Salkantay Trek with Mountain Lodges of Peru

One of the 25 Best Treks in the World
Cozy lodge to lodge trekking adventure

• Day 1: Cusco - Trek to Soraypampa - Salkantay Lodge

  Day 1: Cusco – Trek to Soraypampa – Salkantay Lodge

  This morning you will be met at your Cusco hotel at 7AM by your Salkantay Trek guide and driver from Mountain Lodges of Peru. En route to the trail head you will visit Inca ruins at Tarawasi and the mountain village of Mollepata before embarking on your first portion of the trek along the Camino Real. Trekking time today is approximately 6-7 hours today (including picnic lunch en route). Your destination is in Soraypampa at the welcoming Salkantay Lodge, named for the majestic peak at the head of the valley – Mt. Salkantay, the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology at 6,270 m (20,600 ft). After room check-in, tea & cookies your trek guide will hold a briefing by the fireplace, followed by aperitifs and dinner. Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours (3,869 m/12,690 ft)
  Overnight Salkantay Lodge LD

• Day 2: Soraypampa - Hike to Lake Humantay - Soraypampa - Salkantay Lodge

  This morning enjoy the stunning scenery with an acclimatization hike from the lodge to glacier-fed Lake Humantay with views of Mt. Salkantay, a sacred mountain in Incan mythology. Return to the lodge for lunch.
  In the afternoon you may enjoy Horseback Riding (at additional cost) or Kayaking at Lake Humantay at leisure. Spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge with gourmet food and warm, comfortable beds. In the evening, the guide briefs us on gear and the itinerary for the following day. Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours (3,869 m/12,690 ft)
  Overnight Salkantay Lodge BLD 

• Day 3: Soraypampa - Crossing the Salkantay Pass - Wayra Lodge at Huayraccmachay

  This is the big day! After an early start, hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. The highest point on the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638 m (15,213 ft). At the pass stop to take in views of snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the glaciated south face of Salkantay towering above us. Keep your eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass descend towards Wayra Lodge (“Wayra” means wind; so ‘the place where the wind lives’) our destination for the evening. A hot lunch is served en route; dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
  Trekking Time: Approximately 8 hours  (3,906 m / 12,812 ft.)
  Overnight Wayra Lodge BLD

• Day 4: Huayraccmachay - Lodge at Colpapampa

  Following a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge continue the descent along the left bank of the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. Feel the warm air rising from the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Upon arrival at Colpa Lodge you will be greeted with a Pachamanca meal, a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meat and vegetables with hot stones, and then covering the whole thing up to bake. Colpa Lodge is located on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor jacuzzi has panoramic views of lush green mountains. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby orchid trail. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Trekking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours   (2,870 m / 9,414 ft)
  Overnight Colpa Lodge BLD

• Day 5: Colpapampa - Lucma Lodge at Lucmabamba

  Today hike along the Santa Teresa River Valley through more populated rural areas. You will pass through banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards and coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world). A hot picnic lunch is served by the river. After lunch, hike another hour before a private vehicle meets us for a short drive to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail” (30-minute or so). From the head of the newly restored Inca trail make your way to Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Trekking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours  (2,135 m / 7,003 ft.)
  Overnight Colpa Lodge BLD

• Day 5: Lucmabamba - Exploring Llactapata Pass to Aguas Calientes

  On the final day the group will head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8,974ft), where you will come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers ever get a chance to admire. We take a short break to explore the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is served in a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu. Begin the final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu, is a short, scenic train ride away. Upon arrival, check into a lovely hotel for celebration dinner with your guide and one last briefing!  Trekking Time: Approximately 4-6 hours   (1,900 m / 6,232 ft.)
  Overnight Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel (or similar) BLD

• Day 6: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu Sanctuary - Train & Transfer to Cusco

  At dawn, you begin the journey to Machu Picchu with a short uphill 30 minute bus ride. As you enter the “Sanctuary”, the morning sun rises over the iconic Sun Gate. You will begin with a 2 hour guided tour of this famous citadel at Machu Picchu, after which you will have the rest of the morning to explore the site on our own or hike the steep Huayna Picchu, the iconic towering mountain often seen in photographs, for dramatic views across the Urubamba River valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch before your train/transfer back to Cusco. B

• Departure Dates

  Flexible departures (any day)

• Included

  All services from pick up in Cusco on Day 1 to drop off in Cusco on Day 7
  Transportation from hotel in Cusco to Soraypampa on Day 1
  Transportation from Ollantaytambo back to hotel on Day 7
  5 Nights Lodging in Mountain Lodges of Peru lodges
  1 Night lodging in Aguas Calientes 4-Star hotel
  All meals except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 7.
  Service of a bilingual guide (Spanish/English) from Day 1 to Day 7
  Tours are led in English
  Transportation of personal belongings by pack horses/mules and/or porters.
  Tips for lodge staff (except Guide & muleteer tips).
  Guided visit to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (includes entrance and transportation)
  Transportation (Train to Aguas Calientes, and Ollantaytambo).
  At the lodges provided are filtered and sparkling water, tea and coffee, juice and soft drinks free of charge. Alcohol, sports drinks and natural bottled water are not included.

• For More Information

  Please contact: jen@heritagesafaris.com

Mid April to Mid October