Day 1. Cusco To Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort At Soraypampa (3,800 M/12,500 Ft)
After an early breakfast, guests will be picked up starting at 7:00 am at their hotel in Cusco by an MLP guide and vehicle in direction to the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (SLAR) in Soraypampa. En route we will take a short break to visit the 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 we stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa (30 minutes from Mollepata by vehicle).
Here, we will begin our trek to Soraypampa, on an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for guests to acclimate and enjoy a mild & beautiful 4 hour trek on their first day. (Hiking level: moderate). (Optional: guests who do not wish to trek may be transported to the lodge in the vehicle).
The SLAR takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley " the “Salkantay”, the 2nd most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 20,600 ft (6,270 m), the highest in the region.
After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, the guests will be shown to their rooms and have time to wash-up. The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude. An evening briefing by the fireplace is followed by aperitifs and dinner.
Note.- Lunch on DAY 1 is a box lunch.
Day 2. Soraypampa
This day is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending upon guests' level of acclimatization.
The most popular activity at Soraypampa is a half-day hike (3-4 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging) to a glacial lake where the more adventurous might take a very short swim! This activity is excellent for acclimatization and a first immersion into high-mountain trekking! In the afternoon, guests may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor jacuzzi. 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. B LD
Days 3. Soraypampa To Wayra Lodge At Huayraccmachay (3,850m/12,600 Ft)
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 at 4,600 m (15,000 ft). At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the south face of Salkantay towering above us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area.
From the pass we continue our descent toward the Wayra Lodge (“Wayra”: wind; ‘the place where the wind lives') 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. Hiking level: challenging with a 15,000ft mountain pass). BLD
Days 4. Huayraccmachay To Colpa Lodge At Collpapampa (2,800m/9,200)
Following the long first day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge. We then begin our trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. Our arrival at the next lodge encounters a "Pachamanca"-style lunch (subject to availability; traditional underground stone cooking). The Colpa Lodge is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor hot tub in this lodge has prominent views of lush green mountains and a small, far-away, local town. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (Hiking time: 3-4 hours. Hiking level: easy to moderate). BLD
Day 5. Collpapampa to lucma lodge at lucmabamba (2,100m/6,900 ft).
After an early breakfast we head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world!), bananas, 'granadillas', and orchards. We stop along the river for a hot picnic lunch.
After another hour of trekking a private vehicle arrives to take us to the beginning of the "Llactapata Inca Trail" (30-minute drive). From the head of the trail it is a short climb (30 min.) to the Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard.
We arrive in time to allow for exploration of the small village of Lucmabamba and possible meeting with members of the local community. (Hiking time: 5-6 hours. Total excursion time for day: 6-8 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging, basically due to distance, not terrain). BLD
Day 6. Lucmabamba to aguas calientes (1,900 m/6,200 ft).
After an early start and a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata pass (2,700 m/8,900ft), where we come upon a distant but quite special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few tourists ever glimpse; an added value are the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored.
Lunch is provided at the observatory, in view of Machu Picchu. We then begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations (2-3 hour descent). Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are a short (30 minutes), scenic train ride away. (Total hiking time: 4-6 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging). Tonight as we arrive into Aguas Calientes we will stay at the Inkaterra lodge. BL
Day 7. Machu Picchu - Cusco
Today is spent exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu with your guide. After lunch we return to Agua Calientes to board the Vista Dome train for our journey back to Cusco. We hop off at Ollantaytambo and change to motorised transport arriving into Cusco in the early evening. B
NOTE: THIS night's accommodation IS NOT INCLUDED in the trip price. See below for our pre and post module add on.
PRE AND POST MODULE
$805 USD per person double / $1005 CAD per person double
$1390 USD per person single / $1600 CAD per person single
Day 1
Arrive into Lima and transfer to hotel Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores - Colonial Room (based on availability)
Day 2
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for the flight to Cusco. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Hotel Libertador (based on availability). You then enjoy an afternoon walking tour of Cusco. This evening you will meet your Mountain Lodge guides for a pre trip information session at a hotel TBA.
Day 3 (Day 1 of the above journey)
Join the group for the start of your trek.
Day 9 (Day 7 of the above journey)
You will dropped a the Hotel Libertador where a room has been booked on your behalf.
Day 10
You will be transferred back to the airport for your early return flight to Lima. On arrival into Lima you will be met at the airport and taken on a half day city tour of Lima and the Larco Museum before enjoying a dinner show at Junius, Pardo Hotel. At the completion of dinner you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.
PRICES FROM:
Exchange rates differ from time to time. For the most up-to-date prices of this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form or call us on 1 888 469 2949.
NOTES:
EVENING BRIEFING IN CUSCO.
MEET & GREET
Important information for a great trekking experience is presented on the NIGHT BEFORE the trek begins. As such your arrival into Lima needs to be planned for 2 DAYS PRIOR to the trek departure date.
Lodges are closed during January and February due to the rainy season.
Lodges are used exclusively by your group and fellow passengers
Massages available at the first lodge during high season (May to July)
Evacuation Insurance or the trekking section is included in the trip price.
- Peru international departure tax $30 USD
- Peru domestic departure tax $8 USD
- Local currency is Soles
- Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5
- Dialing Code: 51
- Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
- Weights & measures: Metric
HOTELS:
Lima
Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores
Cusco
Hotel Libertador
Aguas Calientes
Inkaterra
Other hotel options available on request
DEPARTURE:
Departs daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Internal flights (ONLY if pre / post module taken)
- All airport transfers (ONLY if pre / post module taken)
- Train/bus tickets
- All transport in private vehicle
- English speaking tour conductor trained in first-aid and C.P.R.
- Private local guides
- All Accommodation
- A qualified Inca trail guide
- All porters
- Most Meals
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo ruins
- Bus transfers to and from the ruins
- All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
NOT INCLUDED
- $50USD park entrance fee to Salkantay
- Visa fees (if required)
- Passport & Visa Costs
- Vaccination Costs
- Personal Spending Money
- Meals where not listed
- Drinks
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Airport departure taxes
- Border taxes or fees
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Lima City stop over
- Nazca Lines extension
- Northern Peru Amazon Cruise
- Visits Amazon Jungle expeditions
- Lake Titicaca adventures
- Colca Canyon adventures
- Lima City stop over
- Nazca Lines extension
- Arequipa extension
Visas
At the time of booking we will advise you of any visas or other documentation that will be required prior to your arrival.
Costs relating to the issue of visas or related documentation are the responsibility of the traveler.
As visa requirements change it is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation and visas are obtained before traveling. Failure to do
so may result in your not being able to join the trip.
For the latest information on visas please visit:
US Citizens
Canadian Citizens
Australian Citizens
General
Travel Insurance:
It is a condition of booking that all clients have comprehensive travel insurance. AI can offer Travel Insurance for your trip. Please request a quote
when booking.
Disclaimer:
Prices based on per person, twin/double share, unless otherwise noted, and pre-set group minimum numbers. Prices & itineraries are correct at the
time of printing. Itineraries & prices may change due to currency fluctuations, local conditions or events outside the control of A.I and her local
operators. Please see our booking terms & conditions for full details.
