the East Salcantay Glacier. A little further, and the
river suddenly becomes dead straight, canalised by the Incas centuries
ago. We camp at Paucarcancha (an Inca Fortress) or near Huayllabamba
village (B;L;D)
DAY
05 PAUCARCANCHA - HUAYLLABAMBA
Today we join the main Inca Trail, the classic trek to Machu Picchu,
we suddenly notice the change of vegetation as we descend to Huayllabamba
where we camp. (B,L,D)
DAY
06 HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYO
A long climb takes us through an area of cloud forest to the meadows
of Llulluchapampa, then we get ready to go over the Warmihuañusca
(Dead Woman) pass at 13,833ft./ 4,150m. After quite a long, steep
descent we finally arrive in the scenic Pacamayo valley (12,000
ft./ 3600m). where we camp. (B;L;D).
DAY 07 PACAYMAYO - PHUYUPATAMARCA
We start with another easier climb today, including the visit of
Inca Ruins of Runkurakay and Sayacmarca. After we past the ruins
of Runquracay, takes us over the Runquracay Pass, and to Chaquicocha
(dried lake), then we continue our trek to Phuyupatamarca. From
now onwards the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined path made of
flat boulders. We pass the ruins of Sayajmarca and suddenly enter
cloud forest; the Trail passes at one point through an Inca tunnel
before crossing onto the Amazon side of the continental divide.
We normally camp on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca
(13,333 ft. / 4000m) to benefit from the views of sunset and sunrise.
(B;L;D)
DAY
08 PHUYUPATAMARCA - MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
From the ridge we embark on the infamous Inca steps: a two kilometre
stone staircase taking us rapidly downhill amid a panorama of overwhelming
immensity, the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above, and the river
thousands of metres below. After visiting the attractive ruins of
Wiñay Wayña, we have an undulating walk through cloud
forest high above the river to Inti Punku, the Inca Gate of the
Sun. From here we get our sudden first full sight of Machu Picchu
itself. Descending to the city, we have a guided tour to the site
before descending to the river to take our late afternoon train.
Back to Cusco, arrive and transfer to Hotel. (B;BL).
PRICE INCLUDES:
Transport, tents, camping equipment, cooking gear, English-speaking
guide (others languages upon request), porters, food, entrance fee
to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu citadel and first class Train
(PeruRail-Orient Express chain) tickets back to Cusco.
QOYLLUR
TRAVEL TIP:
- Full board in that programme includes five meals per day.
- A part from the three main meals we serve a snack and teatime.
- Extension in top-end Hotels Sanctuary Lodge or Machu Picchu Pueblo
Hotel possible.
NOT
INCLUDED:
Personal equipment backpacks, sleeping bags, all personal expenses,
personal insurance, mattresses.
See the complet route map click
here
Trip
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