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The Salcantay Trail

16-day adventure

The "other" Inca Trail—remote, rugged, gorgeous. INCA pioneered hikes to Salcantay in 1976 and it's still our favorite Andean route. It's gigantic country with steep canyons, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, glaciers and soaring condors. And best of all, this trail to Machu Picchu remains practically undiscovered by trekkers.

After a day in the impressive museum collections of Lima, you'll explore Cuzco and the Urubamba Valley, the heart of the Incan empire, then head out for 6 days and 5 nights on the trail.

On our trek we pass through spectacular scenery ranging from high alpine to lush jungle. We cross the fabled Pasaje de Inkachiriascca next to the great peak of Salcantay (The Wild One). At the top of the pass, we pause to watch the glacier calve off chunks into the abyss.

Mules carry our gear and camp crews set the camps and tend to the camp chores. Meals are served in a candle-lit dining tent. In the morning, you'll find hot tea and coffee outside your tent flap. Wash-up facilities and toilet tents complete the amenities.

At the end of our trek, our trail meets the rail line just above Machu Picchu. After a short train ride to Km 104, we disembark to hike the last leg of the Inca Trail through the cloud forest to the magical Sun Gate high above Machu Picchu, and then into the ruins where we spend two-nights in great comfort at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

Highlights

Museums and ceviche in Lima

2 days Cuzco El Monasterio del Cuzco

2 days Urubamba Valley Sol y Luna or equivalent

6 days Andean trek to Machu Picchu past SalcantayTented camp

3 days Machu Picchu Machu Picchu Sanctuary or Machu Picchu Pueblo

Itinerary Summary

Day 1

Fly to Lima, Peru. Overnight in Lima.

Day 2

Tour historic Lima with visits to the National Museum of Archeology and the Larco Museum. At lunch experience the exquisite flavors and variety of Peruvian cuisine.

Day 3

Fly to Cuzco, walking tour of historic Cuzco, dinner of typical Cuzqueñan specialties.

Day 4

Visit Central Market, Inca Museum, and Archbishop's Palace. Afternoon visit to Sacsayhuaman with a private ceremony with Shaman right in the ruins.

Day 5

En route to the Urubamba Valley, visit ruins of Tambo Machay. In the Urubamba Valley explore Pisac village and its ruins.

Day 6

Full day exploration of Ollantaytambo and the ruins of its fortress and visit to Chinchero market with tradiitonal weaving demonsration.

Day 7

We visit the ruins of the Inca fortress at Limatambo, then head to our trail head at Challancha. We begin our trek to the great peaks of Salcantay and Humantay with a short hike to the camp on the Pampa de Soray.

Days 8-11

Over the next 5 days we pass through spectacular scenery ranging from high alpine to lush jungle. We cross the fabled Pasaje de Inkachiriascca next to the great peak of Salcantay (The Wild One).

Tents will be set up for you at each camp; you will dine while gazing at the snow-capped peaks, deep valleys and lush vegetation. On Day 11 we hike the last leg of the Inca Trail through the cloud forest to the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu, and into the ruins.

Days 12-14

Two more glorious days at Machu Picchu (an INCA exclusive)! You can explore these ruins in depth. At your own pace, ponder the mysteries of this spot, hike with our guide to Huaynu Picchu, take photos or just "hide out" while trainloads of day-trippers make midday cameo appearances. Return to Cuzco on the afternoon of Day 14.

Day 15

Fly from Cuzco to Lima. Afternoon free.

Day 16

Depart for home, or on to other adventures.

For a deeper look at this adventure, please read the Detailed Itinerary.

Departures • The Salcantay Trail

2012

Available as a private journey

Prices & Supplements • The Salcantay Trail

2012

call - price depends on group size

Single

$2800

Small Group

A Small Group Supplement applies if there are fewer than four travelers on your trip.

Notes • The Salcantay Trail

Included

Roundtrip airport transfers as specified in itinerary, all hotel accommodations (double occupancy, unless Single purchased) as specified in itinerary; all meals as specified in itinerary; all non-alcoholic beverages; all guides, activities, tours, entry fees and sightseeing arrangements as specified in itinerary.

Not Included

Not included are any airfare, airport taxes and fees; tips for guides or naturalists (at your discretion); alcoholic beverages; excess baggage charges, or other items of a personal nature.

Price also excludes any insurance coverage for trip cancellation-interruption, travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay or baggage theft (we recommend you obtain coverage for these items), medical or hospitalization expenses.