7 Day Salkantay Trekto Machu Picchu

Day1: Cusco / Soraypampa
We will pick you at 6: 00 AM in your hotel, drive to Mollepata in a private bus and stop in Limatambo town. Here we visit Tarawasi which are very important religious Inca remains. After a 4.5 hours drive we reach Mollepata (2800 m.), then from this point we start the ascent on foot towards Tillka. Afterwards, we take a wide gradually rising path whilst the trail goes through the native forests and andina pampas in difference levels. Then we end in Marcocasa. Moving on, we come to Soraypampa and we can observe the progressive change of the flora and fauna. Here we will set up our first campsite.

Day 2:Soraypamapa/ Sisaypampa
After an early breakfast, we start the walk in the direction of Salkantaypampa, which has a great view of the ice-caped Humantay mountain (5902 m.) Not long after, we will also see a spectacular view of ApuSalkantay at dawn. The mountain range is crossed to the right of Salkantay; walking up to the pass we have Humantay on the left, Rayusca on the right and in front the imposing Salkantay. The day ends in Sisaypampa.

Day 3:Sisaypampa / Pampacahua / Paucarcancha
The trail continues to the end of the valley, turns north and enters the wider valley of Pampacahua. Along the Incan canal running through the middle of the valley are small farming settlements. At the end of the Pampa the trail begins to get steeper as it passes the tree line and continues to the campsite near Paucarcancha, and the confluence of the Pampacahua and Keska valleys (3,150m/10,260 ft). (Time: 5-6 hours; Distance: 10 km) (BLD)

Day 4: Paucarcancha / Huayllabamba / Llulluchapampa 
The day begins at low altitude with a visit to the village of Huayllabamba. From here it is a progressively steep ascent to Huayruro stream (3,400m/11,084 ft) and Yunkachimpa . At Yunkachimpathe trek is joined by a new crew of porters. From here the trail crosses over to Llullucha gorge and traverses a unique forest of Unca trees, a native species, which nowadays is hard to find except in isolated areas. As the trail enters the Machu Picchu Sanctuary there are fewer people living in the area, and once out of the forest at Llulluchapampa, there is a view of Mt. Huayanay that overlooks the campsite (3,750m/12,225 ft). (Time: 5-6; Distance: hours, 8 km) (BLD)

Day5: Llulluchampampa / Runkuraqay/ Sayacmarca / Chaquicocha
A steady ascent on the Inca Trail up toward Warmiwañusca pass (4,200m/13,692 ft) affords a magnificent view of both the ascent and the trail ahead. A reconstructed trail descends to the Pacaymayo River and ascends again to the ruins of Runkuraqay and a second pass (4,050m/ 13,200 ft). From here the trail drops down to Sayacmarca( 3,850m/12,551 ft) on the original Inca Trail, passing a dry lake and the first signs of the cloud forest. The trail in this beautiful location overlooking the Aobamba Valley becomes more leisurely as it winds through imposing scenerie and continues along a ridge through amazing landscapes, including views of Mt. Salcantay and Mt. Pumasillo. The rolling flagstoned trail arrives at Chaquicocha, " village on the edge of the clouds", where the campsite is nearby. (Time: 7-8 hours; Distance 14km) (BLD)

Day 6: Chaquicocha /Phuyupatamarca / Intipata / WiñayWayna / Machu Picchu 
This day begins with a traverse along a ridge with magnificent views of the expansive cloud forest below. This little known trail goes past the newly opened site of Intipata and then ends at WiñayWayna, a great place to stop for lunch and Dinner is on your own tonight, then, we spend overnight at Camping. (Time: 4-5 hours; Distance 8km) (BL)

Day 7: Machu Picchu / Cusco 
4am breakfast then at 4.30am From here another walk along the original Inca Trail arrives at Intipunku, "door of the sun", with a spectacular view of Machu Picchu below. We need to depart early so those who wish to climb Huayna Picchu will need to sign up before the 2 hour guided tour. During your visit to these ancient ruins you will see clouds fly past and Machu Picchu will disappear with in them, so make sure you take pictures whilst the ruins are visible. After the tour you will have free time to explore the mountain of Huayna Picchu overlooking all of Machu Picchu - by far the best view! Huayna Picchu will take approximately 2 hours return trip. It is now your choice to enjoy lunch just outside the ruins or take the bus back to AguasCalientes to explore this small and quaint village. The train back to Cusco departs late afternoon so your estimated time of arrival is approximately 9pm.