Salcantay

Salcantay Trek. Photo by Paula Newton

In terms of trekking opportunities in the Sacred Valley, this one requires a bit more physical and logistical preparation. The crowning jewel of the Salcantay trek is Nevado Salcantay (6,271 meters), the massive mountain that looms above the Inca Trail and plunges into the magnificent city of Machu Picchu. Most Cusco tours offer a four-day trek from Mollepata, located in the Limatambo Valley about 3.5 hours from Cusco. You can reach Mollepata by hopping onto a bus heading from Cusco to Abancay. From Mollepata it's a three-kilometer walk to Parobambo, where you can hire mules and guides. The route itself stretches across Cordillera Vilcabamba and includes a steep ascent up to the Incachillasca Pass (5,000 meters) followed by a sharp descent along the glaciers of Salcantay. Though physically demanding, the trail offers rewarding views of snow-covered peaks and glacial valleys. On the last day you'll depart your campsite at Acobamba and head towards the Inca ruins of Patallacta, near the popular tourist gateway to the Inca trail, Km. 88. From here you can catch a train to Machu Picchu or Cusco.

Alternatives to the Salcantay Trek are also possible for those who would like something more off-the-beaten-path.

Hiking, Trekking

4 & 5** Custom & Scheduled Tours by www.SouthAmerica.travel Create your own travel itinerary with our custom Travel Planner, or choose from one of our 100s of carefully designed itineraries. Special escorted departures. SouthAmerica.travel

Academia Latinoamericana de Espanol - Learn Spanish in Cusco - Peru All levels. The most effective methods. University credit through New Mexico State University. Reasonable rates & more www.latinoschools.com