This route is one of the most complete that the mountain range Vilcabamba has to offer, as well as one of the most beautiful. One passes by the snowy-mountain peak of Salkantay, with camping close to the Andean lakes and a final descent that arrives to a dense tropical jungle. The trek ends in Machupicchu. During the hike one can enjoy the local flora and fauna typical to the Andean jungle zone, that also offers thermal lakes and remote valleys.
I this program, our team is in charge of providing all the necessary facilities and requirements so that one may enjoy the hike with security and pleasure.
Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata -Soraypamapa.
We pick you up from your hotel and travel by bus to Mollepata Marcoqasa where we begin our hike ,after 3 hours we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) then We will begin our trek to Soraypampa(3hours), our first campsite (3900msnm the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) taking in the beautiful landscape along the way.
Day 2: Soraypamapa - Salkantaypampa- Paso Humantay (4650masl)Challhuay (2900Masl)
We wake up very early and then We will have our breakfast at around 6.00am and begin our walk to the highest pass on this trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Sal
kantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are fantastic. There is a possibility of snow here.
After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracqocha , where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach (in 4 hours) our second campsite Challway.
Day 3: Challhuay- La Playa - Santa Teresa (1600 msnm)
After breakfast, at 6.30am, we start trekking for the day through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of little brooks. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful and amazing views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. We will have lunch in La Playa (2500msnm). After a rest, we will continous by bus to Santa Teresa campsite.(optionally) you can go to the hot springs and enjoy the well-deserved soothing water, a real treat after finishing the trek!
Day 4: La playa - Lactapata - aguas calientes (2100 msnm)
We will have breakfast at 6:30am and leave our campsite and head for Llactapata (3 hours of steady climbing) Llactapata is an incredible Inca fort from which we will see Machu Picchu after some photos and rest we will continue walking dowhill (2 more hours) passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana etc. until we reach the hydroelectric station. At about 4pm, we will go by train to Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the last night.
Day 5: Aguas calientes - Machupicchu- Cusco
We will have breakfast at 5:00 am we are going to take the one of the first busses (05:30) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising.
A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720mnsm) It takes 50 minutes to get the top (this is an extra walk, please talk to your guide for arrangements to climb this mountain) .
You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train usually leaves at 18:03 and we will arrive back in Cusco at about 22:00.
If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.)
