Lodge To Lodge Salkantay To Machupicchu 7 Days / 6 Night

DAY 1 | Cusco to Salkantay Lodge

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

Note: On the evening before this day there will be a briefing with your guide in Cusco.

After an early breakfast, we will be picked up, starting 7:00 am at your Cusco hotel by a MLP guide and vehicle. En route we will take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approximately one and a half hours from Cusco).

After leaving Limatambo, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a small 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 trail called “Camino Real” (the Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for everyone to acclimatize, while enjoying a beautiful six-hour trek. Salkantay Lodge is named after the majestic peak at the head of the valley – Mt. Salkantay, the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology, at 6270 meters/20600 feet above sea level, the highest in the region. After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, we are shown to our rooms and will have time to freshen up, before tea and cookies. The trip leader will hold a a briefing by the fireplace, followed by aperitifs and dinner.

• Trekking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch en route)
• Hiking Level: Moderate
• Option: Guests who do not wish to trek may be transported to the lodge by vehicle

DAY 2 | A Hike to Humantay Lake

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

After having spent the night at Salkantay Lodge, we will have an acclimating hike on the slopes above the lodge to Humantay lake, fed by the hanging glaciers of Mt. Humantay. The hike is optional, but the views as absolutely amazing, and those brave enough can even go for a dip in the cold water. We will return to the lodge for lunch, with the afternoon completely free, where you can either swim in the cold water or relax in our outdoor jacuzzi. We spende the night at the Salkantay Lodge with gourmet gfood and warm, comfortable beds. In the evening, the guide will brief us on our gear and the itinerary of the following day. All meals will be served in the lodge.

• Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours
• Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
• Option: Horseback Riding (see additional information on page 10)

DAY 3 | Crossing the Salkantay Pass

We spend the night in Wayra Lodge at 3906 meters/12812 feet above sea level. This is the big day! After an early start, we will hike up to the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. The highest point on the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4638 meters/15213 feet above sea level. At the pass we will stop to take in the gorgeous views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the glaciated south face of Salkantay towering over us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass we will descend towards Wayra Lodge (“Wayra” meaning wind, from the name of the location “Wayracmachay”: the cave where the wind lives), our destination for the evening. We will have a hot lunch on the way, dinner and sleep in the lodge.

• Trekking Time: 6–8 hours (including lunch)
• Hiking Level: Challenging, crossing a 4,638m (15,213 ft) mountain pass
• Option: Horseback Riding (see additional information on page 10)

DAY 4 | Descending into the Cloud Forest

Overnight at Colpa Lodge (2870 m/9414 ft above sea level). We will enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge. Then we will continue our descent along the left bank of the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery.

We can feel the warm air rising up from the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Upon arrival at Colpa Lodge a Pachamanca will be waiting for us, Pachamanca is a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meats and vegetables with hot stones. Everything is then covered with hot stones, plantain leaves, high Andean grass and locals herbs, the contents are then baked in this underground oven.

Colpa Lodge is located on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor jacuzzi has panoramic views of lush green mountains. We will spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby orchid trail. Dinner and sleep in the lodge.

• Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
• Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate

DAY 5 | Following the Santa Teresa River Valley

Overnight at Lucma Lodge, at 2135 m/7003 ft above sea level. Today we will hike along the Santa Teresa river valley, through more populated rural areas.

We will pass through banana, granadilla, avocado, and coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world). A warm picnic lunch is served by the river. After lunch, we will hike another hour before a private vehicle meets us for a short drive to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail” (approximately 30 minutes). From the head of the newly restored Inca trail we will easily make our way back to Lucma Lodge, ser in an avocado orchard.

On the way we will visit an organic coffee plantation where we will join the owner on a short tour of the farm and learn how coffee is grown, harvested, dried, and later processed.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours (including lunch)
• Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging (because of distance, not terrain)
• Option: Canopy Zip Line Tour (Please see page 9 for detailed information

DAY 6 | First Views of Machu Picchu from Llactapata Pass

Overnight in Aguas Calientes at 1900 m/6232 ft above sea level. After a hearty breakfast, we will tackle the last day of our trek. We’ll head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2736 m/8974 f above sea level), where we will come upon a distant but breathtaking view of the Machupicchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers ever get a chance to admire.

We will take a short break to explore the Llactapata Ruins, which recently have been restored. Lunch is served at a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machupicchu. After which we begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations.

We will then board a train for a scenic ride (approximately 1 hour) to Aguas Calientes, the town of Machupicchu. Upon arrival, we check into an award-winning hotel for a celebration dinner with our tour guide and one last briefing.

• Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
• Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging

DAY 7 | Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary

We Return to Cusco. After a very early buffet breakfast in the hotel, we will make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machupicchu Sanctuary (30 minutes). Our trip leader will give and introductory 2-hour guided tour of the ruins, after which we have the option of climbing the steep Huayna Picchu staircase, which takes around 2 hours and offers great views of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, we will meet our guide again and return by bus to Aguas Calients for a late lunch and after that catch our train.

The ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes about one and a half hours, and then a private vehicle will drive us back to Cusco (another hour and a half). Upon arrival in Cusco (at approximately 7 or 8 pm), we will be dropped off at our hotels.

Preparing for the Trek

We recommend that our guests spend at least 2 nights in Cusco prior to their departure.

This helps with acclimatization to the altitude and also provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful Cusco city.

Travelers can feel the effects of higher altitudes in places as low as 2000 meters/6000 feet above sea level. They differ in their tolerance for high altitude conditions and how their bodies react to the changes in air pressure and oxygen level.

Therefore we encourage our guests to undergo the appropriate preparation by regular cardio-vascular exercise, even if it is at a low elevation, and to have a healthy, balanced diet prior to the trip.

The best type of training includes aerobic activities like walking, running, swimming or cycling. You need to start out slow and for short periods if you have not trained before. You will eventually work your way up to doing some of these exercises 3-5 days a week for 30 minutes to an hour at 70-85% of your maximum heart rate.

Your maximum heart rate can be calculated by subtracting your age from 220. While doing this aerobic type of exercise, you can throw in 1 minute intervals of higher intensity so that you can push your limits.

The lodge-to-lodge trek itinerary is designed to allow everyone to hike at their own pace, with plenty of breaks throughout the day. This is what leads us to a successful and enjoyable trek.

Please contact your physician to assess your physical conditions and for their advice on how to best prepare to fully enjoy your trekking experience.

Optional Activities

During Trek

Chakana Ride

This 5-6 hour guided horseback/trekking combination is the ultimate adventure when in Soraypampa.

It allows you to enjoy the best views of the Soraypampa Valley, Salkantay and Humantay mountains, and Humantay glacier lake, among others. A mystical offering to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) at the Chakana (Inca Cross) performed by a local shaman, in view of the awe-inspiring Apu Salkantay (“Apu” meaning mountain god), tops off this unique experience.

Our horses are also available at Soraypampa in the afternoon of day 2 for 2-3 hour guided rides around the valley.

Itineraries may bary depending on the guests’ riding experience.

You may also choose to trade the day 3 hike up to Salkantay pass for a horseback (entirely or partly).

Canopy Zip Line Tour

Looking for more adventure? Join our exclusive half-day excursion on an exciting and scenic canopy zip line tour.

This optional activity includes vehicle transfer, a 2 and a half hour canopy zip line tour, all needed safety equipment, training, and lunch.

Please let your MLP Travel Specialist know if you would like to book this activity in advance (limited spaces available).

If you are unsure at this time, you can book the excursion anytime until the afternoon on day 4 of the itinerary (just let your trip leader know).This optional activity will only be available with a minimum of 2 guests.

Pre-Trek Briefing and Meet & Greet

We provide a pre-trek briefing in Cusco on the evening prior to the beginning of the trek.

The meeting is held in our hotel, “El Mercado”, by the trip leader. All participants are requested to attend.

The briefing is made up of the following:

• “Meet and greet” with the group and the lead guide.
• Review of the detailed itinerary and any last-minute changes.
• Confirmation of specific dietary and medical information of the participants.
• Address frequently asked questions (and answers).
• Verify that participants have the necessary gear and equipment.

Important Note:

You will be receiving an invitation via email with the time and place of the briefing, including a map with directions to the briefing.

Please note that if you arrival to Cusco is delayed and you are unable to join your group for the transfer on day 1 to the first lodge, we can arrange private transportation for you to join the group at an additional cost.

Trip Description:

The trek consists of 6 days (2 days are optional) of moderate to strenuous hiking at elevations of 2000-4600 m.a.s.l. on different types of trails ranging from flat and grassy to steep and rocky slopes.

The trek crosses nine different ecozones in seven days, with the possibility of changing weather conditions.

Age Limits:

The recommended minimum age of participants is 12 years old. However, we may consider exceptions depending on the experience and physical conditions.