Machu Picchu Lodge Trek – Salkantay
10 days
From $ 5299
Duration10 days
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  • Etepia
  • Machu Picchu Lodge Trek – Salkantay

Snow-clad mountains and dramatic vistas color this 10-day journey to the wondrous “Lost City of the Incas”. There are many roads that lead to the Lost City, but only one takes us on an adventure into the cultural heartbeat of the Andean people. Our journey to Machu Picchu begins in Cusco, the original capital of the Inca civilization. Here we spend some time before our journey acclimating to the high altitude and immersing ourselves in the beauty of this red-roofed city. Travel to four beautifully appointed lodges, where we rest comfortably each night feeling weary but exhilarated. Hike up the glacial moraine to the Salkantay pass. The journey takes us through the unforgettable glaciated peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range and over a 15,213’ pass, the highest point of our trip. We walk through coffee plantations, banana trees and avocado orchards until we reach the famed ruins. The final two days at Machu Picchu are spent taking in the grandeur and mystery of these iconic hilltop ruins. Also see our 10-day Machu Picchu lodge trek in the Sacred Valley and Lares region. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Machu Picchu Family Adventure.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 10 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ages: 18+
Machu Picchu Lodge Trek – Salkantay - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Tour Cusco's sites including Koricancha temple and Sacsayhuaman fortress.
Your trip begins today in Cusco, Peru (11,250'). Upon arrival in Cusco, we will be met by our local guide at our centrally-located hotel where a brief orientation meeting will be held. We have most of the morning at leisure to relax and acclimatize before setting out on a guided tour of this lovely city, the historic heart of the Incan civilization. Our afternoon exploration takes us to many of the city's most notable sights including the bustling Plaza de Armas (main square) and neighboring cathedral; the Santo Domingo Church, built atop the stone ruins of the once magnificent Inca temple Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), and the imposing remains of the monolithic Sacsayhuaman fortress, offering bird's-eye views of the entire red-roofed city far below. All meals on your own.
Day 2: Take a 3-hour warm-up hike to the Salkantay Lodge.
We gather early this morning and begin our drive towards the Salkantay Lodge, the picturesque starting point of our Andean trek. En route we visit the Inca ruins of Quillarumiyoc on our way to the small village of Mollepata where we will have lunch. We cover the final distance to the lodge via a beautiful 3 hour hike that begins in Challacancha (trip members can also opt to continue all the way to the lodge by vehicle). By late-afternoon, we reach our destination, located in the spectacular valley of Soraypampa, crowned by majestic Salkantay (20,500'), a sacred peak in Inca mythology and the highest in this region of the Andes. After checking in, we'll have the remainder of the day to relax and enjoy the fabulous views. A welcome briefing will take place this evening followed by dinner. Lodge elevation is 12,690'. All meals included.Hiking: 3 hours. 2-3 miles. 800' elevation gain.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Relax or go on an acclimatization hike to a nearby glacial lake.
We'll spend today in the vicinity of the Salkantay Lodge while we continue to acclimatize before our trekking adventure begins in earnest. Feel free to rest at the lodge or join in a 4-hour hike to a glacial blue lake allowing us to gain a greater appreciation for this valley's rugged beauty. Upon returning to the lodge, we can reward ourselves for our efforts with a relaxing soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi. This evening, our guide will conduct a pre-trek briefing and review the itinerary for the next four days. Overnight again at the Salkantay Lodge. All meals included. Hiking: 3-4 hours. 4 miles.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Hike up and over our highest pass with views of Mt. Salkantay.
Having spent the last three days at altitude, we're at last acclimatized and ready to begin our trek to Machu Picchu! We'll set out early in the cool mountain air carrying only our daypacks and hike through the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay. We'll reach the highest point of our trip today (15,213 ft) as we hike up a series of switchbacks over a pass that offers outstanding views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction. With the south face of Salkantay towering above us, we'll keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass we continue our descent toward the Wayra Lodge (Wayra translates to "The place where the wind lives"), our destination for the evening. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Lodge elevation is 12,812'. All meals included. Hiking: 5-7 hours. 8 miles.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Trek downhill to lower elevations and greener scenery.
Following our big day yesterday, we'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge and depart around 9am. We'll begin hiking downhill above the Salkantay River and notice the scenery becoming increasingly more verdant as we lose altitude. Our next lodge is located on a 1,000-foot promontory above the confluence of three fast-flowing rivers. Dinner and overnight at the Colpa Lodge. Lodge elevation is 9,414'. All meals included. Hiking: 3-4 hours. 6 miles
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Hike past coffee plantations, banana trees, and avocado orchards.
Today's trek through the rural Santa Teresa River Valley takes us downhill past vast coffee plantations (said to produce one of the best organic coffees in the world), banana trees and orchards. After a hot picnic lunch by the river, we'll trek for another hour before being met by a private vehicle that will transport our group a short distance (30-minute drive) to the last stretch of trail on today's route. A final short climb along the Llactapata Inca Trail brings us to the Lucma Lodge, set in a lovely avocado orchard. We may have an opportunity this afternoon to explore the small nearby village of Lucmabamba and perhaps interact with members of the local community. Lodge elevation is 7,003'. All meals included. Hiking: 5-6 hours. 10 miles.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Begin our final descent and see the first views of Machu Picchu!
A hearty breakfast fuels us up for the last day of our trek and the initial 2-3 hour climb towards Llactapata pass (8,974'). Shortly after cresting the pass and beginning our 3,165' descent, we'll be treated to our first distant glimpse of Machu Picchu. As few tourists approach the ruins from this direction, our particular view is a unique treat. The final descent along the trail leading to the Urubamba River passes through more orchards and lush bamboo forests. Our hike today is timed to reach the river with ample time to spare before the train arrives that will transport us to the village of Aguas Calientes, located a short distance from the ruins. We'll spend the next two nights at the delightful Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a perfect base from which to explore the wonders of this magnificent site! All meals included. Hiking: 4-6 hours. 7 miles.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Guided tour of Machu Picchu and free time to hike and explore.
A full day at Machu Picchu affords us the luxury of exploring at a leisurely pace while learning more about the Inca culture and the latest theories behind the construction of this marvelous complex. We have an early breakfast and head up to the ruins by shuttle bus before the morning tourist train arrives in order to fully enjoy the peace and solitude of this mystical place. Our knowledgeable guide leads us on a fascinating tour, recapping Machu Picchu's rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and explaining the significance of the various structures that cover the grounds. We have the afternoon to indulge ourselves with a hike to the dramatic viewpoint of Intipunku (the Sun's Gateway), or a variety of other intriguing possibilities including an easy walk to an ancient Inca drawbridge or more vigorous hike to the Temple of the Moon (inside a cavern on the north face of iconic Huayna Picchu, the peak that looms above the ruins). Of course, we can also choose to independently continue our exploration of the main site and daydream about what life must have been like here centuries ago. We return to the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes again tonight. All meals included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: A final opportunity to return to the ruins before returning to Cusco.
We have another opportunity today to return to Machu Picchu during the early hours, to embark on one last optional strenuous hike within the ruins; Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain based on permit availability. After lunch, we make our way down to Aguas Calientes and board the train back to Cusco, arriving in early evening. Overnight in Cusco. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: Optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes may be unguided. Huayna Picchu is steep with some exposure. Permits are limited.
Meals: B, L
Day 10: Our great adventure ends in Cusco with a final farewell.
After breakfast, we head to the airport for our departing flights. Trip members can opt to return to Lima for connecting flights home or extend their travels in Peru. Breakfast included.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Accommodations in hotels and mountain lodges as noted on itinerary
  • meals as noted on the daily itinerary
  • English-speaking local guides
  • full baggage support/transfer while trekking (you carry only your daypack)
  • all ground transportation within Peru as noted including transfer from Cusco to the Salkantay Lodge, airport transfers and rail tickets to/from Machu Picchu
  • all sightseeing excursions as noted including permits for entrance to Machu Picchu and optional unguided hikes Machu Picchu Hiking Permits: We require your complete passport information in order to purchase your permit to Machu Picchu and the optional unguided hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

  • Accommodation

    Hotels, 4 nights, Mountain lodges, 5 nights

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