This trek, a combination of culture and tradition with an incredible flora and fauna, passes through stunning landscapes varying from the highest mountains down to the cloud forest, from snow into the jungle heat, ending in the incredible lost city, Machu Picchu. Also because of this, National Geographics evaluated this trek to one of the 25 wordbest.
1st day: Mollepata – Soraypampa
At 5 p.m., we leave your hotel and drive to Mollepata to have breakfast and to start our adventure. Our first walk takes 3 1/2 hours to Sicllapata, with panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay. After having our lunch in this amazing environment, we go on towards Soraypamapa, our highest and coldest campsite at 4000m.
2nd day: Soraypampa –Qolpapampa
After an early breakfast, we will hike for approx. 3 hrs to the Salkantay Pass at 4,600m. Here we will greet the mountain spirit with a gift, in form of a stone, that we carried with us. Our trek continues for 2 more hours mostly downhill to Huayracmachay, when we will see the changes in vegetation and landscape, coming from high mountain areas down to the jungle. After a quick lunch we our walk until we reach our second campsite in Colcapampa at 3,000m.
3rd day: Qolpapampa – La Playa
After breakfast we will start a 6 hour hike through the tropical jungle. We will cross the Lluskamayo River and a variety of small streams, so waterproof shoes are a good idea. We will pass through gorgeous valleys and see impressive waterfalls. Your guide will show you naturally growing tropical fruits and native plants and flowers. The night we will spend at the La Playa campsite at 2,500m. There we can relax either in the hot springs or in the refreshing river.
4th day: La Playa – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
In the morning we climb for 3 hrs to Llactapata at 2.700m, an incredible Inca fort, also discovered by Bingham and afterwards forgotten. Here we have the first incredible views of Machu Picchu. After a short rest, we walk downhill to the Hydroelectric Plant to have lunch and then we continue to Aguas Calientes. There we will enjoy a celebratory dinner, enjoy comfortable beds and hot showers. Besides that, you can visit the thermal springs for 10 Soles.
5th day: MachuPicchu
Ahead, an unforgettable day. For those, who are not too tired yet, can hike 1 1/2 hours to Machu Picchu or just take a short bus ride. When you up early, you might witness a magnificent sunrise at this ancient Inca city. At MachuPicchu, you will have a guided tour for approximately 2 hours. After the tour, you will have free time to explore this mysterious city by yourself.
In the afternoon, you will receive your train tickets from the tour guide and head back to Cusco or book another night at this incredible place.
