Machu Picchu: 7-Day Lodge Trek
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. REI Adventures recommends spending 2 days in Cusco prior to the trek to allow time to acclimate.
A pre-trek briefing will take place the night before Day 1 of your trek.
Machu Picchu: 7-Day Lodge Trek Itinerary:
- Day 1 Cusco to Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort at Soraypampa (3,870 m/12,690 ft)
- Day 2 Soraypampa
- Day 3 Soraypampa to Wayra Lodge at Huayraccmachay (3,906 m/12,812 ft)
- Day 4 Huayraccmachay to Collpa Lodge At Collpapampa (2,870 m/9,414 ft)
- Day 5 Collpapampa to Lucma Lodge at Lucmabamba (2135 m/7,003 ft)
- Day 6 Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes (1,900 m/6,232 ft)
- Day 7 Machu Picchu (2,400 m/7,872 ft) to Cusco (3,360 m/11,021 ft)
Extend your visit to South America with an incredible excursion to the Peruvian Amazon or cruise to the Galapagos Islands! Please call or e-mail us for additional details and prices.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. You will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is 25% of the trip cost at time of sign-up. Should a roommate be available, the fee will be refunded. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.
All services from pick up in Cusco on day 1 to drop off in Cusco on day 7. Price includes transportation from hotel in Cusco to Soraypampa on Day 1 and back to hotel on Day 7; lodging; all meals (excluding those not mentioned in the itinerary); non-alcoholic beverages; the services of a bilingual guide; trains and the transportation of personal belongings on the trek by packhorse/mules and/or porters. Activities at the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (except horse riding, river rafting and others on special request) are included.
Air transportation to/from Cusco; hotels in Cusco; meals not noted on itinerary; guide gratuities; trail entrance fee ($50); excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; airport taxes and items of a personal nature such as laundry fees, immunizations or insurance of any kind.
A non-refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before fixed departure date. Cancellations made between 59 and 30 days prior to departure, 50% of any payments will be refunded. 29 – 0 days prior, 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable. REI Adventures standard deposit policy does not apply to this trip.
This trip is rated as Vigorous [4]. Trip members need to be strong, experienced hikers in good physical condition. Most days are spent at moderately high altitude (9,000-15,000’) and the trek includes a number of steep ascents and descents. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we strongly encourage participants to begin a conditioning regimen at least three months prior to departure consisting of hiking, walking/running or cycling. If you live in an area conducive to hiking, try to get out on those hills if possible and work some elevation gain and loss into your regimen. The better shape you are in, the more you’ll enjoy all that this unforgettable adventure has to offer.
The Salkantay Lodge has 12 private double or twin rooms with private facilities. Each trekker's lodge (Wayra, Collpa & Lucma) has 6 private double rooms. Rooms can hold up to 3 people maximum. Lodges are fully equipped and serviced. Salkantay, Wayra and Collpa lodges have an outdoor jacuzzi. While at the hotels, there will be bottled or boiled water readily available…water from the tap should be avoided.
Average daytime temperatures in and around Cusco generally range from 55° - 75° F with Andean evenings cooling down into the 40s and 50s. Much of the itinerary takes place in the mountains where weather can change very quickly. During the months of May-October, days are typically clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds occasionally building and leading to small amounts of precipitation. While rainfall is more common during the months of December-April, all-day rain is unlikely and many individuals choose to travel to Machu Picchu during this time period knowing the region will be visited by fewer tourists.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Machu Picchu: 7-Day Lodge Trek
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary as this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Average daytime temperatures in and around Cusco generally range from 55° - 75° F with Andean evenings cooling down into the 40s and 50s. Much of the itinerary takes place in the mountains where weather can change very quickly. During the months of May-October, days are typically clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds occasionally building and leading to small amounts of precipitation. While rainfall is more common during the months of December-April, all-day rain is unlikely.
Gear Checklist
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase
- Daypack – approx. 2000 cu. in. to carry your camera, water bottles, extra clothing
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money belt
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and evening wear
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Lightweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks
- Casual socks
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Bandana
- Slippers for evenings at lodge
- Bathing suit
- Rain jacket, lightweight and breathable
- Rain or wind pants
- Insulated parka/ski jacket, down or synthetic
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken in, aggressive tread
- Comfortable shoes for travel and evening wear
- Two (2) 1-quart water bottles or hydration system
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sun block and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Small first-aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Electrical converter and adapter plug
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
- Ear plugs
- Favorite energy snacks or drinks
- Pocket knife or pocket tool
- Sewing kit
- Knee supports
- Travel pillow
- Poncho
- Flip-flops for showers
- Low gaiters
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- The maximum weight of your packed duffel bag should not exceed 25 lbs. to prevent overburdening the pack animals and porters. PeruRail (who operates the train to/from Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu) also imposes a baggage weight limit, allowing each passenger one duffel bag/suitcase weighing up to 22 pounds and one daypack weighing up to 11 pounds. An excess baggage surcharge of roughly $1 per pound will be levied against passengers who exceed the aforementioned weight limits. Since you will be returning to Cusco after the trek, all of your extra gear and clothing not required for trekking can be stored either in your hotel or at our travel partner's office (please plan to pack a smaller bag for this purpose if you anticipate leaving some gear in Cusco).
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
