01
… / Cusco
Welcome to Peru!
Arrival at the Cusco airport, reception and transfer to the selected hotel. Check in at the hotel and rest.
Overnight (-)
• City & Salkantay Trek •
02
Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel.
Rest of the morning free to acclimatize to the height.
In the afternoon, we will visit the imperial city of Cusco, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha). We will continue with the visit to Qenqo (Ceremonial and ritual Center where Inca sacrifices were made), Puca Pucara (old Tambo and Inca lookout post), Tambomachay (Ceremonial Center of Water Cult) and the Sacsayhuaman Fortress (place where the main Inca Festivals, Inti Raymi and Warachicuy). Return to the hotel.
Overnight (B, L)
03
Cusco – Mollepata – Sayllapata –Salkantaypampa – Andenes
Lunch – Dinner
We left Cusco at 04 a.m. in our private transport and we start with a picturesque morning until we reach Soraypampa, our starting point of the trek. Throughout the four-hour trip, we headed through the town of Limatambo (2100 m.a.s.l / 6888ft), an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire, where the archaeological remains of Tarawasi are located.
The road continues along the right bank of the Apurímac River and crosses the village of Mollepata (2800 m.a.s.l / 9184ft) and the small community of Cruzpata (2750 m.a.s.l / 9020ft), finally reaching Soraypampa (3800 m.a.s.l / 12464ft), the starting point of the walk, where we meet our muleteers and horses. After a brief introduction and a quick breakfast, we start our trek to the base of Mount Salkantay (6271 m.a.s.l / 20569ft), crossing Salkantaypampa, and then start with a steep 2hr hike until we reach Soyroccocha, right next to the impressive glacier of the Salkantay (4200 m.a.s.l / 13776ft). Continuing uphill, we reach the Abra (4600m / 15088ft), the highest mountain pass in the program in which, in addition to enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and the snow peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range with The southern face of the Salkantay that rises above us, we can also observe chinchillas and condors in their natural habitat. From this point, we begin to descend towards a more tropical climate, called cloud forest. A long and easy descent that takes us in the afternoon to our first campsite in Andenes (3,500 m.a.s.l / 11480ft). (B, L, D)
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 4,600 M (15,088 ft)
• Minimum altitude: 3,500 M (11,480 ft)
• Distance traveled: 18 km (11.25 miles)
• Approximate walking time: 8 – 9 hours.
04
Andenes – Chaullay – The Beach – Lucmabamba
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Today we continue our downhill hike with an easy walk along the Salkantay River, enjoying the ever more lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, fruit trees and coffee plantations. The landscape of the arid plateau begins to transform into a cloud forest full of trees and bromeliads. After 1:30 hrs. to Chaullay, we continue for about 45 minutes until we reach the small town of Collpapampa.
From Collpapampa, the Salkantay River becomes the Santa River. After a rest, we continue the descent to the banks of the Totora River, then pass the Coripacchi waterfalls, the settlement of Wiñaypoko, the bustling small town of La Playa and, finally, our second camp in beach, (2,100 m.a.s.l / 6888ft). On the way we can see the plantations of banana, coffee and avocado, as well as the exuberant local flora.
We enter to the territory of the spectacled bear, and that will probably be accompanied by flocks of parrots as we descend. (B, L, D)
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 3,500 M (11,480 ft)
• Minimum altitude: 2,100 M (6,888 ft)
• Distance traveled: 20 km (12.50 miles)
• Approximate walking time: 8 – 9 hours.
05
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
After breakfast, start climbing for 2-3 hours to El Mirador or Abra Q’elloqasa (2860 m.a.s.l / 9381ft), from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Incas, the legendary Machu Picchu, from a different angle. We enjoy a last lunch in nature at the viewpoint of Llaqtapata (2650 m.a.s.l / 8692ft) from where you can see both Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Mountain and take a good rest, enjoying the added value of the ruins of Llactapata, which have been recently restored. A 2-hour descent to the Acobamba River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations takes us to the Machu Picchu hydroelectric power station, from where we board a train that takes us to Aguas Calientes (short, scenic ride train 40 minutes).
Accommodation in the chosen hotel.
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Maximum altitude: 2,650 M(8,692 ft)
• Minimum altitude: 2,000 M (6,560 ft)
• Distance traveled: 12 km (7.50 miles)
• Approximate walking time: 6 – 7 hours.
06
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Breakfast
Very early, at 5:30 am, finishing breakfast we will leave to experience a perfect visit to the ruins of Machu Picchu. It is necessary to leave early to avoid congestion with other groups of tourists and enjoy the view of the spectacular sunrise over the mountains of Machu Picchu. To get to the ruins of Machu Picchu, it is necessary to take the local bus.
This brief bus trip lasts only 20 minutes, and runs along a non-paved, very steep and zigzag track through a mountain with jungle features and breathtaking views. Finally, we will arrive at the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where our guide will accompany us on a tour of the most important sectors of this beautiful Inca citadel. In Machu Picchu we will make a 2 hour tour with our guide and visit the agricultural area, formed by sets of cultivation terraces, the urban area where the occupants lived and where the main civil and religious activities were developed. We will also visit the Intiwatana of Machu Picchu, located in the highest part of the citadel, the Temple of the Sun, the Condor and other important sectors. Later, we will have free time to explore the city on our own and at our own pleasure. Around 1:00 pm, we will be taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where lunch is scheduled.
Next, we will take the return train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and then we will be transported in a comfortable tourist bus to the city of Cusco. The trip to Cusco lasts approximately 4 hours. Our collaborators will pick you up at the train station and direct you to your hotels in Cusco. (B)
• Accommodation: Not Included
• Maximum altitude: 2400 M
• Minimum altitude: 2000 M
• Distance traveled: 9 km
• Approximate guidance time: 2 – 3 hours.
Note: The camps are subject to change according to the criteria of the guide and the progress of the group
07
Cusco / …
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the Cusco airport to board your return flight to Lima. Arrival and connection with the international flight.
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