New Salkantay 2023 with Short Inca trail 4D/3N

Day 1 – Cusco – Soraypampa – Ichupata

Day 2 – Ichupata – Incachiriasca – Pampacahuana

Day 3 – Pampacahuana – Paucarcancha – Huayllabamba – KM 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Day 4 – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

Cusco – Soraypampa – Ichupata

We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and have a beautiful scenic drive of 3 hours duration to Mollepata. At Mollepata we will have breakfast at one of the local houses. During this portion of the drive we will have our first views of the magnificent Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, as well as observe lush vegetation and the fields of local families growing potatoes, quinoa, lima beans, etc. At this point we will arrive at Soraypampa (3,800 m/12,467 ft), the trailhead for the Salkantay trek, and meet our support staff, who will pack everything for the trek and load the equipment onto horses. The first thing we will do is hike up to the magnificent Humantay Lake. After enjoying the beauty and taking pictures, we will hike back down to Soraypampa and “officially” begin the trek. The hike today is uphill from Soraypampa to Ichupata (4,300 m / 14,104 ft) in the upper valley. This is a 5 to 6 hour hike. Along the way we will pass Salkantay Pampa, which is our lunch spot. Ichupata is our camp for the night. When we arrive, we will settle in, have a happy hour and a hearty dinner.

• Meals : Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Distance Covered : 12 km / 7 ½ miles
• Approximate Walking Time : 5-6 hours
• Lowest elevation : 3,800 m/12,467 ft
• Highest elevation : 4,300 m / 14,104 ft
• Difficulty : Challenging

Ichupata – Incachiriasca – Pampacahuana

After a savory breakfast, we will begin the 3 to 4 hour steep climb towards the Incachiriasca pass (4850m/15908ft), the highest of the entire route. We will have amazing views of Apu Salkantay and glacial moraines during this portion. We will pause at the top of the pass to take pictures and enjoy the magnificent view. We will then descend towards our lunch spot at Sisaypampa, a flat area from which one can observe the neighboring Salkantay Valleys. This is a place where we might see Andean condors. After lunch we continue towards the Pampacahuana community (3,700 m / 12,136 ft), located next to an original Inca canal. This is our camp for the night.

• Meals : Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Distance Covered : 14 km / 8 ½ miles
• Approximate Walking Time : 8 hours
• Lowest elevation : 3,700 m / 12,136
• Highest elevation : 4,850 m / 15,908 ft
• Difficulty : Challenging

Pampacahuana – Paucarcancha – Huayllabamba – KM 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Today we change pace as we join the Classic Inca Trail. We begin by hiking downill for 2 hours from Pampacahuana to Paucarcancha (3133 m / 10,276 ft)). We will visit the Inca site of the same name. After the tour we will hike downhill for 5 hours until we reach Km 82, which is the start of the classic Inca trail. Along the way we will be able to see the Inca site of Llactapata. This is the first site on the Classic Inca Trail.

Our chef will make us a delicious lunch at Kilometer 82. After lunch we will be picked up by our private van at Km 82 and transported to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft) where we will catch the luxury train to Aguas Calientes. When you reach Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel room. The natural hot springs in town are a great place to relax if there is time before dinner. Dinner will be at the finest restaurant.

• Meals : Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Lodging : Hotel
• Highest Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,136
• Lowest Elevation : 2,792 m/9,158
• Distance to walk : 16 km/ 10 miles
• Estimated walking time : 6 ½ to 8 hours
• Level of Difficulty : Easy

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Early in the morning, we line up for the bus that takes you to the actual site of the “Lost City of the Incas.” Machu Picchu. It Is about 25 min driving. Your bilingual guide will take you throughout the vast ruins. Machu Picchu is the best known of the Inca ruins, as it is recognized worldwide, yet it is not mentioned in any of the writings of the Spanish Conquistadors. It is believed to have been constructed around the mid-15th century and was “rediscovered” by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. The guided tour of this fascinating place is an awe-inspiring experience. Visit the Main parts of Machu Picchu. After the explanation (about 2 hours) in total you can stay 4 h maxima at Machu Picchu. We are going to visit one of these circuits, Ministry of Culture has introduced fixed circuits from November 2021, depending on which one is available on the purchase dates. The ticket can only be used once to enter. You will then gain access to one of the circuits below. It’s a one way walk, you can’t turn back. Circuit 1 Alto Corto      Circuit 2 Alto Largo Circuit 3 Bajo Corto Circuit 4 Bajo Largo Included is the standard ticket, without Huayna or Machu Picchu mountain NOTE: Keep in mind that if you want a Huayna Picchu permit you need to book far in advance (limited seats) and in this circuit you will only see a small part of Machu Picchu (only the lower part). Casa del Guardián (guardian house) can only be visited in circuit with Machu Picchu mountain permit. The sun gate is only accessible to people on the Inca Trail 2 and 4 days. After you are done exploring Machu Picchu you can walk down, or take the bus (included in the price) to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included). In the afternoon  you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, from where there will be a transfer to Cusco, where you will arrive late evening after an amazing 4 days!

• Meals : Breakfast
• Lowest Elevation : 2,040 m/ 6,691
• Highest Elevation : 2,440 m/ 8,052