6 DAY SPIRITUAL SALKANTAY 2024

This day starts at 9 am, you will be picked up from your hotel by our team. to head near the Temple of the Moon.You will make an Offering to Mother Earth (Pachamama) to show gratitude and embrace your connection with nature. After finishing the sacred ceremony, we will begin with the Andean blessing.To finish, you will be taken back to your hotel in Cusco in our transport.

Very early in the morning (4:15-4:30 am) you will be picked up at the hotel in Cusco and drive towards Lake Humantay, which is known for its clear water and imposing views of the snowy mountains.You will drive to Soraypampa, located at 3,800m above sea level.

After approximately 2 hours, the ride will stop in Mollepata (290m) for breakfast (not included) and you have the chance to make your last purchases needed for your hike. You will follow the route for another hour until you reach Soraypampa where our team is ready to welcome you (Andean healer, yoga teacher, cook, muleteers, mules) and give you detailed instructions about your spiritual trekking adventure for the next five days. Then you will ascend to Lake Humantay (approx. 2h) and be able to witness the clear water of the lake, wonderful views, soak the energy of the mountains with your spiritual healer.

Early in the morning, you will enjoy breakfast and do a yoga session to start your day with a lot of energy. Later, the true challenge of the journey begins, going uphill until you reach the 4,650m at the Salkantay pass. The path is steep and rocky and will go on for 7 km (approx. 3h). This section will require physical resistance as well as a good acclimatization. Depending on the weather and the physical condition of the group, there is also the option to visit the second glacial lagoon near the base of Salkantay. From Salkantay Pass you will hike up Huayra Machay where you will enjoy lunch and go on until you reach the exotic rainforest. As you travel, the vegetation changes from the sparse grasses and high mountains to lush cloud forest, being home to butterflies, hummingbirds, and a wide variety of flora. This part of the trail is less demanding with generally warm weather, you will enjoy the exuberant landscape with its small rivers, wonderful views of waterfalls, native plants, wild orchids, colorful birds and tropical fruits such as coffee, banana, avocado, passion fruit, and much more.After lunch, you head down to the river before climbing the ridge on the other side. It will take around 5 hours to reach the camp Chaullay where you will enjoy yoga, dinner and snacks. Your camping equipment and food will be transported by pack horses. 

Today you will wake up early, starting your day with meditation, energetic

yoga and breathing techniques. After a large breakfast you will take a transport to

Lucmabamba. On the campsite of Lucmabamba you will start your hike to Llactapata.

Llactapata is a well preserved Inca road which once ran all the way up to Quito, Ecuador.

You will be able to appreciate a great variety of crops such as coffee, banana, avocado,

pineapple and even coca leaves, considered the sacred leaf of the Incas. You will ascend to the archaeological site of Llactapata, where you will be able to see part of famous Machu Picchu and the entire valley that surrounds it. You will explore the archeological site, still covered in vines and jungle vegetation. After your box lunch you will hike back to the campsite.

On this day, you will enjoy an energetic breakfast and you will continue your spiritual hiking experience from Lucmabamba to Hidroelectrica. After having a delicious box lunch, you will resume your walking for 2-3 more hours until you arrive at Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu Pueblo, the town on the bottom of the magnificent Wonder of the World. The rest of the day you have time to relax in your hotel after your long journey or explore the village of Aguas Calientes by yourself.

Early in the morning, you will leave your hotel to take the bus up to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas“. This complex is considered a jewel of the Inca architecture. It is a complete town with different quarters, squares, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories and terraces. The city was rediscovered on July 24, 1911 by the US researcher Hiram Bingham. After a guided tour, you can explore this magical place a bit more on your own. There is also the option to take a short hike to the Inca Bridge or to the “Intipunku”, the sun gate. In the afternoon, you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus and take the train to Ollantaytambo. On the way back, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the train station, you will be taken to your hotel in Cusco.