The snowy Salkantay (Wild Mountain), is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region, along with the snowy Ausangate in the Vilcanota mountain range which is located further south, this snowy has two types of peaks, which years ago they had some differences between them, but today after the collapse of the Serac to the WEST of the snowy mountain, it shows that both tops are really identical. SALKANTAY TREK INFORMATION
The summit to the WEST is slimmer While the summit located to the EAST, it is slightly higher when it is crowned by a SERAC (large block of ice fragmented by important cracks in a glacier). During the way towards the snowy Salkantay, you will be able to witness the excellent flora, among it you will find the famous Orchids that are very beautiful and colorful adorning the landscape. Location: The snowy Salkantay or Salkantay is a snowy mountain in Peru, located in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, in the Santa Teresa district, La Convencion province, Cusco Department. This beautiful snow-capped mountain rises to 6264 m. n. m.
The Humantay Lagoon is the most beautiful lake in Cusco, and it certainly surprises us every day, it is a turquoise lake and is in the middle of the Andes mountains.
The Humantay lagoon is formed as a result of the snow thaw of Humantay, part of the Salkantay mountain.
What differentiates the Humantay Lagoon from other lagoons, is the natural color that it has because not having much marine flora in its waters it has an indescribable color in words, but understandable to the eye.
It forms a unique landscape, where travelers seek to capture the ideal moment with their cameras capturing a wonderful and magical landscape at the same time.
All this and more makes Humantay a place visited by all the tourists who visit Cusco.
Location
Lake Humantay is 2 hours walk from the community of Soraypampa, in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, department of Cusco, about 2 hours by car from the city of Cusco.
How to get to Humantay Lagoon?
To get to this natural wonder you will have to take a car from Cusco to Mollepata, at the Arcopata bus terminal for about 2 hours.
After breakfast you have to hire the services of a taxi driver to take you to Soraypampa, the taxi will charge you an approximate rate of S / 20.00 and if by chance there are more people who want to go it will be less.
Then you must pay the entrance to Lake Humantay (S / 10.00).
After arriving in Soraypampa you will have to walk at least 2 hours to reach the Laguna (if you do not want to walk you can rent a horse), the first 30 minutes of walking are half flat and the rest is already uphill.
You have to keep in mind that you will probably not find mobility to return, so I recommend that you agree with the taxi driver to wait for you or come to pick you up, there you will enter into your abilities to negotiate prices.
If you cannot find mobility, there are accommodations that range from 20 to 40 soles, there are also camping areas (take your tent) where you can stay. If you plan to camp, make sure you are well wrapped, since it is very cold at night.
DAY 01 : CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SAYAPATA – HUMANTAY LAKE - SORAYPAMPA (L)(D)
We will leave Cusco approximately at 5:00a.m. A bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 7:30 in the morning, we will stop for last minute supplies, leg-stretching or to use the restrooms at a local restaurant. We will continue our journey to Sayapata, our trek starting point. We will meet with our support staff, who will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our hike toward Soraypampa (3850 meters above sea level). During the hike we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. Around 1:00p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will visit Humantay Lake, a marvelous lake in the mountains, (3 hours hike) and we will come back to our campsite where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.
DAY 02 : SORAYPAMPA - CHALLWAY (B)(L)(D)
Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 7:00 in the morning. We will hike to a place called Pampas Salkantay, then go toward the left side of the snowy peaks of Umantay located next to the Apu Salkantay. At midday, we will be on the highest point (4600 meters above sea level).salkantay route tour to machu picchuWe will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest point of the Cusco region. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Challway (2920 meters above sea level). Around 7:00p.m., we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.
DAY 03 : CHALLWAY – PLAYA SAHUAYACO – SANTA TERESA HOT SPRINGS (B)(L)(D)
Around 7:00a.m., we will start our trek. We will walk for about 6 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco and during this period; we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks”. Here we will have lunch. At 2:00 p.m. a local bus will take us to Santa Teresa Hot Springs, where you will enjoy and relax at the hot pools. You will have dinner and camping there.
DAY 04 : SANTA TERESA- LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC - AGUAS CALIENTES (B)(L)(D)
After an early breakfast, we will take a local transportation to Lucmabamba (40 minutes ride) to our start hiking point. Once at the Llactapata entrance, you will start an ascent hike towards the ruins of Llactapata. On the way you will observe coffee plantations, beautiful landscapes as well as diverse flora and fauna. After three hours, you will arrive at Llactapata where you will have an amazing view of Machu Picchu. Here you will have time to rest and enjoy the scenery. A descending trail will take you to the Hydroelectric where you will eat lunch at a local restaurant. The last park of the trek, an approximately 2 hours walk, takes us to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will be accommodated at the hostel or hotel of your choice (included on this package). You will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant at about 7:00p.m.
DAY 05: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (B)
Today, you will start early at around 4:30a.m. and walk up to Machu Picchu. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours and after that you will be free to explore the Citadel and take pictures, if you desire, walk up to the Sun Gate or ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain. At 6:45p.m. (depending on availability), you will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo and from there; a bus will drive you to Cusco.
