Machu Picchu Lodge Trek (11 Day)

DAY 1:   LIMA
Lima Accommodations
Arrival and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours to museums or to visit the city and surroundings sites. Overnight Lima.

DAY 2:   LIMA – CUSCO
Cusco Accommodations
Morning departure for flight to Cusco, center of the Inca Empire. Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. The morning is free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude (10,856 ft / 3309 m). In the afternoon, you will have a walking tour to visit the local markets of Cusco, the colonial Cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After we will depart for a tour of Cusco's temples and visit each distinct Inca sight – The fortress of Sacsayhuaman with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small fortress of Puka Pukara that protected the royal capital from attacks and the sacred water temple of Tambo Machay. Overnight Cusco. (B)

DAY 3:   CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY – CUSCO
Cusco Accommodations
Full day guided excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be the picturesque town of Chincheros, next we continue down the Urubamba valley to reach the charming town of Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft.). After lunch, visit Pisac and its open air market*; this is a great opportunity to get souvenirs. Our last stop will be the native weaving cooperative of Awanakancha that was set up to help insure that ancient Peruvian textile crafts are passed on to future generations. Return to Cusco and overnight. (B,L)
*Due to its popularity, there is a market at Pisac every day, with the largest market day being Sun, as well as Tue & Thu.

DAY 4:   CUSCO – SALKANTAY LODGE & ADVENTURE RESORT at SORAYPAMPA
Lodge Trek Accommodations
After breakfast, the guests will be picked up at 7 am at their hotel in Cusco by an MLP guide and vehicle and transferred (about 3.5 hours) to the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (SLAR, 12,467 ft / 3,800 m). Along the way, we will take a break to visit the impressive 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. In Mollepata, all guests are required to pay the US$50 Salkantay Trail fee (cash only). We then ascend a winding mountain track to the beautiful valley of Soraypampa (11,800 ft / 3,600 m). This region is dominated by Mt. Salkantay (20,500 ft / 6240 m), which is the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology, and therefore a fitting name for the first lodge. After checking in, your first afternoon is free to adjust to the altitude. An evening briefing by the fire is followed by aperitifs and dinner. (B,L,D)

Optional Trek: Guests have the option of choosing to trek from Mollepata to Soraypampa, along an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for you to acclimate and enjoy a mild & beautiful 3-4 hour trek on the first day, box lunch will be served on the trail.

DAY 5:   SALKANTAY LODGE & ADVENTURE RESORT at SORAYPAMPA
Lodge Trek Accommodations
This day is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending upon guests’ level of acclimatization. Guests may do a local hike to a glacial lake to get the feel of high altitude trekking, or do a scramble to a viewpoint to take in the panorama. 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 6:   SORAYPAMPA – WAYRA LODGE at HUAYRACCMACHAY
Lodge Trek Accommodations
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 the Salkantay pass (15,000 ft / 4,600 m). At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, with the south face of Salkantay towering above us. From the pass we continue our descent toward the Wayra Lodge at Huayraccmachay (12,631ft / 3,850m), 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). (B,L,D)

DAY 7:   HUAYRACCMACHAY – COLLPA LODGE at COLLPAPAMPA
Lodge Trek Accommodations
Following the long first day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Huayraccmachay. We begin our trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. Cold snack en route. The Collpa Lodge (9,186ft / 2,800 m) is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. We arrive for a late lunch at the lodge and are treated to a traditional Pachamanca (a roasted pig that is cooked underground with hot stones). Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (B,L,D)

DAY 8:   COLLPAPAMPA – LUCMA LODGE at LUCMABAMBA
Lodge Trek Accommodations
After an early breakfast we head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through farmland with coffee plantations and orchards. We stop along the river for a hot picnic lunch. After lunch, we have a quick bus transfer (30 min) to begin our short climb (45 min) along an ancient Inca Trail through small scale coffee plantations and avocado trees to Lucma Lodge (6,890 ft / 2,100 m), our destination for the evening (hiking time: 4-6 hours/total excursion time for day 5-7 hours). (B,L,D)

DAY 9:   LUCMABAMBA – AGUAS CALIENTES
Lodge Trek Accommodations
Up early for our last day of trekking. We hike uphill for two hours towards Llactapata pass (9,843 ft / 3,000 m ) and upon reaching the Llactapata ruins, our efforts are rewarded with a spectacular 180 degree view of the mountains, including our first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance. We will have plenty of time to get great photos have lunch and enjoy the views from the Llactapata ruins. Our final steep descent leads us to the Vilcanota River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations (2-3 hours descent). If time permits, we will stop at the river for a quick rest before heading to the train station at the Hydroelectric plant for a well deserved cold drink. From the Hydroelectric train station it is a short ride to Aguas Calientes (5,905 ft / 1,800 m), a small town near the base of Machu Picchu. (Total hiking time: 4-6 hours). Arrive Aguas Calientes (4pm approx) and to check-in to the beautiful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel. Rest of day is free to enjoy the hotel amenities and the car-free town of Aguas Calientes. (B,L,D)

DAY 10:  MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Cusco Accommodations
After an early wake up and breakfast, we make our way to the bus station for the ride (30 min) up to the Machu Picchu ruins (7,800 ft / 2377 m). Our early arrival gives us plenty of time, before the guided ruins tour (2 hrs), to enjoy the serenity of these enigmatic ruins or climb the famous peak of Huayna Picchu* (8,900 ft / 2,720 m), the iconic mountain seen behind the ruins. You will have plenty of opportunity after the tour (4 hrs) to explore the ruins complex without your guide. At the appointed time, we will meet and return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and go to the train station for the afternoon Vistadome train return departure. You can arrange with your guide a later bus return to Aguas Calientes, if you would like to further explore the ruins. The train will arrive in Ollantaytambo (1.5 hrs), from there we will transfer (1.5 hrs) to Cusco by private minibus to our hotel. Arrive 7 pm (approx.), overnight Cusco. (B,L)

*Climbing Huayna Picchu – an early AM departure is essential, consult your guide as to the preferred departure time.

DAY 11:  CUSCO – LIMA
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight (End of Services). Trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco also can be arranged. (B)

Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner

Physical Requirements: Involves moderate to strenuous trekking/hiking at high elevations (above 10,000 ft.) and in varying temperature conditions. Good walking/aerobic fitness is required.

Note: Any physical activity at high altitude can be a challenge. It is the traveler's responsibility to best evaluate their physical ability to meet the stated Physical Requirements.

PRICING, DATES & ADDITIONAL DETAILS

TRIP COST:   (per person / 2 passenger minimum - with private pre-trek tours)

$3225   Regular 11 Day Departures (4 star hotels)
$2650   Regular 7 Day Trek + 1N Cusco Hotel (start/end in Cusco)

- All departures feature First Class transport and tour services.

Price includes:  Bilingual guides for all tours as noted, all airport/hotel transfers as noted, all land transport during the itinerary, cost of entry for all scheduled Cusco & Sacred Valley tours, all hotel accommodations including breakfast (as noted), all meals as noted, accommodations and support staff on lodge trek (the guide will handle the first aid kit)

Not included:  International round-trip airfare to and from Peru, internal airfare (will be quoted with trip proposal), lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise specified), $50 entrance permit for the Salkantay trek and the ruins of Machu Picchu (to be paid onsite at beginning of trek), hiking equipment and other personal gear, personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).

Cash Price: Prices listed are cash prices. Credit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee.

Single Supplement (hotel/lodges): Trip cost is based on twin shared hotel accommodations, a single supplement charge is assessed for those traveling alone or preferring single hotel/cabin accommodations.

Trip Extensions: Peru Day Tours and Peru & Amazon Multi-Day Tours are a great way to complement your Machu Picchu experience.

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2010 DATES:   Discounted Trip Dates (***)

April: Mar 31-10, 2-12, 13-23, 19-29

May: Apr 28-8, Apr 29-9, 10-20, 15-25, 22-1 June, 30-9 June

June: 1- 11, 2-12, 8-18, 9-19, 14-24, 15-25, ***19-29***, 22-2 Jul, 23-3 Jul

July: June 29-9, June 30-10, 6-16, 7-17, 13-23, 15-25, **17-27**, 20-30, 21-31, 23-2 Aug, 25-4 Aug, 27-6 Aug, 31-10 Aug

August: 29 July-8, 3-13, 4-14, 15-25, 17-27, 18-28, ***21-31***, 24-3 Sept, 26-5 Sept, 27-6 Sept

September: Aug 31-10, 1-11, 7-17, 9-19, 14-24, 15-25, 16-26, ***18-28***, 20-30

October: 28 Sept-8, 29 Sept-9, 4-14, 5-15, 10-20, 12-22, 14-24, 17-27, 19-29, 20-30, 26-5 Nov, 28-7 Nov

November: 2-12, 9-19, 16-26, 23-3 Dec

December: Nov 30-10, 7-17, 14-24, 15-25, 16-26, 21-31, 22-Jan 1, 24-Jan 3, 27-Jan 6

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ADDITIONAL DETAILS
The Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (SLAR) has 12 private double or twin rooms with private bathrooms (hot and cold water). Each of the Trekker’s Lodges (Wayra, Collpa, Lucma) has 6 private double or twin rooms with private bathrooms (hot and cold water)*. Lodges are fully equipped and serviced. SLAR, Wayra and Collpa Lodges have cozy reading rooms, fireplaces, outdoor jacuzzi, central heating and Peruvian/International cuisine. The water at all four lodges is of drinking quality. 2 triple rooms are available per departure (based on availability).

THE TREK:
We hike roughly 5-6 hrs/day.  Hikers have plenty of time to walk at their own pace!  Trekkers are expected to carry only a small daypack with their camera, spare film, water bottle and rain gear if the weather looks bad at the start of the day.  Our porters carry additional clothing, personal effects.  Free from a large pack, trekkers have more time for photography, observation and discovery.

Expert trail cooks, who for years have been presenting hearty trekking food using fresh vegetables, beef and chicken, prepare your meals.  Vegetarian offerings are also available.

We start trekking around 8am and try to get the majority of the walking done before the lunch stop.  We aim to arrive at lodges by mid afternoon to give trekkers plenty of time to enjoy the lodge and surroundings.  At no point do the hikes become forced route marches. Trekkers have ample time to walk at their own pace.