A Trans-Andean Trek to Machu Picchu

Selected as one of National Geographic Traveler Magazine's Tours of a Lifetime for 2009!

Also featured in The New York Times in August 12, 2007!

A challenging high-altitude trek without camping! Our fabulous lodge-to-lodge trek follows a lightly-traveled trail through the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular mountain range in the heartland of the Andes that cradles the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Hiking from one lodge to the next, you'll encounter ever-changing dramatic landscapes, from luxuriant forests to brilliant blue lakes, from snowcapped peaks to icy glaciers, culminating in the never-to-be-forgotten vista of Machu Picchu, one of the awesome wonders of the Americas. You'll feel like royalty itself as you cap each exhilarating day with a delightful respite at a lovely mountain lodge, where well appointed rooms, Jacuzzi, fireplace, and first class international and Peruvian cuisine await your pleasure. (Talk about comfort and style-and hot showers at night!) We venture to say that this journey to Machu Picchu will be as stunning as Machu Picchu itself!

Want more time to explore Cuzco and acclimatize before your hit the trail? Check out our 10-day Machu Picchu Inn-to-Inn Trek!

Activities

4 days strenuous hiking at medium elevation (max. 14,700')

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• A challenging high-altitude trek-but with the welcome creature comforts of mountain lodges at the end of every day
• Journey to Machu Picchu through the Cordillera Vilcabamba, whose glittering icy peaks feed the Amazon
• Views include spectacular Salkantay, the highest mountain in the Cordillera and most sacred in Inca mythology

2010 PRICES
$2,650 per person (2-12 members)
$1,325 Single Supplement

2011 PRICES
Mar 1 to Apr 15 & Nov 1 - Dec 15 (low season)

$2,560 per person (2-12 members)
$1,280 Single Supplement

Apr 16 to Oct 30 & Dec 16 to Dec 31 (high season)

$2,850 per person (2-12 members)
$1,425 Single Supplement

Duration: 7 days Start Location: Cusco End Location: Cusco Best time to go: March - December

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Salkantay Lodge, Soraypampa

  Meet in Cusco, Peru. Transfer to Mollepata, visiting the impressive Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo on the way. Hike  to Salkantay Lodge (11,800') in the Soray Pampa valley

• Day 2 : Salkantay Lodge - hike to glacier lake

  Acclimatization hike to a high glacial lake and enjoy the panoramic views of the high Vilcabamba.

• Day 3 : Soraypampa to Wayra Lodge

  Begin the trek with a hike up the Río Blanco valley, circling Humantay (19,413') and crossing a pass at 15,340 feet. At the pass we stop briefly for views of icy peaks in every direction. Descend to Wayra Lodge (12,000').

• Day 4 : Huayraccmachay Lodge to Collpa Lodge, Collpapampa

  Hike down to the Collpapampa Valley, where Collpa Lodge (10,300') is located in a lovely meadow overlooking the confluence of three rivers.

• Day 5 : Collpapampa to Lucma Lodge, Lucmabamba

  Head down the Santa Teresa Rivervalley through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations. After lunch along the river, it's a short climb to Lucma Lodge (6,000'), set in a tropical wooded enclave. You'll arrive in time to explore the village and meet members of the local community.

• Day 6 : Lucma to Aguas Calientes

  Hike toward Llactapata Pass (8,530' - great views of Machu Picchu from here!), then descend to the Urubamba River through lush bamboo forests and diverse mountain terrain. At the railway line, board the train and transfer to the village of Aguas Calientes, just below Machu Picchu.Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo, a luxury boutique hotel.

• Day 7 : Machu Picchu – Cusco

  Morning tour of the magnificent sanctuary of Machu Picchu, with plenty of time to explore the ruins on your own. Afternoon train to Cusco.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Manolo Lazo

  Manolo Lazo is one of Peru’s most experienced adventure travel guides, with more than 15 years of experience leading treks and whitewater rafting trips. A resident of Cusco, Manolo is well versed in the rich history of the Andes as well as the classic trekking routes that follow the ancient Inca trade paths. His knowledge of the country, its people, and traditions add immensely to your appreciation of the trip. Manolo is fluent in English as well as Spanish, and conversant in Quechua—the historic language of the Incas, and he has a gift for instilling confidence in every trekker.

• Juan de Dios Castillo

  Juan de Dios was born in the northern Andes and raised in Cusco. For the last 16 years he has worked as a guide in the Andes, including Bolivia, Ecuador, and the Galápagos. Juan is comfortable guiding any active trip, be it cultural, trekking, or river rafting. His knowledge of the local Quechua language and his extensive studies in Inca culture provide him with a unique understanding of the Andean people. His love of Peru and easygoing manner make him a great traveling companion.

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