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Lodge to Lodge Salcantay Trek

Lodge to Lodge Salkantay Trek

Example 11 Day Tour
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Your journey along the Salkantay trail will take you through varied terrain both challenging and awe-inspiring. Up-close views of glacier mountain peaks, mysterious mist surrounding fields of boulders, and cattle drives through the most remote of mountain areas. Such sights will enhance the spectacular topography, lush vegetation, and intriguing archaeological areas that so few have encountered. Meet locals, still proudly connected to their Andean heritage, who will greet you along the way and give you a glimpse into their rarely seen world.
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Highlights
  • Explore the cathedrals, markets, and ruins of Cusco
  • Trek through high mountain passes and cloud forest to experience the Andes
  • Stay in luxury lodges built to match the cultural and physical surroundings
  • Explore the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Challenging
0

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Lima

Arrive Lima. Spend the night in Lima. 

Day 2: Fly Cusco | Walking City tour

An early morning flight brings you to the Inca capital of Cusco where Quechua speaking descendants of the Incas bustle back and forth in the busy plazas and markets. Colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the arrival of the Conquistadors. The church walls have fallen many times throughout the years, but the Inca walls remain. The morning explore Cusco's narrow streets and bustling markets on foot with your guide.

Day 3: Sacred Valley Exploration

This morning, journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru. The Sacred Valley often becomes one of the highlights of your trip and you will soon see why! The day is flexible based on your interests, market days, and the weather. You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may also hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras, where pre-Columbian salt mines still operate today. Visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops. Return to Cusco for the evening.

Day 4: Cusco to Soraypampa

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After an early breakfast, your MLP guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco. The first stop is a visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata. Enjoy lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village, where you will also have the opportunity to learn about local agriculture and livestock. After lunch comes a scenic ride on the winding mountain road to Challacancha. Here you will begin your hike to our flagship Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa along a picturesque path called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path).

Trekking Time: Approximately 3 hours (excursion 6 hours in total including picnic lunch en route)
Hiking level: Moderate
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (3,869 m/12,690 ft)

Day 5: Hike to Lake Humantay

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, head out for another altitude-acclimatization with a half-day hike to Lake Humantay. Begin you ascent up the slopes that border the plateau behind the Salkantay Lodge. An hour and a half later, after making your way over the final hill, you will be stunned to see the turquoise water of the lake, made even more spectacular by the sight of the Humantay glacier looming behind it. Upon arrival, you will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot, and participate in a traditional ceremony to honor “Pachamama” (Mother Earth). After your descent back to the lodge, the Salkantay staff will be waiting with a hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure to relax, enjoy a massage, or soak in the outdoor hot tub for a spectacular view of the Salkantay Peak at sunset.

Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours
Hiking level: Moderate

*Optional activity available this day: Horseback riding (at an additional cost)

Day 6: Cross Salkantay Pass

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After an early start, the ascent toward the Salkantay Pass begins. You will circle Humantay Peak, gradually making your way along expansive plateaus connected by enormous boulders, remnants of the Rio Blanco Valley that was once bisected by a fast-flowing river. The last and most challenging part of the ascent is conquering the mountain switchbacks that lead you to the pass, the highest point on the trek (15,213’ / 4,636m). The journey continues with a dramatic descent through fields of large boulders and natural stone formations often shrouded in fog, followed by a very welcome hot picnic lunch. After lunch, you will have some time to rest before the final hike through the area’s bucolic countryside; its rolling hills will eventually lead you through marsh-like plateaus to the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay. The most remote of the lodges, Wayra sits on a promontory that offers a spectacular view of Mt. Humantay, a reminder of how far you have journeyed that day

Trekking Time: 6–8 hours (including lunch) - crossing a 4,640m/15,200 ft mountain pass
Hiking level: Challenging
Overnight: Wayra Lodge (3,906 m/12,812 ft)

Day 7: Descend into the Cloud Forest

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast at the Wayra Lodge, continue your descent along the banks of the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. The warm air begins to rise from the edge of the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. More local people will join you on the trail as it passes homes and fields. At lunchtime you will arrive at Colpa Lodge by an amazing zip-line, located on a high promontory at the confluence of three rivers. For the less adventurous there is an alternative path to take to the lodge. Once at the lodge, you are greeted with a Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked in the earth by hot stones that create a natural underground oven. After lunch, spend the afternoon lounging in the sun or relaxing in the outdoor Jacuzzi while you take in the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround you.

Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Hiking level: Easy to moderate
Overnight: Colpa Lodge (2,870 m/9,414 ft)

Day 8: Hike through Santa Teresa River Valley

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today's hike travels along the Santa Teresa river valley where you will hop over small streams fed by waterfalls descending from the glaciers and pass through banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards. After breaking for a hot picnic lunch by the river, walk for one hour before we meet your vehicle for a short drive to the beginning of the "Llactapata Inca Trail" that leads to Lucma Lodge. On the way visit an organic coffee plantation, one of many in that area that produces some of the best organic coffee in the world. Here in Lucmabamba, the hot air and increased humidity signal that you are even closer to the edge of the Amazon Jungle

Trekking Time: 5–6 hours (including lunch)
Hiking Level: Moderate/Challenging (because of distance, not terrain)
Overnight: Lucma Lodge (2,135 m/7,003 ft)

*Optional activities available for an additional cost:  Zip Line in Santa Teresa - Full day activity that replaces the trek. 

Day 9: Lucmabamba | First View of Machu Picchu

  • Hotels
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, depart from Lucma Lodge and embark on a 2-3 hour climb through the cloud forest up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps. A lush tree line creates green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggests that the river is nearby. Your first milestone today will be the top of the peak, the last one before you descend to the Aobamaba River Valley that connects you to Machu Picchu.  Upon arrival at the Llactapata Pass (8,974’ / 2,736m), you will delight in a southeast view of Machu Picchu, a sight few travelers get the chance to admire. After exploring Llactapata, the Inca tambo (fort) that marks the pass, enjoy a picnic lunch at a mountain lookout point with panoramic views. The final descent along a trail that zigzags down to the roaring Aobamba River will take you through lush bamboo forests, varied fruit orchards, and more coffee plantations.  Celebrate as you cross the bridge over the river and take your final steps of the trek en route to the Hidroelectrica train station for a scenic one-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu.

Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
Hiking level: Moderate to challenging
Overnight: Aguas Calientes (1,900 m/6,232 ft)

Day 10: Arrive Machu Picchu | Explore Ruins

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), prepare to be awed by the imposing, skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. After a two-hour guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own, including a hike up Huayna Picchu*, the iconic mountain that looms over the citadel, for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle.  At some point, be sure to take a moment and sit quietly–listen to the wind, meditate, and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours). As night falls and you arrive amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation that will linger long after your journey home. 

*Entrance time - Huayna Picchu:  10am

Day 11: Fly Lima | Fly home

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the Cusco airport for you flight to Lima and connect with your international flight home.

Accommodations

Wayra Lodge

Wayra Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Wayra Lodge
At 12,000 ft Wayra Lodge brings together traditional Inca building techniques and sensitivity to the surrounding environment with all the comforts of home. At the end of the day, you will enjoy hot showers, fine gourmet meals, select wines, goose-down bedding, massages, outdoor Jacuzzi and highly personalized service from local staff.
Wayra Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Wayra Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Wayra Lodge on Salkantay Trek

Colpa Lodge

Colpa Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Colpa Lodge
Resting in the Peruvian cloud forest at 10,300 feet, Colpa Lodge has a spectacular location near hot springs, the confluence of 3 rivers and an amazing view of the Colpampa Valley.
Colpa Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Colpa Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Colpa Lodge on Salkantay Trek

Lucma Lodge

Lucma Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Lucma Lodge
Savor spectacular views of the river and valley below from Lucma lodge, built right into the mountainside. Located to nearby Lucmabamba village and surrounded by fruit orchards.
Lucma Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Lucma Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Lucma Lodge on Salkantay Trek

Salkantay Lodge

Salkantay Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Lodge
At 12,500 ft Salkantay Lodge (also know as Soray Lodge) brings together traditional Inca building techniques and sensitivity to the surrounding environment with all the comforts of home. Located at the beginning of the Salkantay Trek this is the perfect spot to acclimatize.
Salkantay Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Lodge on Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Lodge on Salkantay Trek

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) - Hotels

El MaPi Inn
El MaPi Inn
Situated in the heart of stunning Machu Picchu town, only 3 hours by train from Cusco. The stylish El MaPi offers organic gastronomy and contemporary rooms. Enjoy the unique charm of the hotel while you discover an archaeological wonder.
Casa del Sol Boutique Hotel
Casa del Sol Boutique Hotel
A cozy stay awaits you in Machu Picchu. Casa del Sol Boutique Hotel is situated next to the vibrant sound of the Vilcanota River and beneath the imposing mountains that surround the hotel like ancient guards.
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Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel named one of South America’s best hotels by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, is located at the foot of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu near the beautiful Vilcanota River, and offers impressive views of the mountains and landscapes.
Off balance
More Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) Hotels
At the foot of the mighty mountain that hosts the renowned Machu Picchu ruins is a small town called Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as "Aguas Calientes").

Lima - Hotels

San Agustin Exclusive
San Agustin Exclusive
The Hotel San Agustín Exclusive is situated in the city's most exclusive and fashionable residential and shopping district, it's Miraflores, Lima - Peru. Stepping out of this luxury hotel, guests will find themselves at the very heart of this beautiful, exciting and endlessly fascinating city.
Costa del Sol, Lima Airport
Wyndham Costa del Sol
This hotel has recently opened outside the international arrivals area at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport, making it a convenient option if you have a late arrival to Lima or an early departure the next day.
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Country Club Lima
Country Club Lima
The Country Club Lima Hotel, a five star luxury property, is located in San Isidro. Built in 1927, completely refurbished in 1998, it is now considered a National Monument.
Colonia fountain in Lima during a city tour of Peru
More Lima Hotels
Learn all about traveling to Lima Peru, a seaside colonial city rich in history and the center of Peruvian culture. Lima is worth experiencing for a day or two at the beginning and/or end of your trip to Peru, and most travelers must spend a night here on route to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Cusco - Hotels

Los Portales Hotel Cuzco
Los Portales Hotel Cusco
Located a few steps from the famous Koricancha Temple and a few meters from the Main square this magical city will recharge yourself with good energy during your stay at Los Portales Hotel.
Novotel Cusco
Novotel Cusco
Novotel Cusco offers a good setting near Tambomachay and features dry cleaning, housekeeping and room services. The building of this property has a colonial style.
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Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
A beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, the luxurious Casa Andina Premium Cusco is replete with authentic colonial character.
The lovely Iglesia de la Compania in Cusco
More Cusco Hotels
Cusco was, and still is, the epicenter of the Inca Empire. It's streets lined with monolithic Inca stone walls and colonial churches that used those same stones to build their cathedrals. Cusco is the ideal place to spend a few extra days exploring ruins, museums, and churches.

Dates & Prices

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Flexible Departure Policy
For new bookings made from March 30, 2020, forward pay 2020 prices for 2021 departures, with the flexibility to change travel dates free of charge through December 2021. Some restrictions may apply. Contact us for more details.
Applies to all departures up to Dec 31, 2021
Save 15%
Book from October to December 2021 and get a 15% off of for new bookings. Some restrictions may apply. Contact us for more details.
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Per person starting at
$3,518

Notes

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Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • 2 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Professional, bilingual guide service as listed
  • Excursions and activities as listed
  • Park Entrance Fee - Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Passes are included - Let us know if you want to hike Huayna Picchu!
  • Park Entrance Fee: Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Passes
  • Park Entrance Fee
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Internal Flights: Lima - Cusco - Lima

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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