Inka Trail to Machu Picchu Salkantay
and Santa Teresa

Cuzco - Mollepata
Salkantay - Santa Teresa
Machupicchu

Early wake up for the 4 1/2 hour, beautiful scenic bus drive to Mollepata after passing through several Andean villages such as Izcuchaca and Limatambo. Mollepata is an attractive village built on a hillside and overlooks the deep citrus producing valley of the Apurimac. On the way to Mollepata we will briefly stop off at the ruins of Tarawasi an Inca temple with one of the finest examples of Inca polygonal masonry in a long retaining wall. On the upper level are 28 tall niches possibly used for displaying the mummies of the Inca nobility. This area was the site of a battle between the Spanish and the Incas. Hernando de Soto and his soldiers were resting here on their way to Cusco when they were attacked by nearly 4,000 Inca warriors; 4 Spaniards were killed and many injured. Arriving at Mollepata, we will walk up hill out of town ascending through valleys filled with flowering shrubs buzzing with hummingbirds and across streams and isolated houses. After a brief stop for lunch at Silcaykancha, where Nevado Humantay (5917m) dominates the view; we will continue towards Soraypampa, for approximately 5 hours. The valley broadens and flattens and the beautiful conical snow-capped peak of Salkantay comes into view. We will camp at the head of the trail at 4000m. With possible cold night time temperatures; this is a unique camp located between two high peaks the Salkantay and the Humantay.

Today we trek over a high pass at 4700m with the Salkantay Glacier on our right side and the glaciered peak of Humantay on the other. Once here, we will observe the glaciers of Salkantay and the magnificent Vista of the Caida, one of the many snow avalanches. Then down to camp in the valley below. We trek into a hidden part of the high Andes, where our path is the only access into this remote area. During 4 days, we will be passing through some of the most spectacular sceneries in Peru, trekking over icy passes, across high planes and down into the jungle. We will eventually descend into the cloud forest where the vegetation and wildlife will become abundant. We will camp at Colcapampa at 3300m.

After an early breakfast, we will continue towards Lluscamayu; where we will have lunch. Today will be unforgettable, because we are going to see how nature changes totally. We will traverse over snow-caped mountains to Andean landscapes with a great variety of flora and fauna endemic of the region. Passing very close to the Andean Community of Arranyanniyoc where we will begin to descend towards the forest, here we will appreciate the thermal water formation in a small valley, soon to follow the course of the Santa Teresa River. This particular area is a good habitat for Orchids, which take the maximum advantage of the warm and humid weather of the region, and because of their colours and variety, they have been catalogued by experts as amongst the most beautiful in the world. We will also find along the way hummingbirds and flocks of parrots, in addition to many waterfalls before arriving at our camp at Lluscamayu. The contrast between this lush area and the peaks we have trekked amongst is very impressive. This afternoon we can swim in pools along the river in “La Playa” where it is also possible to fish. Overnight on the trail.

After breakfast, we board a rural transport (truck) towards Santa Teresa, where we will start our walk along the forest edge and appreciate a great variety of coffee cultures, fruit trees, and some cultures of coca leaf. During the period of the Incas, coca was grown only in tropical zones such as this. Soon we arrive to La Oroya, and cross the Urubamba River, after which we will board another truck, this time towards the hydroelectric dam where we will have lunch while we wait the train for a short ride to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Early transfer to the bus station for the bus ride up to the spectacular Machupicchu ruins (25 min.). We will have a full day's guided tour of Machupicchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world, built by the Inca Pachacutec and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision that harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machupicchu but three of the most popular ideas include a Temple to the Sun, a Fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a Sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. After the tour, free time to enjoy this magical and spiritual wonder. Opportunity for a trek (approx. 1 hour) up to the Sungate (Intipunku), which is a part of the Inca Trail, for a magical view of the Sanctuary. Return to Cusco by train. Arrival in the evening and transfer to your hotel.

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