Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa

We will leave Cusco at 5:00 a.m., arriving at Soraypampa at 9:00 a.m, where we will have breakfast and then climb up to Lake Humantay. Afterwards, we’ll walk back to Soraypampa for lunch and then walk for another 2 hours to our campsite for the evening, Salkantay Pampa (4200m).

Travel time: 4 hours

Hiking time: 6 -7 hours

Climate: moderate during the day and cold at night

Day 2: Salkantay Pampa – Salkantay Pass – Chalway

After breakfast, we will set off towards the Salkantay pass (4600m/15,092ft), and after crossing the pass, we will descend into the tropical forest where you’ll notice the changing landscape and vegetation of this varying ecosystem. We will camp in Chalway today, in the heart of the forest.

Hiking time: 8-9 hours

Optional: There are some hot springs nearby the community of Collpapampa and a visit can be arranged at an additional cost.

Day 3: Chalway – Wiñaypoco – La Playa – Lucmabamba

Today is perfect for seeing all different kinds of local flora as we descend further through the forest covered in orchids and bromelias, to meet with local families in Wiñaypoco (2650m/8694ft) and La Playa (2100m/6890ft).

In Lucmabamba, we will learn how local people harvest their crops such as coffee and cacao and, in the afternoon, you will have the chance to learn how coffee is cultivated and processed.

Depending on the variety, it takes approximately 3 to 4 years for newly planted coffee trees to bear fruit.  The fruit, known as the coffee cherry, turns a bright, deep red when it is ripe and ready to be harvested. Due to the botanical characteristics of the coffee tree and the fact that coffee is often grown in mountainous areas, widespread use of mechanical harvesters is not possible so the ripe coffee cherries are usually picked by hand, which is a labor-intensive and difficult process. On this part of the trek, you will learn about the whole process from the plant to your cup of coffee and have a chance to ask your own questions about the process.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes Town

We will visit the archaeological complex of Llactapata (2650m/8694ft) this morning, which is located amidst a marvelous forest. Here, we will have time to enjoy the magnificent view across to Machu Picchu and take a lot of pictures. Afterwards, we will head towards the hydroelectrical station (1950m/6398ft) where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, to have lunch and rest in preparation for the early start tomorrow.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will leave our hotel early in the morning to take the bus to Machu Picchu, where we will receive a 2-hour guided tour followed by free time to explore the ruins at your own pace and perhaps climb Huayna Picchu. If time, you will be able to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes before boarding the 2:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. train back to Cusco.