ABOUT MOUNTAIN LODGES OF PERU The Salkantay Trek with Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP) offers adventure at its finest - the opportunity to experience true adventure within the realm of revitalizing comforts. For MLP, however, a great adventure does not end there. In order for guests to appreciate a truly unique and life changing experience, MLP believes that the experience has to be an adventure on many levels. This is why MLP s travel proposal goes far beyond comfortable lodges and a great trek. MLP provides an exclusive opportunity to experience ancient history in the land of the Incas along with current manifestations of deep-founded culture, the most interesting and exotic variety of flora and fauna, culinary surprises, new friends and the company of like-minded adventurers at every step. In a way, we are all like the Inca Chaskis, the relay runners who delivered messages along the vast web of trails and paths that linked Cusco to the far flung corners of the empire. Following in their footsteps, we too are on a mission. With their one of a kind lodges, MLP aims to provide guests a refuge for the mind and body where much-deserved rest awaits. Cozy lodges offer unparalleled comfort, nice hot showers, gourmet meals, select wines and comfortable rooms with down bedding. The lodges also feature outdoor Jacuzzis as well as highly personalized service provided by caring local staff. ABOUT YOUR TREK MLP proposes more than an expedition...an exciting adventure of surprising comfort that takes you on an ancient Inca trail called the Salkantay Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the road less travelled to the Lost City of the Incas. The route winds through the Vilcabamba range, a picturesque Andean mountain range, before plunging into forested canyons. Here, you will discover a world surrounded by magical moments that will stay with you far beyond your return home. Experience first hand why the majestic peaks of the Andes with their emerald green glacial lakes inspired awe among the natives in the area who considered the peaks themselves to be gods on Earth.
DAY 1 CUSCO TO SALKANTAY LODGE Hotel pick-ups begin at 7:00 a.m. this morning. From Cusco, you will travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the Inca Ruins of Tarawasi, near the town of Limatambo approximately 1.5 hours from Cusco. From Limatambo, you will continue to the mountain village of Mollepata where you ll stop for a short coffee begin your ascent on a winding mountain road to Marcoccasa where the group will begin the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Today s trek will take you to Soraypampa along an old route called the Camino Real, the Royal Path. The trek to Soraypampa is a great opportunity to acclimate to the high Andes while enjoying the 6-hour journey to your first lodge, the Salkantay Lodge. The lodge takes its name from the majestic Salkantay peak at the head of the valley, the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 6,270 meters above sea level, the highest in the region. After a warm welcome by the lodge s staff, guests will be shown to their rooms before some free time to freshen-up before afternoon tea and cookies. Here, the trip leader will hold a briefing by the lodge s fireplace, followed by aperitifs and dinner. Trekking Time: Approx. 6 hours, including a picnic lunch en-route Hiking Level: Moderate Option: Guests who do not wish to trek may be transportation to the lodge by vehicle.
DAY 2 HIKE TO HUMANTAY LAKE DAY 3 CROSSING SALKANTAY PASS Today you will join your guide for an acclimatization hike on the slopes above the Salkantay Lodge to Lake Humantay, fed by the hanging glaciers of Mt. Humantay. The hike is optional and the views are truly amazing - brave guests can even take a refreshing dip in the glacial waters prior to returning to the lodge in time for lunch, Today s afternoon is at leisure with the option for a hot dip in the lodge s outdoor Jacuzzi sure to entice guests.. This evening, your guide will brief the group on the following day s itinerary. Today is the big day! After an early breakfast, the group will hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak, across from Salkantay Peak. Upon reaching the Salkantay Pass, the highest point on the trek at 4,638 meters above sea level, you will stop for a break and to enjoy the spectacular views of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction and the south face of Salkantay towering above. Keep an eye out for Andean Condors, often visible in the area, All meals are served at the lodge. Trekking Time: Approx. 4 hours Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging Option: Horseback Riding (extra) From the pass, you will descend to Wayra Lodge, your destination for the evening. Trekking Time: Approx. 6-8 hours Hiking Level: Challenging Option: Horseback Riding (extra)
DAY 4 DESCENDING TO THE CLOUD FOREST DAY 5 FOLLOWING THE SANTA TERESA RIVER VALLEY Today s hike to Wayra Lodge is a leisurely one as you continue your descent along the left bank of the Salkantay River and through increasingly verdant scenery. You can feel the warm air rising from the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids, all the more visible as the vegetation starts to change. At the lodge, the group will be greeted with a Pachamama, a festive traditional Peruvian meal prepared by layering vegetables and meat with hot stones and covering everything up with plantain leaves, high Andean grasses and local herbs, cooked together in an underground oven. The afternoon is at leisure with dinner served at the lodge later this evening. Today you will hike along the Santa Teresa river valley through more populated rural areas. The trek will take you through banana and avocado orchards and coffee plantations, said to produce one of the best organic coffees in the world. A hot picnic lunch is served by the river prior to continuing the hike to a nearby meeting point where local transportation will shuttle the group to the start of the Llactapata Inca Trail, located approximately 30 mins away. From the trail head, you will continue on foot to the Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. From the lodge, you will visit a nearby coffee plantation where the owner will give the group a short tour of the farm and will show how coffee is grown, harvested, dried and processed. Trekking Time: Approx. 3-4 hours Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate Trekking Time: Approx. 5-6 hours, including lunch en route Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
DAY 6 FIRST VIEWS OF MACHU PICCHU FROM LLACTAPATA PASS DAY 7 VISIT MACHU PICCHU After an early breakfast, the group will tackle the last day of the trek, heading uphill towards the Llactapata Pass, at 2,736 meters above sea level. Here, you will be treated your first view of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a unique view most visitors to Peru are not privy to. A short rest at the Llactapata Pass, followed by lunch at a scenic viewpoint will take you into the afternoon. From here, the group will begin its final descent to the Aobamba River, travelling through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. Upon completing your trek, you will hop on the train to the town of Machu Picchu, also known as Aguas Calientes where the group will check-in to your hotel with dinner included. Trekking Time: Approx. 4-6 hours Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging After an early breakfast, you will hop on the bus to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. After an introductory guided tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the site on your own, visiting the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Principal Baths and Huayna Picchu mountain, featuring amazing views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valley. Later, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch prior to hopping back on the train for the journey to Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Private transportation will be waiting for the transfer back to Cusco where you will be dropped off at your hotel with the balance of the evening at leisure.