Short Salkantay
Mollepata - Salkantay
Salkantay Trek (Horse back riding and Treking)
This Andean Cordillera called Vilcabamba was a place to be safe. The Inkas took refuge in this Cordillera for the last battles against the Spanish conquerors.
An abrupt land with high peaks, snow-covered mountains and subtropical valleys helped to preserve peace in many Inka cities. The Spanish believed these cities keep large treasures in culture, civilization and wealth.
The Vilcabamba cordillera includes Salkantay the highest summit- at 6,271 meters above the sea and Huamantay at 5,917 m.a.s.l.
Trip itinerary
Day 1: From Cusco City To Mollepata
After travelling three and a half hours west of Cusco, we arrive at the small indigenous village of Mollepata located in the Limatambo valley. We camp the first night three kilometers from the village in a small farming area called Parobamba (2993 meters).
Day 2: From Parobamba To Soraypampa
After a restful night, we are joined by muleteers, horses and mules waiting to guide us along our journey to the Vilcabamba cordillera.
Throughout the day, passengers will have the opportunity to choose between a horseback riding and trekking. We will start the journey climbing a slight slope which later opens into an incredible view of Huamantay (5917 meters).
As we approach the high plateau of Soraypampa, our next campsite, we are greeted with an impressive view of Salcantay, the Inka's Apus (God of the Inkas).
Day 3: From Soraypampa To Acobamba
After a brisk Andean morning with a breathtaking views, the sun warms our small plateau. We will start our day climbing through Altiplano which leads to the highest pass, Incachillasca (5000 meters approx). At the top of the pass, we see a panoramic view of Salcantay and the surrounding area. As the trail descends we pass close to the glacier and can see the structure of the huge ice formations from different perspectives. After two and a half hours descent, we arrive at our campsite Acobamba where we can see the east side of Salcantay and a part of the Vilcanota Cordillera (Mt.Veronika, at 5750 meters).
Day 4: From Acobamba To Cusco City
Once more, the warmth of the Andean sun will break our brisk morning. Our last day begins with a descent into a large pasture of Ichu Via an old Indian trail carved into the mountainside. We will encounter high plateaus, tambos or pampas along the trek. Here, the indigenous people, dressed in traditional clothing, spend their days working on small plots of land.
After a visit to the ruins of Paucarcancha, our day will finish with a visit to Patallacta ruins, an important archaeological center located in the National Park of Machu Picchu. We return to Cusco City on the evening train, leaving from 88 Km.
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