CUSCO - MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA We leave the Inca capital city at 5 A.M. by private bus for Mollepata (at 3,000 m.) where we arrive at 9 A.M. (and where we can have breakfast). We then keep going to reach Cruzpata (3,400 m.) where we meet our mule-drivers and the entire trekking crew. Our trek starts around 10.30 A.M. Great sceneries with view over the Tucarhuay (5,450 m.) and Salkantay (6,264 m.) glaciers. We reach the village of Silcacancha around 1 A.M. for lunch. Early afternoon we walk for aproximately four hours to our campsite in Soraypampa (3,700 m.), at the foot of the awesome Salcantay. All included. Transportation time: 4 hours; Hiking time: 6 hours; Altitude difference: from 3,000 m. to 3,700 m.

SORAYPAMPA - ARRAYAN PATA After a hearty breakfast at 6 A.M. we get ready for the hardest day of the trek with a climb to the Salkantay pass, highest point of our itinerary at an altitude of 4,600 m.  After the mountain pass, we take a break for lunch and some rest for an hour before starting our descent to the campsite of Arrayan Pata (3,450 m.) All inclusive. Hiking time: 8 hours; Altitude differences: 3,700, 4,600 and 3,450 m.

ARRAYAN PATA - WINAYPOCO - LA PLAYA This hiking day will be never to be forgotten for so much variety in vegetal species is breathtaking. We keep on going down through the “Yungas” (intermediate forest between the mountain and the Amazon basin) to reach the village of Wiñaypoco (2,750 m.). We then follow the Río Santa Teresa where we can admire different varieties of orchids and watch some waterfalls. A last we reach our campsite in La Playa (2,100). All inclusive. Hiking time : 7 hours; altitude difference : 3,450 to 2,100 m.

LA PLAYA - LLACTAPATA - HYDROELECTRICA – AGUASCALIENTES We walk to Llactapata arqueological remains (2, 650 m.) and then down to the hydro power plant (1,950 m.) and then board the local train around 4 P.M. to Aguascalientes (2,050 m.). Night at the hotel Continental** Lunch included. Supper at your leasure. Note: 6 hours hiking; altitude difference: 2,100 to 2,050 m.

AGASCALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU (alt. 2,430 m.) –CUSCO Machu Pichu was discovered in 1911 by american anthropologist Hiram Bingham. Archeologists  estimate its construction mid XVth Century. Various hypothesis are considered as to the exact purpose of this hard-to-reach fortress: Was it a military garrison? A kind of secret “Harem” for the sole use of the Inca? A resting resort for him? It remains an enigma! Early morning departure, around 6.30 A.M., by bus, to reach the Machu Picchu fortress. Day dedicated to the visit of the site. Lunch. Return to Aguascalientes and connexion to train to Ollataytambo; from there, a bus takes us back to Cusco. Transfer to your hotel. Meals at your leasure.
Suggestion: You may also reach Huyana Picchu peak. The climb is rather difficult. You need serious foot-gear, no heavy packsack and not be scared of heights. From the top fantastic view over the Machu Pichu; figure aproximately two hours round trip