Day 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. Two options are available, depending on route and weather conditions:

Option A – Condors in the Apurimac Canyon:

We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 am and head north out of the city before arriving at the small village of Chonta where we begin our one hour hike towards the condor viewing point. The viewpoint offers the opportunity to observe flora and fauna native to the environment, as well as the  Apurimac Canyon and River.

Most tourists do not arrive until after noon which guarantees a quiet environment to observe the giants that share the sky with hawks, eagles and even seagulls. Here we will enjoy a lunch-box specially prepared for the tour before returning by the same path to Chonta to catch our private transport to the first Ecocamp, Pincopata.

Option B – Archaeological sites:

This second option also leaves Cusco at 8:30 am and takes us along the same road from Cusco to  Mollepata, where we will stop and explore the archaeological site of Killarumiyoq. The lunar cycle was charted here and fertility rites honoring Mother Earth were performed during the height of the Inca civilization. Incredibly, the moon stone remains untouched and the peaceful site offers the chance to gain a deeper understanding of the Inca culture.

Following this visit, we continue along the road for an hour and a half to the community of Marcahuaylla, from where we start a short walk to access the archaeological remains of Choquechurco (Place where Gold is placed). This important 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 find remains of religious sites and settlements; carved boulders, small squares, and Inca walls covered of moss and vegetation.

From this place, we can see the Humantay Mountain as well as the Valleys of Limatambo, Apurimac and the town of Mollepata. We will stop to have lunch at this sacred site, surrounded by remarkable scenery, before continuing the descent to our Pincopata Ecocamp.

On arrival at Pincopata Ecocamp, we will be greeted with a lovely refreshment made from seasonal fruits and taken to our respective 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.

Day 2 – Pincopata Ecocamp – Soray Ecocamp:

 After breakfast, we will drive 15 minutes to the start of our trail in Marcoccasa. From here we start with a short uphill hike, then continue walking through an aqueduct overlooking the spectacular Río Blanco  Valley and the snowy peaks of Salkantay and Humantay before arriving at Soray Ecocamp in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, you can schedule a relaxing massage, a horseback ride, or simply choose to stroll around and enjoy the breath-taking views that surround our camp.

However, if you are up for a more active afternoon, you can choose to hike to the Humantay Lake, nestled at the base of the southern side of Mount Humantay. We will then descend to the lake to touch its gleaming waters and take some incredible photos. When we come back to the camp, there is enough time to take a hot shower before we’ll enjoy the delicious dinner prepared for us.

Day 3 – Soray Ecocamp – Salkantay Pass – Pincopata Ecocamp:

After breakfast, we will begin our trek through the bottom of the valley, gradually starting to ascent while crossing several small pampas. The challenging final climb to the Abra Pass will be rewarded with spectacular views of the south face of the snowy and wild Salkantay.

At the Pass, we will have time to celebrate our accomplishment before descending to a warmer spot to enjoy our lunch before returning to Soray.

We will board our transport back to our comfortable Ecocamp Pincopata and finish with a marvellous dinner to bid farewell to our days of hiking, and end the day stargazing around a cozy bonfire.

Day 4 – Pincopata Ecocamp – Cusco:

After breakfast at our Ecocamp, we will get ready to board our transportation to take us back to Cusco.