Mountain Lodge Soraypampa – Aguas Calientes

Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco – Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort at Soraypampa (3,600 M/11,800 Ft)

• After breakfast, you will be picked up at 8 am at your hotel in Cusco and transferred to Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (SLAR) (about 3.5 hours’ drive).  On route, you can visit the impressive Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approx. 1.5 hrs from Cusco).
• After leaving Limatambo, you will pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where you will have lunch before ascending a winding mountain track to the spectacularly situated valley of Soraypampa.
• The SLAR takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley – the “Salkantay”, the most sacred peak in Inca mythology and the highest in the region (20,500 ft: 6,240 m).
• After a warm welcome. The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude. An evening briefing by the fire is followed by aperitifs and dinner. (L-D).

Breackfast: Not Included Lunch: Agency Dinner: Agency Overnight: Hotel

Day 02: Soraypampa

• This day is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending on your level of acclimatisation. You may do local hikes, fishing, etc. In the evening the guide will brief the trekking party on gear and the itinerary for the next four days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the Lodge. A packed lunch is available for those choosing to venture out for the day. (B-L-D).

Breackfast: Agency Lunch: Agency Dinner: Agency Overnight: Hotel

Day 03: Soraypampa to Wayra Lodge at Huayraccmachay (3,650m/12,000 Ft)

• Today you will begin your four-day trek to Machu Picchu. After an early start, you will hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from the Salkantay. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 4,600 m (15,000 ft). At the pass you will be able to appreciate the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range, the south face of Salkantay, Andean condors. From the pass you will your descent toward the Wayra Lodge (“Wayra”: wind; the place where the wind lives). Lunch on route. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge (hiking time: 4-6 hours; total excursion time for day 5-7 hours). (B-L-D).

Breackfast: Agency Lunch: Agency Dinner: Agency Overnight: Hotel

Day 04: Huayraccmachay to Collpa Lodge at Collpapampa (3,150m/10,300 Ft)

• Following the long first day you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Huayraccmachay. The early morning is free for exploration. Then, you will begin your trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. Snacks on route. The Collpa Lodge is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. Arrival and late lunch at the lodge, and in time for an optional excursion to a nearby hot spring (day’s hiking time, excluding hot spring, 3-4 hours). Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (B-L-D).

Breackfast: Agency Lunch: Agency Dinner: Agency Overnight: Hotel

Day 05: Collpapampa to Lucma Lodge at Lucmabamba (2,000m/6,600 Ft)

• After an early breakfast, you will head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations and orchards. Picnic lunch along the river. From the river it is a short climb to Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. Exploration of the village and meeting with members of the local community. (hiking time: 4-6 hours/total excursion time for day 5-7 hours). (B-L-D).

Breackfast: Agency Lunch: Agency Dinner: Agency Overnight: Hotel

Day 06: Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes (2,000 M/6,600 Ft)

• Early start and breakfast. This is the last day of your trek. You head uphill for two hours towards Llactapata pass (2,600 m/8,500 ft), where you will have lunch. You will able to appreciate a quite special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few tourists ever glimpse; an added value are the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is provided at the observatory, in view of Machu Picchu. Then, you will begin your final descent to the Vilcanota River through lush bamboo forests and orchards & coffee plantations (2-3 hours descent). Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are a short, scenic train ride away. (Total hiking time: 4-6 hours). Arrival to Aguas Calientes. (B-L).

Breackfast: Agency Lunch: Agency Dinner: Not Included Overnight: Hotel

Day 07: Machu Picchu (716m/2,350 Ft) to Cusco

• Early breakfast at the hotel and then make your way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu (30 min). A complete guided tour of Machu Picchu will be provided (4 to 6 hours). Afterwards, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes. Lunch. Then, transfer to the train station for the afternoon departure.
• Arrival to Cusco and transfer to hotel. (B-L).

Breackfast: Agency Launch: Agency Dinner: Not Included Overnight: Hotel

INCLUDED

• Excursions, transfers and transportation as described.
• All meals as stated in itinerary.
• 5 nights accommodation (5 nights: lodges).
• Non-alcoholic beverages.
• Specialised tour guide.
• Trains and transportation of personal belongings on the trek by packhorse/mules and/or porters.
• First aid kit and emergency horse.
• Note: Private departure dates, VIP/exclusive departures and others quoted on request.

NOT INCLUDED

• Services not specified in the programme, extras and tips.
• National flight tickets to & from Cusco.
• Tips: All gratitude is really wellcome.