Salkantay Trek 5 Days

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPTA – SORAYPAMPA:
The tour will begin with an early morning pick up from your hotel. We will have long ride to the starting point of the trail but we will make multiple stops along the way to stretch our legs and take some pictures of the beautiful Vilcanota Mountain Range, which will be all around us. We will even get our first views of the mighty Mount Salkantay, which is the second biggest mountain in the whole Cusco region. One of the bigger stops we will make will be at Mollepata, which is at a height of 2,900 m. above sea level. Eventually, we’ll make it to Cruzpata (3,340 mtrs), which is the starting point of our trek. We will walk for multiple hours, on our way to the unspoiled Andean village, Soraypampa, which is where we will set up our camp for the night. The entrance to the national park is located at Soraypampa.

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – HUAYRACMACHAY- RAYANNIYOC:
After having an energy filled breakfast, we will continue trekking towards the first pass of the trek at Apacheta (4,590 mtrs) which rests between the snow-capped peaks of Mount Humantay (5,800 m.) and Mount Salkantay (6,271 mtrs). This is the most trying day of the trek and then it is mostly downhill from here. When we finally arrive at the pass, our guide will take the opportunity to teach us about an ancient practice, the “offering to the Apus”, in which you will make offerings to the mountains while asking for safe passage. On our way down the other side, we will make a stop in beautiful Huayracpunku, where we will enjoy

our lunch amongst the gorgeous surroundings. Our final destination for the day will be at Rayan Niyoc, about 3 hours more from there. We will have dinner and sleep for the night.

DAY 3: RAYANNIYOC – COLPAPAMPA – PLAYA:
Today will be a beautiful day as we pass through the ever thicker jungle terrain. We will pass by the pueblos, Challhuay and Colpapampa on our way to our first destination for the day, Wiñaypocco, where we will have our lunch. On the way there, we will pass waterfalls and tropical fruit plantations where we will be able to rest. If time provides, there is a stunning waterfall where we will be able to take a dip to refresh ourselves after the long walk. We will also come across the intersections of the Lluskamayu and Totora Rivers. We may even be lucky enough to see the Peruvian national bird, the Andean “Cock of the Rocks”.
After lunch we will continue along the way to the place known as “la Playa” or, the Beach, which receives its name from the sandy embankment of the river there. It will be a relaxing 3 hour trek through the lush foliage of the rainforest. Upon our arrival to “la Playa”, we will have our dinners and then prepare ourselves for sleep. There is also electricity and a store here so we can take advantage of that.

DAY4:PLAYA-HYDROELECTRIC PLANT – AGUAS CALIENTES:
Early in the morning, we will have a typical breakfast and promptly catch a local bus to the pueblo, Santa Teresa (1,500 mtrs). From Santa Teresa, we will begin our next portion of hiking; it will be another 2 hours of downhill walking in the direction of the Hydro-Electric Plant. On the way, we will pass various local plantations such as Coffee, Banana, and Passion Fruit. We will also get our first views of the Sacred Lost City of the Inkas on the way as well. Upon our arrival to the Hydro-Electric Plant, we will catch a train for a short 45 minute ride to Aguas Calientes.
When we arrive at Aguas Calientes, we will immediately be transferred to our hotel for the night. We will then have some free time to either rest in our rooms or go exploring around the small jungle town. There are multiple things that you could do to use some time: the natural hot baths, for which the town was named, is a relaxing option. It costs 10 soles to enter and is worth every bit. The locals say that the nutrient enriched waters are curative.

You could also visit Mandor Falls or take on the Putukusi trail, which is so steep at some points that it is necessary to climb large wooden ladders to pass. The reward at the top is great though, as you will be provided with a breathtaking view of the ancient Citadel, Machu Pichu, in all of its glory, protected by dozens of tropical peaks.

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO.
On this, the last and most important day of the tour, we will wake up early enough to eat and catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu at 6 am. The bus will take about 30 minutes to arrive there, at which point we will begin our 2 hour guided tour of the site. Our guide will teach us about the rich history of the site as we make our way through all of its different sections.

After the tour is over, you will have some time to explore on your own. If you choose to take on Huayna Picchu, you can, but it is suggested that you go immediately over to the trail head after the tour, as they will only allow 400 persons in per day. It is about an hour and a half of trekking (round trip) and is completely worth the breathtaking view at the top. You will need to come back down to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, so that you can catch the return train to Cusco.