Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa (GLASS CABINS) & HUMANTAY LAKE
Repas : petit-déjeuner, déjeuner, dîner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Glass Cabins
Day 1, Stage 1
Cusco
passage sans arrêt
Your day begins bright and early with hotel pickup in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM. We'll journey towards Mollepata, passing through charming towns like Anta and Limatambo, all while enjoying scenic views of the Andean valleys.
After approximately 2 hours, we'll pause for breakfast at a local restaurant in Mollepata. The journey continues for another hour to Challacancha, the starting point of our trek. Here, you'll have ample time to prepare.
The initial part of the trek involves a gentle 1.5-hour uphill hike, ideal for acclimatization, leading us to Soraypampa. Upon arrival, a freshly prepared lunch awaits you at the Glass Cabañas.
In the afternoon, a 1.5-hour hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon beckons. The trail starts easily before becoming steeper as we approach the lagoon. Marvel at the turquoise waters and the majestic glacier at 5,960 meters, capturing memorable photos and soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
We'll return to Soraypampa around 4:00 PM. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore. In the evening, participate in a Peruvian cooking class, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend your first night under the stars at the Glass Cabañas.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay (GLASS DOMES)
Repas : petit-déjeuner, déjeuner, dîner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: GLASS DOMES
Day 2, Stage 1
Salkantay Trail
8 h, entrée incluse
Today presents the most challenging yet incredibly rewarding part of our trek. Breakfast is served at 5:30 AM at the Glass Cabañas. After a hearty breakfast and refilling our water bottles, we commence our ascent towards Salkantay Pass.
The trek begins with a moderate uphill climb on a well-defined trail. After 2 hours, we reach Salkantay Pampa (4,100m / 13,450ft), where we'll rest and admire the stunning glacier views. We then ascend for about an hour along a steep, zigzagging path to Soyrococha, situated beneath the Salkantay peak, where our chef will serve a freshly prepared lunch.
Following lunch and refilling our water supplies, we continue for approximately one hour to reach Salkantay Pass (4,630m / 15,190ft), the highest point of our trek. Here, we'll pay homage to Pachamama and take in the awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks and the majestic Andes.
We then begin our descent for 2.5 hours into a lush green valley. Our destination for the night is the Wayracmachay camp (3,800m / 12,467ft), where we will settle into our Glass Domes. The evening will be spent enjoying dinner and a peaceful night under the starry sky.
Day 3: Wayracmachay – Rayanpata – Colpapampa – Loreta (THE HOBBIT HOUSE)
Repas : petit-déjeuner, déjeuner, dîner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hobbit House
Day 3, Stage 1
Salkantay Trail
8 h, entrée incluse
Today marks a dramatic shift in scenery as we transition from the high Andes to the verdant high jungle. Experience warm breezes, abundant tropical vegetation, and diverse wildlife. We start early with tea delivered to your room, followed by breakfast. After packing snacks and filling water bottles, we begin our hike.
The trail is predominantly downhill. After about 2 hours, we arrive at Rayanpata, where the jungle environment truly begins, characterized by warm air and exotic floral scents. A brief stop allows for hydration and enjoyment of the forest's natural sounds. We continue for another 2 hours to Colpapampa (2,950m / 9,678ft) for a jungle-inspired lunch prepared by our cook.
Post-lunch, we embark on an approximately 4-hour hike along narrow jungle paths. Along the way, we'll encounter waterfalls, vibrant orchids, and coffee plantations, eventually reaching Loreta, the home of the unique Hobbit House. This eco-lodge offers hot showers, comfortable bedding, and a magical forest ambiance—the perfect setting to unwind and listen to the jungle's nocturnal symphony.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Repas : petit-déjeuner, déjeuner, dîner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Day 4, Stage 1
Salkantay Trail
7 h, entrée incluse
Today is dedicated to immersing ourselves in culture, history, and nature as we traverse original Inca paths and catch a rare glimpse of Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point. Breakfast is served at the Hobbit House in Loreta, nestled under a lush canopy of trees. Following breakfast, a short 30-minute drive takes us to Lucmabamba to commence our hike.
The uphill trek along a remarkably preserved Inca Trail lasts approximately 4 hours. We'll journey through forests rich with coffee, banana, and avocado trees, encountering ancient stonework along the way.
We reach Llactapata (2,700m / 8,861ft), an important archaeological site offering panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Your guide will provide a brief tour of the ruins.
Next, we descend for 1.5 hours to Hidroelectrica, where a delicious, freshly prepared lunch will be served—our final meal with the trekking crew, offering an opportunity to express gratitude or provide tips.
From Hidroelectrica, we embark on a 3-hour walk along the railway tracks through the Machu Picchu canyon. Keep an eye out for vibrant orchids, colorful butterflies, and perhaps even the Andean cock-of-the-rock, monkeys, or spectacled bears.
Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, we'll check into our hotel, enjoy a refreshing hot shower, and rest in preparation for exploring Machu Picchu the following day.
Day 5: MACHU PICCHU Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
Repas : petit-déjeuner
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NOT INCLUDED
Day 5, Stage 1
Salkantay Trail
6 h, entrée incluse
Your trekking team will wake you early with a hot drink to kickstart your day. Afterward, get ready for today’s adventure and enjoy your final breakfast prepared by your trekking chef. The day's hike begins with a scenic 2-hour downhill trek, offering breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, leading you to the Hidroelectrica Station. One of the highlights of this area is the towering 300-meter natural waterfall, which provides electricity to the Cusco region.
From Hidroelectrica Station, you'll continue to the famous Intiwatana (sun-dial rock). Historically, this Inca stone aligned with the sundial rock at Machu Picchu during the winter solstice, marking the start of a new agricultural season for the Incas.
After visiting Intiwatana, you'll follow a pleasant walking path along the train tracks.
Finally, you'll arrive in Aguas Calientes, where you can head to your hotel for a much-needed hot shower. In the evening, you’ll enjoy your final dinner with your trekking chef.