Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge Trek

CUSCO TO SALKANTAY LODGE AND ADVENTURE RESORT AT SORAYPAMPA (3,800M/12,500 FT)

PLEASE NOTE: We request that you arrive in Cusco the day before your trek to allow for any potential flight delays or lost luggage. While the hotel stay for that night is not included, we can arrange an airport transfer to your hotel. Lunch on the first day of the trek will be provided as a boxed meal.After an early and hearty breakfast, guests will be picked up from their hotel by a friendly, bilingual guide and vehicle starting at 7:00 AM for the journey to Soraypampa, home to the SALKANTAY LODGE AND ADVENTURE RESORT (SLAR). Along the way, there will be a refreshing stop to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo, approximately 1.5 hours from Cusco. After leaving Limatambo, we’ll pass through the mountain village of Mollepata for a short coffee break before continuing on a winding mountain road to Marcoccasa, about 30 minutes away by vehicle.

From Marcoccasa, guests will have the opportunity to embark on an exciting journey to Soraypampa along the "Royal Path" (Camino Real). This mild and beautiful 4-hour trek is an excellent way to ease into the adventure and take in the stunning scenery. The hike is moderate and optional. Guests who prefer not to trek will be transported directly to the lodge by vehicle.

The SLAR is named after the magnificent peak at the top of the valley—Salkantay, whose 20,600 ft (6,270 m) summit is the highest in the region and holds deep significance in Inca mythology as the second most revered peak.

Upon arrival at the lodge, guests will be warmly welcomed by our gracious staff and shown to their rooms to freshen up. The afternoon is at leisure, allowing guests to acclimate to the altitude. Dinner will be followed by a charming evening briefing by the fireplace.

ACCOMMODATION : Salkantay Lodge

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SORAYPAMPA

Time on this day is set aside for relaxation or optional activities based on guests' preferences. A popular choice is a half-day hike (3-4 hours) with a moderate to challenging difficulty level, leading to a stunning glacial lake. Adventurous guests may even opt for a brief, refreshing swim in the icy waters! For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, an afternoon soak in the lodge’s outdoor jacuzzi is an excellent alternative.

In the evening, the guide will provide a detailed briefing for the trekking party, covering gear requirements and the itinerary for the next four days. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at the lodge.

ACCOMMODATION : Salkantay Lodge

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SORAYPAMPA to WAYRA LODGE at HUAYRACCMACHAY (3,850m/12,600 ft)

Here begins the exciting four-day trek to Machu Picchu! After an early start, we’ll hike up the Rio Blanco Valley, passing Humantay Peak and circling across from Salkantay. The trek’s highest point is a mountain pass at 4,600 m (15,000 ft), where we’ll pause to marvel at the breathtaking views of the snowcapped Vilcabamba Range, with the majestic south face of Salkantay towering above us. This area is also a prime spot for spotting the elusive Andean Condor, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled for these magnificent birds.

From the pass, we’ll begin our descent toward Wayra Lodge—"Wayra" meaning wind, or the place where the wind resides—our destination for the evening. A hot lunch will be served along the route. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at the lodge.

Hiking time is approximately 4–6 hours, with a total excursion time of 5–7 hours. This day’s trek is rated as challenging due to the 15,000 ft mountain pass.

ACCOMMODATION : Wayra Lodge

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

HUAYRACCMACHAY to COLPA LODGE at COLLPAPAMPA (2,800m/9,200 ft)

Today begins with a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey, descending alongside the Salkantay River through breathtaking green landscapes and stunning scenery. Upon arrival at the next lodge, we’ll be welcomed with a "Pachamanca"-style lunch (subject to availability), a traditional meal prepared using an underground stone oven.

Colpa Lodge, our destination, is perched at the convergence of three rivers and offers striking views of lush, green mountains and a quaint, distant local village. Guests can unwind in the lodge’s outdoor hot tub, taking in the serene surroundings. Dinner will be served at the lodge, where guests will stay overnight.

Hiking time for this day is approximately 3–4 hours, with an easy to moderate difficulty level.

ACCOMMODATION : Colpa Lodge

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

COLLPAPAMPA to LUCMA LODGE at LUCMABAMBA (2,100m/6,900ft)

After an early breakfast, we will then proceed to Santa Teresa River Valley, through more inhabited rural areas with coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world!), bananas, 'granadillas', and orchards. We stop along the river for a refreshing picnic lunch. A private vehicle will arrive after another hour of trekking to take us to the start of the "Llactapata Inca Trail", a 30-minute drive. From the head of the trail, there is a short 30-minute climb to the Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. We will have time to explore the small village of Lucmabamba and meet with members of the local community. Hiking time is 5-6 hours. Total excursion time for the day is 6-8 hours and the hiking level is from moderate to challenging, basically due to distance and not terrain.

ACCOMMODATION : Lucma Lodge

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

LUCMABAMBA to AGUAS CALIENTES (1,900 m/6,200 ft)

After an early, hearty breakfast, we'll tackle the last day of our trek. We climb uphill for 2-3 hours to Llactapata pass (2,700 m/8,900 ft), where we can stumble upon a distant but unique view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few tourists ever glimpse. An added attraction is the recently restored Llactapata Ruins. After this, we begin our final descent (2-3 hour) to the Aobamba River through rich bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations. Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are a short 30-minute, scenic ride away. Total hiking time is 4-9 hours and hiking level is from moderate to challenging. We will then check-in to our hotel in Aguas Calientes for the night.

ACCOMMODATION : 4 star hotel in Aguas Calientes

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

MACHU PICCHU (2,450m/8,000 ft)

We start the day by waking up early to have breakfast at the hotel and then head to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu (30 minutes). We will be provided by a complete guided tour of Machu Picchu (2 hours). Guests will be given additional 4 hours for exploration of the site on their own (a lot of things to do and see). After this, we return to Aguas Calientes by bus for lunch and then to the train station for the afternoon departure. The train is headed to Ollantaytambo (1½ hours) where a private vehicle awaits us for a trip to Cusco (1½ hours). We will then take the guests to the hotel of their choice upon arrival in Cusco (approximately 7-8 pm).

Please note last night hotel is not included in the trip price.

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch