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
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.
Cusco / Salkantay Lodge - Days 1-3
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Day 1 (1 night),Day 8 (1 night), Cusco, Peru
Just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas in the heart of old Cusco, this charming hotel is a renovated colonial manor house. It features a series of interior garden courtyards and a small sitting room and bar with a wonderful stone fireplace—a great place to relax after a day of exploring the city. The hotel’s entire staff is most helpful, and the restaurant is known for its selection of Novo Andino dishes.
Mountain Lodges of Peru
Days 2 to 6 (5 nights), Cordillera Vilcabamba, PeruThis unique system of four lodges built in the spectacular Cordillera Vilcabamba allows us to make a hiking traverse of the high valleys of the Andes en route to Machu Picchu while enjoying comfortable nightly accommodations that include private bedrooms with private bathrooms. The lodges all offer wonderful meals served with wine and a fireplace around which to relax and review the exciting adventures of that day’s hike. Jacuzzis are also available at Salkantay Lodge, Wayra Lodge, and Colpa Lodge. Salkantay Lodge, Days 2-3, has 12 double rooms and features a dining room with views of snow-capped Salkantay (20,574’), a magnificent peak that was sacred to the Incas. Wayra Lodge, Day 4, has six double rooms. Set at the foot of Huamantay Peak, the lodge offers wonderful views into the Salkantay Valley. Colpa Lodge, Day 5, is set on a promontory overlooking the Santa Teresa Valley and has six double rooms. Lucma Lodge, Day 6, with six double rooms, is our final night’s accommodation. Set at 6,600 feet, the lodge is in a warm location and offers a lovely garden with a variety of subtropical vegetation including banana, avocado, and coffee plants.
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.
Salkantay Pass / Santa Teresa Valley - Days 4-6
Mountain Lodges of Peru
Days 2 to 6 (5 nights), Cordillera Vilcabamba, PeruThis unique system of four lodges built in the spectacular Cordillera Vilcabamba allows us to make a hiking traverse of the high valleys of the Andes en route to Machu Picchu while enjoying comfortable nightly accommodations that include private bedrooms with private bathrooms. The lodges all offer wonderful meals served with wine and a fireplace around which to relax and review the exciting adventures of that day’s hike. Jacuzzis are also available at Salkantay Lodge, Wayra Lodge, and Colpa Lodge. Salkantay Lodge, Days 2-3, has 12 double rooms and features a dining room with views of snow-capped Salkantay (20,574’), a magnificent peak that was sacred to the Incas. Wayra Lodge, Day 4, has six double rooms. Set at the foot of Huamantay Peak, the lodge offers wonderful views into the Salkantay Valley. Colpa Lodge, Day 5, is set on a promontory overlooking the Santa Teresa Valley and has six double rooms. Lucma Lodge, Day 6, with six double rooms, is our final night’s accommodation. Set at 6,600 feet, the lodge is in a warm location and offers a lovely garden with a variety of subtropical vegetation including banana, avocado, and coffee plants.
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 / Cusco - Days 7-9
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Day 7 (1 night), Aguas Calientes, PeruLocated in Aguas Calientes below the Machu Picchu ruins, this hotel is spread over 12 acres of lush cloud forest. The rooms are comfortable bungalows with fireplaces and private terraces for admiring the tropical foliage and watching birds. Not having TVs in the rooms adds to the “away from it all” feeling, and you can take guided early morning bird walks or stroll one of the most extensive orchid gardens in the world. Meals are exceptionally good, and check out the hotel’s traditional-style Andean sauna. It’s easy to get to and from Machu Picchu by bus (a 30-minute ride). People love this hotel’s peaceful natural setting, and you can walk across a bridge into Aguas Calientes town for a visit to the extensive local handicraft market.
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Day 8 (1 night), Cusco, PeruJust three blocks from the Plaza de Armas in the heart of old Cusco, this charming hotel is a renovated colonial manor house. It features a series of interior garden courtyards and a small sitting room and bar with a wonderful stone fireplace—a great place to relax after a day of exploring the city. The hotel’s entire staff is most helpful, and the restaurant is known for its selection of Novo Andino dishes.
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
