THE HIDDEN VALLEYS OF SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 

Overview

Starting from a little-known valley near Limatambo, we ascend gradually over two days past ancient forests and varied Andean landscapes toward the Cruzjasa  Pass at 4,550 meters / 14,927 feet above sea level.  Here we will experience the best views of the south and east faces of Mount Salkantay, away from the crowds.  We descend along a gradual decline toward Mirador Pampaccahuana, accompanied by views of Mount Salkantay and its moraine until we reach Cusichaca Valley, which marks the eastern boundary of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary.  As we approach the Sacred Valley, we will begin to see trekkers embarking on the first stretch of the famous Inca Trail as we continue our hike downhill toward our private campsite at Chamana. Before finally reaching the valley floor, we will take a detour to explore Wayna Q’ente and Machu Q’ente, two majestic Inca sites recently restored by the Ministry of Culture, which showcase some of the finest Inca terracing and landscaping in the region.  Our hike ends at the valley floor where we will be picked up and transported to Ollantaytambo in time to catch the afternoon train to Machu Picchu.     

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Cusco - Misquiyaco - Acopía  

From Cusco, you drive toward Limatambo, past the Tika Tika Pass where you will attain your first views of majestic Mount Salkantay and Humantay on the horizon, before crossing the Anta plateau. Driving past breathtaking panoramas of this vibrant agricultural region with views of rugged snowcapped peaks in the background, you will arrive at the trailhead just beyond the village of Misquiyaco where you’ll begin your trek through one of Peru’s newest private conservation areas signed into law in 2021.  Begin your uphill hike through an old growth Meso-Andean Relict Forest, a rare type of inter-Andean cloud forest that exists in less than 0.02% of Peru’s vast territory.  Among the species that inhabit this forest are the Tasta (Escallonia myrtilloides) and Chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa) tree species, which are protected by Peruvian law. As you approach the heights, you will observe how the ecosystem changes with the altitude, leaving behind the tree line to enter the high grasslands to reach your campsite at Acopía (4190 m/ 13,747 ft).  (L / D) 

Driving distance: 95 km (59 mi) – Time: 3:00 hours 

Trekking distance: 9.3 km (5.7 mi) – Time: 5-6 hours 

Day 2 | Acopía – Tambomachay Pass - Cruzjasa Pass – Mirador de Pampacahuana 

Leaving Acopía, you will continue your uphill climb toward the first pass at Tambomachay (4660 m/ 15,256 ft.  As the day warms up, you may see some Andean bird species, including Andean condors soaring majestically above the mountains. After 5-6 hours of gentle uphill climbing, you will reach your lunch spot at Uspaccasa (4,550 m/ 14,927 ft), a sheltered area just beyond the pass with majestic views of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Humantay.  After lunch, you’ll continue along the high ridge and veer right toward Cruzjasa Pass (4,550 m / 14,928 ft) where you will have fantastic views of the south face of Mt. Palcay, the south face of Mt. Salkantay, and the Pampacahuana Valley, enjoying the special feeling of solitude that comes with knowing there are few other humans in the vicinity. From here, you descend a steep trail to your campsite where you will sleep surrounded by mountains and stars at Mirador de Pampacahuana (3902 m / 12,801 ft).  (B / L / D) 

Total Trekking distance: 14.8 km (9.1 mi) - Time: 7 - 8 hours   

Day 3 | Mirador de Pampacahuana – Paucarcancha – Chamana 

You’ll take your leave of imposing Mt. Salkantay and continue your hike downhill along an ancient Inca canal flowing down the centre of the Pampacahuana Valley, passing through a landscape dotted with small farm settlements. At the end of the valley, you’ll once more begin to observe a greater variety of vegetation as you descend past the tree line before arriving in Paucarcancha, a remote Inca site at the confluence of the Pampacahuana and Q´esca valleys.  After a short visit to explore the Inca stone walls and remnants of ancient houses at the site, you will have lunch.  Then you’ll continue your journey downhill and join the first stretch of the famed Inca Trail, descending toward the Patallacta ruins. This site was once an important rest stop for the Inca on the way to Machu Picchu. After a brief visit, you will continue to your campsite at Chamana, which is a private campsite equipped with a hot shower for you to cleanse and refresh after the strenuous activity of the previous few days. Camp at Chamana (2590 masl / 8497 fasl).  (B / L / D) 

Trekking distance: 16.4 km (10.2 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours 

Day 4 | Chamana - Wayna Q’ente - Qoriwayrachina - Piscacucho (End of trek) 

At this point, you will be on the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, where you will explore the secluded archaeological site called Machu Q'ente. Depending on the pace of the group and the amount of time available, you may also have the opportunity to visit Wayna Q'ente, another remarkable site located nearby. After the visit, you will leave the Sanctuary through the town of Q’oriwairachina and head towards Piscacucho, where the main entrance to the Inca Trail is located. The trail will take you alongside the Vilcanota River and through several more ancient archaeological sites. In fact, this is the same path that Hiram Bingham used when he was first led to Machu Picchu by local people living here in 1911. From here, you’ll travel by car to Ollantaytambo, in time to take the afternoon train to Machu Picchu Village, where you’ll spend the night before visiting the magical citadel of Machu Picchu on Day 5. Dinner on your own.  (B / L) 

Trekking distance: 15.5 km (9.6 mi) – Time: 5-6 hours 

Driving distance back to Ollantaytambo: 15.6 km (9.7 mi) – Time: 30 min 

Train ride: 43 km (27 mi) – Time: 1:45 hours 

Day 5 | Machu Picchu - Cusco 

After an early breakfast, a quick half-hour bus ride brings you up the road to the gates of Machu Picchu where you’ll enjoy a guided three-hour tour of this ancient hilltop citadel. Exploring the various sectors and entering some of the houses and temples will bring these iconic ruins to life. As you immerse in this mystical place, you’ll feel that you’ve entered a dream of ancient times. Wandering among these ancient manmade structures blended seamlessly into natural surroundings, will leave us with a sense of wonder and reverence, and gift you with memories to savour for years to come.  In the afternoon, you’ll return to the village where a train will take you back to Ollantaytambo. On-board entertainment, snacks, and hot and cold refreshments are available. Arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will be picked up and driven back to the city of Cusco.  (B / L) 

Machu Picchu visit – Time: 3 hours 

Bus ride to Machu Picchu (RT): 12.4 km (7.7 mi) – Time: 1 hour 

Train ride: 43 km (27 mi) – Time: 1:45 hours 

Driving distance Ollantaytambo to Cusco: 79 km (49 mi) – Time: 2 hours 

End of services 

B- Breakfast / BL- Box Lunch / L- Lunch / D- Dinner   

What to take:   

• Regular and long wicking first layer for cold weather, like polyester, nylon, or merino wool   
• Short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, breathable fabrics, like nylon and polyester   
• Light-colored long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts   
• QuickDry Pants, trekking pants, and shorts   
• Insulated long-sleeve jacket (fleece, synthetic, down, merino wool)   
• Liner gloves   
• Light cap and beany   
• Rain jacket (in the rainy season, bring rain pants)   
• Breathable sports socks or hiking socks   
• Warm socks for nights   
• Swimsuit   
• Multifunctional headwear (e.g. Buff)   
• Waterproof and breathable hiking boots   
• Comfortable and lightweight shoes for campsite   
• Sleeping Bag (0°/32° to -15°/ 5°) (rent available) 
• Day Pack (preferably with rain cover)   
• Trekking Poles (available to rent)   
• Sunglasses   
• Headlamp   
• Microfiber towel   
• Sunblock, lip balm, and insect repellent   
• Reusable water bottle or vacuum bottle   
• Portable Power Bank (to charge lamps, etc.)   
• Personal First Aid Kit (recommended) 

On each trip we carry a medical kit, but we suggest you bring a small personal First-Aid Kit for bruises and blisters. Knee and ankle braces are sometimes useful especially if you suffer from weak knees or ankles. Include any special medication your doctor might suggest for you. 

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