Inca Trail Trek (Salkantay Route)
to Machu Picchu
(Frequent Departures)
The adventure along this remote Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is indeed an unforgettable one. We follow in the footsteps of the Incas as we travel the ancient trail and lush Peruvian pathways to glorious views of Machu Picchu. The stunning combination of Inca ruins, glorious mountains, exotic vegetation and amazing culture will remain with you long after your journey is over. Discovered in 1911, Machu Picchu is still a mystery to archaeologists who can only question its function. The Incas were the first to build permanent structures in this area, and their handiwork invokes a tremendous feeling of awe. By making this journey on the centuries- old Inca Trail, called the “Salkantay Route”, going from lodge-lodge along four mountain lodges in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular Andean mountain range which cradles the famed Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. you will gain a greater understanding of the Inca culture.
The trail is a work of spiritual art,
and walking it was formerly an act of devotion. We invite you to join us on
this remarkable journey into another time period, another civilization.
Day 1:
Cusco City Tour
Our journey begins in Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas, and the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city. After settling in to our comfortable hotel, we relax with Coca tea and allow our bodies to adjust in the altitude of Cusco (~11,000 feet above sea level). In the afternoon we take an easy guided walking tour of Cusco, including visits to Qoricancha (the ‘Temple of the Sun’), the Cathedral, and the Colonial and Inca museums. Walking tour of historic sites is approximately three hours.
Overnight in Cusco (Dinner)
Day 2: CUSCO to SALKANTAY LODGE & ADVENTURE RESORT at SORAYPAMPA (3,800 m/12,500 ft).
After an early breakfast we are transfered to the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (SLAR) in Soraypampa. En route we will take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approx. 1.5 hrs from Cusco). After leaving Limatambo, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa (30 minutes from Mollepata by vehicle).
Here, we will begin our trek to Soraypampa, on an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for guests to acclimate and enjoy a mild & beautiful 4 hour trek on their first day. (Hiking level: moderate). (Optional: guests who do not wish to trek may be transported to the lodge in the vehicle).
The SLAR takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley – the “Salkantay”, the 2nd most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 20,600 ft (6,270 m), the highest in the region.
After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, the guests will be shown to their rooms and have time to wash-up. The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude. An evening briefing by the fireplace is followed by aperitifs and dinner.
Note.- Lunch on DAY 1 is a box lunch.
Possibility of afternoon walk arrival to lodge (3-4 hours)
Day 3: SORAYPAMPA.
This day is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending upon guests’ level of acclimatization. The most popular activity at Soraypampa is a half-day hike (3-4 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging) to a glacial lake where the more adventurous might take a very short swim! This activity is excellent for acclimatization and a first immersion into high-mountain trekking! In the afternoon, guests may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor jacuzzi. In the evening, the guide will brief the trekking party on gear and the itinerary for the next four days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the Lodge.
Day 4: SORAYPAMPA to WAYRA LODGE at HUAYRACCMACHAY (3,850m/12,600 ft).
This is the big day: the start of the four-day trek to Machu Picchu. After an early start we will hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from the Salkantay. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 4,600 m (15,000 ft). At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the south face of Salkantay towering above us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass we continue our descent toward the Wayra Lodge (“Wayra”: wind; ‘the place where the wind lives’) our destination for the evening. A hot lunch is taken en route. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
(Hiking time: 4-6 hours. Total excursion time for day: 5-7 hours.
Hiking level: challenging with a 15,000ft mountain pass).
Day 5: HUAYRACCMACHAY to COLPA LODGE at COLLPAPAMPA (2,800m/9,200 ft).
Following the long first day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge. We then begin our trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. Our arrival at the next lodge encounters a “Pachamanca”-style lunch (subject to availability; traditional underground stone cooking). The Colpa Lodge is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor hot tub in this lodge has prominent views of lush green mountains and a small, far-away, local town. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
(Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Hiking level: easy to moderate).
DAY 6: COLLPAPAMPA to LUCMA LODGE at LUCMABAMBA (2,100m/6,900 ft).
After an early breakfast we head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated 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 hot picnic lunch. After another hour of trekking a private vehicle arrives to take us to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail” (30-minute drive). From the head of the trail it is a short climb (30 min.) to the Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. We arrive in time to allow for exploration of the small village of Lucmabamba and possible meeting with members of the local community.
(Hiking time: 5-6 hours. Total excursion time for day: 6-8 hours.
Hiking level: moderate to challenging, basically due to distance, not terrain).
DAY 7: Day 6: LUCMABAMBA to AGUAS CALIENTES (1,900 m/6,200 ft).
After an early start and a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata pass (2,700 m/8,900ft), where we come upon a distant but quite special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few tourists ever glimpse; an added value are the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is provided at the observatory, in view of Machu Picchu. We then begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations (2-3 hour descent). Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are a short (30 minutes), scenic train ride away. Overnight Machu Picchu
(Total hiking time: 4-6 hours.
Hiking level: moderate to challenging).
(Additional Night Possible at Machu Picchu)
DAY 8: Machu Picchu
Experience a morning-guided tour of the ruins,
with an optional walk to the Inca drawbridge and Huayna Picchu, or the
afternoon is yours to explore on your own. We enjoy our time in the most
beautiful ruins of South America; the combination of Inca buildings,
magnificent views, exotic vegetation and unforgettable mountains makes this
place a unique treasure for travelers of every kind. We roam around Machu
Picchu and take optional visits to the Temple of the Sun, the Three-Windowed
Temple, the Royal Tomb or we can simply admire the majesty of the slopes
overlooking the Urubamba Valley.
Late afternoon we depart by train the Urubamba Valley and on to Cusco
for our final night celebratory dinner.
Overnight in Cusco (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9: Cusco
– Departure for Lima/US return or Amazon Jungle Extension
Morning group transfer to the airport for flights to Lima (for flights schedule approximately 10:30 a.m.), and connecting flights back home (generally depart late evening) or flights on to Jungle extension (fly Cusco to Puerto Maldanado and return PEM to Lima directly)
BRIEF TECHNICAL TRIP DESCRIPTION:
5 days of moderate to strenuous hiking at elevations of 6,600-15,000 feet (2,000-4,600m) on steep and rocky trails and a section of stone paved Inca paths. Trekking involves traversing through 9 different eco-zones, which supposes changing weather conditions.
More About the Lodges
DESCRIPTION OF LODGES: All 4 lodges have been designed and built in accordance to traditional building techniques, Inca architectural & mythological concepts and respect for the environment.
The Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort has 12 private double, twin or triple rooms with private bathroom facilities. Each Trekker’s Lodge (Wayra, Collpa, Lucma) has 6 private double, twin or triple rooms. Rooms can hold up to 3 people maximum. Lodges are fully equipped and serviced. Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort, Wayra Lodge and Colpa Lodge have an outdoor jacuzzi. Every lodge guarantees an ample supply of hot water for showers; there are no bathtubs in any of the lodges. Room heating ensures the temperature remains a comfortable 68° F (23° C).
Each lodge has satellite telephones which work with phone cards; these can be purchased at each lodge. The lodges have Internet access.
Estimated LAND
PRICES
INCA TRAIL TREK Inn to Inn: ~ $3000 pp
AMAZON EXENSION: ~: $900 pp