Day 1
Leave the Crowds Behind and Step Into the Peruvian Backcountry
Today we leave Cusco early to take advantage of the full day. After a 3.5 hour drive we arrive at Soraypampa and start the trek. After a short while we'll leave the tourist crowds of the classic Salkantay Trek behind and head into the wild Peruvian backcountry, on one of the most epic trekking holidays in the world!
We're starting off strong today — we have a big mountain pass to negotiate over 6 hours of hiking. The pass, Inkachillaska (4,950m), lies right next to the towering Mount Salkantay, the highest point in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. A couple of bright green glacial lakes below the pass and views stretching to distant mountain ranges give you the feeling of being among the condors, seeing the world from above. After going down the other side, we have lunch in the spacious pasture Sisaypampa (4,200m). Here we will camp out for the night.
Today and on Day 2, we'll have horses and arriero (horseman) service to carry our expedition and personal gear.
Stats — Hiking time: 6 hours · Distance: 14 km/8 mi · Max Elevation: 4961 m/16,315 ft · Elevation gain: 1456 m · Elevation loss: 1246 m.
Lodging: Tents. Meals: B, L, D, snacks.
Day 2
A Stunning Valley, Waterfalls, and Towering Peaks
After a solid breakfast we will conquer the next pass, Palqay (4,700m) This is a 500 meter climb through switchbacks to a rocky mountain ridge between Mount Salkantay and Mount Palqay. This will bring us over the divide and into another world. 3 hours below the pass, we arrive to Nathan's house (3,500m), where we will spend the night. Tonight may be spent in tents or cabins. As we hike deeper into the Ahobamba valley, the mountain walls tower ever higher around us, blocking us from the outside world. Today is much easier than day 2 — only 7km, downhill, giving us time to appreciate the many waterfalls cascading down from the high peaks. In fact, we'll pass by the highest waterfall in Peru, which is over 160m tall! We'll arrive at the Ahobamba House (3,500m) around 3-4, so we'll have a bit of time in the afternoon to visit the ruins of a spectacular ancient Inca town right across the river.
Stats — Hiking time: 6-7 hours · Distance: 11 km/8 mi · Max elevation: 4132 m · Elevation gain: 96 m · Elevation loss: 683 m.
Lodging: Ahobamba House or tents. Meals: B, L, D, snacks.
Day 3
Descent into Cloud Forest
Today is mostly descent into the Peruvian cloud forest. The trail becomes more rugged as it traverses the sides of the valley high above the river. We'll be hiking through a beautiful canopy of hanging forests and bamboo thickets, through which we'll still be able to glimpse Salkantay towering over the Ahobamba valley. We'll spend several hours today with just us and nature, before we finally get to the Cloud Forest House of Mr. Fortunato at 2,100m. Here, his family lives on a self-sufficient farm where they grow a wide variety of products such as coffee, bananas, pineapples, limes, oranges, passion fruit, avocados, potatoes, and yucca. This is where we'll stay the night and have a meal of delicious, home-cooked, farm-to-table Peruvian food.
Stats — Hiking time: 8 hours · Distance: 23 km/14.6 mi · Max elevation: 3505 m · Elevation gain: 256 m · Elevation loss: 1682 m.
Lodging: Cloud Forest House. Meals: B, L, D, snacks.
Day 4
Machu Picchu Pueblo
After three days in the wild, today we head back into civilization! An hour below the Cloud Forest House is the Hydroelectric train station, where many routes to Machu Picchu come through. From the Hydroelectric to the tourist town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), it's an easy 2.5 hour walk along railroad tracks. Tonight's the night for a nice hot shower and a hot cooked meal! Tonight, you'll sleep in a comfortable hotel before departing for the famous Machu Picchu in the morning.
Stats — Hiking time: 2.5 hours · Distance: 14 km/8.7 mi · Max Elevation: 1856 m.
Lodging: Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Meals: B, L, snacks.
Day 5
Machu Picchu
Today you'll experience Peru's historical holy grail — Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas". If you wake up early enough, you'll get to see the sun rise on Machu Picchu, a sight you won't soon forget. Haku will provide a fully guided tour of the city and, if you would like, we can add on Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for free as well. We've purchased a bus ticket for you for both the way up to and down from Machu Picchu, but if you'd prefer a sunrise hike up to the ruins, let us know!
