Day by Day Itinerary
* Price based in sharing one tent 2 people and double room in the Hotel
Type Service: Group Tour
Itinerary: Fixed
Destinations: Salkantay Mountain, Machu Picchu
Activities: Trekking and Walking,Cultural and History,Family
Day 1 – Transportation to Soraypampa – Huayracmachay
Pick up from the Hotel at 5:00am in a private transport and start a scenic morning to our trek starting point at Soraypampa. The road goes up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River and crosses the town of Mollepata (2800m/9184ft) and Cruzpata to finally reach Soraypampa (3800m/12464ft), the starting point of the trek. We start our hike towards the base of Mt. Salcantay, crossing Salcantaypampa, and then starting a 2 hrs steep ascent to Soyroccocha, just next to the impressive glacier of Salcantay. Continuing uphill, we reach the highest point of the trek Abra Huayracmachay (4525m/14846ft). From this point, we start descending towards into the so-called cloud forest. Along the route, we can see the remains of an ancient Inca path, which is approximately 6 meters wide. We arrive to our camping place Huayracmachay (3,850m/12628ft). Camping
Meals Included: Box-lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Huayracmachay to Lucmabamba
Breakfast; continue our hike with an easy downhill walk along the Salcantay River, enjoying the increasingly lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. The arid highland landscape begins to transform into a cloud forest filled with trees and bromeliads. After 3 hours we arrive at the settlement of Chaullay, and after another hour and a half, we pass the town of Colpapampa. From Colpapampa, the Salkantay River becomes the Santa Teresa River. After a rest, we continue our descent to the banks of the Totora River where we can enjoy a delicious dip in the thermo-medicinal waters. Following the Santa Teresa River, we pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi, the settlement at Wiñaypoko and finally arrive to Lucmabamba (2,100m/6888ft) campsite.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Lucmabamba / Llactapata / Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, walk up to Llactapata on the way we can see plantations of banana, coffee, and avocado, as well as exuberant local flora. We enter spectacled-bear territory and we will probably be accompanied by flocks of parrots as we descend. We cross the river and start climbing for 2-3 hours up to Abra Q’elloqasa (2860m/9381ft) from where we have an exceptional view of Machu Picchu. We enjoy amazing view from Llaqtapata (2650m/8692ft) from where we can view both Machu Picchu and the Salkantay, enjoying the added value of the Llactapata archeological site, which have recently been restored. A 2-hour descent towards the Aobamba River crossing lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations brings us to the Hydroelectric from where we board a train that takes us to Aguas Calientes (40 minutes train ride). Overnight at Aguas Calientes Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Full Day Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel; full day Excursion to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, early transfer at 5:30am to the Bus Stop for the short ride (25 minutes) up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, houses, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour you’ll have time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure.
Then, you will have time to perform some of the following activities by yourself (not included in the price):
1. Climb to Wayna Picchu; for the most adventurous people, we suggest to go up the Wayna Picchu from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant.
Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you’ll return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Cusco – train departure to Cusco; upon arrival to Cusco reception and transfer to the Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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