Peru Ecocamp Treks - 3,5 or 6 days
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Experience backpacking along the infamous Salkantay Trek passing glacial lakes, snowcapped mountains, and cloud forests blooming with orchid species and unique birds. If you stay at all 4 of ecocamps and 1 ecolodge, you will experience different altitudes, landscapes, and fine dining created with only fresh and natural ingredients. The comforts at the camps extend from luxurious geodesic domes that measure 28 square meters (301 square feet) in size, to the exquisite food which ranges from the simplest to the most elaborate dishes.
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6 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuDAY 1: CUSCO - CHONTA - PINCOPATA ECOCAMP
Our day begins with an 9 am pick up from your hotel. Our first stop is the archaeological site of Kuillarumiyoc, a ritual site during the height of the Inca Empire that still holds great significance to Quechua society today. We will stop here and explore Kuillarumiyoc before continuing to the Condor Viewing Point in Chonta, our second stop. During the drive to Chonta you will enjoy views of the Limatambo valley. Once in Chonta, we begin our 1-hour hike to the condor viewing point. We will walk along a narrow trail that offers spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyon below. At the viewing point, there will be time to relax and observe the condors soaring over the canyon. We are almost certain to have the site completely to ourselves as most tourists tend to visit the area later in the afternoon. Here, we will be served a specially prepared boxed lunch before heading back to our vehicle to continue to our final destination, Pincopata Ecocamp. At Pincopata, you will be greeted with refreshing drinks prepared from locally sourced fruits before being escorted to your heated sleeping dome. There will be plenty of time to rest and take a hot shower before dinner, or perhaps enjoy the optional therapeutic massage service. If resting is not your thing, you can explore the ecocamp’s beautiful natural surroundings. If time allows, we can also arrange additional activities including horseback riding and mountain biking. Our day will end with a delicious three course dinner of typical Peruvian cuisine made from the finest natural ingredients. Driving Distance: 132.5 km / 82.8 mi Driving Time: 3,5 hrs Hiking distance: 6.4 km / 3.97 mi Hiking Time: 2 hrs (round trip) Altitude Chonta: 3,400 m / 11,154.86 ft Altitude Pincopata: 2,850 m / 9,348 ft Hiking Level: Moderate DAY 2: PINCOPATA ECOCAMP – TILCA & CHOQUECHURCO - PINCOPATA ECOCAMP We will depart Pincopata Ecocamp, after breakfast, and drive along a path through forests passing local farms and the incredible landscape of the Apurimac Valley. We will arrive at our starting point for our hike to Tilca, an important sacred Huaca located in Mollepata. Our trek to the summit of the Apu Tilca will take about 1.5 hours. During this gradual climb we will encounter Inca culture remains and at the summit, steps leading to ceremonial platforms. At the top, we will be able to appreciate views of the great snowy Salkantay mountain as well as Humantay, Camas, and Abuela among several other peaks in the Vilcabamba mountain range. We will also be rewarded with outstanding views of the Apurimac River canyon. After some time enjoying and exploring this impressive landscape we will descend and continue our journey to the archaeological remains of Choquechurco (Place where Gold is placed). This sacred place, unknown to many, is on our list of remote sites we like to visit. Situated among a forest of native Polylepis trees, this abandoned site will make you feel like a true explorer. From this place, we will have views of Humantay Mountain, the Valley of Limatambo, Apurimac, and the town of Mollepata. Surrounded by remarkable scenery, we will stop to have lunch at this site before continuing the descent to our Pincopata Ecocamp. Driving Distance: 20.4 km / 12.7 mi (round trip) Driving Time: 30 minutes (round trip) Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.25 mi Hiking time: 4-5 hrs. Altitude Tilca: 3,790 m / 12,431 f Altitude Choquechurco: 3,200 m / 10,500 ft. Altitude Pincopata: 2,850 m / 9,348 ft. DAY 3: PINCOPATA ECOCAMP - SALKANTAY PASS – HUMANTAY ECOCAMP Today, we experience one of the highlights of our trip, crossing the Salkantay. After breakfast, we begin our hike along the valley floor gradually starting to ascend while crossing several small pampas. Although the final climb to the pass can be strenuous, the dramatic views of Mount Salkantay’s rocky southern face at the top makes the challenge worth it. It can be cold and windy at the pass, so make sure to bring a warm jacket and a hat. At the pass, we’ll have time to celebrate our accomplishment with a delicious picnic lunch before descending down the Salkantay Valley. We finish the day and spend the night at our high Ecocamp in Huayracmachay that will also offer excellent views of Mount Humantay and Salkantay. Hiking distance: 13,44 km / 8,4 mi Trekking time: 6 - 7 hrs. Approx. Altitude Pincopata: 2850 m / 9348 ft. Altitude Salkantay Pass: 4650 m / 15,255.91 ft. Altitude Huayra: 3,900m / 12,792ft Hiking Level: Challenging DAY 4: HUMANTAY ECOCAMP - MILPO ECOCAMP We start day 4 with a trek downhill that lasts approximately an hour before heading uphill to a new trail. This new trail offers impressive views of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the peaks of Pumacillo and Choquetacarpo. The trail then continues up into the high grassy planes as far as the Abra Pass, from which we will be able to gaze upon the impressive northwest face of Mount Humantay. Here, we will enjoy lunch with views of the Salkantay and the Manchayhuayco valleys, as well as the mountains Camas, Abuela, and Yanama. After lunch, we begin our hike down the Humantay River Valley to the next Ecocamp that is situated along the banks of the river. You can use the afternoon to relax at the comfortable Milpo Ecocamp where we will also have dinner and spend the night. Hiking distance: 10 km/6 mi Approx. Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hrs. Altitude Milpo: 3,100m / 9,840 ft Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging DAY 5: MILPO ECOCAMP – LUCMA – MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO After a nutritious breakfast, we will hike down the valley as far as Totora. Part of the hike will be along a country road before we cross the Santa Teresa River and hike along the left side of the valley. This section of our route will take us through the cloud forest where we will have plenty of opportunities to see unique birds and orchid species. When we arrive at Huiñaypocco, our transport will be awaiting to drive us to Lucuma where we’ll have a special lunch. Then, we’ll visit the local coffee plantation where the local guide will show us how highland coffee beans are picked, processed, and roasted. You will have the opportunity to savor some freshly roasted coffee and even buy some coffee directly from the local farmer. In the afternoon, we will board the train for the scenic ride to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) where you’ll have plenty of time to settle into your hotel and explore the small charming town. You will spend the night at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (or similar). Trekking distance: 10 km/6 mi Trekking Time: 5 - 6 hrs. Driving time: 30 minutes Train ride: 20 minutes Altitude Milpo: 3100 m / 9840 ft. Altitude Lucuma: 1,850m / 6,068ft Altitude Aguas Calientes: 2000/ 6560 ft. Hiking Level: Easy to moderate DAY 6: MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO - MACHU PICCHU – CUSCOAfter breakfast, our local guide will accompany us to the Machu Picchu archaeological site by bus. After checking in at the park entrance, we will explore the unique Inca ruins and uncover the mysteries of this sacred city with an in-depth guided walking tour. Other options during this visit include climbing Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. These climbs are physically challenging, but the magnificent views from the peak of both mountains make the effort worthwhile. Please notify us in advance if you’d like to climb one of these mountains as we must book this prior to your arrival at Machu Picchu. After our tour, we will enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. We will reconnect you with your luggage, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and then transfer to our vehicle for the remaining journey back to Cusco. Altitude Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m/ 6,560 pies Altitude Machu Picchu: 2430 m / 7972.44 pies Altitude Ollantaytambo: 2792 m / 9160.11 pies Distance Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo: 32 km / 19.8 mi Distance Ollantaytambo-Cusco: 60 km / 37.28 mi Train time: 2 hrs. Driving time: 2 hrs. 2022 Prices per person, double occupancy for private departures: with 1 person = US$6946 with 2 people = US$4881 with 3 people = US$4193 with 4 people = US$3849 Single supplement = US$1183 WHAT IS INCLUDED
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Planted with organic gardens, using solar energy and natural water sources, the Ecocamps offer guests a luxurious camping experience in a natural setting, while reducing environmental impact to an absolute minimum. Water is filtered and treated with UV light, making it safe to drink the tap water, which in turn reduces the use of plastic bottles. Toilets are on a two flush system: liquid waste is first filtered and then goes into the ground. The whole waste goes through a biodegradable system, which is later used as compost for reforestation progress. They use organic fertilizers and compost produced by the waste of fruits and vegetables from their kitchen and use organic non-detergent products in both their kitchens and bathrooms. All domes are 28m2 / 300 ft2 and include either a king-size bed or 2 twin beds. They are fully equipped with a private bathroom (toilet, sink, and hydromassage shower), wood burning stove and enough blankets to keep you warm. Dinner and drinks are served in the dining dome or our lobby/bar dome. Experience luxurious accommodation and typical Andean food prepared using local, fresh and organic ingredients. Done hiking, but in for more? We offer several extra activities in and around the ecocamps, such as horseback riding, cooking classes and yoga. |
5 Day Salkantay, Condors and Machu PicchuDAY 1: CUSCO - CONDORS - PINCOPATA ECOCAMP
This first day will give participants time to adapt to the altitude and begin to prepare physically for the following days’ hiking. We will pick you up from your hotel at 8am for the trip to the Condor Viewing Point at Chonta. Along the way, we will stop and explore one of two archaeological sites: Kuillarumiyoc or Tarahuasi. These sites were important ritual sites during the height of the Inca Empire and still hold great significance today in Quechua society. While driving further, you will enjoy the landscape of the Limatambo valley and spot small farming communities nestled among the valley. Upon reaching Chonta, we will walk for approximately an hour along a narrow track with spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyon. We are almost certain to have the site completely to ourselves as most tourists tend to visit the area later in the afternoon. At the viewing point, there will be time to relax and observe the condors soaring over the canyon, while a specially prepared boxed lunch will be served. After lunch, we will return to our vehicle and continue to our final destination, Pincopata Ecocamp. Upon arrival at Pincopata Ecocamp, we will be greeted with a lovely refreshment made from seasonal fruits and taken to our domes to enjoy a hot shower and a deserved rest. If rest is not your thing, you may prefer to walk around the camp or participate in the various extra activities available at the Ecocamp, such as horse-riding and biking. We will end the day with a superb dinner consisting of fresh and locally sourced foods typical of Peruvian-cuisine. Driving Distance: 132.5 km / 82,8 mi Driving Time: 3,5 hrs Altitude Chonta: 3,400 m Altitude Pincopata: 2,850 m / 9,348 ft DAY 2: PINCOPATA ECOCAMP – TILCA & CHOQUECHURCO – PINCOPATA After breakfast, we continue along the road for 25 minutes to the community of Tilca, from hire we start our hike to the top of one of the sacred mountains, a gradual up-hill on meddle of typical vegetation and spectacular views of the valley and mountains before arrive to the top where we can see some stairs and platforms with religious proposes and retaining walls. After this experience we start descending to Marcahuaylla, from where we continue another short walk to access the archaeological remains of Choquechurco (Place where Gold is placed). This sacred place, unknown to many, is on our list of remote sites we like to visit. Situated among a forest of native Polylepis trees, this abandoned site will make you feel like a true explorer. We will discover remains of religious sites and settlements; carved boulders, small squares, and Inca walls covered with moss and vegetation From this place, we will have views of Humantay Mountain, the Valley of Limatambo, Apurimac, and the town of Mollepata. Surrounded by remarkable scenery, we will stop to have lunch at this site before continuing the descent to our Pincopata Ecocamp. Driving Distance: 20.4 km / 12.7 mi (round trip) Driving Time: 30 minutes (rt) Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.25 mi Hiking time: 4-5 hrs Altitude Tilca: 3,790 m / 12,431 f Altitude Choquechurco: 3,200 m / 10,500 ft. Altitude Pincopata: 2,850 m / 9,348 ft. DAY 3: PINCOPATA ECOCAMP - SORAY – PINCOPATA ECOCAMP Option 1: Pincopata Ecocamp - Marcoccasa - Humantay Lake - Pincopata Ecocamp After breakfast, we’ll drive 15 minutes to the start of our trail at Marcoccasa. From here, we begin with a short uphill walk before continuing our hike along an aqueduct overlooking the spectacular Rio Blanco Valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Humantay and Salkantay Mountains. Surrounded by a spectacular view, you will enjoy a delicious box lunch. During the afternoon, we offer an optional hike to Lake Humantay, a lake nestled at the base of the southern face of the mountain. This 1.5-hour hike will present breath-taking views of the glacial lake of the Humantay Mountain. If you prefer a more laid-back afternoon, you can schedule a soothing massage or simply take in the breath-taking views surrounding our camp. We'll spend the night at Pincopata Camp. Driving time to trail head: 15 min Distance to trailhead: 8 km /5 mi Trekking distance: 14 km/8.75 mi Trekking time: 4- 5 hrs Altitude Soraypampa: 3,883m / 12,737ft Altitude Pincopata: 2,850 m / 9,348 ft. Hiking Level: Moderate Option 2: Pincopata Ecocamp - Salkantay Pass - Pincopata Ecocamp After breakfast, we´ll drive to Soraypampa where is the beginning of our trek. From the bottom of the valley gradually starting to ascend while crossing several small pampas. The challenging final climb to the Abra Pass will be rewarded with spectacular views of Salkantay Mountain. At the pass you will have time to celebrate our accomplishment before descending to a warmer spot to enjoy a box lunch. Later, we will return to Soraypampa to meet our transport. After boarding our transport, you´ll back to our comfortable Pincopata Ecocamp, and enjoy a marvelous dinner. Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi Hiking time: 7-8 hrs. round trip Hiking level: challenging Altitude Abra Salkantay: 4,664 m / 15,300 ft. Altitude Soraypampa: 3,883m / 12,737ft Altitude Pincopata: 2,850 m / 9,348 ft DAY 4: PINCOPATA ECOCAMP - OLLANTAYTAMBO - MACHU PICCHU We begin with breakfast at the camp and then travel through small Quechua villages in the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Here, we board a train that will take us to the village of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). We will enjoy the train ride while eating a freshly prepared packed lunch. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, we will travel by bus up to Machu Picchu with our guide to discover the impressive historical citadel for the afternoon. Having explored the site, we will descend to our wonderful hotel where we can rest or explore the village of Aguas Calientes until dinner. Transfer distance: 130 km / 81.25mi Transfer time: 2.5-3 hrs. Train travel distance: 36 km / 22.5 mi Train travel time: 1.5 hrs. Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,000m / 6,560ft DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO After breakfast in Machu Picchu Pueblo, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo where we will have our own private transport awaiting to take us back to Cusco. For those planning to spend more time in Cusco, we will be happy to arrange a hotel and drop off. Train Ride: 1.5 hrs. Transfer distance: 110 km/68.4 mi. Transfer time: 2 hrs. 2022 Prices per person, double occupancy for private departures: with 1 person = US$5593 with 2 people = US$3890 with 3 people = US$3322 with 4 people = US$3038 Single supplement = US$981 WHAT IS INCLUDED
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
3 Days Humantay Glacier LakeDAY 1: CUSCO - CONDORS - PINCOPATA ECOCAMP
This first day will give participants time to adapt to the altitude and begin to prepare physically for the following days’ hiking. We will pick you up from your hotel at 8am for the trip to the Condor Viewing Point at Chonta. Along the way, we will stop and explore one of two archaeological sites: Kuillarumiyoc or Tarahuasi. These sites were important ritual sites during the height of the Inca Empire and still hold great significance today in Quechua society. While driving further, you will enjoy the landscape of the Limatambo valley and spot small farming communities nestled among the valley. Upon reaching Chonta, we will walk for approximately an hour along a narrow track with spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyon. We are almost certain to have the site completely to ourselves as most tourists tend to visit the area later in the afternoon. At the viewing point, there will be time to relax and observe the condors soaring over the canyon, while a specially prepared boxed lunch will be served. After lunch, we will return to our vehicle and continue to our final destination, Pincopata Ecocamp. Upon arrival at Pincopata Ecocamp, we will be greeted with a lovely refreshment made from seasonal fruits and taken to our domes to enjoy a hot shower and a deserved rest. If rest is not your thing, you may prefer to walk around the camp or participate in the various extra activities available at the Ecocamp, such as horse-riding and biking. We will end the day with a superb dinner consisting of fresh and locally sourced foods typical of Peruvian-cuisine. Driving Distance: 132.5 km / 82,8 mi Driving Time: 3,5 hrs Altitude Chonta: 3,400 m Altitude Pincopata: 2,850 m / 9,348 ft DAY 2: PINCOPATA ECOCAMP – TILCA & CHOQUECHURCO – PINCOPATA ECOCAMP After breakfast, we continue along the road for 25 minutes to the community of Tilca, from hire we start our hike to the top of one of the sacred mountains, a gradual up-hill on meddle of typical vegetation and spectacular views of the valley and mountains before arrive to the top where we can see some stairs and platforms with religious proposes and retaining walls. After this experience we start descending to Marcahuaylla, from where we continue another short walk to access the archaeological remains of Choquechurco (Place where Gold is placed). This sacred place, unknown to many, is on our list of remote sites we like to visit. Situated among a forest of native Polylepis trees, this abandoned site will make you feel like a true explorer. We will discover remains of religious sites and settlements; carved boulders, small squares, and Inca walls covered with moss and vegetation From this place, we will have views of Humantay Mountain, the Valley of Limatambo, Apurimac, and the town of Mollepata. Surrounded by remarkable scenery, we will stop to have lunch at this site before continuing the descent to our Pincopata Ecocamp. Driving Distance: 20.4 km / 12.7 mi (round trip) Driving Time: 30 minutes (rt) Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.25 mi Hiking time: 4-5 hrs Altitude Tilca: 3,790 m / 12,431 f Altitude Choquechurco: 3,200 m / 10,500 ft. Altitude Pincopata: 2,850 m / 9,348 ft. DAY 3: PINCOPATA ECOCAMP - SORAY - HUMANTAY LAKE - CUSCO After breakfast, we’ll drive from Pincopata to the Soray where we will be presented with glorious views of the snow-capped peaks of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains. A welcoming tea will be awaiting us at Soray. We soon begin our hike to the glacial lake of Humantay, which will take one to two hours depending on pace. When we arrive, we will have plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery stretching across the colorful waters of the lake to the glacier that towers above. We will then begin our descent to Soray and return to Pincopata for a wonderful final meal before returning to Cusco. Distance to Soray: 20 km/12.5 mi Driving time: 1.5 hrs (round trip) Trekking distance: 6.4 km / 4 mi Trekking time: ± 3 hrs. Altitude Glacial Lake: 3,869 m / 12,690 ft. Driving time Cusco: 2 hrs Hiking level: moderate 2022 Prices per person, double occupancy for private departures: with 1 person = US$2042 with 2 people = US$1336 with 3 people = US$1101 with 4 people = US$983 Single supplement = US$336 WHAT IS INCLUDED
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