In this classic Andean trek, you experience some of the world's most breathtaking mountain scenery along with some of its finest archeological sites.
On the Salcantay Trek, you discover the Vilcabamba Cordillera, an exhilarating range of steep valleys, lacy waterfalls, and towering granite snowpeaks. Five hundred years ago, the Incas united each valley and pass with a network of exquisitely crafted stone highways. Life in these mountains has changed little: the Quechua-speaking peasants scattered through these high green valleys nurture their herds, till the soil with traditional tools, and make coca leaf offerings to the powerful Apu (mountain spirit) residing in the sacred peak of Nevado Salcantay (6,271m/ 20,600').
Departing for our trailhead at the town of Mollepata, several hours west of Cuzco, you climb to a spectacular camp at the foot of the massive south face of Salcantay. After crossing the unforgettable Incachiriaska Pass at 4,950 m/16,230 ft, you descend a long valley to join the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You follow mysterious ancient granite paving stones on a spectacular route high above the Urubamba River, until emerging within sight of Machu Picchu. You have a full day at the legendary Lost City of the Incas to explore every corner of this wonderful site.
Use these Activity Level Ratings as a general guide to help determine which of our adventures is best for you. Your perception of level of difficulty may vary from ours according to your own level of fitness and travel experience. Whether or not you stay in your comfort zone on the trip you select may also be influenced by the pacing we build into the itinerary, and your own preparation for the trip. While relatively high elevations are unavoidable when you're traveling in the Andes Mountains, we may judge a trip as "moderate" so long as passengers have sufficient time for acclimation. Our detailed trip itineraries give much more information about what you can expect. If you are unsure which trip is best for you, please call us. We'll help guide you toward the right fit.
Moderate
These adventures involve fairly easy travel. There is no camping: you sleep in hotels and country inns each evening. Trips may include short hikes and/or walks of two to three hours. Our itineraries include excursions in passenger mini-vans, over roads with many curves and potholes. Elevations rarely exceed 12,600'. At Machu Picchu and other Inca sites, we climb and descend relatively steep stone staircases. Trips to Amazon lodges involve travel by boat and canoe, plus hikes on forest trails at a moderate pace. In the rainforest, you may encounter rain, mud, and pooled water. Trips to the Galapagos include optional hikes on sometimes uneven rocky and/or slippery terrain. Passengers must get into and out of dinghies on beaches and at docks.
Active
These adventures include more hiking than in our moderate trips. You negotiate a variety of terrain, at elevations no more than 15,000'. Some trips include long days of overland travel. You sleep comfortably in hotels each evening.
Strenuous
While we rate all of our treks as strenuous, there is a substantial range of challenge between the easiest and the most demanding of our treks. Expect to hike 6-8 hours each day over steep and rugged terrain. You may hike to elevations of 17,000', with options to hike higher from several camps. Many include camping multiple nights at relatively high elevations. On most treks in the Andes, night-time temperatures can drop below freezing on one or more nights. On our Inn to Inn based treks, you'll spend each evening in a comfortable mountain lodge.
Extreme
Our toughest treks are suitable for those that enjoy a good physical challenge. You trek (and in some cases climb) over steep, rugged terrain at high elevations with substantial altitude gains. Some glacier travel requires knowledge of basic climbing techniques including use of crampons, ice axe, and ropes. These trips are in remote wilderness areas and include camping as high at 17,700'. Successful summit bids top out at 18,871' (Nevado Pisco), 19,347' (Volcan Cotopaxi) and 20,945' (Nevado Ausangate).
Day 1 Mollepata
We depart Cuzco, traveling west across the Pampa de Anta, over the Vilcaconga Pass, and down into the hot Apurimac River valley. After marveling at its wonderful stonework detail at Tarawasi, we leave the main highway and switchback up the mountainside. In the village of Mollepata (2,850m/9,348') we meet our wranglers. With camp gear and personal duffels loaded on horses, we set out northward, on a short afternoon hike up a pretty valley to our camp at 3,250m/10,650' with dramatic views down into the valley of the Apurimac River, the ultimate source of the Amazon River. 4.6 miles. BLD
Click here for Detailed Itinerary
Important: at the time we confirm your participation on this trek, we register your complete name and your passport number (as these appear on your trip application) with park authori¬ties on the official trek permit. The trek permit is a legal document with specific restrictions limiting changes. You must bring this same passport with you on the trek. If for whatever reason you cannot bring the passport that is registered on the permit at the time of your original booking, or if you change your passport and cannot bring the original document, or if the information you originally supplied differs from what actually appears on your passport, park authorities may refuse you access to the Inca Trail.
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