Your day starts in Cusco where you are picked up from your hotel between 3am and 3:30am for a 3 hour trip via private van to the start of the trail. You will be given a local Peruvian style breakfast prepared by a chef and fuel up for the hike ahead of you. Your day starts in Cusco or the Sacred Valley region where you are picked up from your hotel between 3am and 3:30am for a 2.5 hour drive to the village of Mollepata, located in the lush valley of the Apurimac River. Here we will enjoy breakfast in a local restaurant before we start the trek to Soraypampa. We travel along a photogenic path called the “Camino Real,” as we gain altitude. After reaching the tiny village, where few amenities exist, we continue for another hour and a half, ascending 1,200 feet in just 2 miles up a steep path. After conquering the last hill, we will gaze down on a turquoise lake below, which is surrounded by steep peaks and an impressive glacier. The hike is dominated by Salkantay Peak, one of Peru’s most sacred mountains, towering 20,600 feet with a sheer and snowy face. The equally impressive Humantay Peak, rising 19,412 feet, is also within view. Shamans and other natives will often give blessing when reaching the crystal-clear waters of Humantay Lake. Once we reach the lakeshore, we relax, enjoy a snack, go for a swim (if you are brave!) or give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth). When you are ready to hike back down, we will descend to Soraypampa and have lunch while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of the snowy peaks. We drive back to Cusco (or the Sacred Valley) drop you off at your hotel. NOTE: This is a challenging day of hiking. Hikers should be reasonably fit, and spend some time in Cusco to acclimate as the hike takes place over 4200m (13,000ft) and is about 7 kilometers (5 miles) in length. We recommend guests have at least 2-3 days of acclimation. Pick up time is between 3am and 3:30am, please be waiting in your hotel lobby at 3am and keep a lookout for the van. You may want to bring a pillow and blanket to get some extra sleep during the van ride (these can be left in the van while you hike). If you are prone to motion sickness we also recommend taking something to help with this.