Before starting the Salkantay Trek, the first night in the mountains leaves an unforgettable impression. Mamá Andrea Cabins, in Soraypampa, welcome you at high altitude, with the snow-capped Salkantay mountain ahead and the silence of the hills all around. Here, we tell you what it is really like to sleep here, from the moment you arrive until you set off hiking.
Arriving in Soraypampa
The journey to Soraypampa is already part of the experience. As you climb, the landscape opens up and the mountains grow larger, until you reach the nearly 3,850 m s. n. m. where the cabins are located. It is a place surrounded by hills, with cold, fresh air and a pace that feels very different from the city.
When you arrive, the first thing you notice is the silence and the closeness of nature. You are right in the mountains, at the point where the trek begins.
Inside Your Cabin
The cabins are made of wood with thatched roofs, simple and cozy. Inside, they are warm and clean, with beds and several thick blankets to face the nighttime cold. It is not luxury accommodation, and that simplicity is part of its charm: an authentic refuge at high altitude.
Many travelers highlight the thoughtfulness of the hosts, who often provide extra blankets so you can sleep comfortably despite the high-altitude cold.
A Night in the Mountains
Sleeping at nearly 3,850 m s. n. m. is an experience in itself. The temperature drops considerably after nightfall, but inside the cabin, with the blankets, the atmosphere stays warm. On clear nights, the sky above Soraypampa fills with stars, far from any light pollution.
This night also serves an important purpose: it helps your body acclimatize before the hike, something you will appreciate the next day when you begin climbing.
Humantay Lake Just Steps Away
One of the advantages of sleeping here is that Humantay Lake is about a 25-minute walk away. Many travelers take advantage of the afternoon they arrive or the following morning to visit it, with its turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Having it so close makes this stop much more than just a place to spend the night.
An Authentic Start
The experience at Mamá Andrea Cabins is a genuine start to a mountain adventure: simple, cold, peaceful, and surrounded by nature. Do not expect luxury; expect authenticity, warm hospitality, and the privilege of waking up in the heart of the Andes before setting off toward Machu Picchu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to sleep at Mamá Andrea Cabins?
You sleep in a simple, warm wood-and-thatch cabin with beds and thick blankets, right in the mountains at nearly 3,850 m s. n. m.
Is it very cold at night?
Yes, the temperature drops considerably due to the altitude, but the thick blankets keep the cabin warm throughout the night.
Can you see the stars from Soraypampa?
Yes. Since it is far from city lights, the sky is exceptionally clear on cloudless nights.
Is it worth sleeping here before the trek?
Yes. Beyond the experience itself, spending the night in Soraypampa helps your body acclimatize to the altitude before starting the hike.