Overview
Enjoy a spectacular Andean trek—no camping! On the fantastic trails of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, the mountain landscape that cradles Machu Picchu, we’ll hike past gleaming alpine lakes, into delicate cloud forests draped in orchids and bromeliads, and below the dazzling snow-capped peaks of Salkantay (20,574') and Huamantay (19,239'). At the end of each hiking day, we are welcomed at a trailside mountain lodge in a dramatic setting, with each lodge featuring private rooms, hot showers, delightful cuisine—and even saunas. The grand finale is our exploration of ethereal Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca world.
The trip was absolutely amazing. The Mountain Lodges were excellent and the food was delicious. Our guide was a true professional, with years of experience, stories to share, and an overall concern for his guests. We were fortunate to have him as our guide.
— Gay A., Roseville, MN
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Cusco / Salkantay Lodge
After exploring Cusco, the Incas’ imperial city, we head out into the mountains for a hike through the gorgeous Soraypampa Valley to our first trailside accommodation, Salkantay Lodge (11,800'), ringed by the peaks of the Cordillera Vilcanota. We enjoy an acclimatization hike from this beautiful lodge, scrambling up to a turquoise lake at 14,000 feet for vistas of Salkantay and Huamantay.
Days 4-6
Salkantay Pass / Santa Teresa Valley
Stunning glaciers and icefalls are the backdrop as we hike over Salkantay Pass (15,200'), a dramatic notch between the glacial moraines of Huamantay and Salkantay. Keeping an eye out for Andean condors, we descend to Wayra Lodge (12,800'), where we can soak in a hot tub beneath a starlit sky. We hike through cloud forests on our way to Colpa Lodge (9,414'), and here we’ll enjoy a pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian barbecue. Trails through the lush Santa Teresa Valley bring us to lovely Lucma Lodge (7,000'), surrounded by its own avocado orchard.
Days 7-9
Machu Picchu / Cusco
Crossing Pallayacta Pass (8,974'), we arrive at the restored Inca ruin site at Llactapata, set high on a ridge facing Machu Picchu. After enjoying this rarely seen view of the sanctuary, we descend to the banks of the Urubamba River, end our trek, and take the train to the bustling town of Aguas Calientes and our lovely riverside hotel. On Day 8, we rise early to explore legendary Machu Picchu with a specialist guide, then take the afternoon train to Cusco and depart on Day 9.
Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge
Highlights
Highlights
Details
5-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 6-8 hours a day, altitudes between 7,000-15,200 feet
