Day 1 Cusco to Collpapampa
We leave Cusco at after breakfast in a private transportation and cross the town of Limatambo (2100m/6888ft), an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire. We leave Limatambo and drive up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River, we come to the charming village of Mollepata in the subtropical 2800m/9184ft, overlooking citrus growing areas where flocks of parakeets screech overhead. We continue to Challacancha, where we meet our trail crew and pack animals. Together we start following the paths of the locals on a soft beautiful and easy ascent in Salkantaypampa at the base of the beautiful Salkantay Mountain. We continue an ascend to the beautiful Lake Humantay where we will enjoy the scenery and return to rest in our camp in Soraypampa.
After breakfast we start hiking for two hours towards the massive ice-covered south face of Salkantay — which as one of the great peaks of the Andes, at 6271m/20,570ft — fills the skyline ahead of us as we make camp to reach our lunch spot in Soyroccocha. After lunch we start a 1,5- hour ascent, which brings us up to the Salkantay Mountain Pass (4750m) where we will make small offerings to the Apus (mountain spirits), besides enjoying stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range with the south face of Salkantay towering above us, we may also observe chinchillas and towering above us, we may also observe chinchillas and condors in their natural habitat. From this point, we start descending towards the bromeliad and fern filled cloud forest. Along the route, we can see the remains of an ancient Inca path, which is approximately 6 meters wide. A long though easy descent along the Salkantay River, brings us late afternoon to Collpapampa (2890m/9479ft), a beautiful spot with some natural hot springs to relax in. we then continue to the Sahuayaco Campsite for the night.
After breakfast, we take an easy walk in the increasingly lush vegetation along the Santa Teresa River. Coffee and passion fruit plantations and waterfalls are part of the scenery. We pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi, the settlement at Wiñaypoko, the bustling small town of La Playa where we will stop for lunch. and finally our third camp at Lucmabamba (2,100m/6888ft). Flocks of parrots fly over the banana coffee, and avocado plantations. The exuberant local flora is habitat of the somewhat elusive spectacled bear. Meals: B, L, D
After breakfast, we start climbing for 2-3 hours up to El Mirador or Abra Q'elloqasa (2860m/9381ft) from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Incas, the legendary Machu Picchu. The different angle will be later on noticeable on your pictures. We enjoy a last lunch in nature at the lookout point of Llaqtapata (2650m/8692ft) from where we can view both Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Mountain. After resting we enjoy the Llactapata Ruins, 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 plant of Machu Picchu from where we board the local train that takes us to Aguas Calientes (short, scenic 40-minutes train ride). Accommodation in selected hotel (at additional cost). Meals: B, L
After breakfast, we take the bus shuttle up to Machu Picchu. You have the option to get up extra early to be among the “lucky” few that get in to climb the Huayna Picchu peak for an amazing overview and yet a different angle of Machu Picchu. Otherwise we enjoy a full guided tour of the Inca Citadel, visiting its most notorious features and taking time to explore it on our own. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement lunch will be up top at the restaurant of the Sanctuary Lodge by Orient Express. In the afternoon, we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall. Meals: B, L
