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Machu Picchu Lodge Trek – 7 day

Mountain Lodges of Peru and REI Adventures are pleased to announce the very first trans-Andean lodge-to-lodge trek to Machu Picchu. Challenge yourself as you trek through nine different biozones, changing altitude and varied terrain. Marvel at the exquisite beauty of Salkantay Peak, Salkantay Glacier and Humantay Glacier Lake. Share in the culture and customs of local Andean families who maintain age-old traditions. Witness environmental and social initiatives to maintain the natural integrity and improve quality of life in the region. Indulge in the comfort of these enchanting mountain lodges, the re-vitalizing salts and minerals of natural hot springs, the innovative local cuisine and the warmth of the Peruvian people. Be inspired by the majesty of your surroundings and the knowledge that you are following in the footsteps of the Incas. 

REI Adventures shares non-exclusive departures with our travel partner, Mountain Lodges of Peru.

Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.

Machu Picchu Lodge Trek – 7 day Itinerary:

• Day 1 Cusco to Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort at Soraypampa (3,600 m/11,800 ft)

After breakfast, the guests will be picked up early in the morning at their hotel in Cusco by an MLP guide and vehicle and transferred to the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (SLAR) (about 3.5 hours’ drive). En route 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 where guests will have lunch before ascending a winding mountain track to the spectacularly situated valley of Soraypampa and lodge for our next two nights.

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

The SLAR takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley – the “Salkantay”, the 2nd most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 20,500 ft (6,240 m), the highest in the region.

After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, the guests will be shown to their rooms and have time to wash up. The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude. An evening briefing is followed by aperitifs and dinner.

• Day 2 Soraypampa

This day is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending upon guests’ level of acclimatization. Guest may hike trails close to the lodge or hike 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. A packed lunch is available for those choosing to venture out for the day.

• Day 3 Soraypampa to Wayra Lodge at Huayraccmachay (3,650m/12,000 ft)

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 is a pass at 4,600 m (15,000 ft). At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the south face of Salkantay towering above us.

If we’re lucky, we may spot an Andean condor, known to be in this area. From the pass we continue our descent toward the Wayra Lodge (“Wayra”: wind; the place where the wind lives) 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).

• Day 4 Huayraccmachay to Collpa Lodge At Collpapampa (3,150m/10,300 ft)

Following the long first day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Huayraccmachay. The early morning is free for exploration. (Optional: 2-3 hour hike to nearby glacier lake). We then begin our trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. Cold snack en route. The Collpa Lodge is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. (Day’s hiking time, 3-4 hours). Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

• Day 5 Collpapampa to Lucma Lodge at Lucmabamba (2,000m/6,600 ft)

After an early breakfast we head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations (said to be one of the best coffees in the world!) and orchards. We stop along the river for a picnic lunch. From the river it is a short climb to Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. We arrive in time to allow for exploration of the village and relaxation before dinner. (Hiking time: 4-6 hours/total excursion time for day 5-7 hours).

• Day 6 Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes (2,000 m/6,600 ft)

After an early start and a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for two hours towards Llactapata pass (2,600 m/8,500 ft), where we come upon a distant but quite special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few tourists ever glimpse; an added value are the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is provided at the observatory, in view of Machu Picchu. We then begin our final descent to the Vilcanota River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations (2-3 hours descent). Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are a short, scenic train ride away. (Total hiking time: 4-6 hours). We then arrive in Aguas Calientes to check in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

• Day 7 Machu Picchu to Cusco (716m/2,350 ft)

We wake up very early to have breakfast at the hotel and then make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu (30 min). A complete guided tour of Machu Picchu will be provided. Guests will have about 4 to 6 hours to tour the ruins (there is a lot to do and see). Afterward, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for a hot buffet-style lunch and to go to the train station for an afternoon departure. The train will arrive in Cusco and MLP will drop passengers at the hotel of their choice.

 Ready to book your trip? Visit www.reiadventures.com for other important information.  See more photos of Machu Picchu and see REI's recommended gear items for this trip.

Call 1-800-622-2236