Description of the experience
This trek takes you around the stunning Mount Salkantay, which is the second largest mountain in Cusco region (6,277m / 20,577ft). On your first day, you will enjoy the spectacular views of the snowcapped peaks such as: Salkantay Mountain and Humantay mountain range. However, the view at the top is stunning and unique. The walk to the famous Apacheta pass which is at 4650m/15,088ft is not strenuous nor very steep. Afterward, it is mainly a descent into more tropical area passing Andenes and Chaullay. On your third day, you will hike to LLACTAPATA (2,700m/9,157ft). From where you may enjoy the amazing views of Machu picchu, Huaynapicchu mountains and the Inca citadel of Machupicchu (Inca city). Ending at the most important mystic center of the world: Machu picchu.
At 4:00am,(time in peru) we pick you up from your hotel, then we drive in our private bus to Mollepata (2,850m/9,407ft) for 3 hours. Along the way there are spectacular views of the rural villages such as: Iscuchaca and Limatambo, stunning valleys and snow-capped mountains such as: Salkantay, with a stop for breakfast at Mollepata. Then we continue by bus to Soraypampa(3,850m/12,700ft), where we meet our horsemen, horses and pack all our equipment onto the horses. Afterwards we start the gradual climb of 570 meters by walk through pristine Andean valley landscapes for about 3.5 hours before arriving at Sorococcha(4,400m/14,517ft) for lunch. After lunch, we continue walking for one more hour to reach Apacheta pass (4,650m/15,367ft). At here, we can enjoy the spectacular views of snowcapped mountains such as Salkantay (6,277m/20,717ft), Humantay, Huayanay, white rivers, and small lakes. At the Apacheta Pass, you can leave a piece of rock carried from the bottom as a present to the Apu Salkantay(Mountain god), During Inca times, the walkers used to leave their shoes, clothes, jewels or simply piece of rock as an offering. We continue walking for 2 hours downhill to our first campsite at Huayracmachay.
After an early delicious breakfast, we descent for 4 hours toward the rural community of Wiñaypocco for lunch, passing Chaullay and enjoying the Peruvian cloud forest with a lot of opportunities to see Toucan, Woodpecker and Peacock. After lunch we walk for 3 more hours through the beginnings of the rainforest; enjoying a myriad of flora and fauna including orchids, birds, coffee, cacao and fruit plantations. Finally we arrive at La Playa where we spend the second night (2,050m/6,767ft)
Today is the most beautiful and relaxing day on our trek. After a delicious breakfast we walk for 3 hours up hill through the original Inca route towards the ruins of LLACTAPATA located at 2,700m/8,907ft. From where you may enjoy the different angles views of the citadel of Machu Picchu and the mountains of Machu Picchu and Wayna picchu, Canyons and another Inca trail can be seen as well. After time to enjoy the amazing views, we descent for 2 hours to Hidroelectrica for lunch. Then we take the train to Aguas Calientes town where you will spend the night in a private hostel.
We leave our hostel after a very early breakfast to take the bus for the journey up to Machu Picchu ruins. Once inside Machu Picchu ruins we provide a guided 3 hour tour with plenty of free time for further exploring, taking photos and the option to climb Huayna Picchu or up to the Sun Gate. Then back to Aguas Calientes town for a lunch and at approx 14:55 or 16:00 we take our return train to Ollantaytambo with a bus connection to Cusco city arriving back at your hotel / hostel.
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