DAY 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Terraces

We depart from Cusco at 4:00 a.m. in private transport and begin a scenic morning journey to our starting point for the Soraypampa trek. During the four-hour drive, we travel through the town of Limatambo (2100m / 6888ft), an important access point to the city of Cusco during the Inca Empire, where the archaeological remains of Tarawasi are located. The road continues along a well-established route on the right bank of the Apurímac River and passes through the town of Mollepata (2800m / 9184ft) before finally arriving at Soraypampa (3800m / 12464ft), the starting point of the trek, where we meet our muleteers and horses. After a brief introduction, we began our trek towards the base of Nevado Salkantay (6271m / 20569ft), crossing Salkantaypampa, and then starting a steep 2-hour climb to Soyroccocha (4200m / 13776ft). Right next to the impressive Salkantay Glacier, we continued uphill, reaching Salkantay Pass (4600m / 15088ft), the highest mountain pass on the program. Here, in addition to enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range, with the south face of Salkantay towering above us, we began our descent into a more tropical climate and into the so-called cloud forest, which is approximately 6 meters wide. A long but easy descent takes us in the afternoon to our first campsite at Andenes (3,500 m / 11,480 ft).

Total Distance: 18 km (11.25 miles)

Estimated Time: 7 hours

Maximum Altitude: 4,600 m (15,088 ft)

Campsite: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Andenes – Lucmabamba.

Today we continue our trek with an easy descent along the Wayraq River, enjoying the increasingly abundant vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit groves, and coffee plantations. The arid highland landscape begins to transform into a cloud forest filled with trees and bromeliads. After 1 hour, we reach the Chaullay settlement, and after another 45 minutes, the town of Collpapampa. After a break, we continue our descent along the banks of the Totora River, passing the waterfalls at Coripacchi, the bustling town of La Playa, and finally our second campsite in Lucmabamba (2,100 m / 6,888 ft). Along the way, we'll see banana, coffee, and avocado plantations. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the coffee process, from cultivation and processing to tasting the exquisite coffee.

Total Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)

Estimated Time: 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

Campsite: 2,100 m (6,888 ft)

Meal Plan: Full

DAY 3: Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we begin our two-hour climb to El Mirador or Abra Q'elloqasa (2860m / 9381ft), where we have an exceptional view of the lost city of the Incas, the legendary Machu Picchu, from a different perspective. We enjoy a final lunch in nature at the Llaqtapata viewpoint (2650m / 8692ft), from where we can see Machu Picchu. After a well-deserved rest, we appreciate the added charm of the recently restored ruins of Llaqtapata. A two-hour descent to the Aobamba River, passing through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations, leads us to the hydroelectric plant where lunch awaits. Afterward, we continue our trek to the town of Aguas Calientes.

Total Distance: 15 km (7.5 miles)

Estimated Time: 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)

Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m (6,560 ft)

Meal Plan: Full

 

DAY 4: Machu Picchu - Wayna Picchu - Cusco

6:30 a.m. Accompanied by our guide, we board the bus that takes us to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Machu Picchu, located at 2,400 m (7,874 ft). After a two-and-a-half-hour tour with our guide, you will have free time to explore this beautiful site at your leisure and enjoy this enigmatic Historical Sanctuary. In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes to board our train back to Cusco.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Price per person, based on 2 people

 

NOTES:

- Student discount upon presentation of an ISIC Card is USD 20.00.

- Departure and arrival times are approximate and will depend on the group's travel schedule.

 

Included Services:

- Pre-trip information.

- Pick-up from your hotel and transfer by private transport to Soraypampa.

- Professional tour guide.

- Complete camping equipment.

- One sleeping mat per person.

- Dining tent, table, chairs, and kitchen tent.

- Cook and cooking equipment.

- Seeds and muleteer for all camping and food equipment.

- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks, and a vegetarian option.

- First-aid kit.

Services Not Included:

- Breakfast on the first day

- Hotel in Aguas Calientes

- Lunch and dinner on the last day. You will have free time to choose where to have lunch while waiting for the train in Aguas Calientes.

- Tips, which are not mandatory.

- Other services not mentioned in the detailed program.

 

You Should Bring:

- A daypack for the different days of hiking, prepared for varying weather conditions.

- A waterproof jacket and rain poncho. Rain ponchos can be rented in Cusco for USD 2.00.

- Hiking boots. We recommend waterproof shoes.

- Sandals for the hot springs and also for resting your feet after each day's hike.

- Warm clothing: jackets, gloves, hat, scarf. We recommend bringing thermal clothing, especially for sleeping.

- A sleeping bag. You can rent one at the office.

- Flashlights, binoculars (if you have them), walking sticks.

- Camera with two batteries (batteries drain quickly due to the altitude and cold).

- Hat or cap for sun protection, sunscreen, moisturizing cream, and sunglasses.

- Insect repellent; there are no reports of malaria or yellow fever.

- Snacks such as cookies, chocolates, candies, nuts, raisins, and water purification tablets.

- If you have any special medication, bring your own first-aid kit.

- Enough cash for personal expenses, tips, and souvenirs.

- Original passport, International Student Identity Card (if you have one).

 

Optional or Extra Items:

 

- Extra mule to carry your belongings: USD 10.00 per day

- Sleeping bag suitable for -10 degrees Celsius: USD 5.00 per day. - Down sleeping bag suitable for -15 degrees Celsius: USD 6.00 per day

- Trekking poles: USD 2.00 per day, per pole

- Inflatable thermal mat: USD 4.00 per day

- Inflatable pillow: USD 2.00 per day