Day 01 LIMA
Accommodation »
Arrival and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours to museums or to visit the city and surroundings sites.
Day 02 LIMA - CUSCO
Accommodation »
Morning departure for flight to Cusco, center of the Inca Empire. Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel.
The morning is free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude (10,856 ft / 3309 m). In the afternoon, you will
have a walking tour to visit the local markets of Cusco, the colonial Cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive
Temple of the Sun. After we will depart for a tour of Cusco's temples and visit each distinct Inca sight. The
fortress of Sacsayhuaman with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean
altars; the small fortress of Puka Pukara that protected the royal capital from attacks and the sacred water
temple of Tambo Machay. Overnight Novotel (or similar). (B)
Day 03 CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY - CUSCO
Accommodation »
Full day guided excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be the picturesque town of
Chincheros, next we continue down the Urubamba valley to reach the charming town of Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft.).
After lunch, visit Pisac and it's open air market, this is a great opportunity to get souvenirs. Our last stop
will be the native weaving cooperative of Awanakancha that was set up to help insure that ancient Peruvian textile
crafts are passed on to future generations. Return to Cusco, overnight Novotel (or similar). (B,L)
Day 04 CUSCO - SALKANTAY LODGE & ADVENTURE RESORT at SORAYPAMPA
Accommodation »
After breakfast, the guests will be picked up at 7 am at their hotel in Cusco by an MLP guide and vehicle and
transferred (about 3.5 hours) to the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (SLAR). Along the way, we will take
a break to visit the impressive Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approx. 1.5 hrs from Cusco).
After leaving Limatambo, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where guests will have lunch. We
then ascend a winding mountain track to the beautiful valley of Soraypampa (11,800 ft/3,600 m). This region
is dominated by Mt. Salkantay (20,500 ft / 6240 m), which is the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology, and
therefore a fitting name for the first lodge. After checking in, your first afternoon is free to adjust to the
altitude. An evening briefing by the fire is followed by aperitifs and dinner. (B,L,D)
Optional Trek: guests have the option of choosing to trek from Mollepata to Soraypampa, along an old route
called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for you to acclimate and enjoy a mild &
beautiful 3-4 hour trek on the first day.
Day 05 SALKANTAY LODGE & ADVENTURE RESORT at SORAYPAMPA
Accommodation »
This day is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending upon guests’ level of acclimatization. Guests
may do a local hike to a glacial lake to get the feel of high altitude trekking, or mountain bike, or do a scramble to
a viewpoint to take in the panorama. In the evening the guide will brief the trekking party on gear and
the itinerary for the next four days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the Lodge. A packed lunch is
available for those choosing to venture out for the day. (B,L,D)
Day 06 SORAYPAMPA - WAYRA LODGE at HUAYRACCMACHAY
Accommodation »
This is the big day: the start of the four-day trek to Machu Picchu. After an early start we will hike up
the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from the Salkantay. The highest point on the trek is
a pass (15,000 ft/4,600 m). At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range
in every direction, with the south face of Salkantay towering above us, Andean condors are often visible in
this area. From the pass we continue our descent toward the Wayra Lodge at Huayraccmachay (12,000 ft/3,650m/),
our destination for the evening. A hot lunch is taken en route. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge
(hiking time: 4-6 hours; total excursion time for day 5-7 hours). (B,L,D)
Day 07 HUAYRACCMACHAY - COLLPA LODGE at COLLPAPAMPA
Accommodation »
Following the long first day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Huayraccmachay. The early morning is free
for exploration. (Optional: 2-3 hour hike to nearby glacier lake). We then begin our trek by hiking downhill
above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. Cold snack en route. The Collpa
Lodge (10,300 ft/3,150 m) is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. We arrive for
a late lunch at the lodge, and in time for an optional excursion to a nearby hot spring (day’s hiking time,
excluding hot spring, 3-4 hours). Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 08 COLLPAPAMPA - LUCMA LODGE at LUCMABAMBA
Accommodation »
After an early breakfast we head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through farmland with coffee
plantations and orchards. We stop along the river for a hot picnic lunch. After lunch, we have a
quick bus transfer (30 min) to begin our short climb (45 min) along an ancient Inca Trail through
small scale coffee plantations and avocado trees to Lucma Lodge (6,600 ft/2,000m/), our destination
for the evening (hiking time: 4-6 hours/total excursion time for day 5-7 hours). (B,L,D)
Day 09 LUCMABAMBA - AGUAS CALIENTES
Accommodation »
Up early for our last day of trekking. We hike uphill for two hours towards Llactapata pass (2,600 m/8,500 ft),
from the pass we can see a unique view of Machu Picchu in the distance and explore the Llactapata Ruins nearby.
Lunch will be served at the observatory, with a view of Machu Picchu. Our final descent leads us to the Vilcanota
River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations (2-3 hours descent). Aguas Calientes
(6,600 ft/2,000m), a small town near the base of Machu Picchu is a short, scenic train ride away. (Total hiking
time: 4-6 hours). Arrive Aguas Calientes (4pm approx) and to check-in to the beautiful Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
Rest of day is free to enjoy the hotel amenities and the car free town of Aguas Calientes. (B,L,D)
Day 10 MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Accommodation »
After an early wake up and breakfast, we make our way to the bus station for the ride (30 min)
up to the Machu Picchu ruins (7,800 ft/2377 m). Our early arrival gives us plenty of time,
before the guided ruins tour (2 hrs), to enjoy the serenity of these enigmatic ruins or climb
the famous peak of Huayna Picchu (8,900 ft/2,720 m), the iconic mountain seen behind the ruins.
You will have plenty of opportunity after the tour to explore the ruins complex
on your own (approx 4 hrs). At the appointed time, we will meet and return by bus to Aguas Calientes
for lunch and go to the train station for the afternoon Vistadome train return departure.
The train will arrive in Ollantaytambo (1.5 hrs), from there we will transfer (1.5 hrs)
to Cusco by private minibus to our hotel. Overnight Cusco. (B,L)
Day 11 CUSCO - LIMA
Accommodation »
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight
(End of Services). Trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco can also be arranged. (B)
Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
Physical Requirements:
Involves moderate to difficult trekking/hiking at high elevations (above 10,000 ft.) and in varying temperature
conditions. Good walking/aerobic fitness is required.
Note: Any physical activity at high altitude can be a challenge. It is the traveler's responsibility to
best evaluate their physical ability to meet the stated Physical Requirements.
|
< Back to Top >
ABOUT THE MACHU PICCHU LODGE TREK
Description of Mountain Lodges
The Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort has 12 private double or twin rooms with private bathrooms (hot and cold water).
Each of the Trekker’s Lodges (Wayra, Collpa, Lucma) has 6 private double or twin rooms with private bathrooms
(hot and cold water).
Lodges are fully equipped and serviced. SLAR, Wayra and Collpa Lodges
have a cozy reading rooms, fireplaces, outdoor jacuzzi, central heating and Peruvian/International cuisine. The water at all
four lodges is of drinking quality.
Machu Picchu Lodge Trek Details
Altitude: Between 6600ft/2000m and 15,000ft/4600m
Hours listed are averaged
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Machu Picchu Lodge Trek
|
Hrs
|
Mts
|
Feet
|
|
|
|
Day 1 - Salkantay Lodge
|
0
|
3850
|
12,705
|
|
|
|
Salkantay Pass
|
4.5
|
4650
|
15,340
|
|
|
|
Day 2 - Wayra Lodge
|
2.5
|
3920
|
12,936
|
|
|
|
Day 3 - Collpa Lodge
|
4
|
2840
|
9372
|
|
|
|
Day 4 - Lucma Lodge
|
6.5
|
2150
|
7095
|
|
|
|
Llactapata Pass
|
3
|
2800
|
9240
|
|
|
|
Aguas Calientes
|
3
|
1900
|
6270
|
|
|
|
Tour Day - Machu Picchu
|
6-7
|
2400
|
7920
|
|
|
We hike roughly 5-7 hrs/day. Hikers have plenty of time to walk at their own pace! You will visit
some of Peru's most isolated regions in the Vilcabamba valley; learn the history of the Incas and marvel
at their amazing architectural feats. This mountain lodge trekking trip is destined to become a travelers favorite.
Trekkers are only expected to carry a small daypack with their camera, spare film, water bottle and rain gear.
Horses and/or Porters will carry your additional gear and personal effects. Free from a large pack,
trekkers have more time for photography, observation and discovery.
Expert trail chefs, who for years have been presenting hearty trekking food using fresh vegetables, beef and chicken,
prepare your meals. Vegetarian offerings are also available.
We start trekking around 8am and try to get the majority of the walking done before the lunch stop.
We aim to arrive at the lodges by mid afternoon to give trekkers plenty of time to enjoy the lodge and the surroundings.
At no point do the hikes become forced route marches. Trekkers have ample time to walk at their own pace.
Passengers should be able to hike an average of 5 miles at high altitude (around 12,000ft.), on 5-6ft wide trails of partially uneven/rocky terrain on moderate uphill/downhill inclines. For most passengers, this means being able to walk 7-10 miles on flat terrain at low altitude.
|
)
)
)
)
)