Trek amid the Vilcabamba mountains of Peru, then join the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trek amid the Vilcabamba mountains of Peru, then join the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This trek spends a few days deep in the majestic Vilcabamba mountain range before joining the classic Inca Trail for the approach to Machu Picchu. This high route skirts many of the great peaks and passes close to Mount Salkantay (20,574ft/6,271m) and its creaking glaciers. The trek continues through remote villages and crosses the spectacular Inca Chiriasqa Pass and finishes by exploring the Inca temples and fortresses of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley.
The diverse geography of Peru results in a very varied climate between different regions.
Cuzco and the Andes have a temperate climate. December to March is the rainy season in Cuzco/the Andes and April to November is the dry season, characterised by clear skies and strong sunshine in the mornings, sometimes clouding over as the day progresses. Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant (approximately 20C/68F on average) but night times only 5C-10C (41F-50F), except for May, June, July and August when days are cooler and nights on trek are often below freezing, particularly at the highest camps where it may be around -10C (14F). In the Andes, anything is possible at any time of year, including cloud, rain or even snow, and rapid and unexpected changes!
Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are in the cloud forest and, as such, attract large amounts of precipitation all year as clouds move up from the Amazon Basin. Rain here can be heavy but is seldom prolonged. Cold fronts sometimes occur from July to August.
Peru is affected by El Niño, a weather phenomenon whereby warming of Pacific Ocean surface water off South America drives a shift in the atmospheric circulation resulting in abnormally high levels of rainfall over parts of South America. These events occur at irregular intervals of two to seven years, and last nine months to two years. A strong El Niño event occurred in 2014-16.
This trip is graded as Activity Level 5 (Challenging) – please refer to our Activity Level guidelines. There are seven days of point-to-point walking with full porterage, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 16,275ft (4,960m), average 11,645ft (3,550m). More strenuous and at higher altitude than the classic Inca Trail, this trek has sections with difficult underfoot terrain, particularly on the descent from the high pass, which has a lot of loose gravel. The walking days are generally not long but there are some steep climbs and descents. The paths are well maintained on the main Inca Trail, but there are a lot of irregular stone steps, which can be tiring on the knees, so we recommend walking poles. You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference.
Please note, it is essential you read the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu regulations in the Important Information section of the Trip Notes before you book this trip.
Some nights can be very cold (below freezing) and over the last few years there have been a few occasions where heavy snowfall has closed the Inca Chiriasqa Pass (Day 7). If this happens, the leader takes an amended route to join the Inca Trail. If the snow is very heavy, the group may retreat to Mollepata and then join the Inca Trail at Km82, the start of the normal Inca Trail. This is not a common occurrence but you should be aware it does occasionally happen (most likely in July and August although it is very unpredictable).
As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes. We spend three days in Cuzco (11,155ft/3,400m) acclimatising before starting the trek.
Protest action/strikes are not uncommon in Peru and, while these are generally peaceful, they can involve roadblocks and cause disruption to travel. Occasionally, your leader may have to adapt your itinerary in response to this.
Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group’s pace.
By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.
AVAILABLE DATES | PRICE (1 ADULT) | PRICE (1 CHILDREN) | Single room supplement | TRAVEL STATUS | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sun, 28 Apr 2024 / Sat, 11 May 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | Available | |
Sun, 26 May 2024 / Sat, 08 Jun 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | Available | |
Sun, 23 Jun 2024 / Sat, 06 Jul 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | Available | |
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 / Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | Available | |
Sun, 18 Aug 2024 / Sat, 31 Aug 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | Available | |
Sun, 15 Sep 2024 / Sat, 28 Sep 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | Available |
AVAILABLE DATES | PRICE (1 ADULT) | PRICE (1 CHILDREN) | SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT | TRAVEL STATUS | |
Sun, 28 Apr 2024 / Sat, 11 May 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | On request | |
Sun, 26 May 2024 / Sat, 08 Jun 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | On request | |
Sun, 23 Jun 2024 / Sat, 06 Jul 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | On request | |
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 / Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | On request | |
Sun, 18 Aug 2024 / Sat, 31 Aug 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | On request | |
Sun, 15 Sep 2024 / Sat, 28 Sep 2024 | NOK 36 855 | On request | NOK 5 460 | On request |
We will get back to you with an offer on the requested trip / package within 48 hours. All offers are non-binding and are usually valid for 7 days. Please note that reserved services can be canceled within these 7 days and that price may change until a final order is received.
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