ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO - CHACLLACANCHA - SORAYPAMPA (L-D):
Pick up at your selected location between 4:30-5:00 am. Then you'll drive to the starting point of the trek (Chacllacancha). You'll hike for 3 hours appoximately to Soraypampa through beautiful Andean landscapes, passing through valleys and getting glimpses of towering peaks in the distance. The trail is moderately challenging with some uphill sections. You'll be surrounded by stunning vistas of the Salkantay Mountain and other peaks. You'll reach Soraypampa around lunch time, which is the campsite for the first night. It's situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains.
In the afternoon after lunch, we will begin a 2-hour ascent to Humantay Lake (4200 m/13779 ft). A stunning turquoise glacial lake nestled amidst the mountains. This side trek involves a steep climb but offers incredible views. The round trip to Humantay Lake takes around 3-4 hours. Finaly we will return to Soraypampa where you will spend the night.
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Walking time: 5-6 hours, depending on your pace and stops
Starting elevation: 3,600 m / 11,811 feet
Highest elevation: 4,200 m / 12,795 ft
Camping altitude: 3,850 m / 12,834ft
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA - SALKANTAY PASS - COLLPAPAMPA (B-L-D):
The day will begin with a wake up call and room service delivered by your guide including a coca tea served at the door of your tent to start this long day of trekking. After breakfast, if the skies are clear you will see the Massive Mount Salkantay and begin the trek for the day. Step by step you will climb higher until reaching Soyroccocha where you will take a short rest and try to catch our breath. You will continue towards Salkantay Mountain and later in the morning of this day 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. After taking a break at the highest point of the trek it's time to leave the altitude as you will begin the descent, walking for about 2 hrs until you see the kitchen tent. Here you will crash down and fill ourselves up with a tasty lunch and some tea or coffee. The day is not over yet as you will continue hiking down to lower altitudes and into greener and greener scenery until you will reach the second campsite, Chaullay. This campsite is very lovely with surrounding green hill scenery.
Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
Walking time: 10 hours, depending on your pace and stops
Starting elevation: 3,850 m / 12,834 ft
Highest elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Camping altitude: 2,900 m / 9,500 ft
DAY 3: COLLPAPAMPA - PLAYA SAHUAYACO - HIDROELECTRICA - AGUAS CALIENTES (B-L-D):
We will have breakfast at 6.00 a.m. and shortly after begin hiking for 5 ½ hours through the jungle over many ascents and descents. In this area we will pass by many coffee and orchid plantations as well as many other plants used for medicinal purposes. We will arrive at our lunch spot in Playa Sahuayaco after we will take a bus from playa to hydroelectrica (not included) after we will hike for about three ours until aguas calientes town, That night we sleep in the hostel and then have the last dinner in a restaurant then the guide will give you the explanation for the last day in Machu Picchu.
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Walking time: 6-7 hours, depending on your pace and stops
Starting elevation: 2,900 m / 9500 ft
Accommodation altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (B):
Today you will be hiking up to the Archaeological site of Machu Picchu, and you will explore the city and enjoy this ancient place in the tranquil morning hours. Once you arrive, you will begin with a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel. Your guide will then depart and leave you on your own for the rest of the time. After an introduction by the tour guide you can climb up Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (if included), where one will experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys, and the mountains that surround it, or you may want to visit the Temple of the Moon, or the fabulous Inca Bridge.
In the afternoon, you will hike down to the town of Aguas Calientes where you have the option to visit and relax in the hot springs if time permits. From here you will take the train back to the city of Ollantaytambo, where your arrival time depends on your train time. From Ollantaytambo you will be transported back to Cusco and dropped off at or near Plaza San Franscisco (Remember your guide is no longer going to be with the group so arrival to your train at the time indicated on the ticket is your responsibility).
Distance: 25 km / 15.5 miles
Walking time: 6-7 hours, depending on your pace and stops
Starting elevation: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Machu Picchu elevation: 2,430 m / 7,970 ft
Machu Picchu mountain elevation: 3,082 m / 10,110 ft
Waynapicchu mountain elevation: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
INCLUDED:
- Transfer from your hotel to Chacllacancha. (Trail head).
- Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, foam mattress, chairs, and tables.
- English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 12 people).
- Cook and cooking equipment.
- Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment) days 1 to 3.
- Accommodation for our guides, cook and porters / horsemen.
- Meals (3B, 3L, 3D + wake-up tea).
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- Transport from Playa Sahuayaco to Hydroelectric.
- Admission ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Train ticket returning to Ollantaytambo.
- Transport from the train station to Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Admission ticket to Waynapicchu ($25 USD).
- Admission ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain ($25 USD).
- Bus to Machu Picchu ($15 USD each way).
- Down filled sleeping bag ($20 USD).
- Hiking Poles ($15 USD).
- Optional train from Hydroelectric to Machupicchu town ($45 USD).
- Tips: Please be aware that our agency staff are paid, so please feel free to tip or not according to your wish.
YOU SHOULD BRING:
- Original passport.
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho.
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Sleeping bag (it can be hired at our agency for US$ 20).
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold.
- Sun block cream, mosquitoes repellent.
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
- Toilet paper.
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Small towel.
- Swimming suit.
- Cash in soles(recommend at least S/.300 soles).
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the trail).
- Positive mind!