A Trans-Andean Trek to Machu Picchu plus Exploration of Cusco and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary
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!
At last—a challenging high-altitude trek without camping. Wind your way from lodge to lodge through the luxuriant forests and snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, the mountain range cradling the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Cap each day at picturesque, well-appointed lodges, complete with Jacuzzi and fireplace, and excellent international and Peruvian cuisine. The grand finale will find you standing above the splendid stone ruins of Machu Picchu, soaring in the mist below you—sure to send shivers down your spine. (No wonder the Incas called this place the sacred navel of the universe!)
Short on time? Try our 7-day Machu Picchu Inn-to-Inn Express trip.
Activities
4 days strenuous hiking at medium elevation (max. 14,700')
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Journey to Machu Picchu through the Cordillera Vilcabamba, whose glittering icy peaks feed the Amazon
- A challenging high-altitude trek—but with the welcome creature comforts of mountain lodges at the end of every day
- Andean mountain views include spectacular Salkantay, with its dazzling snowfields and ice cliffs
- Explore the Inca ruins around Cusco, and spend a full day at Machu Picchu!
2010 PRICES
$4,595 (9-12 members)
$4,695 (6-8 members)
$4,795 (4-5 members)
$350 internal airfare
$1,500 single supplement
2011 PRICES
$4,595 (6-12 members)
$4,895 (3-5 members)
$375 internal airfare
$1,700 single supplement
Low Season (Mar 1- Apr 14 & Nov 1- Dec 14)
$4,395 (6-12 members)
$4,695 (3-5 members)
$375 internal airfare
$1,700 single supplement
Duration: 10 days Start Location: Lima End Location: Lima Best time to go: March - October
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Cusco
Meet in Lima, Peru, and fly to Cusco. Afternoon guided walk through the city, once the capital of the vast Inca Empire. Overnight at Hotel Libertador.
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Day 2 : Salkantay Lodge
Transfer to Salkantay Lodge (11,800') in the Soray Pampa valley, visiting the impressive Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo on the way. Optional afternoon hike.
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Day 3 : Salkantay Lodge
The day is free to relax, with the option to hike to to a high glacial lake for a breathtaking panorama of Salkantay.
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Day 4 : Soray Pampa to Wayra Lodge
Begin the trek with a hike up the Río Blanco valley, circling Humantay (19,413') and crossing a pass at 14,700 feet. At the pass we stop briefly at Lake Salcantaycocha for views of icy peaks in every direction. Descend to Wayra Lodge (12,000').
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Day 5 : Huayraccmachay Lodge to Collpa Lodge, Collpapampa
Hike down to the Collpapampa valley, where Collpa Lodge (10,300') is located in a lovely meadow. Optional visit to a nearby hot spring for a relaxing soak.
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Day 6 : Collpapampa to Lucma Lodge, Lucmabamba
Head down the Santa Teresa river valley 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.
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Day 7 : Lucma to Aguas Calientes
Hike toward Palltayacta 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 Hotel. Relax in the spa.
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Day 8 : Machu Picchu
A full day to explore the exquisite stone remains of Machu Picchu including lunch at the Sanctuary Hotel within a stone's throw of the ruins (8,000').
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Day 9 : Return to Cusco
The morning is free to visit Machu Picchu again or to relax at the hotel. Afternoon train to Cusco.
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Day 10 : Lima, departure
Fly to Lima and depart.
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Hotel Libertador
CuscoFacing the Sun Temple "Koricancha," this romantic, personalized hotel is a traveler's favorite, reaching 11th place on Condé Nast Traveler's list of top South American hotels. Rooms furnished in a classic, traditional style ensure the hotel maintains its serene character despite its central location.
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Salkantay Lodge
SoraypampaNestled in the Andean valley of Soraypampa, at 12,500 feet, Salkantay Lodge is designed as a harmonious blend of nature and comfort. Enjoy excellent organic Peruvian cuisine, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and well-appointed rooms.
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Wayra Lodge
Vilcabamba RangeThis charming lodge hovers on a secluded windy stretch of valley beneath Humantay mountain. The stone and thatch structure, in characteristic Andean style, houses comfortable, elegant quarters managed with care by the owners, a local family.
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Collpa Lodge
CollpapampaIn an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers, Collpa Lodge sits in a cloud forest, with orchids and butterflies all around. The outdoor hot tub in this lodge has prominent views of lush green mountains and a small, far-away, local town.
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Lucma Lodge
LucmabambaBuilt at the head of the Inca trail, this elegant lodge sits amid avocado and coffee orchards within the archeological reserve. The walls of windows in the sitting area and dining room open the space to the grandeur of the rainforest's natural surroundings.
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Machu Pichu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas CalientesA luxury boutique hotel just steps from the train, but a secluded natural paradise. Located in the small town of Aguas Calientes on the banks of the Urubamba River, the Pueblo Hotel was rated by Travel & Leisure readers as a top 500 hotel of the world in 2006. Rustic elegance distinguishes the private bungalows, each with its own fireplace, and the lush gardens are home to orchids, exotic birds and other flora and fauna.
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. Sergio Fitch-Watkins is scheduled to lead this trek.
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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.
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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.
photo credits: ©MTS photo file
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