the hidden valleys of salkantay

From Cusco, we drive toward Limatambo, past the Tika Tika Pass where we will attain our 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, we will arrive at the trailhead just beyond the village of Misquiyaco where we’ll begin our trek through one of Peru’s newest private conservation areas signed into law in 2021. We begin our 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 protected by Peruvian law. As we approach the heights, we will observe how the ecosystem changes with the altitude, leaving behind the tree line to enter the high grasslands to reach our campsite at Acopía (4190 masl / 13,747 fasl).

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

We’ll take our leave of imposing Mt. Salkantay and continue our hike downhill along an ancient Inca canal flowing down the center of the Pampacahuana Valley, passing through a landscape dotted with small farm settlements. At the end of the valley, we’ll once more begin to observe a greater variety of vegetation as we 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, we will have lunch. Then we’ll continue our 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, we will continue to our campiste at Chamana, which is a private campsite that we have 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).

At this point, we will be on the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, where we will explore the secluded archaeological Site called Machu Q'ente. Depending on the pace of the group and the amount of time available, we may also have the opportunity to visit Wayna Q'ente, another remarkable Site located nearby. After the visit, we 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 us 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, we’ll travel by car to Ollantaytambo, in time to take the afternoon train to Machu Picchu Village, where we’ll spend the night before visiting the magical citadel of Machu Picchu on Day 5. Dinner on your own.

After an early breakfast, a quick, half-hour bus ride brings us up the road to the gates of Machu Picchu where we’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 for us. As we immerse in this mystical place, we’ll feel that we’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 us with memories to savor for years to come. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the village where a train will take us back to Ollantaytambo. On-board entertainment, snacks, and hot and cold refreshments are available. Arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, where we will be picked up and driven back to the city of Cusco.