Travel to Peru: Machu Picchu Mountain Lodges Trek

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Machu Picchu Mountain Lodges Trek

			DAYS: 12 GRADE: II-III, Some strenuous hiking, first-class accommodations define PRICE: From $3995 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: Lima Cusco Urubamba Valley Trekking en route to Machu Picchu in mountain lodges ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Our Machu Picchu Mountain Lodges Luxury Trek is a physical, cultural, and spiritual journey along ancient footpaths through the Andes en route to the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu. Trek to Machu Picchu in style from lodge to lodge hiking along a spectacular route in the Cordillera Vilcabamba under towering snow-capped peaks dominated by Mt. Salcantay (20,574), the sacred Apu of local Quechua communities we encounter along the way. Like Inca royalty we overnight in the comfort of luxury mountain lodges featuring exquisite Peruvian cuisine, Jacuzzi, lounge, and cozy fireplaces. This less traveled route is a more spectacular high Andean trek than the popular Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.

DAY 1 :  LIMA

Arrive Lima and assistance for late night arrivals to overnight at the Costa del Sol airport hotel, or transfer in to Miraflores.

Learn about Quechua life visiting native Andean communities. (Photo: Egret Communications)

DAY 2 :  CUSCO
Morning transfer for one hour flight to Cusco and transfer to in to your hotel. Afternoon half-day guided orientation of ancient Inca temples, Spanish churches and the surrounding ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara and Tambo Machay. Your guide will also direct you to shops, museums and markets where you can explore on your own. Overnight at the Hotel Novotel in a Colonial-style room (or similar). [Optional upgrade at extra cost to El Monasterio- a restored 400-year old former monastery 5* Orient Express hotel.] [B]

DAY 3 :  SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
Full day exploration with an expert guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas including the village of Pisac and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Visit pottery or weaving workshops, markets, and Quechua villages where highland Indians tend their fields and sell handcrafts in outdoor markets. Return to Cusco and overnight at the Hotel Novotel in a Colonial-style room (or similar). [BL]

	Spectacular view of Mt. Salkantay from Salkantay Lodge and Resort (11,800 ft.)

DAY 4 :  SORAY PAMPA, SALCANTAY LODGE
Pick up at 8 am in Cuzco (Tue or Fri) and drive 3.5 hours to the Salcantay Lodge our base for two nights (11,800). En route we visit the impressive Inca ruins of Tarawasi, a center for Inca rituals representing the finest masonry built with highly polished granite. We pass through the mountain village of Mollepata before ascending a winding mountain track to the spectacular valley of Soray Pampa. The Salcantay Lodge takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley, the most sacred peak in Inca mythology and at 20,574, the highest in the region. After lunch enjoy this first afternoon at leisure to adjust to the altitude. You may choose to participate in any of the optional activities offered at the lodge. An evening briefing around the fire is followed by aperitifs and dinner. Overnight Salkantay Lodge and Resort at 3,600m/11,800 ft. [BLD]

Note: The Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort has 12 private double or twin rooms with private facilities. Each Trekkers Lodge (Wayra, Collpa, Lucma) has 6 private double rooms. Rooms can hold up to 4 people maximum. Lodges are fully equipped and serviced. Salkantay Lodge, Wayra and Collpa Lodges have an outdoor jacuzzi. The water at all four lodges is of drinking quality and there is ample hot water. Central heating ensures the temperature remains a comfortable 68 F.

DAY 5 :  SORAY PAMPA
The high Andean valley of Soray Pampa is a spectacular place for a free day to rest or participate in a variety of activities. Walk around the meadow, photograph the unimpeded view of Mt. Salkantay and visit with local people, or head out with a local guide to fish a high glacial lake for rainbow trout, scramble up moraine to a spectacular viewpoint, or ask about horseback riding and mountain biking. A packed lunch is available for those choosing to venture out for the day. Prepare for the start of our trek at an evening briefing about the next four days. Overnight Salkantay Lodge and Resort. [BLD]

DAY 6 :  HUAYRAC MACHAY, HUAYRA LODGE
Today we begin the four-day trek to Machu Picchu hiking up the Rio Blanco Valley approaching Humantay Peak across from Mt. Salcantay. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 4,470m (14,700ft) where we rest on the shores of Lake Salcantaycocha surrounded by views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabama Range in every direction. Descend toward Huayrac Lodge to soak in the Jacuzzi under the southern constellation. Overnight at Huayra Lodge at 3,650m/12,000 ft (6-8 hours hiking) [BLD]

Treking like Inca royalty - rendering of well-appointed trekkers' lodging.

DAY 7 :  COLPA PAMPA, COLPA LODGE
After a leisurely breakfast we head out downhill to the Colpapampa Valley, through astonishing and ever-changing vistas. Colpa Lodge is located in a lovely pasture amidst lush vegetation. Lunch is again taken en route. We arrive in time for an optional excursion to a nearby hot spring (days hiking time, excluding hot spring, 5-7 hours). Dinner and overnight at the lodge. [BLD]

DAY 8 :  LUCMA BAMBA LODGE
Trekking down the Santa Teresa river valley we begin passing through populated rural areas with orchards and coffee plantations as the terrain becomes subtropical and lush. We stop along the river for lunch from which point it is a short climb to Lucma Lodge, set in a tropical wooded enclave. We take some time in the afternoon to visit with native Quechua members of the local community. The glory of Lucma is its view of Machu Picchus legendary Watchmans Tower, seen today just as native Incas first saw it. Overnight Lucma Bamba Lodge at 2,000m/6,600 ft (5-7 hours hiking). [BLD]

DAY 9 :  AGUAS CALIENTES
Well fit and acclimated we arise early to tackle the last day of our trek heading uphill for 3-4 hours towards Pallayata Pass (2,600m/8,500ft), then descend to the Urubamba River through lush bamboo forests and diverse mountain terrain for 2-3 hours descent. The trail opens up at the railway line where a private railcar meets us for a short ride up the tracks to the village of Aguas Calientes where we check into our hotel. A short bus ride brings us up to the Sanctuary Hotel for lunch at the entrance to Machu Picchu overlooking the sheer cliffs and horseshoe bend of the Urubamba River below. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel at 8,000. [BLD]

DAY 10 :  MACHU PICCHU
Be among the first to arrive in Machu Picchu on one of the early shuttle buses up to the site. Our guide will accompany us on an orientation walk through the mysterious maze of streets and stone buildings of this magnificent site. Enjoy the rest of the morning to explore and photograph the most impressive archaeological monument in the Andes at your own pace. Visit the temples of Inca royalty and see the Intiwatana, the ancient stone sun dial. You can hike up the precipitous stone stairs of towering Huayna Picchu peak to get a breathtaking view of the setting. Leisurely return on the afternoon train to Cusco, where you are met and transferred to overnight at the Hotel Novotel or similar. [BL]

DAY 11 :  CUSCO
Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco and its shops, museums and markets. Overnight at the Hotel Novotel or similar.

DAY 12 :  RETURN TO LIMA
Transfer to Cusco airport for a morning flight to Lima. Airport reception and transfer in to Hotel Casa Andina Centro or similar in Miraflores. Use a day room until evening transfer to the airport for international departure this evening, or overnight and transfer out for next morning departure. [B]

Recommended add-on: Half-day tours in Lima and its museums are available upon prior request. Observe the blend of cultures in one of South America's oldest capital cities on a tour of the old colonial center of downtown Lima, the church and catacombs of San Francisco and the cathedral of Lima. The most comprehensive museums in Lima that feature Perus archaeological heritage are the Gold Museum and the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology.

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Breanne Stovall 1(800)345-4453