Reaching Machu Picchu by this route is an epic 4-day experience, a journey that will take you through breathtaking landscapes, ascending to over 4,630 meters above sea level and descending into the warm and vibrant jungle areas, a unique journey that combines adventure, history and nature at its best, this is an authentic adventure tour that promises to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
If you are ready to embark on this journey, discover below the incredible destinations you will explore each day on your way to the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa
Pick up from your hotel at 04:30 AM and departure to Mollepata. After breakfast, we will begin the hike to the Humantay Lagoon (4,220 m.a.s.l.), making a small offering to the Pachamama and the Apu Salkantay. Afterwards, we will continue to Soraypampa, our campsite, where we will enjoy tea and dinner.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Colpapampa
At 06:30 AM, we will begin the hike to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m.a.s.l.), passing historic points such as Salkantay-Pampa and Soyroq’ocha. After the ceremony at the pass, we will descend to Huayrac-Pampa for lunch, and then hike to Colpapampa through the jungle brow. There, we will enjoy tea and dinner.
Day 3: Colpapampa – Sahuayaco Beach – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we will walk for 5 hours and 30 minutes through the jungle, passing through coffee plantations, orchids and medicinal flora. We will arrive at Playa Sahuayaco for lunch. Then, we will take a transport to Hidroeléctrica and walk for 3 hours to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hostel and enjoy our last dinner.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Early in the morning, we will visit Machu Picchu with a guided tour of the citadel, exploring temples, terraces and palaces. Afterwards, we will return to Aguas Calientes to take the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo and then transport to Cusco, concluding this incredible adventure.
We will start the adventure very early, picking you up from your hotels at 04:30 AM. At 05:00 AM we will leave Cusco towards Mollepata, passing through the picturesque towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo. Upon arrival in Mollepata, we will pay S/ 20.00 for the entrance fee to the Humantay Lagoon. We will be in the area at approximately 08:00 AM, where we will have a delicious breakfast.
After breakfast, we will give 5 kilos of luggage to our muleteer to facilitate the transportation of our belongings. Then, we will board the bus again to travel from Mollepata to Marqoq’asa, a journey of approximately 1 hour.
From there, we will begin our hike to the viewpoint where we will have the opportunity to appreciate the imposing Nevado de Humantay and the ancient Inca canals. We will continue our hike for 3 hours and 30 minutes until we reach the lunch point and our campsite in Soraypampa.
Upon arrival at Soraypampa, we will have a break for afternoon tea around 6:00 PM, followed by a delicious dinner. Finally, we will retire to our cabins to rest and prepare for the next day of this incredible adventure.
At 05:00 AM, we will meet to enjoy an energizing breakfast. Later, at 06:30 AM, we will begin our hike, ascending gradually for approximately 4 hours until we reach the Salkantay Pass, located at 4,650 m.a.s.l.. During the trek, we will pass through two historical points of great importance: Salkantay-Pampa and Soyroq’ocha.
Arriving at the Salkantay Pass, we will make a small offering to Pachamama and Apu Salkantay, using coca leaves as a symbol of respect and gratitude to nature. We will take advantage of this moment to talk about the history and religion of the Incas, deepening in their beliefs and spiritual connection with the sacred mountains.
After this ritual, we will begin the 2 hour and 30 minute descent to our lunch point at Huayrac-Pampa, where we will enjoy a comforting lunch for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
We will continue our hike descending from 4,100 m.a.s.l. to 2,900 m.a.s.l. in a journey of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, crossing the jungle brow. Finally, we will arrive at the Colpapampa camp, where we can relax with a delicious cup of tea and enjoy a comforting dinner to end the day.
At 06:00 AM, we will start the day with a delicious breakfast. Afterwards, we will begin our hike, which will last approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, crossing the jungle brow. The route includes ascents, descents and flat stretches, offering us the opportunity to enjoy a great variety of native flora, such as coffee plantations, orchids, begonias, bromeliads and many other plants used in traditional medicine.
Along the way, we will stop at Playa Sahuayaco, where we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
After lunch, we will take transportation to Hidroeléctrica, from where we will continue on foot for 3 hours until we reach Aguas Calientes. There, we will stay in a comfortable hotel and enjoy our last dinner at a local restaurant, closing this day of travel and adventure.
We will wake up early in the morning to begin our visit to the archaeological center of Machu Picchu. We will take a guided tour of the impressive temples, terraces, palaces and terraces of the citadel. After the guided tour we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy some free time until it is time to take the tourist train to Ollantaytambo. The train will depart in the afternoon, depending on the time of your ticket. From there, we will take the transportation to Cusco, concluding this unforgettable adventure.
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