SALKANTAY

Day 01: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPA (B) (L) (D)

We leave from Cusco approximately at 4:30a.m. to 5:00a.m. A local bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 m.a.s.l.) where we will arrive approximately at 8:15 in the morning for breakfast. During the trip we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay white peak, other snow capped mountains, and the Valley of the 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 m.a.s.l.). About 1:00p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward the Soraypampa villages (3850 m.a.s.l.). 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 02: SORAYPAMPA - CHAULLAY (B) (L) (D)

Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snow peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 7:00am in the morning. We will hike to a place called Pampa Salkantay, then go toward the left side of the white peaks of Umantay located next to the Apu (god) Salkantay. At midday, we will be on the highest point (4600 m.a.s.l.). Salkantay route tour to Machu Picchu. We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the impressive snow peaks of the Salkantay (6264 m.a.s.l.) which is known as the second highest point of the Cusco region. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Chaullay (2920 m.a.s.l.). Around 7:00p.m., we will recover from the trek and eat our dinner.

Day 03: CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA – SANTA TERESA (B) (L) (D)

Around 7:00a.m., we will start our trek. We will walk for about 6 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco and during this period; we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where waterfalls, thermal hot springs, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks”. From Playa Sahuayaco, we will head to the campsite located at the hot springs of Santa Teresa (It is recommended to bring a swim suit.) Here you will have your dinner.

Day 04: SANTA TERESA-HYDROELECTRIC - AGUAS CALIENTES (B) (L) (D)

After an early breakfast, we will head to Hydroelectric station which is 3 hour hiking from Santa Teresa where you will eat lunch at a local restaurant. A local train will take you to Aguas Calientes in about 45 minutes. Upon arrival, you will be accommodated at the hostel or hotel of your choice (included on this package). You will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant at about 7:00p.m.

Day 05: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (B)

Today, you will be able to choose between waking up at 4:30a.m. And walking up to Machu Picchu or taking a bus to Machu Picchu at 7:00a.m. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours and after that you will be free to explore the citadel and take pictures, or if you desire, climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain. At 2:26p.m. Or 6:03p.m. (Depending on space availability), you will be boarding a train to Ollantaytambo and from there; a bus will drive you to your hotel in Cusco.