The Imperial City is surrounded by magnificent landscapes that satisfy even the most discerning adventurers that dare to visit them. It is true, however, that the different trekking options vary in difficulty, physical demand and length.

In order to visit the main trekking routes, it is advisable to seek the services of a specialized agency. There are established trails that are very popular, particularly the Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu. There are other options such as the trekking routes of Ausangate, Salcantay and Choquequirao, among others.
The hike can be easily done with the aid of a very detailed map and the valuable guidance of the natives. However, it is advisable to hire the services of a tour operator specializing in these routes beforehand. These agencies will even provide you with the necessary equipment. Moreover, there are routes, such as the Inca Trail, for which the traveler has to sign up four days in advance of starting his/her excursion.

The so-called Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the spectacular and ancient road the Incas took to get to the citadel of Machu Picchu. It is 38/40 kilometers long and during the journey, many different points of archaeological interest may be visited: Patallacta, Runkuraqay, Sayaqmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Huayna, Intipata, Killapata and Chaskapata, are some of them, aside from Machu Picchu itself.

This trail is normally covered in a four-day-long walk through valleys, woods, passes and Andean gullies. It is the best known trekking route in America. The official point of departure of the Inca Trail is "Kilometer 88" on the railroad track linking Cusco with Quillabamba. This point can be reached by train or private transportation.
These four days cost around US$ 300.00 including the ticket that must be paid to the National Institute of Culture to access the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. This price also includes the necessary furnishings of the camp such as porters and a guide accompanying the group. This person is responsible for the crossing and organizes the campsites and the food. As well, this guide explains the history of the archeological remains at the different stops on the way. The groups can be made up of up to 15 people, but can also be arranged privately.

TREKKING DEL SALCANTAY

SALCANTAY
The mountain range of Vilcabamba, where the massif of Salcantay is located, is a beautiful and lonely area. Dominated by Mount Salcantay, this area has many snowcapped mountains of great height, such as Tucarhuay (5,910 meters above sea level), Verónica (5,682 meters above sea level) and Huacayhuilca (5,361 meters above sea level), among others. All of them can be seen from the region surrounding Puyupatamarca on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The terrain is rough and difficult on the outskirts of this attractive mountain range. Mount Salcantay is surrounded by deep valleys and gullies, making this journey interesting, while somewhat exhausting.

The trip
There are two possibilities of skirting the massif. The first track leaves from Kilometer 88 of the railroad track leading to Machu Picchu and constitutes the starting point of the Inca Trail. After walking for around four hours from the Urubamba river, a branch of the trail is taken at a hamlet called Guayllabamba. The second branch trail leaves from Mollepata and both meet in the valley between the snowcapped Salcantay and Humantay mountains. As from there, there is only one way, passing Colcapampa and reaching Santa Teresa, close by the archaeological remains of Machu Picchu.

The ascent
As Mollepata is 2,803 meters above sea level, it enables one to climb gradually towards Salcantay. During the journey, flocks of auquénidos may be seen. After going up a high pass, it is possible to see an amazing "pyramidal" view of Salcantay, one of the most beautiful mountains in Cusco. From Mollepata you need two days to go down toward Huayllabamba and start the second day of the Inca Trail.

How to go
The buses from Cusco to Mollepata leave very early in the morning and go past Limatambo. We suggest visiting a former Inca fortress called Tarahuasi. From the road, you can see the Apurímac river and part of its impressive canyon. Bear in mind that this is a cold region, approaching an altitude of nearly 5,000 meters above sea level. It is inevitably necessary to use the services of a travel agency. If you wish to take this journey, you should plan it six days ahead of time
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