Itinerary

Overview

Machu Picchu Lodge Trek Expedition Itinerary

Day 1

Depart from country of origin. (Some flights may require you to overnight in Lima, which is not included in this package.)

Day 2

We’ll arrive in Cusco (11,200 ft.) by mid-morning, where we’ll be met by our local guide and be driven to our centrally located hotel. We’ll have lunch, then a group meeting and gear check to make sure everyone is ready for the trek. That night, Alpine Ascents will host a welcome dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Cusco.

Day 3

We have breakfast early in the Hotel then take a walking tour around Cusco. We visit old Spanish churches, the local market and then after lunch take a van out to an ancient Incan Sun Temple and learn more about their way of life. The stonework is truly amazing. This is a free night to venture out on your own in the nightlife of Cusco. Overnight at Andenes hotel.
(Please note this is one of the nights where dinner is not included)

Day 4

After an early breakfast, your MLP guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco. The first stop is a visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata. Enjoy lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village, where you will also have the opportunity to learn about local agriculture and livestock. After lunch comes a scenic ride on the winding mountain road to Challacancha. Here you will begin your hike to our flagship Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa along a picturesque path called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path).

Note: Although we highly recommend participating in the hike as part of your continued altitude acclimatization, guests may opt out and continue by transport to Salkantay Lodge.

Trekking Time: Approximately 3 Hours
Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate.
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.

Day 5

After breakfast, you begin an ascent up the slopes that border the plateau behind Salkantay Lodge*. An hour and a half later, your hard work will be rewarded with a first glimpse of the lake’s glistening turquoise waters and the Humantay glacier looming overhead. Upon arrival, you will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot, and participate in a traditional ceremony to honor “la Pachamama” (Mother Earth). After your descent back to the lodge, the Salkantay staff will be waiting with a hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure to relax, enjoy a massage, or soak in the outdoor hot tub for a spectacular view of the Salkantay Peak at sunset.

*Note: While the morning hike to Lake Humantay is optional, we strongly recommend your participation in preparation for the strenuous hike on Day 3.

Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours.
Hiking Level: Moderate.
Optional activity available: Horseback Riding.
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.

Day 6

After an early start, the ascent toward the Salkantay Pass begins. You will circle Humantay Peak, gradually making your way along expansive plateaus connected by enormous boulders, remnants of the Rio Blanco Valley that was once bisected by a fast-flowing river. The last and most challenging part of the ascent is conquering the mountain switchbacks that lead you to the pass, the highest point on the trek (15,213’ / 4,636m). The journey continues with a dramatic descent through fields of large boulders and natural stone formations often shrouded in fog. You will have some time to rest and enjoy some trail mix before the final hike through the area’s bucolic countryside; its rolling hills will eventually lead you through marsh-like plateaus to the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay, where you can wash away the trail dirt and have a great hot and tasty lunch. In the afternoon relax in the Jacuzzi or enjoy the great and impressive views of surroundings high snowed peaks.

Trekking Time: 6 hours
Hiking Level: Challenging
Overnight: Wayra Lodge at 3,906 m/12,812 ft.

Day 7

After a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, you will continue the descent toward the cloud forest along the banks of the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. The warm air will begin to rise from the edge of the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Today you will see more local Andean people as the trail takes you past their simple homes and makeshift fences. At approximately midday, you will arrive at Colpa Lodge, located on a high promontory at the confluence of three rivers.
The Colpa staff will greet you with a Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked below ground with hot stones that create a natural oven. After lunch, spend the afternoon lounging in the sun or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub while you take in the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround you.

Trekking Time: 3–4 hours.
Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate.
Overnight: Colpa Lodge at 2,870 m/9,414 ft.

Day 8

Today you will hike through the Santa Teresa River Valley along a rolling trail that crosses fertile fruit orchards and bisects streams originating from glacier-fed waterfalls. Rest alongside the river for a trail mix, then continue hiking for one more hour before you are met by an MLP transport vehicle for the short drive to the bottom of the Llactapata Inca Trail steps that lead to Lucma Lodge. Enjoy a great lunch at the lodge and afterwards, visit an organic coffee plantation, one of many in the area that produce some of the best organic coffees in the world. You will also begin to notice another shift in the climate; in Lucmabamba, the hot air and increased humidity signal that you are even closer to the edge of the Amazon Jungle.

Trekking Time: 5–6 hours (including lunch).
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging (because of distance, not terrain).
Overnight: Lucma Lodge at 2,135 m/7,003 ft.

Day 9

After breakfast, depart from Lucma Lodge and embark on a 2-3 hour climb through the cloud forest up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps. A lush tree line creates green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggests that the river is nearby. Your first milestone today will be the top of the peak, the last one before you descend to the Aobamba River Valley that connects you to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Llactapata Pass (8,974’ / 2,736m), you will delight in a southeast view of Machu Picchu, a sight few travelers get the chance to admire. After exploring Llactapata, the Inca tambo (fort) that marks the pass, enjoy a picnic lunch at a mountain lookout point with panoramic views. The final descent along a trail that zigzags down to the roaring Aobamba River will take you through lush bamboo forests, varied fruit orchards, and more coffee plantations. Celebrate as you cross the bridge over the river and take your final steps of the trek en route to the Hidroelectrica train station for a scenic one-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu.

Trekking Time: 4–6 hours.
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging.
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes at 1,900 m/6,232 ft.

Day 10

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a morning rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), prepare to be awed by the imposing, skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. After a two-hour guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own. At some point, be sure to take a moment and sit quietly–listen to the wind, meditate, and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes at 1,900 m/6,232 ft.

Day 11

Return to Macchu Picchu. This 2nd day is unique to Alpine Ascents as it gives us not only extra time to explore the ruins but give us the prior afternoon in the ruins when most of the groups have departed. The chance to visit these ruins without typical crowds is a fantastic experience. Afterwards we will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and then to the train station for an afternoon departure to Cusco. We usually arrive in Cusco at 8pm. Overnight at hotel.