Salcantay .......horizon south of Cuzco, the magnificent peak of Ausangate (6,333 meters) is the highest and most sacred mountain in Southern Peru. For centuries it has been central to the religious beliefs of the Andean people and pilgrimages to its icy slopes - which since the Spanish conquest have become a hybrid of indigenous and Catholic rites - are still made by local people. The scenery of Ausangate is a spectacular with it's snow capped peaks and glaciers that look down impassively on seemingly endless grasslands studded with turquoise lakes and thermal pools. In the area you can see herds of llamas and alpacas that graze under the watchful eyes of their owners, who live in the same isolated and picturesque villages that their ancestors founded countless generations ago. This trip is culturally enriched and as well a hearty trek for the avid outdoors person.

Day 1 - Cuzco - Mollepata
This morning we will journey west through the Anta Valley and over the Vilcaconga pass. Descending into the warm and dry Apurimac Valley we visit the Inca temple of Tarawasi, a fine example of Inca ceremonial stonework. A little further along the road we climb to the village of Mollepata, where our mule drivers will be waiting to load our things on to horses or mules. We will then walk a short distance towards a nearby valley where we will camp at 3250m (10,660ft), from where we will get fine views of the Apurimac Valley below us. ( L/D )

Day 2 - Rio Blanco
We climb a summit above the Rio Blanco which is fed by Salkantay's principal glacier. It is common to see condors along this section of the trail. From our campsite at 3800m (12,500ft) we will have our first sight of the south face of the Salkantay massif (6247m / 20.600ft). ( B/L/D )

Day 3 - Salkantay Base Camp
We continue our steep ascent up the enormous glacier, arriving at our most spectacular campsite at 4600 metres (15,100ft) directly below the south face of Salkantay. It was from here that a Japanese team successfully climbed the knife edge ridge that begins at our camp and ends at the summit. ( B/L/D )

Day 4 - Salkantay - Qoriwayrachina
Today we will cross a pass at 4200m (14,104ft). Our trail continues along the Paucarcancha valley, where we will observe the irrigation system built by the Incas to carry water to the terraces in this area. We descend to the community of Huayllabamba and continue towards Qoriwayrachina (Km88 of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu). Here we will make our last camp ( B/L/D )

Day 5 - Qoriwayrachina - K.104 Winay Wayna - Machu Picchu
From our camp site we will transfer to the local train station and proceed by train to Km104. where we cross the Urubamba river and hike to the archaeological complex of Choquesuysuy. Here the Inca trail climbs slowly to half-way up the mountain where we arrive at Wi�ay Wayna, surrounded by lush vegetation. On the way we pass a high waterfall where we can stop to relax and cool off before we reach the Winay Wayna complex which was once inhabited by farmers who used terraces to reclaim these steep slopes for agriculture. We will encounter about twenty constructions which have all been recently restored, as well as an irrigation system and a splendid Inca temple. That afternoon we will continue along the trail to Machu Picchu, enjoying along the way the spectacular scenery, with the river far below, and the snowy peaks emerging from the surrounding cloud forest. Following a path which is very narrow in places, we eventually arrive at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu from where we will get our first glimpse of the ruins below us. From here it is a forty minute walk to Machu Picchu. ( Note: lodging is not included tonight and available in the area.( B/L/D )

Day 6 - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Early morning wake we enjoy the prepared breakfast then proceed to the mythical site of Machu Picchu. ( You can either board the tourist bus or for the hearty hiker you can proceed by foot.) On your arrival you will get a magnificent view of the forgotten city of Machu Picchu. As you proceed into the National Park your guide will explain the history and the myths that surround this archaeological wonder. Several ideas or possibilities have been noted of this massive archaeological complex of acropolis proportion. Your guide can as well take you to the the top of Huayna Picchu or a visit to the Inti Punku Pass ( Gate of the Sun ) Time will also be allowed for more exploration and photography of the area. Wether this site was pre Incan, a previous leaders sanctuary for his retirement, maybe a location for the virgins to be separated from the kingdom and used as wives for the Inca rulers or even sacrificial for the gods. It seems that the world will never know. After a time spent visiting the more important locations, you will proceed either to your hotel of choice or transfer by bus to Aguas Calientes to board the 3:00 p.m. auto wagon train for your return to Cuzco. After your arrival into the Cuzco and the train station our staff will meet and transfer you to your hotel. (6:45-7:00 p.m.)(Note: hotel not incl.( B )