Trek to Salkantay 4D

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA (A) (C)

To begin our Salkantay Cusco trekking, we will depart from Cusco very early in the morning, heading towards Mollepata (2900 m.a.s.l.), where we will stop for an extended period to make our last purchases and continue towards our starting point, Challacancha.

Once at the location, we will meet our support staff, who will be responsible for carrying our equipment on horses and mules, towards Soraypampa (3900 m.a.s.l.). During our journey, we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay snow-capped mountain, snowy peaks, and the Apurímac River valley. After lunch, we will continue walking towards Lake Humantay, a beautiful lake nestled among the mountains (in fact, many people only do the 1-day Salkantay Tour, which includes a visit to Humantay Lagoon). Finally, after our visit to Humantay Lagoon, we will return to our camp for dinner and overnight.

• Accommodation: Camp

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – HUAYRACMACHAY – COLLPAPAMPA (B)(L)(D)

To start our day, we will enjoy a delicious early breakfast and then begin our ascent of approximately 1 to 2 hours to the high pass, the Salkantay Pass (4,650 meters / 15,255 feet). From here, the views at this elevation are spectacular, surrounded by glaciers and the view of the valley below.

As we descend, the ecosystems will change from alpine, and the vegetation will gradually increase. If we’re lucky, it will be possible to see local birds and mammals as we walk. Our lunch will be in the community of Huayraqmachay, still at elevations near the glacier.

After lunch, we will descend and feel the abrupt change in climate as we enter the humid cloud forest, with dense vegetation and more wildlife. After approximately 4 hours, we will arrive at Collpapampa (2,920 meters / 9,580 feet). Here, the climate is more tropical and full of wildlife, as well as abundant flora. Our camp will be near the river and within the forest.

• Accommodation: Camp

DAY 3: COLLPAPAMPA – SAYAHUACO – HYDROELECTRIC STATION – Aguas Calientes (B)(L)(D)

Our hike continues today through the dense vegetation of the high Andean jungle and fruit fields. Bananas, coffee, avocados, and cacao are the most common in this area. The landscape turns into waterfalls, and we observe a variety of orchids and many birds around. Then we will stop for lunch in the community of Sayahuaco (2,064 meters / 6,771 feet), followed by a short car ride to the hydroelectric station. Finally, from here, we will continue on foot to Aguas Calientes (2,050 meters / 6,571 feet) for approximately 3 hours.

NOTE: It is optional to take a short train ride here instead of walking for an additional cost of US$31. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, we will meet our hotel and settle in before gathering to have dinner at a local restaurant.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B)

This is the most important day, when we visit one of the wonders of the world, the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. We will wake up early to have breakfast and board the bus to Machu Picchu, and if we’re lucky, we will receive the first rays of the sunrise illuminating this magical mountain. The guided tour of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary will last approximately 2 hours, exploring this marvelous otherworldly place. Later, we will begin our return to Aguas Calientes to have lunch and rest before our afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. Then we will board the train back to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we will take our bus for transfer to the hotel in Cusco.