You will begin your trek to Soraypampa, on an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for acclimatisation and to enjoy a mild & beautiful 4 hour trek
After an early start you will hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from the Salkantay. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 4,600 m (15,000 ft). At the pass you stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks
With the south face of Salkantay Mountain towering above you, you will need to keep your eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass you continue your descent toward ‘the place where the wind lives’, which is your destination for the evening
Head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations bananas, ‘granadillas’, and orchards. After another hour of trekking you arrive at the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail”
After the Llactapata pass (2,700 m/8,900ft) and the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored, you then begin your final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations
Your reward for completing one of the best walks in Peru, is a view of the best Inca ruins of Peru, Machu Picchu. You will spend an afternoon and a night here to fully appreciate this special place.
Manor Cottage, Papermill Lane, South Moreton, Oxfordshire, OX11 9AH
