Machu Picchu Trek - Lodge to Lodge

Until now, those setting out to walk the journey from Cuzco to Machu Picchu have had no other option than to spend nights under canvas. Now, this entirely new 7-day trekking programme follows the Salkantay Trail, staying along the way in welcoming Inca-style mountain lodges.

The lodges provide extremely comfortable ensuite facilities, excellent food and outdoor hot tubs, you can soothe your aching muscles and fully relax after a day’s walking. The trek itself is supported by mules, horses and porters, and takes in dramatic views of some of Peru’s highest mountains as well as verdant cloudforest, before on the last day climbing original Inca steps on the Llactapata Trail. The spectacular final approach to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is by train.

You will meet few other trekkers en route and pass isolated communities where life has changed little. Furthermore, the programme is run on sustainable and environmental lines, and benefits many local communities. The trek has departures from March through to December, (January and Febuary experience more rain, so the trek is not run then). Please contact us for details. It is destined to become a classic.

Itinerary
DAY 1:	CUZCO / SORAY LODGE: Travel by minibus from your hotel in Cuzco to the village of Mollepata, visiting the Inca ruins of Tarawasi en route (3 hours). Continue to trailhead. Trek 4 hours (first 2 hours through dry forest is quite steep) to Soray Lodge at 3,700m. NB there is an option for you to be driven all the way to the first lodge.
DAY 2:	SORAY LODGE: Free day to acclimatize. Optional half-day walk to glacial lake and/or ride in the spectacular surrounding countryside.
DAY 3:	SORAY LODGE / WAYRA LODGE: Begin by climbing steadily for 2 hours to Salkantay Pampa, where a steep switchback path leads between the glaciated peaks of Humantay and 6,300m-high Salkantay towards the Salkantay Pass at 4,600m (2 – 2 ½ hours). On crossing the pass, there is a long descent to the dramatically positioned Wayra Lodge at 3,800m (2 – 3 hours). This is a strenuous day and suitable only for those who are suitably acclimatized and in good physical shape. Horses are available on the steeper sections for those who prefer.
DAY 4:	WAYRA LODGE / COLPA LODGE: This is a short trek of just 3 hours, trekking downhill through increasingly lush vegetation to Colpa Lodge at 2,800m. Here, at the confluence of three rivers, are beautiful views up and down the valleys, and a pleasant hot tub to while away the afternoon.
DAY 5:	COLPA LODGE / LUCMA LODGE: Fairly straightforward trekking along the Santa Teresa River valley, passing hot springs, tropical fruit orchards and patches of forest. After 4 – 5 hours of trekking, arrive at the road, where minibuses are waiting to take you 30 minutes to the start of the Llactapata Inca Trail. Climb 20 minutes up beautifully carved Inca steps to the final lodge at 2,200m.
DAY 6:	LUCMA LODGE / AGUAS CALIENTES: This is a fairly strenuous day that begins with a 2 ½ hour steep climb through stunning cloudforest filled with orchids and hummingbirds. At the summit, head down towards the important Inca site of Llactapata, where archaeological work has only just begun. From here there are wonderful and rarely seen views across the valley to Machu Picchu. Descend steeply 2 hours to the hydro-electric station, and board the train for an unusual and majestic approach to Aguas Calientes. Overnight at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu.
DAY 7:	AGUAS CALIENTES / MACHU PICCHU / CUZCO: Early departure for a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Return to Aguas Calientes in time for the afternoon train journey to Cuzco (3 ½ hours). On arrival in Cuzco you will be taken to your hotel.

 

Guideline price:

from £ 1,495

 

Included in the price are:

All lodging and use of facilities

All food and soft drinks

Two local English speaking guides

Mules and attendants for carrying luggage

Tour of Machu Picchu

Entrance fees

All transfers

 

Notes:

The price shown is a guideline price only, per person based on double occupancy, in the low season unless otherwise stated. Please contact us for an exact quote based on your requirements.

While distances each day are not large, please note that two of the days are fairly strenuous, and altitudes reach 4,600 metres. We recommend that you are in good physical shape, and that sufficient time (ideally three days) is spent acclimatising to altitude prior to the trek.

Owing to stricter procedures for buying permits for the trails, we must ask you for a non-refundable deposit of £100 (on top of our usual booking deposit) prior to requesting your trek. This payment is only refundable if we are unable to secure a permit for you. Once we have confirmed you a place the dates are non-transferable and no name changes are allowed by the local authorities. Full names and passport numbers are required at the time of booking for all trekkers.

 

 

 

Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008