Salkantay Trek
A Lodge to Lodge Trek through the Andes of Peru
The Salkantay Adventure goes beyond deluxe lodges and a great trek. It is also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Andean culture as you learn about the Inca civilization and the extraordinary legacy that they left for generations to come.
At each day’s sunset, settle into deluxe mountain lodges run in partnership with local communities, to prepare for a new day of exploration.
SUMMARY
Day 1 ::: Cusco Arrival
Day 2 ::: Cusco Exploration
Day 3 ::: Begin Trek, Cusco to Soraypampa
Day 4 ::: Salkantay
Day 5 ::: Summit Salkantay Pass
Day 6 ::: Descending into the Cloud Forest
Day 7 ::: Santa Teresa River Valley
Day 8 ::: First Glimpse of Machu Picchu
Day 9 ::: Machu Picchu
Day 10 ::: depart cusco and lima
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1
Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.
Meals:
none
Cusco Arrival
Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Rest and relaxation are encouraged today as the city sits at an elevation of 11,000' and most of us will be feeling the effects of the altitude. Spend the rest of the evening connecting with the group or retire early.
Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.
Day 2
Weather permitting, we will workout surrounded by the ancient walls of Sacsayhuaman.
Meals:
B | L | D
City and Ruins Tour in Cusco
After breakfast and a relaxing group flow, we explore the ancient city of Cusco as a group. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Korikancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center. We then travel to the edge of the city where we’ll visit the Inca sites of Q’uenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco.
A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers us to a late lunch and an afternoon at leisure before we reconvene for a pre-dinner mat session.
Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.
DAY 3
The kindness of the locals is ever more vibrant than their attire.
Meals:
B | L | D
Cusco to Soraypampa
After breakfast, we meet our driver and guide to begin our adventures. En route to the trailhead, we visit the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site. Upon arrival at the town of Mollepata we will enjoy a hearty lunch at El Pedregal before your first trek to out first lodge.
OPTIONAL: Guests may opt out of the trek and continue by transport to Salkantay Lodge.
Salkantay Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869 m)
Approximately 3 hours hiking
Easy to Moderate
From Challacancha to Soraypampa
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge
Day 4
The high altitude mountain views are unparalleled.
Meals:
B | L | D
Salkantay
After a pleasant night’s sleep and an early morning breakfast, we will head out for our first acclimitization hike. This round-trip hike takes us to the turquoise waters of Lake Humantay. We will then enjoy lunch at Salkantay Lodge and afternoon at leisure
OPTIONAL: Afternoon horseback riding at Soraypampa (subject to additional cost)
Approximately 4 hours hiking
Moderate
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869 m)
DAY 5
Enjoy the warm waters of the outdoor hot tub each night at the lodges.
Meals:
B | L | D
Summit Salkantay Pass
Today, we begin our trek to Machu Picchu. We journey through the Salkantay River Valley as you begin your climb to the Salkantay Pass. Today we will reach the highest elevation of over 15,000ft.
After marveling at the majesty of the Salkantay Peak and patting yourself on the back for a job well-done, enjoy lunch on the mountain before heading down to Wayraccmachay Lodge for a soak in the hot tub.
From Soraypampa over the Salkantay Peak to Wayraccmachay (Max elevation: 15,200’/4,640m)
Approximately 7 hours hiking
Challenging
Overnight: Wayra Lodge (12,812’ / 3,906 m)
DAY 6
We’ll dive into a Pachamanca lunch, rich in tradition.
Meals:
B | L | D
Descending into the Cloud Forest
After a hot breakfast, begin your descent into the cloud forest on the way to Colpa Lodge. This descent is a welcome relief after our summit yesterday. Upon arrival, the staff will be waiting for us with a traditional Pachamanca lunch. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
From Wayraccmachayto Collpapampa
Approximately 4 hours hiking
Easy to Moderate
Overnight: Colpa Lodge (9,414’/2,870m)
Day 7
The mountains are breathtaking, but the people are what make Peru truly breathtaking.
Meals:
B | L | D
Santa Teresa River Valley
We have a delicious hot breakfast and then head out for another tough day. Descend along the Santa Teresa River towards Lucmabamba. We enjoy a picnic lunch along the river, followed by a short hike and van ride; afternoon visit to a local coffee plantation before arrival at our luxurious lodge.
From Collpapampa to Lucmabamba
Approximately 6 hours hiking
Moderate to Challenging
Overnight: Lucma Lodge (7,003’/2,135m)
Day 8
Seldom-seen view of Machu Picchu
Meals:
B | L | D
First Glimpse of Machu Picchu
In the morning we travel uphill through the cloud forest to the Llactapata Pass for a seldom-seen view of Machu Picchu. We stop for lunch en route followed by a winding descent to the Aobamba River Valley, ending the day with a 30-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes.
From Lucmabamba to Hidroelectrica train station
Approximately 5 hours
Moderate to Challenging
Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (6,232’/1,900m)
Day 9
Connection is the root of all travel.
Meals:
B
Machu Picchu | The Sanctuary
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a rollicking morning uphill bus ride, followed by a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. After the tour you will have free time to explore on your own or hike up Huayna Picchu*, the iconic mountain that looms overhead. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before the return train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours).
*Note: Permits for Huayna Picchu are subject to availability; please consult with your MLP travel specialist when you confirm your reservation. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, Machu Picchu Mountain (the second peak within the sanctuary) permits will be secured instead.
Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.
DAY 10
Say farewell to the lovely people in Peru.
Meals:
B
Depart Cusco and fly to Lima
After breakfast and a final yoga session, we transfer to the Cusco airport for our departing flight to Lima. Our time in Peru will leave your rooted to your inner self, fellow travelers and a deeper wellness practices.
AcCommodations
El Mercado
Cusco
El Mercado is a 4-star property located three and a half blocks from the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the heartof picturesque Cusco. Formerly part of the city’s old farmer’s market, El Mercado’s 32 rooms and quaint atmosphere guarantee personal and friendly service, and will inmediately immerse our guest in the cultural and historical traits of Cusco and Peru.
Mountain Lodges
Salkantay, Wayra, Colpa, + Lucma
Each of our four beautifully-appointed mountain lodges is one of a kind. The eco-minded architecture effortlessly mixes traditional Andean building techniques with contemporary design to blend seamlessly into their environs.
All of our guest rooms offer top-notch amenities. Hot showers, gourmet meals, fine linens, outdoor hot tubs, and highly personalized service from our local staff are just a few.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. Member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, the property has 12 acres of exquisite natural beauty, where 214 bird species – such as the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock – and the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species) have been registered.
After exploring the Historic Sanctuary and in-house excursions, guests can enjoy the Unu Spa, which combines the classic nurturing with a mystical Andean approach. Natural products are derived from local botanical extracts (mint, eucalyptus and orchids), thus providing a pleasing spiritual, sensual and soothing experience. The first-class restaurant features stunning views of Vilcanota River, and shares the secrets of Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Included:
All transportation services mentioned in the detailed itineraries
Daily activities “a-la-carte” (Daily choice of hikes, soft adventure or cultural activities)
Entrance fees to tourist and archaeological sites (Includes half day entrance to Machu Picchu)
Ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain (subject to availability)
Lodges / hotels as detailed
All meals as detailed
Services of professional guides (Excluding moments in the program which are labeled on your own)
Not Include:
International flights
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Personal travel insurance
Personal expenses
Activities not mentioned in itinerary
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Alcoholic beverages