The Salcantay-Machu Picchu Inca route, also known as “Alternative Inca Trail” is one of the best non-traditional routes to Machu Picchu. This remote path will lead us through an amazing variety of landscapes and habitats varying from green valleys to glacial moraines. We will cross a high pass below the spectacular glaciers of the Humantay (5,917m – 19,414ft) and Salcantay (6,270m -20,572ft.) peaks.
Day 01 Arrival in Cusco
Upon arrival in Cusco Airport you will be transferred to the hotel. Lodging in Cusco
Day 02 Cusco / Mollepata / Marcocasa (or Cruzpata) / Salcantaypampa (B, L, D)
At 07:00 a.m. we start our expedition with a private transport from Cusco. We will pass by Izcuchaca and Limatambo, and after 2 hours we will arrive at Mollepata (2950m/9676ft) where we stop for a short rest and have some coffee. Afterwards we continue our drive (2 hours) towards Soraypampa (3850m/12628ft), a beautiful Andean valley located at the foothills of the impressive Mount Tucarhuay (5910m/19385ft). From here we start our first day 3 hour trek to our camp at 4000m (13120ft) in Salcantaypampa. Enjoy the first views of the impressive Mount Salcantay.
Day 03 Salcantaypampa / Huayracmachay / Chaullay (B, L, D)
From Salcantaypampa we start our four hour trek towards Soyrococha at 4400m (14432 feet) where we will have our first lunch while enjoying great views of the impressive west face of Mount Salcantay (6264 m/20546 feet). After lunch a three hour hike will take us down to our camp at Huayracmachay. Along the way we first reach the Salcantay pass at 4750m/15580ft and then we trek down to our camp at Huayracmachay settlement. During our hike we will enjoy amazing views have the permanent view of the amazing Mount Salcantay. With luck we can also observe the flight of the amazing Condor. During our descend from Salcantay pass we will also have the opportunity to observe the remains of an ancient Inca Trail, a road of approximately 6 meters wide and also observe the beautiful Salcantaycocha Lake. Later on we continue our hike down to Huayracmachay, and then descend into the deep canyon of the Salcantay River on our way to the small village of Chaullay where we set up our camp at 3500m (11480ft).
Day 04 Chaullay camp / Lucmabamba Camp (B, L, D)
After a hearty breakfast, at 08:00 a.m. we will be ready to continue our 7 hour trek. The highland landscape suddenly turns into an amazing cloud forest with typical grass, bushes and trees covered with beautiful bromeliads. From Colpapampa the Salcantay River turns into the Santa Teresa River. After a rest we will continue our descent down to the shores of the Totora River where we can enjoy a soak in the nearby hot water springs. Then following the north side of the Santa Teresa River we will continue for 3 hours until reaching the Wiñaypoko settlement (2800m/5904ft), where we will have lunch. From here we continue our descent (3 hours) down to La Playa. On the way down we will observe banana, coffee, passion fruit and avocado plantations.. After our arrival at La Playa, we cross the river and we make our last hike until we reach the small settlement of Lucmabamba where we will set up our last camp (1700m/5576ft).
Day 05 Llactapacta / Aguas Calientes (B, L, D)
Our last trek day will take us following an Inca road for 3 hours from Lucmabamba towards the Inca Ruins of Llactapacta (2800m/ 9184ft) where we will visit this interesting archaeological site with terraces, agriculture storage areas, etc. From here and weather permitting we can observe the northwestern side of the Machu Picchu citadel and the summit of Huayna Picchu. After having our box lunch and following a steep mountain side, we will then continue our trekking (2 hours) down to La Hidroelectrica (operation area of the hydroelectric power plant). Here we will have time to rest and later on board the local train to the town of Aguas Calientes (2012m/6600ft) where we will arrive after a 1 hour ride. Then our guide will take you to your hotel for a well deserved rest.
Day 06 Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Cusco (B, L, D)
We will wake early in the morning. After breakfast we will board a public bus to Machu Picchu's main entrance. A guided tour will show you this beautiful Inca City, one of the most famous in the world. You will visit the Intihuatana, the temple of the three windows, temple of the moon, the terraces, the ceremonial fountains, the sun gate and other sectors of the impressive citadel. In the afternoon we take the public bus down to Aguas Calientes and by train you will return to Ollantaytambo from where our transport will take you back to Cusco. Lodging in Cusco
Day 07 Departure from Cusco (B)
At the appropriate time you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or to your next destination.
