Machu Picchu Lodges Inca Trail

This is the stunning new alternative to the traditional Inca trail using the lesser known Salcantay route, and combining with stays in a chain of very comfortable and small lodges along the route...a challenging high-altitude trek without camping! National Geographic Traveler magazine has selected this as one of the 50 Tours of a Lifetime for 2009!

"A growing number of Machu-Picchu-bound hikers have made the Camino Salcantay their first choice, and not just because it is less crowded. What it lacks in ruins and the legendary paving stones....it makes up for in natural beauty and diversity. In contrast to the Inca Trail, which meanders through the forests with only fleeting views of the surrounding high mountains, the Camino Salcantay offers top-of-the-word vistas along much of the route" (National Geographic Adventure, Nov 2007).

Day 1: Cusco to Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa (3,800 m/12,500 ft)
After an early breakfast, guests will be picked up starting at 7:00 am at their hotel in Cusco and transferred to the Salkantay Lodge (about 3.5 hours drive). En route we will take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approx 1.5 hrs from Cusco). After leaving Limatambo, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to the spectacularly situated valley of Soraypampa.

Optional: Guests have the option of choosing to trek from Mollepata to Soraypampa, on an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for guests to acclimatize and enjoy a mild & beautiful 3-4 hour trek on their first day.

The Salkantay Lodge takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley – the “Salkantay”, the 2nd most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 20,600 ft (6,270 m), the highest in the region. After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, the guests will be shown to their rooms and have time to wash-up. The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude. An evening briefing by the fireplace is followed by aperitifs and dinner. Note.- Lunch on Day 1 is a gourmet box lunch.

Day 2: Soraypampa
This day is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending upon guests’ level of acclimatization. The most popular activity at Soraypampa is a half-day hike to a glacial lake where the more adventurous might take a very short swim! This activity is excellent for acclimatization and a first immersion into high-mountain trekking. In the afternoon, guests may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor jacuzzi. In the evening, the guide will brief the trekking party on gear and the itinerary for the next four days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the Lodge.

Day 3: Soraypampa to Wayra Lodge at Huayraccmachay(3,850m/12,600 ft)
This is the big day: the start of the four-day trek to Machu Picchu. After an early start we will hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from the Salcantay. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 4,500 m (14,800 ft). At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the south face of Salcantay towering above us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass we continue our descent toward the Wayra Lodge (“Wayra”: wind; the place where the wind lives) our destination for the evening. A hot lunch is taken en route. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge (hiking time: 4-6 hours; total excursion time for day 5-7 hours).

Day 4: Huayraccmachay to Colpa Lodge at Collpapampa(2,800m/9,200 ft)
Following the long first day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Huayraccmachay. We then begin our trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. Our arrival at the lodge encounters a “Pachamanca”-style lunch (subject to availability; traditional underground stone cooking). The Collpa Lodge is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor jacuzzi in this lodge has prominent views of lush green mountains and a small far-away local town. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Collpapampa to Lucma Lodge at Lucmabamba(2,100m/6,900 ft)
After an early breakfast we head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world!), bananas, granadillas, and orchards. We stop along the river for a hot picnic lunch. A vehicle arrives to the lunch spot to pick us up for a short drive to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail”. From the head of the trail it is a short climb (30 min.) to the Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. We arrive in time to allow for exploration of the small village of Lucmabamba and possible meeting with members of the local community. (hiking time: 4-6 hours/total excursion time for day 5-7 hours).

Day 6: Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes (1,900 m/6,200 ft)
After an early start and a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for two hours towards Llactapata pass (2,700 m/8,900 ft), where we come upon a distant but quite special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few tourists ever glimpse; an added value are the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is provided at the observatory, in view of Machu Picchu. We then begin our final descent to the Riobamba River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations (2-3 hours descent). Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are a short (30 minutes), scenic train ride away. (Total hiking time: 4-6 hours). We then arrive in Aguas Calientes to check-in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Machu Picchu (2,450m/8,000 ft) to Cusco
We wake up very early to have breakfast at the hotel and then make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu (30 min). A complete guided tour of Machu Picchu will be provided. Guests will have about 4 to 6 hours to tour the ruins (there is a lot to do and see). Afterward, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and to go to the train station for the afternoon departure. The train will arrive in Cusco and you will be dropped off at the hotel of your choice.