Film Productions & Expeditions		Client Testimonials

A true Andean odyssey, this 4-day trek through the dramatic Cordillera Vilcabamba is 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 the immense mountains, Salkantay (6270m) and Humantay (6070m), offering 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 wild flowers and exotic birds.  Down in the valley, we take an ancient, original Inca trail up through a fertile cloud forest replete with Quehuna trees, orchids, and moss, making for a tropical atmosphere. On day four, we follow an Inca trail pathway to a low-jungle pass. At the top, we enjoy a gorgeous view of the backside 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. On the last day of the tour, we take a tour of the magnificant ruins of Machu Picchu before catching an afternoon train back to Cusco..

Itinerary

day
1

Cusco to Soraypampa

Leaving Cusco early in the morning, we take 6 hour ride along a scenic route 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 beneath the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, hiking steadily upwards to the high plateau. Along the way, we get our first incredible view of Mount Huamantay (5917 m). As we approach our campsite at Soraypampa, the enormous Salkantay peak  (6270m) will be towering over us making for some beautiful views. Mount Salkantay has the highest point in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.

Morning snack, L,D

day
2

Soraypampa to Chaullay

Following a series of switchbacks known as `Siete Culebras`, or "Seven Snakes", our path leads up the side of a mountain and levels out again in the shadows of the grandiose Mount Salkantay.  With Mount Salkantay 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 Mount Salkantay and Mount Huamantay, we make our way towards the valley below to camp for the night in Chaullay. B,L,D snacks

day
3

Chaullay to Playa

The trail leads us down the eastern slope of the Andes and into a sub-tropical valley, where the temperature is noticably warmer and we can even see a variety of orchids, wild flowers, and hummingbirds. After a morning of downhill walking, we arrive to the natural hot springs of Ccolpapampa, where we can take a relaxing dip in the naturally heated waters, if we choose to. 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 called, la Playa, we set up camp for the night. B,L,D snacks

day
4

Playa to Aguas Calientes

Today we continue through the sub-tropical vegetation on our way to the village of Lucmabamba, where an original Inca trail still remains to this day. A gradual uphill climb through lush sub-tropical forest brings us to Llactapata (2700m), where we enjoy a stunning view of the backside of Machu Picchu amongst its neighboring peaks.

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

day
5

Aguas Calientes//Machu Picchu/Cusco

We can take the earliest bus up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes and get in to the site as early as 6:00 am. After partaking in an informative 2 hour guided tour of the ancient ruins, you will have some additional time to explore around the site on your own. In the late afternoon, you will board a train that will take you back to Cusco. B

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

Home / About Us / Responsible Tourism / Customized Tours / Pre-Departure Info
Partners / Film Productions & Expeditions / Client Testimonials / Contact Us / Site Map

Home