TREK & CLIMB: GLACIER VELO DE LA NOVIA (5,269M) – 4 Days

Leaving at around 7am from Cusco; in private transport, heading to Urubamba. Stopping in Urubamba to collect any further supplies required. From Urubamba it's another short drive heading to San Isidro, passing through Andean communities and observing along the route; archaeological sites, lagoons and small farms producing potatoes, corn etc. On arrival into San Isidro you'll trek for a couple of hours along track until reaching the peaceful and enclosed pampa of Corralpampa. Here cows graze nearby a small fresh stream with Inca Terraces in the background. Here we'll set-up camp, to allow for acclimatisation, enjoying some traditional local meals prepared by our crew. Lunch and Dinner will be prepared for the day and there is plenty of time to explore the area and take some incredible photos.
Walking hours: 5-6 hrs
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Corralpampa ...more ...less

Today leaving Corralpampa; after a good wholesome breakfast, with our crew (including porters) to take our climbing equipment, tents, sleeping bags to the laguna of Juchuycocha which sits at the base of the glaciers above. The trail up is a continual ascent zig-zagging up mountainside; eventually reaching morraine near the laguna. It is a long hard day but with plenty of stops, snacks and water along the way the ascent to the laguna is achieved in around 5-6 hrs. The reward at the end of the trail is Laguna Juchuycocha, which a cristal clear glacial lake. Here we'll set up camp, taking lunch & dinner with plenty of time for rest & recuperation and some incredible photo opportunities. An early night will be essential in order to rise in time for the ascent and enjoy the sunrise.
Walking hours: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 7 km
Maximum height: 4,890 masl.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you'll rise early in the morning to take some breakfast before leaving the camp at around 2.30am. Armed with headtorches, ice axes, crampons, harnesses & helmets you'll head over to the base of the glacier crossing some morraine for about an hour. The first section is a gradual incline, gradually flattening out as the glacial climb advances. Arriving to the summit in around 3-4 hrs you'll be greeted by an epic sunrise and the glorious surrounds of the Urubamba mountain range. Having taken as many photos as you like, then you'll track back to the base of the glacier and back to the campsite by the laguna for a quick respite. Then; packing up we head back down to Corralpampa and San Isidro where our private will be waiting for us. From here you have the option to return directly to Cusco or opt for the extension to Machu Picchu by heading to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Walking hours: 10 hrs
Distance: 11 km
Maximum height: 5,530 masl.
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This day the visit will be according to the schedule of your entrance to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu; duration of around 3-4 hours. Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel; located on a ridge between the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains in Peru. It sits 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level on the eastern slope of the Andes and overlooks the Urubamba River hundreds of feet below. Once you return to Ollantaytambo, our transfer will take you back to Cusco.
Walking hours: 1 hrs
Maximum height: 2,430 masl.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.