Machu Picchu Lodge Trek
Hiking/Trekking in Peru with Alpine Ascents International
Highlights
- On this Machu Picchu trip, trek through fifteen different bio-zones, changing altitudes and varied terrain.
- Marvel at the exquisite beauty of the Salkantay Peak, Salkantay Glacier and Humantay Glacier Lake.
- Indulge in the comfort of enchanting mountain lodges and share in the culture and customs of local Andean families who maintain age-old traditions.
Full Description
En route to the Lost City of the Incas, combine rugged and challenging Machu Picchu trekking across breathtaking terrain with plush local lodge accommodations.
This six-day trek leads us through remote river valleys and over a 15,000 ft pass to our final destination, Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas and one of the New 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. As we cross these different eco systems on this Machu Picchu tour, we meet the indigenous people and explore their unique way of life. Our route traverses the snow covered Cordillera Vilcabamba Range and we walk beneath its highest mountain, Mt Salkantay (20,600 ft) the second most sacred mountain in Inca mythology.
Besides the Peruvian people and the incredible views, our trek is exceptional because we dine and sleep in luxury lodges along the entire route. Three of the four lodges accommodate only 12 people, all lodges have incredible views and we have the hot tubs and chefs to ourselves.
Our journey begins in Cusco, 11,200 ft, where we spend one day and two nights acclimatizing and touring this beautiful city. We then travel by car to the beginning of our trek, the enchanting valley of Soraypampa – this trekking route is less traveled, and far more scenic than the famous “Inca Trail.” Trekkers spend two nights in the Salkantay lodge and one night each at three other Lodges located at strategic points along the route. At the end of the 6th day we reach a train that takes us up to Aguas Calientes where we stay in a beautiful hotel for the night. The next day we spend the entire morning and early afternoon exploring Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco. Essential South America adventure travel.
Includes:
- All in-country transportation
- All Hotels and Lodges for scheduled trek days and in Cusco
- All meals while trekking (Dinner Cusco Day 2 Breakfast Cusco Day 11 also Included)
- Park fees and permits
Excludes:
- $25 Wire Transfer Fee (If Applicable)
- International round-trip airfare USA-Peru (Cusco)
- Meals in Cusco (2 Lunches, 1 Dinner during regular itinerary)
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal gear
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
- Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
- All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evac fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc)
- Personal items
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Alpine Ascents' control
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Depart USA (some flights may require overnight in Lima - not included)
Day 2
Arrive Cusco in the morning. Airport transfer. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 3
Half day sightseeing in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4
After an early breakfast, guests will be picked up starting at 7:00 am at their hotel in Cusco in direction to the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (SLAR) in Soraypampa. En route we will take a short break to visit the 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 coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa (30 minutes from Mollepata by vehicle).
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 beautiful 6 hour trek on their first day. (Hiking level: moderate). (Optional: guests who do not wish to trek may be transported to the lodge in the vehicle).
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 our 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 aperitifs and dinner.
Day 5
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 (3-4 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging) 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 trekking party on gear and the itinerary for the following day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the Lodge.
Day 6
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 Salkantay Peak. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 4,638 m (15,213 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. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible 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: 6-8 hours. Total excursion time for day: 7-9 hours. Hiking level: challenging with a 15,000ft mountain pass).
Day 7
On this day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge. We then begin our trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. 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, far-away, local town. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (Hiking time: 3-4 hours. Hiking level: easy to moderate).
Day 8
We depart early today and head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas. We will pass through banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards and coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world). 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" (30-minute drive). From the head of the trail it is a short climb (30 min.) to the Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. We arrive in time to allow for exploration of the small village of Lucmabamba and possibly meeting with members of the local community. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (Hiking time: 5-6 hours. Total excursion time for day: 6-8 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging, basically due to distance, not terrain).
Day 8
We depart early today and head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas. We will pass through banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards and coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world). 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" (30-minute drive). From the head of the trail it is a short climb (30 min.) to the Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. We arrive in time to allow for exploration of the small village of Lucmabamba and possibly meeting with members of the local community. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (Hiking time: 5-6 hours. Total excursion time for day: 6-8 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging, basically due to distance, not terrain).
Day 9
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 (2,736 m/8,974ft), 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 Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations (2-3 hour descent). Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are a short (30 minutes), scenic train ride away. (Total hiking time: 4-6 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging).
Day 10
We wake up for an early breakfast at the hotel and then travel to the bus station for a ride up to Machu Picchu (30 min). A complete guided tour of the site will be provided (2 hrs) and then you will have an additional 4 hours to explore the area. Afterwards we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and go to train station for afternoon departure. After a 90 minute train ride to Ollantaytambo, we board a private vehicle to Cusco. We usually arrive in Cusco at 8pm.
Day 11
Airport transfer. Fly to Lima and connect with homeward bound flights.
Day 12
Arrive USA
About The Operator:
Alpine Ascents International
Headquarters:
Seattle, WA
A Brief History
Founder Todd Burleson has traveled the globe incessantly (from 8 Everest expeditions and the 7 summits, to Greenland, Mongolia and Iran) not only for his love of guiding but his never-ending pursuit of perfecting the Alpine Ascents approach. In 1986 there wasn't much of a business model for international guiding, but making a living at something you love has its merits. While Todd's proficiency in climbing was well regarded, he had a propensity for not only guiding and teaching, but looking at mountains as to how they might be successfully and safely guided (routes, camps, guide ratios, supplies and itineraries). From our early successes on Himalayan Peaks, this approach soon took hold on mountains around the world. Willi Prittie joined on with Todd and added his relentless pursuit of perfection and joy of the mountains to the zeitgeist of Alpine Ascents. This unique combination snowballed into some of the finest logistics, training and guiding in the industry.
With this recipe, Todd and Willi began sculpting a reputation - as a climber's outfitter. This included Willi maniacally developing the Alpine Ascents Mountaineering School, with the theme that any graduate should possess enough safety skills to call themselves a climber. Enter Gordon Janow who brought his eclectic background of writing, business and many years of traveling through Asia to galvanize Alpine Ascents as a business and mind set. This led to other strategic and opportune partnerships with old climbing friends such as Vernon Tejas, Peter Athans, and Jose Luis Peralvo, as well as recruiting, developing and training a host of younger guides that eventually became the core of the Alpine Ascents guiding staff. The office staff, not to be outdone, put the expertise of Matt Lepisto and Kristine Kitayama, and more recently Brent LaDoux, Alayna Cullen, Garrett Madison and Savannah Klunder, along with Todd and Gordon to the task of organizing and creating all that manifests the visions of guides and climbers alike. Most of the original members are with us today, keeping it a jovial and enthusiastic (bordering on obsessive) team.
Alpine Ascents International Today
Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community and operates what we believe is the finest mountaineering school in the country. This expertise is based upon years of accumulated experience, not just from individual mountain guides, but through experience on particular mountains where details are fine-tuned over time. We maintain our ongoing process of multi-leveled and critical evaluation for each expedition. Innovations like daily weather reports, established season-long base camps, environmental pioneering, and operating our trips with small climber-to-guide ratios led by Alpine Ascents guides are just some of the factors that keep us in the forefront. Our guides are the primary reason that Alpine Ascents has built such a unique reputation. Many of our guides have been with us for most of their careers and have had the opportunity to participate in a wealth of climbs and programs. Our guides are generally not seasonal employees, who teach a few courses and head back to "other lives", but are dedicated and committed to a life of climbing.
Along with these elements, our commitment to the environment and ethical global business practices make Alpine Ascents the most respected and well-rounded mountain guiding company in the industry. Alpine Ascents is proud to be one of a small minority of companies authorized to guide on Denali, Mt. Rainier and throughout Washington's Cascades.
Program Philosophy ~ Mission Statement
Alpine Ascents is committed to developing safe, self-reliant and environmentally-conscious mountaineers and offering courses and expeditions of unsurpassed quality throughout the world. Our business practices stress ethical and culturally aware travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like on the Salkantay trek during the year?
Weather in the region is extremely variable and you should pack for a variety of conditions. In addition, our trek passes through 12 bio-zones ranging from high altitude alpine conditions to high jungle.
How many guides will be with the group on the trek?
We work with one guide for groups up to 7 travelers. For groups of 8 to 14 we have an assistant guide. However, the cooks and the horsemen know the area and the trek very well and are able to assist the guides at all times; even in cases of emergency evacuation.
What kind of emergency procedures are in place if a guest injures themselves in a way that disables them from continuing the trek (i.e. someone falls and breaks a leg)? What is the nearest hospital and how can they get there? Can the rest of the group continue without them or must they all turn around?
There is basic medical equipment and attention at the lodges; the personnel traveling with the group are trained to handle emergencies. We also work with a medical helicopter rescue operation for emergencies. For minor medical attention that cannot be taken care of at the lodges but which require special medical attention, the nearest medical centers, in the worst case, are one day distance by horse or mule. Guides carry full first aid kit and portable oxygen with them at all times.
Do the guides have naturalist training of any kind?
We work with the best guides in cusco. We will have specialist guides available on request (bird specialists, history specialists, etc.)
Do clients carry their lunch food in their daypacks?
On days 3, 5, and 6, which call for a picnic lunch en route, lunch will be prepared fresh on-site by the cooks and will consist of hot soup, gourmet sandwiches or a hot lunch, snacks and salads. Additionally, guests will be handed a ¨snack-pack¨ to carry in their day packs with dry fruits, peanuts, chocolates and fresh fruits.
What is the electrical current found at the lodges if a guest wants to use their own electrical appliances?
The lodges have an electrical current of 220 volts. If guests have electrical appliances that work with 110 volts, they should bring their own adaptors since there are is a limited supply of these in the lodges for their use.
What is the terrain like? How challenging is it?
The trek is rated as moderate to challenging and covers approximately 32 miles on uneven, rocky terrain. Day 3 is the most challenging with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet in a span of 3 miles to reach a maximum altitude of 15,000 feet. Prior hiking experience is recommended as this is not a novice hike. Please contact us if you have any other questions.
What is the weight limit for luggage/clothing/equipment that each traveler can take on the trek?
The weight limit for the trek is 15kg / 35 lbs per guest, as this is the maximum weight that mules and porters can carry. It is also important to note that 'hard' luggage poses a problem; soft, 'duffel-bag' type luggage is recommended. Peru rail, the company that operates the trains from Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu to Cusco, instated on July 9, 2008 a new weight limit for all luggage coming on board the trains.
What should guests do with their remaining bags and clothing? How is luggage transported from lodge to lodge? Is it with us at all times?
Remaining luggage can be stored in Cusco at your pre-trek hotel.
Guests should carry a day-pack with them with everything they need for the day. Mules and porters carrying the luggage will not walk with the group. Your luggage will meet you upon at arrival at each lodge.