We will leave from Cusco approximately at 5:00a.m. A local bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 8:15 in the morning to have breakfast. During the trip we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. We will meet with our support staff, and they will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our walk toward Sayllapata (3200 meters above sea level). About 1:00p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward the Soraypampa villages (3850 meters above sea level). Around 5:30 in the afternoon we will arrive to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.
After an early breakfast we start trekking from Soraypampa approx 7:30 a.m we continue our hiking the Peruvian highland. From this point we can appreciate the spectacular views of the Mountain Salkantay, a stunning snow capped mountain (6,264 m) the second highest peak in Cusco’s region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines. At our lunch spot after a five-hour walk, Pass dowhill to lunch in Huayracpunku, and then a further 2-3 hours downhill walk to Camp at Collpapampa 2,920 m.
Around 5:00a.m., we will start our trek and we will enjoy the beautiful sunrise. We will walk for about 5 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco and during this period; we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. salkantay pass river crossingIf we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks’. Once at Playa Sahuayaco, we will take a local bus to drive us to the hydroelectric train station. At around 1:30p.m., we will have our lunch at the hydroelectric. At 3:20p.m., here we have 2 options if you want you can go walking until Aguas Calientes or if you want you can take a train from the hydroelectric to the town of Aguas Calientes (2000 meters above sea level). Here, you have the option of going to the thermal hot springs.
Today, you will be able to choose between waking up at 4:30a.m. and walking up to Machu Picchu or taking a bus to Machu Picchu at 5:25a.m. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours and after that you will be free to explore the Citadel and take pictures, or if you desire, ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain. At 18:45p.m. You will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo and from there; a bus will drive you to your hotel in Cusco.
