ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa
We leave Cusco approximately at 5.00am and go to Mollepata (2900 m) by tourist bus, where we arrive at 9:00 am approx. and have breakfast. Next, we continue to Limatambo, during the journey we have the majestic sights of Salkantay and the impressive, snow-topped Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range and the Apurimac River valley. We load the equipment onto the mules and start our 3 hour trek to Cruz Pata (3200m). We pass through the Andean and traditional communities of Challacancha and Cruz Pata, where we stop for lunch at 12:00 midday. After a short rest we continue to Soraypampa (3850m), arriving at 5:30 pm. Here we have dinner and camp overnight.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Challway
We have early breakfast and then undertake the most difficult trek of the journey starting at 7:00 am. We go up to Pampa Salkantay heading to the left side of the Umantay snow-capped mountain. It is located next to the snow-capped Salkantay and we reach it at 12:00 midday. This is the highest point (4500 m) and from here we appreciate the spectacular sights of Salkantay (6264 m), Umantay, Huayanay and other mountains. Then we descend for one hour to have lunch at Huayrac Punku. After lunch, we continue trekking for 3 hours to the field of Challway (2900 m).
Day 3: Challway – La Playa
After breakfast at 7.00 am. We trek for 5 hours, and visit the village of Collpa Pamba. This is the start of the forest where we admire nice waterfalls, fruit trees, variety of flora, coca bushes, birds, villagers harvesting bananas and if we have luck we might observe the famous Cock of the Rocks. We have lunch in close to Wiñaypoqo waterfall, have a brief siesta and continue the trek for 3 hours to get to Playa Sahuayacu (the Sahuayacu beach)at 2350 m. Here we see a great variety of orchids. Campsite and overnight.
Day 4: La Playa – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast at 7.30 am, we begin our trekking to Llactapata archeological site, and we pass through a ravine at 2950 m. We see some ruins of the Incas and a fabulous view of the mountain of Machu Picchu Citadel as well as other mountains of the area. We then descend for 2 hours approximately, to the Hydroelectric Station (1870 m). We have lunch amongst the dense vegetation and we continue our journey by the train to Aguas Calientes. It takes 45 minutes. Check into the reserved hostel and then we have a free afternoon to explore the markets or make an optional to visit the hot springs. They are located three kilometres from the little square. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
After our breakfast we take the bus to the magical Citadel of Machu Picchu, which takes 30 minutes. Our guided visit to the citadel is about 3 hours and it includes time for taking photos, an optional climbing of the mountain of Huayna Picchu, or a visit to the temple of the moon or Sun Gate.
Finally, we go back to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then return to Cuzco on the train. We will arrive at 8.30pm and then transfer to your hostel.
INCLUDED:
· Transfer from the hotel
· Train ticket (back packer service) returning from Aguas Calientes
· Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
· Transfer from train station to Hostel
· Professional guide, fluent in English and Spanish
· Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
· Campsite equipment (tents, kitchen, dining room, chairs, tables, mattresses)
· First-aid kit and oxygen
· Staff for supplies : muleteers, horses, cook , porters for campground things
· Hostel in Aguas Calientes.
NOT INCLUDED:
· Breakfast of the first day
· Lunch on last day
· Walking poles
· Drinks including bottled water
· Hot springs in Aguas Calientes
· Fee to climb Huayna Picchu.
PRICE: US$370.00 per person
Note: The price is an estimate and is subject to change slightly until your reservation is confirmed. It is also based on double or twin accommodation. A single supplement applies, if you request single accommodation.
