Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Sayllapata – Soraypampa
We will leave from Cusco approximately between 4:30a.m. and 5:00a.m. A local bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 8:15 in the morning to have breakfast. During the trip we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. We will meet with our support staff, and they will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our walk toward Sayllapata (3200 meters above sea level). About 1:00p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward the Soraypampa villages (3850 meters above sea level). Around 5:30 in the afternoon we will arrive to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracpunku – Chaullay.
After an early breakfast we start trekking from Soraypampa approx 7:30 a.m we continue our hiking the Peruvian highland. From this point we can appreciate the spectacular views of the Mountain Salkantay, a stunning snow capped mountain (6,264 m) the second highest peak in Cusco’s region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines. At our lunch spot after a five-hour walk, Pass dowhill to lunch in Huayracpunku, and then a further 2-3 hours downhill walk to Camp at Collpapampa 2,920 m.
Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa(Sahuayaco).
It is the beginning of a new day and of a new landscape and new climate. Here begins the temperate climate that is appropriate to the beginning of the edge of the jungle. After breakfast, we continue along our journey, today it will be in the middle of valleys where we can see different birds, mammals, insects and other animals that live here. We will have the opportunity to observe how people live in the villages of this area and to enjoy the thermal baths at Collpapampa and the waterfalls at Wuiñaypoco. (Always when we have time.) Next we continue our journey that will last approximately 5 to 6 hours until we arrive at our lunch and camp spot, la Playa Sahuayaco (2100msnm).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: La Playa - Llactapata - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes.
We leave early and climb for about three hours through the jungle before slightly descending to the interesting Inca archeological site of Llactapata. The place was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham. From here we have our first view of Machu Picchu, in the saddle of the mountain opposite. We descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant where we will have lunch. From here, we can appreciate the nearby Inca site and later we can visit the small archaeological site of Intihuatana before continuing to walk another 10 km more along the train tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we can rest in a comfortable hostal and later have dinner in a restaurant. It is possible to take a local train from hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in restaurant.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The most important day of trekking, when we get to know the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu (2400msnm), a Wonder of the World. On this day, we will plan to leave very early to take the first bus to Machu Picchu which leaves at 5:30 so that we can be at the citadel early to see the sun rise. In this place, we will have a thorough explanation of the Inca construction, at a time where there will be the least number of people. We can also secure our entry to the mountain of Waynapichu from where we can appreciate Machu Picchu from a different vantage point. Later, we will again descend to the pueblo of Aguas Calientes to take our return train to Cusco, and then return you to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast in the hotel.