Mollepata / Salkantay Trek

This six / seven day trek starts at a different place from the rest of the Machu Picchu-bound Inca Trails, in Mollepata (west of Cuzco).

Superb walking takes you over a (very) high pass near snowy, thrilling Salkantay, before dropping to join the ?Classic? Inca Trail beyond Paucarcancha at Huayllabamba. (Permits are required, and an organized expedition - book ahead.)

The Mollepata/Salkantay trek is tougher than the Classic Inca Trail, not only longer but crossing an exceptionally steep and high pass (at around 4,950m); its huge advantage is getting you into truly remote country, before joining the throngs for the last 3 or so days on the ?Classic? Inca Trail.

You will experience wilder, more dramatic scenery even than on the Classic Trail, getting close in under the grand, snow-girt mass of the Incan sacred mountain, Salkantay (6,264m) with views across towards the sprawling Vilcabamba range.

The ruins at Paucarcancha (Incarajay), near the junction with the ?Classic? Inca Trail, are partially reconstructed but remain enthralling, a sentinel standing guard at the head of Cusichaca valley, protecting Machu Picchu?s southern approaches; the river far below charging on to a confluence with the Rio Apurimac. Contour in along 15^th Century Inca terraces, above gabled buildings and typically expansive civic spaces. Then, it?s climbing the soaring terraces above the fort and out towards Huayllabamba (then the Classic Inca Trail, or back to Cuzco).

www.tourdust.com organise an expedition here : we have travelled with Tourdust, and were delighted. They were very nice and flexible to deal with, and evidently cared about quality, as their walk was meticulously prepared and our support team were outstanding in every way. We are proud to be their partners.​

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See our Inca Trails page for detailed practical information and links to more walks in Peru.