An ancient and remote path, this path is the most complete of all of the routes, because it joins two fantastic trips into one: starting in the area around Mount Salkantay and then later enters into the realm of the Sacred Inca Trail that then, in turn, connects to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. For those trekkers who are looking for something a little more extreme, and also a little more authentic.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco- Soraypampa- Ichupata (+ / - 6 hours of trekking)

Departing from the city of Cusco very early in the morning, we will begin with a 3 ½ hour ride to the trailhead in Challacancha. That is where we will meet our porters and begin the trek. Our first destination will be Soraypampa, where we will rest and have some lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue trekking until we reach Ichupata, the destination of our first campsite of the journey.

Day 2: Ichupata - Inca Chiriasca- Pampacahuana (+ / - 7 hours of trekking)

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will prepare to embark on the most difficult portion of the entire trek, departing at about 7:00 am. We'll come to the place known as Japanese Pampa, to then later head to the right side of Mount Salkantay. That is when we will officially be at the highest point of the trek: Salkantay Pass, which stands at 4,500 meters. From this amazing viewpoint, we will get some stellar views of the many snow-capped peaks and glaciers in the area. We will soak in the beautiful views and appreciate the magnificent views of the falling avalanches. We will descend to our campsite in Pampacahuana.

Day 3: Pampacahuana- Paucarcancha (+ / - 4 hours of trekking)

This day will be unforgettable because along the way we will see some Inca canals that begin in the town of Pampaacahuana, where we will also come to eventually. We will continue descending until we arrive to our next campsite. Before partaking in our suppers, we will have a guided tour of the beaufiful archaeological remains, Paucarcancha. Our dinner will come next and then a welcome rest beneath the stars.

Day 4: Paucarcancha- Guayllabamba- Llulluchapampa (+ / - 7 hours of trekking)

Having an early breakfast in the morning, we will depart from our campsite at 7:00 am, and we will immediately begin to come across some tropical agricultural crops. It will be about a 4 hour hike to our next stop in Huayllabamba where we will meet up with the Sacred Inca Trail and, continuing on, in Yuncachimpa, we will have lunch. We will follow along the Inca Trail for yet another 3 hours through the illustrious Ceja de Selva ("Edge of the Jungle") to get to our campsite in Llulluchapampa.

Day 5: Llulluchapampa- Paqaymayu- Chaquicocha (+ / - 7 hours of trekking)

Today we will be taking on the infamous Warmi Wañusca or, as it is better known, "Dead Womans Pass". It will be a difficult climb, but the views from the top will make it all seem worthwhile. On the other side of the pass we will descend to Paqaymayu to find a suitable place to enjoy our lunch. Later on, in the afternoon, we will get to appreciate a series of important archaeological remains: Runkuracay, Sayacmarca and Concha Marca, before reaching our camp site in Chaquicocha.

Day 6: Chaquicocha- Phuyupatamarca- Wiñaywayna (+ / - 5 hours of trekking)

First thing in the morning, we will walk through the amazing, and beautiful, Inca tunnel, continuing down to get to the Inca site Phuyupatamarca, where we will have a short visit and a guided tour before having our lunches. Later on in the day, we will walk through another Inca tunnel to finally reach Wiñaywayna, which will be our last campsite of the journey.

Day 7: Wiñaywayna- Machupicchu- Cusco (+ / - 4 hours of trekking)

After a quick, but healthy breakfast, very early in the morning, we will make our way along the ancient path down the final stretch to get to Inti Punku (the "Sun Gate"), the entrance to the mystical, lost Incan city, Machupicchu. Our aim will be to arrive at the Sun Gate in time to catch its' famous sun rise (during the high season), which is a truly unforgettable experience. Finally we will make the final descent to the ancient citadel, where we will have a guided tour for about 2 hours. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Cusco, arriving around 8:30 pm. You will then be immediately transferred to your hotel.

Included

•  Transfer from the airport or bus terminal to your hotel in Cusco upon your arrival
•  Information and maps related to the trek
•  Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the trailhead in Mollepata
•  Entrance fees for Salkantay, Inca Trail and Machupicchu
•  Professional, bilingual Tour Guide
•  Food during the trek (6D, 6A, 6C) with vegetarian option for those who reserve it
•  Porter and mules to carry the camping equipment and food
•  Professional, trained Cook
•  First aid kit, blood pressure gauge, oxygen tank
•  Biodegradable bathroom supplies
•  Camping equipment (tents, mattress, cooking equipment, etc.)
•  Bus down from Machupicchu to the Aguas Calientes
•  Backpacker train ticket from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco
•  Transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco
•  Departing transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the airport or bus terminal