5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

DAY 1 – Cusco to Soraypampa
Departing Cusco at 5am in private bus we have a 3 hour journey to Mollepata. In Mollepata we will eat a breakfast and gear up our horses with the equipment (horses can carry 6kg per person). Afterwards we set off by foot towards CruzPata where we will see the Apurimac river canyon (the deepest in Peru). Here we will eat lunch! We then continue our hike in the direction of Soraypampa where we will soon see the magical view of the Humantay snow peak (5902m). Another 4 hours of walking and we will arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3900m) where we will observe the magical Apu Salkantay (6271m) while the sun goes down. Be prepared for a cold first night of camping!

DAY 2 - Soraypampa to Collpapampa
Wake up call is at 5.30, breakfast at 6am and off on foot by 6.30am. We start our hardest ascent to of the Apacheta pass (4590m). After the breathtaking view of the snow capped Mountain Salkantay (6264m), which is the second highest peak in the Cusco region, we can also observe the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines. After 5 hours of hiking in the morning, after lunch we only have a 2-3 hour walk down hill to Camp in Chaullay (2920m). 

DAY 3 - Collpapampa - La Playa 
Another early morning we start with an easier 3 hours hiking to Uscamayuc, where we will enter to a high jungle niche called "Ceja de Selva". Its time to take pictures of the beautiful flora and fauna (including banana crops and coca trees), bird watch and even shower in the waterfall. Lunch is at Wiňaypoq'o, then its a 3 hour walk to our last campsite in La Playa (2400m). To your surprise there is a small village with electricity and shop located here. 

DAY 4 - La Playa to Aguas Calienes
From La Playa we take a local transportation for approximately 10 minutes to Lucma (or choose to hike it). Afterwards we begin our hike in the direction of Colpani. We will ascend up this trail through the beautiful vegetation and with an amazing view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We continue our hike for a further 3 hours until we get to Llactapata(a newly discovered Inca Site) 2700m. From here, we can see Machu Picchu and enjoy some free time to rest with some snacks, and take photos. We now go down hill to the hydroelectric plant 1870m to take the 45minute train to AguasCalientes(2000m) where we will enjoy some free time to visit the town’s famous thermal springs. They are open until 9pm, then in the even we can enjoy our last dinner together. Accommodation tonight is in a hotel in AguasCalientes, based on DWB or TWB. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
5am breakfast then at 5.30am we get the bus to Machu Picchu. We need to depart early so those who wish to climb Huayna Picchu will need to sign up before the 2 hour guided tour. During your visit to these ancient ruins you will see clouds fly past and Machu Picchu will disappear with in them, so make sure you take pictures whilst the ruins are visible. After the tour you will have free time to explore the mountain of Huayna Picchu overlooking all of Machu Picchu - by far the best view! Huayna Picchu will take approximately 2 hours return trip. It is now your choice to enjoy lunch just outside the ruins or take the bus back to AguasCalientes to explore this small and quaint village. The train back to Cusco departs late afternoon so your estimated time of arrival is approximately 9pm.