SALKANTAY LODGE TO LODGE TREK

After breakfast, you will be given the possibility to climb up the slopes that border the plateau behind the Salkantay Lodge, to find the Humantay turquoise water lake a fantastic vision beneath the Humantay glacier and also to prepare for the next day rather tough walk.

This peaceful place offers you a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot and participate in a traditional offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Back down in the lodge, the staff will have a warm lunch waiting for you. You can relax during the rest of the day: enjoy a relaxing massage, soak in the outdoor hot tub for a spectacular view of the Salkantay Peak at sunset, or have a well-deserved nap.

Note: Even though the morning hike to Lake Humantay is optional, we strongly recommend you to do it to strengthen for the following day hike.

Optional Activity Available: Horseback riding (at additional cost)

Overnight at Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m/12,690 ft

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is the big day! The ascent toward the Salkantay Pass begins. After an early start, we hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. 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 (4638 m / 15213 ft). At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the glaciated south face of Salkantay towering above us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area.

The journey continues with a dramatic descent through fields of large boulders and natural stone formations. 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 in Wayraccmachay, our destination for the evening (“Wayra” means wind, so ”the place where the wind lives”).

IMPORTANT: Day three is the longest and most strenuous day of the trek.

Overnight at Wayra Lodge at 3,906 m/12,812 ft

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, we will continue our descent toward the cloud forest along the banks of the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. We can feel the warm air rising 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.

Upon arrival at Colpa Lodge, we will be greeted with a Pachamanca meal, a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked below ground with hot stones that create a natural oven. Colpa Lodge is located on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers. We 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.

Overnight at Colpa Lodge at 2,870 m/9,414 ft

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 the transfer 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 afterward, 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.

Overnight at Lucma Lodge at 2,135 m/7,003 ft

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we will embark on a 2-3 hour climb through the cloud forest up a path mostly composed 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 (2736 m / 8974 ft), 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.

Note: Peru Rail is the train company used for the Salkantay Trek. If special train service is required, please let us know.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes at 2,040m/6,693ft

Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a morning rollicking uphill bus ride of 30 minutes. 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, including a hike up to Huayna Picchu Mountain* for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit, you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours). As night falls and you arrive amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation that will linger long after your journey home.

*Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets are subject to availability, and they are not included in the price.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch