DAY 1:CUSCO, EXPLORATION OF HUMANTAY LAKE AND CAMPING AT QUISWARNIYOC

• The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins in Cusco with hotel pickups scheduled between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. During this period, the guide will gather participants from their respective hotels in Cusco. After assembling the group, you will depart from Cusco around 5:15 AM, heading towards the town of Mollepata by car, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival in Mollepata, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the local restaurants, included in the tour. Typically, the stay in Mollepata, including breakfast and last-minute supplies shopping, lasts about an hour.
• Post breakfast, the journey continues by car towards Soraypampa for another hour. Once at Soraypampa, you will meet the team of muleteers and horses, marking the start of the Salkantay trek. Before beginning the hike, all equipment and duffle bags will be handed over to the muleteers and horses. The trek from Soraypampa to Humantay Lagoon starts at an elevation of 3,900 meters and ascends to 4,200 meters, the location of the lagoon. The initial part of the trek involves a gradual ascent for about an hour, followed by a steeper climb for the last hour. The total hike to the lagoon takes approximately 2 hours.
• Upon reaching Humantay Lagoon, you’ll have free time to enjoy the breathtaking views, take photos, and listen to the guide’s insights. The stay at the lagoon typically lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours, weather permitting. After visiting the lagoon, the descent begins towards the Quiswarniyoc campsite. This part of the trek involves a 1-hour downhill walk followed by a 45-minute nearly flat trek.
• Upon arriving at the Quiswarniyoc campsite, usually around 2:00 PM, you will be treated to a delicious lunch prepared by the cooking team. After lunch, the guide will show you to your respective sleeping quarters for some well-deserved rest. The afternoon, post-lunch, is free of scheduled hikes, allowing you to take short walks and explore the vast Quiswarniyoc area, enjoying the imposing views of Salkantay, which looms directly in front of the campsite. Around 6:00 PM, a warm dinner will be served. After dinner, you will receive important information about Day 02 of the trek, which involves reaching the highest point of the entire route.

SUMMARY FOR DAY 01:

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hut
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Hiking Distance: 10 kilometers (approximately 6 miles)
• Estimated Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Campsite Elevation: 4,000 meters above sea level
• Weather Forecast: Expect cold and windy nights during the dry season (May to August), with temperatures potentially dropping to -5 degrees Celsius.
• Additional Note: This day serves as a period of training and preparation. It is ideal for acclimatizing in anticipation of Day 02, which poses the most significant challenge of the entire trek.

DAY 2: QUISWARNIYOC, ASCENT TO THE HIGHEST POINT, SALKANTAY PASS AT 4700 METERS, AND THEN DESCENT TO CHAWLLAY CAMP

Early Morning Awakening:

• The day begins at 5 AM with a coca leaf tea known as “te despierto,” served by the kitchen team to assist with acclimatization to the altitude.
• After waking, you have about 30 minutes to get ready and pack for the day.

Breakfast:

• Breakfast is typically served at 5:30 AM.
• After enjoying your meal, there’s a brief period for last-minute backpack checks and bathroom use before starting the hike to the highest point of the Salkantay trek.

Ascent to Salkantay Pass:

• The trek from Quiswarniyoc to the trek’s highest point, the Salkantay Pass at 4700 meters above sea level, begins around 6 AM.
• The uphill walk from the camp to the pass takes between 3 to 3.5 hours at a steady pace, with extended breaks every hour for rest and energy replenishment.
• The ascent is manageable with proper acclimatization; the main challenge lies in adapting to the altitude.

Time at Salkantay Pass:

• Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have time to soak in the stunning views, photograph the mountains, and feel the proximity to Salkantay Mountain.
• The guide will often provide insights into the area and may involve you in a local ritual to express gratitude to the Apus, the mountain gods in local beliefs.
• You’ll spend about 30 to 45 minutes at the peak.

Descent to Lunch Spot:

• The descent starts with a 2-hour trek from the Salkantay Pass to the lunch spot at Wayracmachay.
• Here, the kitchen team awaits with a nutritious lunch.

Post-Lunch Rest and Second Descent:

• After lunch, there’s a short time for rest, weather permitting.
• The final descent segment for the day is from the lunch spot to the second camp at Chawllay.
• This descent, lasting between 2.5 to 3 hours, is slightly steep but offers incredible views as you transition from the Andes to the Amazon region.

Arrival at Chawllay:

• Upon arrival at Chawllay, the second campsite at 2900 meters, the guide will show you to your accommodations for the night.
• The day concludes with a delicious dinner prepared by the cooking team.
• This itinerary for Day 02 of the hike is crafted to balance challenging ascents and descents with ample opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Salkantay region.

SUMMARY FOR DAY 02

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hut
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Maximum Altitude: 4,700 meters at Salkantay Pass
• Hiking Distance: 22 kilometers (approximately 14 miles)
• Estimated Trekking Duration: 9 to 10 hours
• Camping Altitude: 2,900 meters
• Weather Forecast: Warm and hot at lower elevations.
• Additional Note: Day 02 is the most difficult day of the entire trek. However, you will have the entire day to complete it and reach Campsite 02. It is also the most beautiful day due to the stunning views of the mountains and Salkantay.

DAY 3:EXPLORATION OF SANTA TERESA VALLEY: LUCMABAMBA CAMP AND THE THERMAL BATHS OF SANTA TERESA

Morning Start:

• The day begins with a wake-up tea at 5:30 AM as the kitchen team assists you in waking up, followed by time for packing and preparing for the day’s hike.
• Breakfast is served around 6:00 AM, setting you up for the trek ahead.

Trek from Chawllay to Lucmabamba:

• The hike commences at approximately 6:30 AM from Chawllay, heading towards the third campsite, Lucmabamba.
• This 5-hour trek predominantly features flat terrain through the Santa Teresa valley, offering a chance to observe diverse flora and fauna, culminating in an immersive coffee tour experience upon arrival in Lucmabamba.

Coffee Tour Experience:

• In Lucmabamba, you’ll visit a local family to engage in a coffee tour, where you’ll taste the renowned Santa Teresa coffee and learn about the entire coffee production process in the area.

Lunch at Lucmabamba:

• After the coffee tour, return to the campsite for a nutritious and delicious lunch prepared by the cooking team.
• Post-lunch, no further hiking is scheduled, but you can opt for the additional activity of visiting the Santa Teresa hot springs.

Afternoon Options Post-Lunch:

• The afternoon is free for relaxation, with the option to visit the rejuvenating Santa Teresa hot springs, especially rewarding after three days of trekking.
• The additional cost for the hot springs visit is about 40 soles, covering transportation to and from the springs (about an hour each way) and the entry fee of 10 soles.
• You can decide whether to participate in this activity at the campsite, with coordination from your guide, or choose to rest at the Lucmabamba campsite.

Visit to Santa Teresa Hot Springs:

• If you opt for the hot springs, you’ll be taken there by local transport, spending about 2 hours at the springs before returning to the Lucmabamba campsite.
• A delicious dinner prepared by the cooking team awaits you at the campsite, usually served around 7 PM.

Evening and Preparation for the Next Day:

• After dinner, you will receive information and details for the next day’s itinerary, which leads to the base town of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes.

SUMMARY FOR DAY 03