Salkantay Trail: Wayna Lodge to Collpa Lodge

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Suitable for trail running if you can manage the logistics. The trail was very muddy when we were here in late March.

This leg continues the descent through the cloud forest. In this climate zone, there are lots of wildflowers, including native orchids, fuchsias, begonias, lilies, lupines, and others. Hummingbirds flit across the path in front of us, there are often finches and brightly colored tanagers in the trees and visitors can hear frogs "singing" in the distance. Any local guides will know all of the local plants and birds.

The trail is all downhill and when our group visited in late March, things were quite muddy. Those who are experiencing altitude-related symptoms will most likely feel much better as you descend to lower altitudes.

Close to Colpa lodge, there is a small gorge where the trail drops 300 vertical feet to a river and comes back up the same amount on the other side. There is also a zip line in place as an alternative way to cross the gorge. I dont know who governs the use of the zip line, but we were able to use it and it was certainly a fast and fun way to get across the chasm to the lodge. Safety is on par with zip lines I have used in other places.

Lots of wildflowers and butterflies.