The 4 day Salkantay adventure via Inca Trail, is the ultimate trekking trail in Peru, blending parts of two famous trekking paths in the area of Cusco, in one trip. This Salkantay adventure ends in the Sacred Valley. It gives you the opportunity of connecting the best part of the Classic Salkantay trek and the beginning section of the Classic Inca Trail. You will be hiking into the Sacred Valley, finishing close by Ollantaytambo.
In our Salkantay adventure you begin following the classic Salkantay trail. But instead of taking the trail to Santa Teresa Valley, you will trek up to the right side of Mt Salkantay on the spectacular pass called Incachiriaska (16100 ft.). This is the highest point of the trek and has mind-blowing views. Afterwards you will go down into the beautiful valley, the trail will take you along the Cusichaca river. On the third day of the hike we will connect to the Classic Inca trail and hike it in opposite direction into the popular Sacred Valley.
Early in the morning our guide will meet you at your hotel in Cusco. Then you have a scenic bus drive of 3 hours to Mollepata. At this town you will have the opportunity of buying breakfast. After Mollepata the drive is on the dirt road´for one hour. There will be magnificent views of Salkantay and Humantay Mountains. It is possible to observe lush forest. Also the farming fields of locals growing potatoes, quinoa, Lima beans, etc.
Arriving at Soraypampa (3,800 m/12,467 ft) the trail-head for the Salkantay adventure. Here we will meet our support staff for this adventure trip. who will assist us with everything for our trek. Our luggage will be loaded on the horses. We will definitely hike up to the stunning Umantay Lake. After to enjoy the beauty and taking pictures. We come back down to Soraypampa. We then start hiking the other valley up.
The hike from Soraypampa to Salkantaypampa will be approximately for 2 hours. After lunch we will hike uphill for 3 more hours to arrive to Ichupata. We camp here for the night.
After a nutritious breakfast. We will begin the 3 hour hike towards the Incachiriasca pass (4950m/16100ft). This is the highest point of the entire Salkantay adventure. There will be constant views of Apu Salkantay and glacial moraines around. We will be stopping at the pass to take pictures. So can enjoy the astonishing view of the area.
The downhill hike to Sisaypampa is 2 hours for lunch. At this portion of the hike we might see Andean Condors. You can also find some animals such as llamas, alpacas, and cows as the farm of the locals. From here is still visible the Mt Salkantay and the beautiful scenery.
After lunch the hike is 3 hours downhill towards the Paucarcancha community (3,200 m / 10,636 ft). Following a beautiful valley, we will pass an original Inca canal and we overnight at Paucarcancha.
Before to leave the camp you will have the opportunity of exploring the ruins of Paucarcancha. The hike today is downhill for 5 hours until we reach Km 82. We take the beginning part of the classic Inca trail. Along the way we will see the Inca sites of Willkaraqay and Llactapata. At km 82 our chef will be awaiting for us with a delicious lunch.
After lunch we will be picked up by our private van at Km 82 and transported to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft). From here we will catch the train to Aguas Calientes.
When you arrive to Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel. In the evening dinner will be in one of the restaurants in the town.
At the appropriate time the guide will pick you up to lead you to the bus station. Then you will take a bus (5:30am)to Machu Picchu. If the weather is clear, you will see the magnificent sunrise. Once there you will be given a 2 hour walking tour of the site.
After the guided tour you will have some free time to admire Machu Picchu. In the afternoon you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus.
From Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. At your arrival you will be transferred to Cusco by car and drop off at your hotel.
