Machu Picchu: 7-Day Lodge Trek

Machu Picchu: 7-Day Lodge Trek Itinerary:

• Day 1 Cusco to Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort at Soraypampa (3,870 m/12,690 ft)

  After an early breakfast, guests will be picked up starting at 7:00 a.m. at their hotel in Cusco by an MLP (Mountain Lodges of Peru) guide 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 we stop for a short break before ascending a winding mountain road to Marcoccasa. Here, we will begin our trek 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 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 20,600 ft (6,270 m), the highest in the region.
  
  After a warm welcome by MLP's friendly staff, 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 by the fireplace is followed by dinner. Lunch and dinner included.
  
  Transfer by bus: 2hrs and 40 mins; Hiking time: 6 hours.

• Day 2 Soraypampa

  This day is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending upon guests' level of acclimatization. The most popular activity at Soraypampa is a half-day hike (3 to 4 hours) to a glacial lake where the more adventurous might take a very short swim! This activity is excellent for acclimatization and a first immersion into high-mountain trekking. In the afternoon, guests may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor jacuzzi. In the evening the guide will brief the group on gear and the itinerary for the next four days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are at the lodge. A packed lunch is available for those choosing to venture out for the day. All meals included.
  
  Hiking time: 4 ½ hours.

• Day 3 Soraypampa to Wayra Lodge at Huayraccmachay (3,906 m/12,812 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. All meals included.
  
  Hiking time: 7 hours.

• Day 4 Huayraccmachay to Collpa Lodge At Collpapampa (2,870 m/9,414 ft)

  Following the long first day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge. We then begin our trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, though increasingly verdant scenery. Our arrival at the next lodge encounters a "Pachamanca" (traditional underground stone cooking) lunch. The Colpa Lodge is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor hot tub in this lodge has prominent views of lush green mountains and a small distant village. All meals included.
  
  Hiking time: 4 hours.

• Day 5 Collpapampa to Lucma Lodge at Lucmabamba (2135 m/7,003 ft)

  After an early breakfast we head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations (said to be some of the best organic coffees in the world!), banana trees and orchards. We stop along the river for a hot picnic lunch. After another hour of trekking, a private vehicle arrives to take us to the beginning of the "Llactapata Inca Trail". From the trailhead, there is a short climb to the Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. We arrive in time to allow for exploration of the small village and possible meeting with members of the local community. All meals included.
  
  Hiking time: 5 ½ hours; Bus transfer: 45 minutes.

• Day 6 Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes (1,900 m/6,232 ft)

  After an early start and a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 2-3 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 here, 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. All meals included.
  
  Hiking time: 5 ¾ hours; Train: 1 hour.

• Day 7 Machu Picchu (2,400 m/7,872 ft) to Cusco (3,360 m/11,021 ft)

  We wake up 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 (2 hours). Guests will have about 4 additional hours to explore the site on their own. Afterwards, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train station for our afternoon departure. The train takes us to Ollantaytambo (1½ hrs), where a private vehicle awaits to take us to Cusco (1 ½ hrs). Upon arrival in Cusco (after 7p.m.), guests will be dropped off at the hotel of their choice. Breakfast and lunch included.

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 above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

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; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; airport taxes and items of a personal nature such as laundry fees, climbing permits for Huayna Picchu; 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. If transferring from one date to another, the following fees will apply:

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.

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

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 22 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.