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A true Andean odyssey, this 4-day trek through the dramatic Cordillera Vilcabamba offers a wonderful alternative for those who want to take a less-traveled and exceptionally beautiful route to Machu Picchu. Crossing a pass between the peaks of Salcantay (6270m.) and Humantay (6070m.) with spectacular glacial vistas, we descend through a stunning progression of ecological zones ranging from sparsely vegetated alpine meadows to lush sub-tropical valleys.

Arriving to the “Ceja de Selva,” or the “Eyebrow of the Jungle,” we encounter numerous tropical fruit and coffee plantations as well as an abundance of flower and bird species.  From the valley, we take an original Inca trail up through a cloud forest of Quehuna trees, orchids, and moss. On day four, we follow an Inca trail pathway to a low-jungle pass. At the top, we enjoy an uncommon backside view of the Machu Picchu ruins.

From here we walk down to the hydroelectric plant and take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a comfortable hostel. Our last day is spent with the guide visiting the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.

Itinerary

day
1

Cusco to Soraypampa

Leaving Cusco early in the morning, we take a scenic drive of approximately 6 hours to the small village of Marcocasa, located high above the Apurimac River. Here, we meet up with the mules, horses, and arrieros (wranglers) that will carry our gear during the trek. We begin our gentle hike into the green river valley of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, hiking steadily upwards to the high plateau. Along the way, we get our first incredible view of Huamantay (5917 m.). As we approach our campsite at Soraypampa, the enormous Salcantay peak  (6270m. and the highest in the Vilcabamba range) dominates our skyline. Morning snack, L,D

day
2

Soraypampa to Chaullay

Following a series of switchbacks (Siete Culebras) our path leads up the side of a mountain and levels out beneath the shadows of the grandiose Mount Salcantay.  With Salcantay looming above, we come to a summit marked by small piles of stones, or apachetas, left by locals and travelers to honor the mountain gods. From this high pass (4750m.) flanked by Salcantay and Huamantay, we make our way towards the valley below to camp for the night at Chaullay. B,L,D snacks

day
3

Chaullay to Playa

Our trail leads us down the eastern slope of the Andes into a sub-tropical valley, where the temperature is warmer and we see a variety of orchids, flowers, and hummingbirds. After a morning of downhill walking, we arrive to the natural hot springs of Ccolpapampa. Continuing through the “Ceja de Selva,” or “Eyebrow of the Jungle,” we encounter bright flowers, butterflies, parrots, and lush groves of tropical fruit, cocoa, and coffee. At the small village of Playa, we set up camp for the night. B,L,D snacks

day
4

Playa to Aguas Calientes

Today we continue through sub-tropical vegetation to the village of Lucmabamba, where an original Inca trail remains. A gradual uphill climb through lush sub-tropical forest brings us to Llactapata (2700m.), from where we enjoy a brilliant backside view of Machu Picchu and vistas of the surrounding peaks.

In the afternoon we take the hydroelectric train to Aguas Calientes where we spend a comfortable night in a hostel.   B, L

day
5

Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Cusco

We take the early bus up to the stunning archeological complex of Machu Picchu for a tour of these mysterious remains. Then we have time to explore on our own before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon. B

Andina Travel Peru
Plazoleta Santa Catalina Nº 219 Cusco - Peru
Tel/Fax: +51 84 251892 / andinatravel@terra.com.pe

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