A small group trek in the High Andes to the ruins of Machu Picchu, fabled 'Lost City of the Incas'. Emphasis on the flora, fauna and history of this spectacular region and culminating each evening in delicious meals at cosy mountain lodging.

Machu Picchu & Mt Salkantay Trek

LENGTH: 7 DAYS

2019 PRICING:

March 1st – March 31st
November 1st – December 14th
US$ 2,990 per person

April 1st – October 31st
December 15th – December 31st
US$ 3,990 per person

Highlights

• Small group trek, privately guided, in the Peruvian Andes

• Awesome scenery, flora, fauna and solitude of the high sierras

• Ancient, off-the-beaten-track trails, ruins and Inca culture.

• Final day at the spectacular ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu

• Comfortable, warm mountain lodges each night – no roughing it !

• Gourmet meals each evening with paired wines in your cosy lodgings.

Trekking the high Andes, following in the footsteps of the Incas, a myriad adventures compacted into one unforgettable week. Snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, remote communities, ancient sites, orchids and orchards, butterflies and condors.  Jungle warm one minute, glacier cold the next!  Whilst travel includes comfortable bus and train connections it’s mostly shanks’ pony that’s getting up a head of steam. It is physical, of course and the trails are sometimes steep and rocky but you walk carrying only your daily needs, as packhorses and porters do the tough grind. That leaves you unimpeded to enjoy exposure to stunning, unspoilt scenes that few are privileged to experience, not least amazing views of Machu Picchu as you approach via a much less worn path than is traditional. Then, as dusk falls, relax in the coziness of your mountain lodgings, enjoy a hot shower or soak in the jacuzzi.  Each stop has a restaurant serving delicious traditional Peruvian cuisine along with fine wines.

GROUP ITINERARY -  7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS FROM CUZCO

The atmospheric city of Cuzco offers colonial grandeur, cobblestoned streets, indigenous fiestas and far-fetched foodie treats, we recommend a minimum 2 nights here pre trek to explore and acclimatise, there is much to discover.

DAY 1   |   CUZCO TO SALKANTAY LODGE

Visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi and ascend to the mountain villages of Mollepata and Marcoccasa before embarking on your first day of trekking on Peru’s ‘Camino Real’or Royal Path.  Today's hike will give you a chance to warm up your trekking legs and acclimatise amongst beautiful scenery. Salkantay Lodge awaits your arrival, named for the majestic peak at the head of the valley, you’ll be welcomed with aperitifs and a crackling fire.

Lodge:       Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m / 12,690 ft    

DAY 2   |   HUMANTAY LAKE ACCLIMATISATION HIKE

Ascend the slopes above the lodge to glacier fed Lake Humantay today for a reward of stunning views across sacred Mt Salkantay. Take a dip in the icy water if you dare or perhaps just save your swimmers for a relaxing soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi on your return. Delicious food awaits in your cosy lodge. 

Lodge:      Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m / 12,690 ft  

Crossing the high pass at Mt Salkantay

DAY 3   |   CROSSING THE SALKANTAY PASS / Wayra

Todays the day, cross the highest point on the Salkantay Pass (4,638 m/15,213 ft). Pause to take in the views, pat yourself on the back and keep you eye out for soaring condors. The Vilcabamba Range of snowcapped peaks extend in all directions with the glaciated south face of Mt. Salkantay towering above you. Descend to Wayra lodge, the place ‘where the wind lives’ for the night.

Lodge:       Wayra Lodge at 3,906 m / 12,812 ft           

Wayra Lodge below Humantay Mountain

DAY 4   |   INTO THE CLOUD FOREST / COLPA 

Descend along the Salkantay River through verdant scenery into the cloud forest where warm air rises from the jungle, colourful butterflies and striking orchids are our companions. At Colpa Lodge, you are greeted with a Pachamanca, a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meat and vegetables with hot stones, and then covering the whole thing up to bake. If you still have energy to burn there is a wonderful orchid trail to explore or oumight prefer to reaquint yourself with the outdoor Jacuzzi for panoramic views over the lush green mountains.

Lodge:       Colpa Lodge at 2,870 m / 9,414 ft               

Trekking through the cloud forest

DAY 5   |   SANTA TERESA RIVER VALLEY

Hike through the Santa Teresa river valley, passing through banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards and coffee plantations. Enjoy a hot picnic lunch by the river, and tour a coffee plantation before continuing to Lucma Lodge, which is surrounded by its avocado orchard.

Lodge:       Lucma Lodge at 2,135 m / 7,003 ft               

DAY 6   |   FIRST VIEWS OF MACHU PICCHU FROM LLACTAPATA PASS

A hearty breakfast prepares you for the  last day of trekking. Head to the Llactapata pass from where there are stunning views, Machu Picchu Sanctuary can be seen here from the southeast, a view few travellers get a chance to admire. After a scenic lunch begin the final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations before boarding the train bound for Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu Mountain.

Hotel:        Inkaterra Macchu Pichu Pueblo                 

Machu Picchu

DAY 7   |   VISIT MACHU PICCHU - RETURN CUZCO

Rise early this morning for the bus ride up zig zag road to Machu Picchu ruins.  After a guided tour, the rest of the morning to explore these magnificent site at our leisure or take on the steep hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain for expansive views over the site. Board the train this afternoon to Ollantaytambo and meet the private transfer back to Cuzco.

ABOUT THE LODGES 

The Mountain lodges are of a high standard both in comfort and facilities considering the remoteness of the locations. Rooms have en-suite shower. There are outdoor Jacuzzi too. Delicious restaurant meals are provided each evening created from local produce. Soft drinks, sparkling water, tea and coffee are at no charge.

TREKKING DATES

Regular departures from Cuzco (every 2 to 3 days) from March through December. Contact us for details and availability.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 5 nights Lodge accommodation, 1 night Hotel - ensuite rooms, twin share basis
• Transport from Cuzco to trek commencement (and v.v.) by road and rail
• Trekking at altitudes 2000 to 4000 metres (6500-13000 feet) above sea level
• Luggage service on trail by packhorse and/or porter
• All meals from lunch Day 1 through to lunch Day 7.
• Small, personalised groups, 8-12 persons maximum.
• Services of an English-speaking guide
• Entrance fee and guided arrangements at Machu Picchu

FITNESS

You will need to have a good fitness level and because of the high altitudes experienced it is important to acclimatise in Cuzco for at least 2 days prior.  There are some steep sections en-route and a variety of trail surfaces, mostly good but sometimes poor. Good hiking boots are essential. It is not a race and trekkers are able to pace themselves through each day with numerous rest stops.