Machu Picchu: 10-Day Lodge Trek

Machu Picchu: 10-Day Lodge Trek Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Your Andean adventure begins with a tour of beautiful Cusco's most notable sites including Koricancha temple and Sacsayhuaman fortress.

  Your trip begins today in Cusco, Peru (11,250'). Your exact air itinerary can be worked out with a member of the REI Adventures air department. Upon arrival in Cusco, we will be met by our local guide at our centrally-located hotel where a brief orientation meeting will be held. We have most of the morning at leisure to relax and acclimatize before setting out on a guided tour of this lovely city, the historic heart of the Incan civilization. Our afternoon exploration takes us to many of the city's most notable sights including the bustling Plaza de Armas (main square) and neighboring cathedral; the Santo Domingo Church, built atop the stone ruins of the once magnificent Inca temple Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), and the imposing remains of the monolithic Sacsayhuaman fortress, offering bird's-eye views of the entire red-roofed city far below. All meals on your own.

• Day 2 Stretch your legs on a 4-hour warm-up hike to the Salkantay Lodge, located in the spectacular Soraypampa Valley.

  We gather early this morning and begin our drive towards the Salkantay Lodge, the picturesque starting point of our Andean trek. En route we visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo and stop for a coffee break in the small village of Mollepata. We cover the final distance to the lodge via a beautiful 4-hour warm-up hike that begins in the nearby village of Marcoccasa (trip members can also opt to continue all the way to the lodge by vehicle). By late-afternoon, we reach our destination, located in the spectacular valley of Soraypampa, crowned by majestic Salkantay (20,500'), a sacred peak in Inca mythology and the highest in this region of the Andes. After checking in, we'll have the remainder of the day to relax and enjoy the fabulous views. A welcome briefing will take place this evening followed by dinner. Lodge elevation is 12,690'. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 4 hours. 5 miles.

• Day 3 Relax at the lodge or join a group acclimatization hike to a nearby glacial lake. Enjoy a soak in the jacuzzi before dinner!

  We'll spend today in the vicinity of the Salkantay Lodge while we continue to acclimatize before our trekking adventure begins in earnest. Feel free to rest at the lodge or join in a 4-hour hike to a glacial blue lake allowing us to gain a greater appreciation for this valley's rugged beauty. Upon returning to the lodge, we can reward ourselves for our efforts with a relaxing soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi. This evening, our guide will conduct a pre-trek briefing and review the itinerary for the next four days. Overnight again at the Salkantay Lodge. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3-4 hours. 4 miles.

• Day 4 Trekking time! Hike up and over the trail's highest pass (15,213') with views of towering Mt. Salkantay en route to the Wayra Lodge.

  Having spent the last three days at altitude, we're at last acclimatized and ready to begin our trek to Machu Picchu! We'll set out early in the cool mountain air carrying only our daypacks and hike through the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay. We'll reach the highest point of our trip today (15,213 ft) as we hike up a series of switchbacks over a pass that offers outstanding views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction. With the south face of Salkantay towering above us, we'll keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass we continue our descent toward the Wayra Lodge (Wayra translates to "The place where the wind lives"), our destination for the evening. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Lodge elevation is 12,812'. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 5-7 hours. 8 miles.

• Day 5 Trek downhill to lower elevations and greener scenery. Overnight in the Copla lodge.

  Following our big day yesterday, we'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge and depart around 9am. We'll begin hiking downhill above the Salkantay River and notice the scenery becoming increasingly more verdant as we lose altitude. Our next lodge is located on a 1,000-foot promontory above the confluence of three fast-flowing rivers. Dinner and overnight at the Colpa Lodge. Lodge elevation is 9,414'. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3-4 hours. 6 miles

• Day 6 Hike past coffee plantations, banana trees and avocado orchards towards the Lucma lodge.

  Today's trek through the rural Santa Teresa River Valley takes us downhill past vast coffee plantations (said to produce one of the best organic coffees in the world), banana trees and orchards. After a hot picnic lunch by the river, we'll trek for another hour before being met by a private vehicle that will transport our group a short distance (30-minute drive) to the last stretch of trail on today's route. A final short climb along the Llactapata Inca Trail brings us to the Lucma Lodge, set in a lovely avocado orchard. We may have an opportunity this afternoon to explore the small nearby village of Lucmabamba and perhaps interact with members of the local community. Lodge elevation is 7,003'. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 5-6 hours. 10 miles.

• Day 7 Begin the final descent towards the Urubamba River and be rewarded with the first distant views of Machu Picchu!

  A hearty breakfast fuels us up for the last day of our trek and the initial 2-3 hour climb towards Llactapata pass (8,974'). Shortly after cresting the pass and beginning our 3,165' descent, we'll be treated to our first distant glimpse of Machu Picchu. As few tourists approach the ruins from this direction, our particular view is a unique treat. The final descent along the trail leading to the Urubamba River passes through more orchards and lush bamboo forests. Our hike today is timed to reach the river with ample time to spare before the train arrives that will transport us to the village of Aguas Calientes, located a short distance from the ruins. We'll spend the next two nights at the delightful Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a perfect base from which to explore the wonders of this magnificent site! All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 4-6 hours. 7 miles.

• Day 8 A full day at Machu Picchu including a guided tour of the ruins and free time to enjoy a variety of hiking options at the site.

  A full day at Machu Picchu affords us the luxury of exploring at a leisurely pace while learning more about the Inca culture and the latest theories behind the construction of this marvelous complex. We have an early breakfast and head up to the ruins by shuttle bus before the morning tourist train arrives in order to fully enjoy the peace and solitude of this mystical place. Our knowledgeable guide leads us on a fascinating tour, recapping Machu Picchu's rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and explaining the significance of the various structures that cover the grounds. We have the afternoon to indulge ourselves with a hike to the dramatic viewpoint of Intipunku (the Sun's Gateway), or a variety of other intriguing possibilities including an easy walk to an ancient Inca drawbridge or more vigorous hike to the Temple of the Moon (inside a cavern on the north face of iconic Huayna Picchu, the peak that looms above the ruins) or an ascent up Huayna Picchu itself. Of course, we can also choose to independently continue our exploration of the main site and daydream about what life must have been like here centuries ago. We return to the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes again tonight. All meals included.

• Day 9 A final opportunity to return to the ruins this morning for hiking or photography before returning to Cusco this afternoon.

  We have another opportunity today to return to Machu Picchu during the early hours, taking advantage of the soft morning light for dramatic photography, or using the additional time to complete another scenic hike. After lunch, we make our way down to Aguas Calientes and board the train back to Cusco, arriving in early evening. Overnight in Cusco. Breakfast and lunch included.

• Day 10 Our great adventure ends in Cusco this morning with a final farewell to our traveling companions.

  After breakfast, we head to the airport for our departing flights. . Trip members can opt to return to Lima for connecting flights home or extend their travels in Peru. Breakfast included.

• Explore more of the area

  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 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. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

Accommodations in hotels and mountain lodges as noted on itinerary; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; English-speaking local guides; full baggage support/transfer while trekking (you carry only your daypack); all ground transportation within Peru as noted including transfer from Cusco to the Salkantay Lodge, airport transfers and rail tickets to/from Machu Picchu; all sightseeing excursions as noted including multi-day entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.

Air transportation to/from Cusco; 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners; gratuities; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; airport taxes, Salkantay Trail trekking permit fee ($50) and items of a personal nature such as laundry expenses, immunizations or insurance of any kind (emergency medical and evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip and can usually be purchased for less than $75 through REI Adventures).

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 (7,000-15,000’) 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 and/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 training regimen. The better shape you are in, the more you’ll enjoy all that this unforgettable adventure has to offer.

Effective immediately, all visitors to Machu Picchu are required to have entrance tickets valid for the specific date(s) of their visit. These tickets are included in the price of your trip and will be purchased for you in advance by REI Adventures. In order to purchase entrance tickets on your behalf, we must have your valid passport number as soon as possible after your initial trip sign-up. Any delays in submitting your passport information may result in our inability to procure entry permits for you on the trip dates.

Permits are now also required for the popular hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak that rises above the ruins of Machu Picchu. The number of daily permits issued for this hike is extremely limited. Please be advised that we will automatically obtain a Huayna Picchu hiking permit for all trip participants when we obtain your Machu Picchu entrance permit. While you will not be obligated to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, those interested will have the opportunity to do so at some point during your visit to the Sacred City, based on the hiking time noted on the permit. Your trip leader will provide specific schedule details and options upon your arrival in Peru. Please note that the Huayna Picchu hike is challenging, steep (with some exposure) and unguided.

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. Lodges are fully equipped and serviced. The Salkantay, Wayra and Collpa Lodges have outdoor Jacuzzis. The water at all four lodges is of drinking quality and there is ample hot water for washing and bathing.

Average daytime temperatures in and around Cusco generally range from 55° - 75° F with evenings cooling down into the 40s and 50s. Much of this itinerary takes place in the mountains where weather can change very quickly and evening temperatures regularly drop into the 30s and 40s. As our treks are planned during the "dry season", days are typically clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds occasionally building and leading to small amounts of precipitation. While April and November departures may experience slightly higher amounts of rainfall, all-day rain is unusual.

The mountain lodges on this trip require that all participants have medical ($50,000) and emergency evacuation ($500,000) insurance valid in Peru. Short-term travel insurance (including evacuation) is available through REI Adventures and other travel insurance providers.

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 evenings cooling down into the 40s and 50s. Much of this itinerary takes place in the mountains where weather can change very quickly and evening temperatures regularly drop into the 30s and 40s. Typically, days are clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds building in the spring and fall months. Cool and misty conditions are possible, but 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.
• Regarding weight and size restrictions of luggage: The Peruvian Government regulates policies for the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and Peru Rail. The luggage size and weight restrictions listed in our materials are accurate at time of printing; however it is highly possible that due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in government policy, these regulations can change with little to no notice. At our group orientation our guides will advise the group of the most current policy.
• 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.
• To conserve energy, the lodges where we stay during our trek shut off their electricity after 11 p.m. each evening. As per the above Gear List, although there are small night lights, we recommend that all trip participants bring a flashlight or headlamp for reading or walking around during the night.