Salkantay Trek & Condor Flight 6 days

Day 1: Cusco –Quillarumiyoc – Chonta – Mirador des Condors – Mollepata or Marcoccasa

We will leave Cusco around 6am in our private vehicle for our trip to the condors canyon. On the road we will make a stop at the mythical temple of Quillarumiyoc, located at 3600m above sea level, then the vehicle will drop us at the starting point to start a mountain bike ride of about 2 hours to the small village of Chonta. Once arrived, we will leave our bikes for a short hike of 1 hour to the Mirador des Condors. We will have time to observe the majestic flight of these gigantic birds, and it will also be an opportunity to have a delicious picnic. We will head back to Chonta, where our driver will be waiting to take us to Mollepata (or Marcoccasa), where we will spend the night. Depending on the weather, we will spend the night in basic accommodation or camping.

Time of transport : 4h30
Time of walking: 4 hours (dont 2h and VTT)
Climate : Fresh
Elevation : Cusco (3400 m) - Quillarumiyoc (3600 m) - Chonta (3400 m) - Mirador des Condors (3350 m) - Mollepata (2800 m)/Marcoccasa (3400 m)

Day 2: Mollepata (Marcoccasa) – Soray Pampa

Early in the morning we will have our breakfast, then we will join the muleteers, then we will start hiking in a beautiful valley surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains, such as Nevado Humantay (5217m) and the peak of Salkantay (6264m). We will cross beautiful valleys, on the way to our camp, the guide will tell you all the local people, their way of life and traditions and their livelihood. At Soray Pampa (3900m), the cook will wait for you with hot drinks and a small appetizer, before attacking the dinner. This first night is quite fresh at 3900 m altitude - good sleeping bag strongly recommended (commendable to the agency).

Time of walking: 6 to 7 hours
Climate: mild during the day and cold during the night
Elevation : Mollepata (2800 m) / Marcoccasa (3400 m) - Soray Pampa (3900 m)
Option: On the way to Soray Pampa, we strongly recommend that you make a detour to the Humantay lake which offers a magnificent view of the lake and the snowy peak of Humantay (ascent from Soraypampa at 3700m to Humantay at 4220m). Hiking time 2 hours.

Day 3: Soray Pampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

After breakfast we head back to the Col du Salkantay (4600m), which offers an exceptional view of the snowy peak of Salkantay (6264m). This morning will be the most challenging of the trek. We will stop at the summit only if the weather is mild. The hike will then continue downhill and we will leave the marmots high mountain for a lush ecosystem. Arrived at Chaullay (2950m), we will have dinner, and we will spend our second night in this camp.

Time of walking : around 8 hours
Time of transport: 1h30
Climate : hot with mosquitos
Elevation : Soray Pampa (3900 m) - Col du Salkantay (4600 m) - Chaullay (2950 m)

Day 4: Chaullay – Wiñaypoco – La Playa – Lucmabamba

The 4th day will be devoted to the observation of the flora and plantations of the region. We will first descend into a humid forest where we will be able to appreciate the incredible diversity of orchids. We will then pass by plantations of coffee, cocoa and fruits of the region. We will also have the pleasure of meeting peasant families from Wiñaypoco (2650m), La Playa (2100m) and Lucmabamba (2000m). We will arrive at our camp Lucmabamba, at lunch time and you will have the afternoon free to discover the surroundings.
Peruvian coffee culture: In Lucmabamba we will meet a family who grows coffee. With them, we will discover the secrets of coffee production, from harvest to tasting. Depending on the variety, it takes 3-4 years for newly planted shrubs to start producing fruit. The fruit, called cherry, turns dark red when ripe and ready for harvest. As coffee is grown in a mountainous area, widespread use of mechanical harvesters is not possible, and ripe cherries are picked by hand, a laborious and difficult process, but one that gives unparalleled quality coffee. With the peasants of Lucmabamba we will visit the plantation and follow the artisanal manufacture of coffee. The tour will end with a tasting and you can buy coffee directly from the producer, a bio and local souvenir.

Time of walking : 6 hours
Climate : Hot during the day, presence of mosquitoes
Elevation: Chaullay (2950 m) - Wiñapoco (2650m)- La Playa (2100 m) - Lucmabamba (2000 m)

Day 5: Lucmabamba – Archeologic site of Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

We will start the day hiking on the remains of the Inca Trail to reach the archaeological site of Llactapata (2650m), a privileged place to discover the richness of the Inca culture and local flora. In addition, you will enjoy an extraordinary view of the city of Machu Picchu and the canyon of Vilcanota if the weather allows us. You will begin to learn more about the Inca pilgrimage and the remaining vestiges to discover in Llactapata. We will descend, along the river, then to arrive at the Hydro Station (1950m), from where we will take the train until our stage of the day, the village of Aguas Calientes (2050m), located at the feet of Machu Picchu .

Time of walking : 6 hours
Climate : Hot, insects present
Elevation : Lucmabamba (2000 m) - Llactapata (2600 m) - Hydroelectrica (1950 m) - Aguas Calientes (2005m)

Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30, and we will go to Machu Picchu (2400m) by tourist bus. We will enter the Inca citadel around 6:00 am, to enjoy the sunrise on the site. After a guided tour of the archaeological area, including information about the life and customs of the Incas, we will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m). We will leave Aguas Calientes by train. While waiting for the train, you will have the time to have lunch in one of the restaurants of the city. In addition, you can enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax before your departure.

Time of visiting : 2h
Time of transport : 4h (Aguas Calientes - Cusco ) and 30 minutes (Bus Machu Picchu)
Elevation : Aguas Calientes (2005 m) - Machu Picchu (2400 m) - Cusco (3400 m)