MAD Challenge to Machu Picchu!
Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the world's most famous archealogical sites. Why not push yourself to the extreme, feel the altitude and see some of the most spectacular South American scenary on one of the most unforgettable treks in the world? On this incredible 5 day trek you will reach an altitude of 4600m ASL, you will cross through valleys, walk below snow capped peaks, climb rocky passes, visit small villages and hot springs before finally hiking along the river through cloud forest to the lost Inca city.
Day One - Monday 25th June
You will arrive in Cusco and be met at the airport by your overseas crew leader and transferred to your accommodation for the next couple of nights. The first day you will most likely be pretty tired after a long flight and with the altitude you will definitely want to take it easy. You can relax and in the evening join the rest of the group for a welcome meal/drink out - try the Pisco Sour!
Day Two - Tuesday 26th June
Today you can spend the day discovering all the artesan markets, beautiful colonial churches and historic monuments and museums of Cusco. If you’re feeling energetic you could even walk the steep and winding walk up to the Inca ruins of Saqsaywaman on the hill above Cusco to take in some amazing views. In the evening why not try the local delicacy of guinea pig in one of Cusco’s many restaurants?
Day Three - Wedneday 27th June
Optional Day Trip to The Sacred Valley - The Sacred Valley of the Inca’s is one of the most beautiful valleys around the Cusco area surrounded by snow capped mountains and dotted with historic towns and Inca ruins. You will get to visit the ancient Inca sites of Moray, the spectacular Salt Pans, take a look round the fascinating market town of Pisac and visit some fantastic view points on the way! In the evening you will meet up for a briefing about the next couple of days trekking and you'll need an early bed as the next morning is an early start!
Day Four - Thursday 28th June
Salkantay 5 day/4 night trek to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and spectacular treks in the world and because of this the most popular classic 4 day Inca Trail these days has become very busy and expensive as you need to obtain permits months in advance. For a truly unforgettable experience we recommend the Salkantay trek; a slightly more challenging and longer trek but for the opportunity to visit villages on the way where there are few tourists, to feel like you are the only people in the Andes and see some of the most incredible scenery this is definitely the best option.
Cusco to Soraypampa
- Trekking distance: 21,2km
- Altitude: 3360m to 4050m
- Walking time: 6 to 7hrs
You will be picked up from the hostel at approx 4:30am and transferred to Mollepata where we stop for breakfast (not included) and then it’s time for a full day of hiking (21,5 km) mostly uphill. During the morning we get spoiled with beautiful views of the valley and by lunch, with a little luck, we will already see the snow peaks. After lunch we continue for another 3 to 4 hrs while the scenery is changing into rougher hills with rushing streams cascading between them. By the time we reach the campsite we are at an altitude of a little over 4000 meters and have already hiked 21,3 km. Needless to say, most of you will be snoring in your tents shortly after a good meal prepared by the cook and served by your guide.
Day Five - Friday 29th June
Soraypampa to Chaullay
- Trekking distance: 20,8km
- Altitude: 4050m to 4608m to 2860m
- Walking time: 7 to 8hrs
This is the day! Wake up call and “room service” delivered by your guide - a coca tea served at the door of your tent - to start this long day of trekking. After breakfast with the help of the weather gods you’ll see the massive Mount Salkantay smiling down at you (or laughing depending the way you look at it). Step by step we’ll climb higher until reaching Soyroccocha where we take a short rest and try to catch our breath. We keep on smiling and climbing higher and higher with the views getting more and more spectacular as the Salkantay mountain approaches.
Day Six - Saturday 30th June
Chaullay to Santa Teresa
- Trekking distance: 13,8km
- Altitude: 2860m to 1972m
- Walking time: 4 to 6hrs
Waking up in the pre-jungle is something special; usually in the early morning the clouds hang low over the valley and the trees, creating a mysterious scene. Soon after breakfast you will find yourself crossing rivers, balancing over bridges and enjoying the warmer climate. When we reach the “supermercado” we know we are close to the river where transport will be waiting for us to bring us to the village of Santa Teresa. We’ll pitch the tents here and enjoy another night of camping in the warm climate.
Day Seven - Sunday 1st July
Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes
- Trekking distance: 14,3km
- Altitude: 1972m to 1680m
- Walking time: 4 to 6hrs
You will wake up and have breakfast at around 7am. After breakfast you will walk to Colpani taking in the views until you reach the restaurant where you will have lunch at the Hidroelectrica station. From here it is only about two and a half hours further waking along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu. Dinner is included at a local restaurant before heading back to relax (in a real bed!) in your hostel with hot showers and private bathrooms.
Day Eight - 2nd July
Machu Picchu – Huayna Picchu – Cusco
In the morning you will start your 1 hour ascent to Machu Picchu to arrive in time for sunrise, or at the time you desire (bus is optional, $8 each way, first bus departs at 5:30am). If you have purchased a pass for Huayna Picchu in advance you will have the opportunity to climb the mountain (climbing time will be determined in advance depending on availability). There will be a two hour guided tour of Machu Picchu following and then you will have the rest of the afternoon to explore Machu Picchu and visit the hot springs. You need to return to Aguas Calientes at least 30 mins prior to your train departure (return trains schedule subject to daily change). There will be a transport waiting for you in Ollantaytambo to bring you back to Cusco.
(Itinerary subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather)
Day Nine to Day Twelve – Rest and Relaxation in Cusco! (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th July)
For the next four days you are free to take a well deserved rest after the trek. There are a number of local tour operators in Cusco you can use to book a trip such as a 3 or 4 day trip to the Amazon, trips to Lake Titicaca; the highest navigable lake in the world, to Arequipa to see the Colca Canyon that is deeper than the Grand Canyon and full of Condors and white water rafting are just some examples. Otherwise feel free to just put your feet up and stay at the hostel.
