Luxury Peru Lodge to Lodge Trek (Cusco To Machu Picchu) 9D8N, Fully Guided

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 4.8km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 92m (300ft), Elevation loss: 213.4m (700ft)
Level 3, Approx. 6.4km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 153m (500ft), Elevation loss: 274.4m (900ft)
Level 4, Approx. 8km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 153m (500ft), Elevation loss: 427m (1400ft)

Meet your leaders at 9 a.m. in the courtyard of Inkaterra La Casona, located at Plaza Las Nazarenas 211 in Cusco, Peru. Arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today's hike. Since most of our activities take place at or near 11,000 feet, we highly recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least one full day before the trip starts to become better acclimated to the elevation; arriving any later may keep you from fully enjoying our planned activities.

Begin with a short shuttle into the hills outside of Cusco to the Tambomachay ruins. Embark on a mostly downhill hike to assist you in adjusting to Peru’s high elevation while capturing sweeping views of Cusco Valley. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing the hike to the Temple of the Moon, an ancient religious complex where burials and ceremonial practices once took place. Delve deeper into the ruins calling into Q'enko, a ritual site marked with rock carvings. You’ll arrive at the impressive Sacsayhuaman, a landmark just above Cusco, offering a breathtaking view of the city and boasts some of the most complex massive stones in the world. Be captivated at by the view overlooking Cusco where this extraordinary fortress of massive stone blocks was once used for religious and military purposes.

This afternoon, you will have the opportunity to view Pre-Columbian Art, providing you with an introduction to a mysterious art form that was practiced in ancient Peru. The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art in Cusco, also known as MAP Cusco, provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get a more profound comprehension of the legendary inventive spirit of the Incas. Afterward, we reassemble for an incredible dinner featuring regional specialties.

You'll will stay in a 16th century manor house and the first Relais & Châteaux property in Peru, nestled between the San Blas arts neighbourhood and Cusco's lively main square. Unwind in the picturesque Spanish courtyard, savour a refreshing drink by the bar or cosy up by the fireplace. Tonight, gather together for an exquisite dinning affair bursting local flavours.

Level 3, Approx. 6.4km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 305m (1000ft)

Enjoy breakfast before a bus shuttle to the trailhead to start our ascent of Machu Picchu. The Inca ruins of Killarumiyoc, one of the Incas' most venerated deities known as "mother quilla," predate the village of Mollepata, which is located above 9,100 feet. Hike the Soraypampa Trek from Challacancha's trailhead traversing breathtaking Peruvian flora and fauna, including tropical jungles, majestic snow-capped mountains, beautiful valleys, waterfalls, and clouded forests. It is also less crowded than the Inca Trail which means more time to enjoy the views. When we get to Soraypampa, we'll take a trip up to Humantay Lake, which features breathtaking vistas; if the weather is good, we might even get a glimpse of the towering Salkantay and Humantay mountains. Along the way, enjoy lunch surrounded by a beautiful view of the valley.

Call into the Salkantay Lodge, where you will find more to enjoy than just opulent accommodations and an incredible hike. In the Land of the Incas, you will have the opportunity to witness some of the most unique and intriguing species of flora and fauna, as well as ancient history, while travelling in the company of new friends and people with similar interests. After you have arrived, the friendly staff will give you a kind greeting before showing you to your rooms and allowing you some time to freshen up. Located at 11,800 feet, this stylish mountain lodge offers snow-capped views of Salkantay, the highest peak in the region. It is possible to view the Milky Way, a pristine sky that is full of stars, after an amazing dinner if the night is clear. Unwind in the hot tub boasting sweeping views of towering glacier mountains or soothe the muscles with a spa treatment (at own expense).

Level 3, Approx. 6.4km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 365m (1200ft)

Enjoy a full day exploring and acclimatizing in preparation for the long trek over the Salkantay Pass tomorrow. You will start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a short hike to a glacial lake, located at the base of Humantay Mountain, in Soraypampa. After an easy stretch, your legs warm up ready for a steady climb to the top of the mountain overlooking the lake and mountains surrounding it. During your journey, keep an eye out for condors, colossal and ferocious birds that ancient Andean people revered. You will spend the afternoon relaxing at Salkantay Lodge after finishing a late lunch.

Unwind to the luxuries of the lodge. Soaking in the hot tub, indulge in a massage, embark on a guided horseback ride, or merely stroll the grounds (massage and horseback at own expense). Alternatively, a good book and a warm cup of coca tea, which has been historically used by indigenous Andean tribes to ease altitude sickness, can be enjoyed by sitting at the fireplace. This evening, savour a delicious dinner in Salkantay's dining room prepared by our personal chef and taste pisco sours, the country's national drink.

Level 5, Approx. 12km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 793m (2600ft), Elevation loss: 732m (2400ft)

Gear up early for a thrilling high-altitude hike to Huayraccmachay via Salkantay Pass. After fueling up on breakfast, begin climbing up the Río Blanco’s Valley, skirting the vaulting Humantay Peak. Take advantage of multiple pampas, or open flat regions, where you may rest and refuel during the long morning trek up to the summit.

Get to the top of the mountain, you'll pass expansive flatlands covered in boulders. These are remnants of the once-wide valley bisected by a fast-moving river. A series of switchbacks called "Seven Snakes'' marks the end of Humantay's spine and the start of Salkantay Pass. Look for condors flying over Humantay Peak as you head up the Rio Blanco Valley. Thousands of apachetas (little stone marks) that pilgrims leave at the pass as spiritual sacrifices to Pachamama (Mother Earth) for a successful trip and good health are seen there. Enjoy stunning views of the Vilcabamba Range at 15,190 feet, the highest point on the trail. A perfect trek taking you off the beaten track. The Vilcabamba mountain range has valleys, jungles, and mountains. The path that will lead you from the last capital of the Incas to the mysterious lost city of Machu Picchu will be a fascinating experience for you!

It's amazing how diverse the hiking is on Mount Salkantay's southern face and the best way to get into Huayraccmachay is to descend into it as soon as you are ready. Following a hot picnic lunch, you'll head down through bucolic rolling hills and marsh-like plateaus, followed by your final descent to Wayra Lodge.

You'll stay at Machu Picchu's Wayra Lodge, nestled in a windswept valley beneath the majestic Humantay Mountain. The eco-friendly lodge has six private, heated rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers. Relax in the reading area, cozy up by the fireplace or indulge in the outdoor Jacuzzi for high altitude soaking.

Level 4, Approx. 10km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 61m (200ft), Elevation loss: 1098m (3600ft)

Huayraccmachay's peacefulness will be replaced by the bustle of the valley below today. Begin your descent as you leave the resort and bid farewell to the snow-covered mountaintops. After descending, you'll notice a dramatic shift in the vegetation. The cloud forest, a natural marvel of the world but also one of the most threatened, will be the focus of our excursion. You'll find all kinds of wildlife and gorgeous blooms in the Ceja de la Selva, including frog-eating Hummingbird Parrots and Orchid Asters (or "eyebrow of the jungle").

A beautiful river valley greets you near the end of the hike, from where we will arrive at Colpa Lodge, located just up the mountain at the confluence of the Santa Teresa, Chalan and Totora rivers, which are fed by snowmelt from the mountains. During lunch, we are fortunate enough to have a traditional pachamanca, a dish typical of the Andes that is prepared in a huge pit covered with hot rocks and soil. For those willing, try -the famous cuy (guinea pig), a local delicacy. The remainder of your day can be spent exploring your new surroundings, curling up next to the fire or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub with sublime valley views, whatever you desire. This evening, savor Peruvian and international-inspired cuisine.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 4, Approx. 13km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 365m (1200ft), Elevation loss: 762m (2500ft)
Level 5, Approx. 18km (11 mile), Elevation gain: 396m (1300ft), Elevation loss: 975m (3200ft)

As you put on your boots this morning you can look forward to a trek through an incredible portion of the Santa Teresa River Valley. Follow the undulating route through a variety of wild highland landscapes to the river, which you'll cross, and then continue along the mountainside. Make your way over bridges, past waterfalls and through streams.

Enjoy a delicious catered meal as you travel to our shuttle station & hop in the van to be whisked to our next lodge. If you're feeling especially energetic and up to an additional challenge, you can forgo the lift and continue on foot. Hike an additional hour and a half down a dirt road through the town of Playa, famed for its coffee, fruit and vegetable production. Spend time, delighting your tastebuds with specialties like giant avocados and exotic granadilla fruit. Whether you travel these few miles by foot or vehicle, we'll all hike the last half-mile on a restored ancient Inca trail that leads up to the serene Lucma Lodge, nestled amid coffee plants and banana, avocado and eucalyptus trees. Note: In the months between November and March, please be prepared for showers and possible route changes on this day due to wet trail conditions.

Level 4, Approx. 12km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 671m (2200ft), Elevation loss: 610m (2000ft)

We plan to get up early today in order to avoid the oppressive heat. After a hearty breakfast, the long ascent to Llactapata Pass awaits. After we reach the pass, the trail descends to a spectacular vantage point offering you your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Few visitors get to see this spectacular vista, which features views of both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (Old Mountain and Young Mountain).

On the way to the start of the Inca Trail, we will also see the recently restored terraced Llactapata ruins. Llactapata was oncea thriving Inca farming community, but during the retreat of Manco Inca Yupanqui, the village was destroyed to deter Spanish conquistadors from approaching. In 1911, Machu Picchu was rediscovered after being hidden again for over a hundred years due to the sacrifices of the village which prevented the Spaniards from discovering the Inca Trail. With a view to Machu Picchu in the background, we take a break for lunch in Llactapata where we will eat a variety of local dishes including avocados, potatoes and trout. Continue to the final steep descent to the Vilcanota River, passing through thick bamboo woods, coffee plantations, and fruit orchards.

The Hidroelectrica Station is the point where you will end your hike, embark on a scenic train ride that will take us to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) and the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, which will be your home for the next two days. The property has 12 acres of great natural beauty, with 214 bird species registered, including the golden-headed quetzal and the renowned Andean cock-of-the-rock, as well as the world's largest native orchid collection (372 species).

This evening, you can unwind at the hotel or venture into town to peruse stores and markets. Dine at your leisure in the hotel restaurant offering breathtaking views of the Vilcanota River and teaches the secrets of Peruvian cuisine with a modern touch.

Level 4, Approx. 3.21km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 610m (2000ft), Elevation loss: 610m (2000ft)

Today is your full day to explore the mysteries of Machu Picchu! If you booked your trip early enough to secure a permit to hike the Machu Picchu Mountain trail inside the ruins, you can opt for an early breakfast before heading up to the trail.

This stair-stepping journey takes you to a viewpoint towering above the ruins—a hike that makes for incredible photo opportunities and a real test of endurance! The view of Machu Picchu from the citadel is an iconic postcard view of the town, a mystical vision of light and shadow on a canvas of six shadows. As the mystical site of Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, many sacred temples are located at the site and there are many theories as to why the great emperor Pachacutec created this wonder of the world. There is an option of actually enjoying a relaxing morning at the hotel if you do not have a permit or you do not wish to hike. Sit down to breakfast at the hotel and spend the morning as you wish, perhaps shopping for souvenirs at the artisan market in the town, relaxing back at the hotel, or pampering yourself by getting a spa treatment.

Later this afternoon, board the bus and meet the rest of the group for lunch at the Belmond Tinkuy restaurant near the entrance to the ruins for a delicious treat of local delicacies. After lunch, we spend the afternoon walking through the ruins and learning about the history of this incredible site. As you admire painstakingly restored masonry, relish incredible views and explore highlights (including the Inca Drawbridge), a local expert provides insight into the astrological designs created by the sunworshipping Inca, the exquisite stonework of the temples and other structures, and the fascinating story of Machu Picchu's discovery. After our visit, we take the bus back to town and then take the short walk to our hotel. Later we gather for a final dinner together, toasting our memorable journey and swapping stories of the week's adventures.

Following a leisurely breakfast, you may wish to experience a nature walk around the hotel grounds with a naturalist, while learning about the orchids, birds, and tea plantations that live around the area. The option of a leisurely breakfast is also available for those who do not wish to proceed with the hike before we board the train for one last scenic ride through the Sacred Valley passing the astounding 18,600 feet Mount Veronica. When we get to Ollantaytambo, we take a bus to get the rest of the way back to Cusco.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.