The High Inca Trail

Today you take a boat to the floating reed islands of the Uros Indians. The life of the Uros is based on the totora reed, which grows in the lake and is used to construct their houses and boats, thereby fostering the theory which led to Thor Heyerdahl’s Pacific journey with Ra. It is said that the Uros began their floating existence by constructing the islands to isolate themselves from the belligerent Collas and Incas. It is clear that they are no longer as secluded as they once were, but they are still a unique sight. Once back in Puno, you might be able to visit the old iron ship, the Yavari, often moored by the city. Built in Scotland in the 1870’s, it was shipped to Chile and then carried up into the Andes on mules and llamas, to be assembled in Puno. It was the first iron ship on Lake Titicaca and is now being restored to sail on the lake once more. (B)

Leaving Cusco early, you drive to the trailhead at the village of Mollepata (approx. 4 hours). The road follows a spectacular route descending towards the mighty Apurimac canyon; you’ll visit the Inca ruins at Tarawasi, before a steep dirt road climbs to Mollepata (2900m). In this small farming community you’ll meet the porters and mules who will help on the first half of the trek. This first day’s walk is a steady climb through a patchwork of fields and grassland to reach the camp at Marcopata (3500m). Looking back you will see the Apurimac Canyon and ahead are the daunting peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range. You carry only a daypack containing personal items as a team of porters carries all your main luggage, camping equipment and supplies. You will be provided with a duffle bag in which to put items needed for the trek. Anything you don’t need is left behind in Cusco in your main bag. Dome tents for sleeping are supplied and meals are served in a mess tent with folding tables and stools. The camp sites have basic toilet and washing facilities. Your team of porters and cooks take care of all camp chores leaving you free to relax and enjoy the magnificent Andean scenery.
(About 4 hours moderate uphill walking). Camp – 1 night (BLD)

Today you must tackle the highest pass on the whole trek; the Salkantay or Incachiriasca pass located at almost 5000m above sea level – higher than Mont Blanc! The trail ascends steeply out of camp, skirting the eastern icefalls of Mount Salkantay. This mighty 6270m peak is venerated by the local farmers and is considered one of their principal deities; you might see your porters pay homage to the mountain in the form of small gifts left on the trail, in return for safe passage and good luck in your journey. As the trail climbs to the pass, you reach rocky terrain, home to the mountain viscacha, a hardy relative of the chinchilla which can often be seen hopping between the boulders along the trail. Once at the pass the air is thin, and the icy slopes of Salkantay seem close enough to touch. Now the trail descends steeply, hugging the glaciers until you reach the camp at Sisaypampa (3850m).
About 6 hours demanding uphill walking made strenuous by the altitude. Camp – 1 night (BLD)

A short walk of one hour takes you to the village of Wayllabamba (‘Grassy Plain’ - 3000m), the last human habitation on the trail, and this is where you join the popular main Inca trail. After pausing to rest, you climb steadily and steeply through lush cloud forest to Llulluchapampa (3850m) - a beautiful flat area of pasture looking back on the distant Wayllanay mountain range. You’ll camp tonight at Llulluchapampa.
About 5 hours of walking. Camp – 1 night (BLD)

You awake to a spectacular vista and set off this morning on one of the most beautiful parts of the trail. A steep downhill section of some 2000 Inca steps brings you to your lunch stop at the picturesque ruins of Winay Wayna – meaning ´forever young` - considered by many to be their favourite ruins. Excitement mounts as you conquer a steep flight of steps and arrive at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. The toil of the day is forgotten at a stroke as you are treated to a spectacular view of Machu Picchu below. After lingering to admire the panorama, you walk through the site and catch a bus down the narrow access road to rejoin the Urubamba River in the village of Aguas Calientes where you check in to your accommodation and enjoy a well-earned long shower.
About 4/5 hours walking today, mostly downhill. Basic hotel – 1night (BL)

Cusco, once the imperial capital was laid out in the rough shape of a puma. Today, its orderly streets bear witness to the extraordinary skill of Inca stonemasons. Many are still lined with precisely interlocked stonework which serves as the foundation for later buildings from the colonial era, creating an atmospheric pastiche of contrasting architectural styles. This morning you visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman lying just outside Cusco city. The skilfully constructed outer walls consist of massive blocks of stone (the largest weighing over 350 tonnes) which must have been difficult to manoeuvre, let alone to cut and dress with such precision. The tour continues on foot in the city centre and reveals more of Cusco’s historical and archaeological treasures. The rest of the day is free to relax or further explore Cusco. Hotel - 1 night (B)