For Soray, its elevation, landscape and access routes shape the first impression. The combined Soray–Soraypampa sector lies at 3,861 m. Soray is considered a cold plain on bofedal mounds; Sayllapata and Challacancha are the access routes to Soray. Nearby, Humantay Lagoon is located in the Soraypampa sector. Distinguishing between Soray and Soraypampa helps place the destination’s landscape landmarks in their geographical context.

Lagoon and pre-Hispanic trail

The lagoon lies at the foot of Humantay, also called Apu Humantay, opposite Apu Salkantay. Its turquoise water is a distinctive feature of the natural landscape. The Mollepata–Salkantay pre-Hispanic trail section also runs through the Mollepata, Soraypampa and Salkantay sectors; it is approximately 25 km long. The lagoon and trail offer different perspectives on the surrounding area: one is a natural attraction, the other a historical route through several sectors. The route and the individual destination represent different geographical scales.

Cultural landscape and geographical context

Salkantay is revered as an Inca huaca, or Apu. This spiritual significance adds a cultural dimension to the geographical orientation provided by the mountain. Soray’s geographical context is also important: the part of the Mollepata District that includes the Soray sector belongs to the buffer zone of the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu. The reverence relates to Salkantay, while the buffer-zone designation applies to the part of the district that includes Soray. Thus, two different scales of the cultural landscape complement each other.

Road and trail conditions

The Mollepata–Soraypampa connecting road is classified as a departmental road, is about 50 km long and is unpaved. Its length refers to the road connection; the Mollepata–Salkantay pre-Hispanic trail section, at approximately 25 km, is a different route. This distinction helps keep the two route references separate when planning your trip. Check current conditions before driving or hiking: the road surface and the physical conditions of the trail may change.

Climate and landscape

A rainy, semi-frosty climate with a dry winter characterizes Soray. It encourages plant growth among the hills. This climate classification adds a seasonal dimension to the landscape’s elevation: rain, cold and the dry winter are as much a part of the area as its plain and the routes in the surrounding area.

Accommodation and local practices

Accommodation modules and lodgings for mule drivers have been built in the Soray sector. The two types serve different purposes; check which type of accommodation is actually available for your travel dates. Soray is also considered a natural area where tourist activities take place. The activity of the mule drivers’ association in the direction of Soraypampa is considered a custom that has grown along with the increasing number of tourists. The natural area and local practices are thus two distinct aspects of the tourist character of Soray and its surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Las Cruces, Calca, Sicuani, Ocongate, Lamay, Maras, Santa Teresa, Oroya.

For the broader travel overview: Cuzco.