1st DAY: CUZCO / SORAYPAMPA
06:00 AM. Departure by our private transport to Mollepata 2,900 m. A beautiful scenic journey through Limatambo, with stops for panoramic views of the “Apu Salkantay” where we have breakfast. One can see awesome chains of magnificent snow capped mountains and the lush Apurimac River Valley.
After we arrive to our trailhead, called Cruzpata 3,200 m. we meet our arrieros
"horsemen" and trekking staff, (Cook, and Assistants). We trek for about
3 hours before lunch through traditional Andean communities like Cruzpata, Challacancha where we stop for lunch. We continue walking for approx 2
hours through unspoiled Andean villages to Soraypampa 3,850 m. our first campsite.
Lunch, Dinner + Camping facilities. (Walking distance aproximately 10 Km.)
2nd DAY: SORAYPAMPA / RAYAN-NIYOC or CHAULLAY
After an early breakfast we start trekking from approx 07:00 AM for 3 hours to start our ascent of the Apacheta pass
4,590 m. 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 Cuzco’s region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines.
2 hours dowhill to lunch in Huayracpunku, and then a further 2-3 hours downhill walk to Camp in Rayan-niyoc at
2,890 m. or Camp at Chaullay 2,920 m. for experienced trekkers. To be decided by the guide depending on the groups abilities and weather and walking conditions.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Camping facilities. (Walking distance aproximately 16 Km to
Rayan-Niyoc or 23 Km. to Chaullay for experienced hikers)
3rd DAY: RAYAN-NIYOC or CHAULLAY / LA PLAYA.
We start the trek 07:00 AM. 3 hours easy hiking to Uscamayuc, where we will be introduced to a high Jungle niche called
"Ceja de Selva", we will see different kind of plants, fruits, flowers, birds ect. here coca and banana crops can be observed, time to shower in a waterfall, take amazing pictures, with luck we can observe the famous Peruvian National Bird "Gallito de las Rocas" stop at Wiñaypoq’o for
lunch and free time to rest.
3 hour walk to our last campsite in La Playa 2,350 m. A small village is located here with electricity and a shop!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Camping facilities. (Walking distance aproximately 15
Km.)
4th DAY: LA PLAYA / AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU
PICCHU
Approx 07:30 AM we begin our trek to the village Lucmabamba, here we see the remains of an Inka trail, we follow this rising trail, from which we will see plantations of coffee, banana, passion fruit and a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We follow the Inka trail climbing up for 4
hours to Llactapata 2,700 m. From here, we can see Machu Picchu (Inca city) and enjoy some free time to rest, 2
hours. Downhill to the hydroelectric plant 1,870 m. where we have the last lunch with all staff.
At 15:20 PM. we will take 45 minute train journey to Aguas Calientes town 2,000
m. Special Dinner and great beds in the "Hostal Viajeros", optional hot spring baths.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Walking distance aproximately 12 Km.) Walking poles recommended for the 2 final hours downhill.
5th DAY MACHU PICCHU / CUZCO
Early walk or bus for 25 minutes to the Citadel of Machu Picchu, guided tour for 3 hours and plenty of free time for further exploring, photos and optional climb of the mountain Huayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon, or the Gate of the Sun. Generally around
1 PM people walk down the steps back to Aguas Calientes for the buffet lunch and at approx 16:00
hours we take our return train to Cuzco arriving around 9:00 PM to Cuzco City.
Breakfast, Lunch
SCHEDULED DEPARTURES WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY
EXTRA INFO:
Unless you hire an extra porter you need to carry your back pack, sleeping bag and the mattress.
Sleeping bags $ 8.00
Porter to carry up to 20 Kg = US$35 for the 3 days trekking. Regarding porters who carry personal items. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your Camera, water bottle, snacks, a fleece or something warm and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as porters do not walk alongside you. You will meet up with your bag at lunch and then it will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites. Best to put everything up to 20kgs in one backpack for the porter so that you don´t have 2 large backpacks in your tent.
Take extra money (If you don´t want the buffet provided in Aguas Calientes),
the bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, but we walk down the trail so it is optional and options such as Hot Springs (5 soles), extra overnight in Aguas Calientes if you choose, tips etc.
You need to Take at least 100.00 soles emergency money that you hope to come back to
Cuzco
with!!! Note: there are no ATM´s in Aguas Calientes and extra commission on Travellers Checks.
Water: We suggest you take a 1½ litre bottle of water on the first day and then you can refill this on the trek. We boil water each night which is available after breakfast each morning for your water bottles. We still suggest you take water purification tablets or filters for any unboiled water you take directly from streams or waterfalls etc.
