🏔️ Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

🔹 Pick-up time: 4:30 am

🔹 Highest altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft (Humantay Lake)

🔹 Campsite altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft (Soraypampa)

🔹 Difficulty: Moderate

🔹 Total hike distance: ~4.5 km / 2.8 mi (round trip from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake)

📝 Itinerary:

4:30 am – Hotel Pick-up in Cusco

Early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll drive through the mountains toward the small town of Mollepata.

7:30 am – Breakfast in Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft)

Quick stop for breakfast and last-minute purchases.

8:30 am – Continue to Soraypampa by van

From Mollepata, we continue driving to Soraypampa, our starting point for the trek and the first campsite.

10:00 am – Arrival in Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)

You’ll have some time to get ready for your first hike.

10:30 am – Hike to Humantay Lake

Begin a scenic uphill hike toward the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake. The trail is steep and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the lake.

12:00 pm – Arrive at Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft)

Take your time to enjoy the breathtaking view, rest, and take photos.

1:00 pm – Return to Soraypampa

Begin the descent back to the campsite.

2:30 pm – Lunch at Soraypampa

Arrive back and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. Afternoon -Free time to rest or explore Relax at your tent or hut with incredible views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

6:30 pm – Dinner at the camp

Enjoy a warm and hearty dinner before resting for the night.

Overnight at Soraypampa

🌟 Highlight of the Day: Humantay Lake

Why it’s breathtaking:

• After a challenging uphill hike, you arrive at one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Peru — Humantay Lake, sitting at 4,200 m (13,779 ft).

• Its vivid turquoise waters, framed by towering snow-capped peaks, create a surreal and unforgettable view.

• On a clear day, you can see the reflection of the Humantay glacier in the lake — a perfect postcard moment.

• The peaceful silence at the top, broken only by the wind and distant sounds of nature, adds a spiritual touch to the experience.

• For many travelers, this is one of the most emotional and awe-inspiring moments of the entire trek.

“Standing at the edge of Humantay Lake, with glaciers rising above and the turquoise water shimmering below, is a moment of pure magic.”

🏔️ Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay

🔹 Starting altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft (Soraypampa)

🔹 Highest point: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft (Salkantay Pass)

🔹 Ending altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft (Chaullay)

🔹 Total distance: ~22 km / 13.7 mi

🔹 Difficulty: Challenging

🔹 Approximate hiking time: 9–10 hours

📝 Itinerary:

04:30 am – Wake up with hot coca tea

Early morning wake-up to begin the most demanding and rewarding day of the trek.

05:00 am – Breakfast at Soraypampa

A hearty breakfast to fuel up before the big climb.

05:30 am – Start hiking toward Salkantay Pass

Begin a slow and steady ascent along the rugged trail, surrounded by majestic views of Apu Salkantay.

09:30 am – Arrive at Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft)

This is the highest point of the trek. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), and feel the powerful presence of the Andes.

🌟 Highlight:

Standing at Salkantay Pass, in front of one of the most sacred mountains in the Andes, is a powerful and unforgettable experience.

10:30 am – Begin descent to Huayracmachay

After spending time at the top, descend through dramatic high-mountain landscapes toward the lunch spot.

12:30 pm – Lunch in Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft)

Enjoy a well-deserved lunch with views of the cloud forest beginning to appear.

01:30 pm – Continue descent into the cloud forest

Walk through changing ecosystems, from cold alpine to lush vegetation, orchids, waterfalls, and birdsong.

04:30 pm – Arrive at Chaullay campsite (2,900 m / 9,514 ft)

After a long and scenic day, reach the camp nestled in the edge of the high jungle. Hot shower and hot drinks and snacks will be waiting.

06:30 pm – Dinner and rest

Enjoy a warm dinner, relax with your group, and get ready to sleep surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest.

Overnight at Chaullay

🌿 Day 3: Chaullay – Colpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba

🔹 Starting altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft (Chaullay)

🔹 Ending altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft (Lucmabamba)

🔹 Total distance: ~18 km / 11.2 mi

🔹 Difficulty: Moderate

🔹 Approximate hiking time: 6–7 hours

📝 Itinerary:

06:00 am – Wake up and breakfast at the campsite

A refreshing morning in the cloud forest with a warm breakfast to start the day.

07:00 am – Begin trek through the Santa Teresa Valley

Descend gradually through lush forest landscapes, passing Colpapampa and small local communities.

Along the trail:

• Enjoy views of waterfalls, orchids, hummingbirds, and plantations of banana, avocado, passion fruit, and papaya.

• The climate becomes warmer and more tropical as you reach the high jungle.

12:30 pm – Lunch And ☕ Coffee Experience at La Playa (2,200 m / 7,217 ft)

Delicious lunch in a local rural area surrounded by coffee and fruit plantations.

• Learn about traditional cultivation, harvesting, roasting, and grinding techniques.

• Participate in the roasting process and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Peruvian coffee — straight from the farm to your hands.

• This is a cultural and sensory highlight of the day, supporting local families.

02:00 pm – Short walk or transport to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft)

From La Playa, continue by foot or local vehicle to your next campsite.

♨️ Optional Activity: Hot Springs Visit

If you’re up for more relaxation:

• You can visit the Cocalmayo hot springs, located near Santa Teresa.

• The pools are surrounded by lush jungle and natural stone.

• Additional cost: 50 soles per person (includes round-trip transportation).

06:30 pm – Dinner at the campsite

Enjoy a warm meal and rest under the stars.

Overnight in Lucmabamba

🏞️ Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

🔹 Starting altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft (Lucmabamba)

🔹 Highest point: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft (Llactapata Pass)

🔹 Ending altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft (Aguas Calientes)

🔹 Total distance: ~20 km / 12.4 mi

🔹 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

🔹 Approximate hiking time: 8–9 hours

📝 Itinerary:

05:00 am – Wake up and breakfast

Fuel up for another exciting day with a good breakfast and coca tea.

05:30 am – Hike up to Llactapata via the Inca Trail

Begin ascending an original section of the Inca Trail. The path takes you through lush vegetation, cloud forest, and ancient stone steps.

9:00 am – Arrive at Llactapata archaeological site (2,800 m / 9,186 ft)

This hidden Inca site offers a stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the southwest — a rare angle few travelers get to see. Your guide will explain the history and importance of this strategic Inca site.

🌟 Highlight of the Day:

Seeing Machu Picchu from Llactapata for the first time — surrounded by jungle and mountains — is an emotional and unforgettable experience.

10:00 am – Begin descent to Hidroelectrica

After visiting Llactapata, descend for about 2.5–3 hours through plantations and forest until you reach the Hydroelectric Station.

01:00 pm – Lunch at Hidroelectrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft)

Enjoy a well-earned lunch and short rest before the final stretch.

02:00 pm – Hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes

Walk the last 10 km (~6.2 mi) along the flat railway line that follows the Urubamba River. You’ll be walking at the base of the mountains that surround Machu Picchu.

05:30 pm – Arrival in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)

Check into your hostel or hotel and enjoy a hot shower.

07:00 pm – Dinner in a local restaurant

Celebrate the end of your trek with your group. Your guide will give a briefing for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)

🏯 Day 5: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

🔹 Starting altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft (Aguas Calientes)

🔹 Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft

🔹 Difficulty: Easy to moderate (depending on extra hikes)

🔹 Duration at Machu Picchu: 2–3 hours guided tour

🔹 Return to Cusco via train and bus

📝 Itinerary:

04:30 am – Wake up and early breakfast

Get ready early to be among the first to enter Machu Picchu.

05:30 am – Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

A 25-minute ride up to the main entrance of the Inca citadel.

06:00 am – Guided tour of Machu Picchu

Explore one of the New 7 Wonders of the World with your guide. Learn about the history, architecture, and mysteries of this sacred Inca site.

Optional hikes (not included, must be booked in advance):

• Huayna Picchu (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) – ~2 hours round-trip

• Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 m / 10,111 ft) – ~3 hours round-trip

10:00–11:00 am – Exit Machu Picchu

Take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

2:30 pm – Return train to Ollantaytambo

Board your Expedition or Voyager train (depending on availability and program).

4:30–5:00 pm – Arrival in Ollantaytambo

A van will be waiting for you at the station.

7:00–7:30 pm – Transfer back to Cusco

You’ll be dropped off at Regocijo square near the plaza de Armas, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

🌟 Highlight of the Day:

Walking through the sacred stone city of Machu Picchu — after days of trekking through mountains, jungle, and Inca paths — is the ultimate reward. You’ll feel the magic, the mystery, and the energy of the Andes like never before.

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