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iExplore Peru: Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge(Trip #64856)

Tour Overview

Welcome to Peru! Your journey begins here… a once in a lifetime physical, cultural and spiritual journey that will take you through the magnificent Salkantay Valley en route to the legendary ruins at Machu Picchu. Challenge yourself as you trek through nine different biozones, changing altitudes and varied terrain. Marvel at the exquisite beauty of the Salkantay Peak, Salkantay Glacier and Humantay Glacier Lake. Share in the culture and customs of local Andean families who maintain age-old traditions. Witness environmental and social initiatives to maintain the natural integrity and improve quality of life in the region. Indulge in the comfort of enchanting mountain lodges, the revitalizing salts and minerals of natural hot springs, the innovative local cuisine, the warmth of the people, and your daily retreat to a mind-and-body recovery Shangri-la. Be inspired by the majesty of your surroundings and the knowledge that you are following in the footsteps of the Inkas…

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco- Soraypampa (12, 500 ft)
After an early breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel in Cusco starting at 7:00am and head for the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort in Soraypampa.

En route we will take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approximately 1.5 hours from Cusco). After leaving Limatambo, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a short coffee break before ascending a mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa (30 minutes from Mollepata by car).

Here, we will begin our trek to Soraypampa, on an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for you to acclimate and enjoy a mild and beautiful 4-hour trek on your first day. (Hiking level: moderate).

Optional: if you do not wish to trek you can be transported to the lodge in the vehicle.

The Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley- the “Salkantay”, the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 20,600 feet, the highest in the region.

After a warm welcome by the friendly staff, you will be shown to your rooms and have some time to freshen up.

The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude.

Aperitifs and dinner follow an evening briefing by the fireplace.
Box Lunch, Dinner
Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort

Day 2: Soraypampa
Today is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending on your 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 you may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in the 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort

Day 3: Soraypampa- Huayraccmachay (12,600 feet)
This is the big day: the start of our 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 15,000 feet. 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 will be taken en route and dinner at the lodge.

Hiking time: 4-6 hours. Total excursion time for the day: 5-7 hours. Hiking level: challenging with a 15,000 ft mountain pass.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wayra Lodge

Day 4: Huayraccmachay- Collpapampa (9,200 feet)
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).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Colpa Lodge

Day 5: Collpapampa- Lucmabamba (6,900 feet)
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 minutes) 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 the day: 6-8 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging, basically due to distance, not terrain.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lucma Lodge

Day 6: Lucmabamba- Aguas Calientes (6,200 feet)
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 (8,900 feet), 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 Macchu Picchu are a short 30 minutes) scenic train ride away!

Total hiking time: 4-6 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging.

We then arrive in Aguas Calientes to check in to our hotel for the night

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel

Day 7: Machu Picchu- Cusco
We wake up early to have breakfast at the hotel and then make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu (30 minutes). A complete guided tour of Machu Picchu will be provided (2 hours). You will then have about 4 additional hours to explore the site on your own- there is a lot to do and see!
Afterwards, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and go to the train station for the afternoon departure.
The train takes us to Ollantaytambo (1 ½ hours), where a private vehicle awaits to take us to Cusco (1 ½ hours). Upon arrival in Cusco (approximately 7-8 pm) you will be dropped off at the hotel of your choice.
Breakfast, Lunch