ITINERARY
DAY 01: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA
At 5:30 a.m., we will depart from Cusco towards Challacancha, passing through the town of Mollepata (3000 m). In Challacancha, we will meet the horsemen and the rest of the group and begin our trek. We will start walking through a magnificent valley, surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks such as Humantay (5217 m) and Salkantay (6264 m). Our camp will be at Soraypampa (3900 m), where we will arrive around lunchtime. In the afternoon, we will visit Humantay Lagoon.
*Hiking time: 6 hrs
DAY 02: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY RAYAMPATA PASS – COLLPAPAMPA
After breakfast, we'll depart for the Salkantay Pass (4600m), which offers an exceptional view of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain (6264m). We'll then descend again and have time to enjoy the lush vegetation of the ecosystem before continuing to Collpapampa. Our camp will be in Collpapampa (3000m), nestled in the heart of the rainforest.
*Hiking time: 9 hrs
DAY 03: COLLPAPAMPA - WIÑAYPOCO - LUCMABAMBA
The third day is dedicated to the region's flora and its plantations. After descending into a dark forest and enjoying the diverse species of orchids, bromeliads, and many other plants, we will see coffee, cacao, and fruit plantations. We will also have the pleasure of meeting local families from Chaullay (2950m), Wiñaypoco (2650m), La Playa (2100m), and Lucmabamba (2000m).
Our camp will be in Lucmabamba. In the afternoon, we'll meet with a local farming family in the rainforest, where you'll have the opportunity to witness coffee cultivation and processing. We'll show and explain the entire process, from the tree to the cup. You'll also have the chance to ask the locals questions about the cultivation process.
*Hiking time: 7 hrs
Optional: After arduous days of hiking, we suggest relaxing at the Santa Teresa hot springs, then you should coordinate with your tour guide to arrange a vehicle from Lucmabamba to Santa Teresa.
DAY 04: LUCMABAMBA - LLACTAPATA INCA SITE - MACHU PICCHU VILLAGE
After breakfast, we'll ascend the Inca Trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata (2650m), where we'll admire the beautiful landscape, discovering flora and evidence of Inca culture. From here, we'll have an exceptional view of Machu Picchu Mountain and the Vilcanota Canyon. We'll then continue to the hydroelectric train station (1950m), where we'll stop for a while to relax before continuing our hike to Machu Picchu Pueblo (2050m). Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
*Hiking time: 7-8 hrs
DAY 05: MACHU PICCHU VILLAGE - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
At 5:30 a.m., we will depart from our hotel after breakfast and travel to Machu Picchu (2400m) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 a.m. After a guided tour of the archaeological site, which includes information about the life and culture of the Incas, you will have ample time to enjoy Machu Picchu. We will depart from Aguas Calientes by train around 4:43 p.m. , giving you time for lunch at one of the good restaurants. You can also visit the Aguas Calientes hot springs to relax before taking the train back to Cusco.
*Hiking time: 3 hrs
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ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Good quality sleeping bag 10° $6.00 USD per day
Bus down from Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes town 17.00 USD
Visit to Huayna Picchu 75.00 USD
RECOMMENDATIONS
Important: (*) Transportation from Lucmabamba to the Hydroelectric Plant is for everyone's equipment and bags only. (**) The hostel in Aguas Calientes has a private bathroom and breakfast is included. (***) Meals include pancakes, tortillas, soups, fresh fruit, spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat, and rice—all high in carbohydrates and very suitable for trekking—and hot drinks (coca tea). Vegetarian options available.
Bring a rain cover, face masks, alcohol or gel, gloves, pulse oximeter, portable oxygen if needed, towel, medications and personal hygiene items, sandals, sneakers or hiking shoes, flashlight with batteries and spare bulbs, hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent (recommended with 40% or more DEET), 2-liter water bottles, water purification tablets (optional), warm clothing such as a waterproof jacket, ponchos, rain pants and/or lightweight pants, swimwear (hot springs in Machu Picchu Pueblo), binoculars, camera wrapped in a plastic bag, backpack and small daypack, plastic bags, sleeping bag, 2 batteries, snacks (chocolate), original passport, ISIC student card and money for extra expenses (cash).
