 |
Difficulty | easy/moderate |
| Aproximate distance hiked per day: | 8 Kms. | |
| Highest point: | 4650 m/ 15200 ft. a.s.l. | |
| Acclimatation suggested: | 2 days |
Salcantay to Machu Picchu
Day 01 - Cusco to Cruzpata
Departure from Cusco at 7:00 a.m. aboard private transport for three-hour drive to the town of Mollepata. Along the way we stop at Limatambo (elevation: 2100m/6888ft above sea level), one of the principal access points to the city of Cusco during Inka times, where we visit the archaeological site of Tarawasi, wherein lie the remains of an Usno –a sanctuary dedicated to the ceremonial worship of the Pachamama or Mother Earth. The "cellular" polygonal stone masonry walling, naturally decorated with bright reddish orange lichens, constitutes a particularly noteworthy feature of the site. Beyond Limatambo, we turn off onto a secondary road driving along the right bank of the Apurimac River and rising to Mollepata (elev.: 2800 m/ 9184 ft. above s.l.) where we rendezvous with our pack animals and muleteers. From Mollepata we begin a moderate ascent towards Cruzpata (elev.: 3100m/1016ft a.s.l.). Along the way we can observe a diversity of local flora and avian fauna, set against the impressive background landscape of the Apurimac River Canyon –one of the deepest canyons in Peru- as well as a communal irrigation channel engineered upon the preexisting remains of an Inka aqueduct. Upon reaching Cruzpata, we pitch our first campsite.
Meals: L,D
Day 02 - Cruzpata to Soraypampa
Breakfast and an early start bound for Soraypampa following a climbing trail of varying grade. The route is interspersed with small groups of native dwellings, vantage points with spectacular views of the snow-capped peak of Humantay, and a myriad of birdlife including many varieties of hummingbirds. After approximately six hours we reach Soraypampa (elevation: 3500m/11480ft above sea level), an open, flatland plateau set at the head of the valley embedded between the imposing and majestic mass of Apu Salkantay and its more delicately profiled companion peak Humantay (elev.:6271m/20569ft and 5902m/19359ft, respectively). We will make camp here, in the company of giants.
Meals:B. L,D
Day 03 - Soraypampa to Pampacahuana
Come morning we continue our adventure, embarking upon a steep four hours of hiking up to the pass of Inkachiriaska -"Where the Inka feels Cold" (not unsurprising at an elevation of 4850m/15908ft above sea level)- straddling the southeast ridge of Salkantay. This is also the highest point of elevation in the trek and one that affords the most amazing views of this great and surly mountain (its summit reached only in 1932, which is comparatively late for a major Andean peak). Words fall far short in attempting to describe the feeling of accomplishment and amazement upon this close and almost intimate proximity with such a wonder of nature.. Rejoining our physical senses and bearings we descend to the flat clearing of Sisaypampa, laid in a fold of the east moraine of the Apu Salkantay and enjoy a well-earned lunch while gazing into the numerous neighboring valleys that branch out, scanning for condors. After lunch, we continue our descent, dropping down a series of flat valley heads until reaching a major one endowed with a visually impacting feature – "Pampaccahuana", the "Pampa Seen from Afar""- consisting of an Inka aqueduct, lined with well fitted ashlar masonry, two to three meters in breadth and three kilometers of straight unswerving length, channeling the waters from the glaciers above and directing them toward the valley below. This will be our third campsite.
Meals:B, L,D
Day 04 - Pampacahuana to Llulluchapampa
After breakfast we descend along the course of the Pampacahuana River. The environment changes rapidly, vegetation becomes more profuse, as we head towards our initial destination - the village of Wayllabanba (elevation 3000m/9840 ft above sea level). Before reaching it, we encounter the archaeological complex of Paucarcancha. These archaeological remains contain gabled rectangular structures, courtyards, retaining walls, terracing and remains of fountains. Less than a half hour away is the village of Wayllabamba where we will have lunch. At this point, our trekking route connects with the classic "Inka Trail to Machu Picchu". Since pack animals are not allowed on the Inka Trail, we part ways with our wranglers and mules and meet up with our team of local porters who will be carrying the gear and baggage for the remainder of the trek. After lunch we set off from Wayllabamba, ascending the steep valley of Llulluchayoc in the direction of Warwihuañusca pass ("Dead Woman Pass"). We hike up the valley for some 9 kilometers, going through sections of cloud forest. There is abundant birdlife, including finches, tanagers and seed-eaters, The cloud forest is also one of the preferred environments of the Andean Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We eventually rise above the tree line to the high puna grassland. Here, on the plateau at the head of the valley and at the foot of the pass –a site known as Llulluchapampa- we make camp (elevation: approx 3800m/12500ft a.s.l)
Meals:B. L,D
Day 05 - Llulluchapampa to Chaquicocha
Today we surmount the highest point of the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu: the pass of Warmihuañusca (elev.: 4200m/13776ft. a.s.l) –a two hour ascent from our campsite. There are fine views of the surrounding mountains from the summit. We then descend into the Pacamayo river valley (elev.: 3600 m/11808 ft. a. s. l.) Almost immediately after touching the valley bottom, the trail rebounds and begins ascending the second pass, known as the Abra de Runkurakay (elev.: 3870m/13022ft. a. s. l.). Halfway to the summit lies the archaeological complex of Runkurakay, located at an elevation of 3800m/12464ft. a. s. l. It consists of a small slightly oval circular structure believed to have served the purpose of observation post or perhaps a small garrison. Once having reached the pass, we begin descending a well defined Inka road, paved with granite flagstones and steps of quarried and dressed blocks of stone. We pass by Yanacocha (Black Lake), gradually entering the fringes of the vegetated area, until reaching the archaeological complex of Sayajmarca (elev.:3624m/11887ft a. s. l.). This is a strikingly beautiful site, built on a mountain spur surrounded on three sides by precipitous slopes and reachable only through a steep and narrow stairway. It contains a large semicircular structure that may well have been a solar observatory, various other enclosures and buildings, some of which are gabled and have tie posts -indicating that once they had steeply pitched twin roofing- ceremonial fountains, water conduits, a variety of walkways and courtyards. Upon descending from Sayacmarka back on to the main trail we enter a stretch of dense cloud forest and after hiking for 20 minutes we reach the open meadow of Chaquicocha ("Dry Lake") where we camp. This site is well chosen by virtue of the excellent view it affords of the surrounding peaks. These views are all the more impressive at sunset and sunrise.
Meals:B. L,D
Day 06 - Chaquicocha to Wiñaywayna
An early wake-up, breakfast and start. We initially ascend a moderate gradient following a wide Inka road which eventually reaches the third pas of the Inka Trail, the Abra of Phuyupatamarka, the elevation of which is cited as 3700m/12136ft a. s. l., But the most rewarding part of this section of hiking lies in the Inka road itself. One cannot but feel awed by the technical skill and talent of Inka engineers and architects, as well as the display of efficiency and finesse of workmanship rendered by the actual road crews and masons. This road represents a true feat of ability and ingenuity. The walkway skirts along and around the contours of various mountain slopes and cliffs following a constant gradient. In many instances it is grafted and artificially embedded onto sheer vertical rock faces, virtually suspended above precipices and held in place by nothing other than supporting walls and embankments built up far below it and occasional anchoring points and pivots projecting from the rock faces.
Just below the Phuyupatamarca Pass, lies the archeological complex of Phuyupatamarca which can be interpreted as "Town Above the Clouds", "Terraced Cloudy Settlement", etc. (Phuyu = Clouds, cloudy; Pata = Terrace, terracing, terraced; Marka = Village, Residential site, Settlement).
From the lower section of the complex, thousands of steps and thousands of meters- descends to Wiñaywayna (elevation: 2650m/8692ft. above sea level). This is yet another incredible archaeological site, with coursed stone masonry walling, as well as an impressive layout including an upper ceremonial sector with circular structures and double jamb portals and windows, as well as a lower residential –or urban- one, with elegant delicately gabled constructions; the two being connected by a stairway paralleling a row of 10 baths or fountains. There are also numerous terraces. Our campsite lies 5 minutes away from the archaeological complex so there will be plenty of time to explore.
Meals:B. L,D
Day 07 - Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu
On this final day of our trek, we rise at 4:00 a.m. and set off from Wiñaywayna at 5:00 a.m. One more hour of hiking through the cloud forest on a walkway paved with ashlars, brings us to Intipunku ("the Gateway of the Sun") from where we can finally cast our eyes upon the fabulous hidden city of Machu Picchu. If we have managed to arrive at Intipunku in time for sunrise, we will witness the same sacred manifestation that was so highly revered by the Inkas. From Intipunku, a 40 minute descent leads us to the so-called "House of the Guardians" and the entranceway to the citadel. From here we proceed down to the control station in order to register and deposit our backpacks, after which we immediately go forth on a complete guided tour of the citadel, lasting approximately 2 hours. Once the tour has concluded we will have free time at our disposal to walk around, explore and climb to the summit of Huaynapicchu mountain (usually seen in the background of the classic vista of Machupicchu) from where quite spectacular views of Machu Picchu are seen from a different angle –as well as the breathtaking and dramatic panorama of the surrounding mountain peaks and the great gorge of the Urubamba River canyon. It is also possible, from the summit of Huayna Picchu, to visit the Temple of the Moon. Another feature of interest accessible from Machu Picchu is the vertiginous Inka Bridge. Come the afternoon, we all meet up in the town of Aguas Calientes where those who may wish to do so can devote some time to rest and relax in the local hot springs. In Aguas Calientes We board the afternoon train back to Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals:B
