Day 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA
Walking distance: 12,2km Altitude: 3360m to 4050m Time: 3 to 4hrs
You will be picked up from the hotel at approx 4:30am and transferred to Mollepata by bus (2985 meters above sea level). where we stop for breakfast and then it’s time for a full day of hiking mostly uphill, we will meet with our muleteers and begin our expedition. Including our lunch stop, the day’s trek will last about 3 – 4 hours as we make our way towards our first campsite in Soraypampa (4050 meters above sea level). From this point we will enjoy a view of the impressive snow-capped peak of Humantay.
Later, we will finally visit the famous Humantay Lagoon! After 1.5 hours of hiking, we will arrive at the lagoon (4,220 meters/ 13,850 feet) with incredibly blue-green water and the snowy Humantay Mountain peak behind it, making it one of the most impressive places in the Andes Mountains. We will take some time to admire the breathtaking views and then descent to our campsite in Soraypampa. Arriving at approximately 6:00 pm, we will have tea and dinner, and spend the night in our beautiful cabañas de vidrio.
Day 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – COLPAPAMPA
Walking distance: 20,8km Altitude: 4050m – 4608m – 2860m Time: 7-8hrs
Early in the morning after the breakfast we will have a difficult hike, as we need to ascend to Salkantay Pass, you will reach the highest point of the trek at an impressive 4608 meters. Here, the guide will explain a little bit about the history of Salkantay Mountain and the Andean people. This little history break is an excellent excuse for you to catch your breath, recover from the climb and eat some well-deserved snacks. From the pass, we’ll be able to observe snowy Salkantay, the valley of Santa Teresa, the mountain peaks and lagoon. During the trek we will make a stop to have lunch and then continue our descent for 3 more hours until we reach our campsite in Colpapampa (2,900 meters / 9,500 feet). We will have tea and a delicious dinner prepared by our cook. Tonight we will sleep in our comfortable domes at the campsite.
Day 3: COLPAPAMPA – PLAYA SAHUAYACO
Walking distance: 13,8km Altitude: 2860m to 1972m Time: 4 to 6hrs
After a very early breakfast scenary will impressed us with its green vegetation, we’ll continue our hike. We begin our 5 ½ hours hike through the Peruvian jungle, passing over many ascents and descents. This part of the trek marks the cloud forest, where we will discover several coffee plantations, orchids and many natural plants used for medicines. We will arrive at our lunch point Playa Sahuayaco to rest a little. Here you have the option to visit the thermal baths located in Cocalmayo, Santa Teresa (not included). We will return to our campsite at 6.00 pm for tea and a freshly prepared dinner.
Day 4: PLAYA SAHUAYACO – LLACTAPATA- HYDROELECTRIC- AGUAS CALIENTES
Walking distance: 18,3km Altitude: 1972m to 1680m Time: 6 to 7hrs
Today, we will enjoy the sunrise in a lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and many plantations, including banana, avocado, and coffee. We will have a nutricious breakfast and get ready for the next part of our trekking adventure: we will finally hike along a part of the original Inca Trail! We will walk up along the Inca Trail, enjoying the beautiful views of the Santa Teresa Valley. After a 2.5 ascent, we will arrive at the Inca archaelogical site of Llactapata. Our local guide will share his knowledge about the history of this place. Besides, we will get the chance to get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. We will go downhill for lunch and then continue our hike to Hidroeléctrica. You can choose to walk to Aguas Calientes for around 2 hours, or opt to board a train for $32.00 extra. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the village on the bottom of the magnificent Wonder of the World. Tonight, we will be staying at a hotel overnight.
Day 5: MACHU PICCHU
On this day, we’ll visit one of the world’s most evocative sites: Machu Picchu Archeological Complex. In the morning you will start your 1 hour ascent to the citadel to arrive in time for sunrise, or at the time you desire (you could opt to take the bus, a 25 minute trip $12 each way, first bus departs at 5:30am). The 2-hours guided visit is an unforgettable experience, as our professional guide will recount history enveloping this mysterious and enchanting site. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the site independently. If you have purchased a pass for Huayna Picchu in advance you will have the opportunity to climb the mountain the Temple of the Moon, or the Sun Gate. You need to return to Aguas Calientes at least 30 minutes prior to your train departure. There will be a transport waiting for you in Ollantaytambo to bring you back to Cusco.
