highlights OF PERU 7 DAYS
cuzco - machu picchu - cuzco

This 7-day lodge to lodge trekking experience will take you on a historic section of Inca trail through 15 different eco-systems, while you traverse a mountain pass over 15,000 feet, explore villages where locals still maintain age-old traditions and re-discover the mystical beauty of Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca Empire. Each day’s trek ends with a hot shower in a cozy lodge, complemented by a massage or a dip in an outdoor jacuzzi, followed by a gourmet meal with select wines and all provided with highly personalized service by local staff. The Salkantay experience goes beyond deluxe lodges and a great trek. It is a unique opportunity to experience ancient history in the Land of the Incas, as well as the most interesting and exotic variety of flora and fauna, all in the company of new friends and like-minded souls.

itinerary & prices

DAY 0 | EVENING BRIEFING IN CUSCO
Meet your MLP guide and fellow travelers for a general trip briefing and Q&A.
Time: 7pm
Location: Cusco
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

Please note: We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 1 - 2 days prior to the departure date for altitude acclimatization and to participate in the pre-trip briefing.

DAY 1 | ON THE WAY TO SORAYPAMPA
After an early breakfast, your MLP guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco. The first stop is a visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata. Enjoy lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village, where you will also have the opportunity to learn about local agriculture and livestock. After lunch comes a scenic ride on the winding mountain road to Challacancha. Here you will begin your hike to our flagship Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa along a picturesque path called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path).

Note: Although we highly recommend participating in the hike as part of your continued altitude acclimatization, guests may opt out and continue by transport to Salkantay Lodge.
Trekking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate
Meals: L (El Pedregal), D (Salkantay Lodge)
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869m) 

DAY 2 | HIKE TO LAKE HUMANTAY
After breakfast, you begin an ascent up the slopes that border the plateau behind Salkantay Lodge*. An hour and a half later, your hard work will be rewarded with a first glimpse of the lake’s glistening turquoise waters and the Humantay glacier looming overhead. Upon arrival, you will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot, and participate in a traditional ceremony to honor “la Pachamama” (Mother Earth). After your descent back to the lodge, the Salkantay staff will be waiting with a hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure to relax, enjoy a massage, or soak in the outdoor hot tub for a spectacular view of the Salkantay Peak at sunset.

*Note: While the morning hike to Lake Humantay is optional, we strongly recommend your participation in preparation for the strenuous hike on Day 3.
Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate
Optional Activities

●     Chakana excursion (subject to additional cost): Horseback/hiking combo up the steep hills adjacent the lodge. The destination—a dramatic lookout point over the Salkantay River Valley marked by an oversized Inca Chakana (cross). This excursion will replace the hike to the glacier lake. Duration: Approximately 5 hours (1.5 - 2 hours on horseback) 

●     Horseback riding (subject to additional cost): After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Soraypampa on horseback.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Meals: B, L and D (all at Salkantay Lodge)
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869m)

DAY 3 | CROSSING THE SALKANTAY PASS
After an early start, the ascent toward the Salkantay Pass begins. You will circle Humantay Peak, gradually making your way along expansive plateaus connected by enormous boulders, remnants of the Rio Blanco Valley that was once bisected by a fast-flowing river. The last and most challenging part of the ascent is conquering the mountain switchbacks that lead you to the pass, the highest point on the trek (15,213’ / 4,636m). The journey continues with a dramatic descent through fields of large boulders and natural stone formations often shrouded in fog. You will have some time to rest and enjoy some trail mix before the final hike through the area’s bucolic countryside; its rolling hills will eventually lead you through marsh-like plateaus to the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay, where you can wash away the trail dirt and have a great hot and tasty lunch. In the afternoon relax in the Jacuzzi or enjoy the great and impressive views of surroundings high snowed peaks.
Trekking Time: Approximately 6 hours
Hiking Level: Challenging
Meals: B (Salkantay Lodge), L and D (Wayra Lodge)
Overnight: Wayra Lodge (12,812’ / 3,906m)

DAY 4 | DESCENDING INTO THE CLOUD FOREST
After a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, you will continue the descent toward the cloud forest along the banks of the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. The warm air will begin to rise from the edge of the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Today you will see more local Andean people as the trail takes you past their simple homes and makeshift fences. At approximately midday, you will arrive at Colpa Lodge, located on a high promontory at the confluence of three rivers.

The Colpa staff will greet you with a Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked below ground with hot stones that create a natural oven.  After lunch, spend the afternoon lounging in the sun or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub while you take in the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround you.
Trekking Time: Approximately 3 - 4 hours
Hiking Level: Easy to moderate
Meals: B (Wayra Lodge), L and D (Colpa Lodge)
Overnight: Colpa Lodge (9,414’ / 2,870m)

DAY 5 | FOLLOWING THE SANTA TERESA RIVER VALLEY
Today you will hike through the Santa Teresa River Valley along a rolling trail that crosses fertile fruit orchards and bisects streams originating from glacier-fed waterfalls. Rest alongside the river for a trail mix, then continue hiking for one more hour before you are met by an MLP transport vehicle for the short drive to the bottom of the Llactapata Inca Trail steps that lead to Lucma Lodge. Enjoy a great lunch at the lodge and afterwards, visit an organic coffee plantation, one of many in the area that produce some of the best organic coffees in the world. You will also begin to notice another shift in the climate; in Lucmabamba, the hot air and increased humidity signal that you are even closer to the edge of the Amazon Jungle.
Trekking Time: Approximately 5.5 hours
Hiking Level:  Moderate to Challenging
Meals: B (Colpa Lodge), L and D (Lucma Lodge)
Overnight: Lucma Lodge (7,003’ / 2,135m)

DAY 6 | LUCMABAMBA / FIRST VIEWS OF MACHU PICCHU
After breakfast, depart from Lucma Lodge and embark on a 2-3 hour climb through the cloud forest up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps. A lush tree line creates green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggests that the river is nearby. Your first milestone today will be the top of the peak, the last one before you descend to the Aobamba River Valley that connects you to Machu Picchu.  Upon arrival at the Llactapata Pass (8,974’ / 2,736m), you will delight in a southeast view of Machu Picchu, a sight few travelers get the chance to admire. After exploring Llactapata, the Inca tambo (fort) that marks the pass, enjoy a picnic lunch at a mountain lookout point with panoramic views. The final descent along a trail that zigzags down to the roaring Aobamba River will take you through lush bamboo forests, varied fruit orchards, and more coffee plantations. Celebrate as you cross the bridge over the river and take your final steps of the trek en route to the Hidroelectrica train station for a scenic one-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu.
Trekking Time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
Meals: B (Lucma Lodge), L (en route), D (at hotel)
Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel (6,693’/2,040m)

DAY 7 | THE CITADEL OF MACHU PICCHU
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a morning rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), prepare to be awed by the imposing, skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. After a two-hour guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own, including a hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain* for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle.  At some point, be sure to take a moment and sit quietly–listen to the wind, meditate, and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours). As night falls and you arrive amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation that will linger long after your journey home.

*Note: Tickets for Huayna Picchu Mt. (8,924’ / 2,720m) may be available subject to additional cost. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, you may opt for a hike up Machu Picchu Mt. (10,112 / 3,082m), located next to the Machu Picchu Citadel on the southern side. Please consult with your MLP Travel Specialist for detailed information.

Meals: B and L (at hotel)

Internal airfare Lima - Cuzco - Lima is extra approximately $355.00 per person and is subject to change unless tickets are issued.

INCLUSIONS

• All transportation services for the duration of the standard itinerary.

• Six (6) nights lodging (Five (5) nights in MLP lodges, one (1) night in our affiliate Aguas Calientes 4-star hotel).

• Guided visit of Machu Picchu Sanctuary (entrance, transportation to and from the site).

• All meals and beverages including soft drinks and a house selection of beer, wine, and spirits including pisco*.

• Bilingual MLP guide (English/Spanish) for the duration of the standard itinerary.

• Transportation of personal belongings on the trek by pack horses/mules and/or porters.

• All gratuities for the staff at all MLP lodges and in the field. Gratuities for the guides are not included and are at your discretion. In general, we suggest $10-$20/day (per person) for lead guides and $5-$15/day (per person) for assistant guides. Note: Gratuities for the staff at our affiliate hotels are not included.

• Wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) at all lodges and hotels.

*All meals and beverages at MLP lodges. We also offer a premium selection of wines, spirits and liquors at an additional cost. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are subject to an additional cost at our partner properties in the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. In consideration of the adventurous nature of the MLP experience, the risks associated with alcohol consumption, and the importance of maintaining positive group dynamics, we encourage guests to enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation. In accordance with company policy, MLP guides and/or other company/lodge representatives may modify or suspend a guest's access to alcohol and/or trip partially or entirely if the guest's health or safety may be at risk due to excessive alcohol consumption.

EXCLUSIONS

• Massage service.

• Laundry service.

• Permits for Huayna Picchu Mountain and/or Machu Picchu Mountain

• Optional Activities: Chakana Inca Cross Excursion, Horseback Riding (subject to change).

• Bottled water and sports drinks. As per our ongoing effort to reduce plastic waste on the trail and at the lodges, we do encourage guests to use the refillable water bottle that is provided to each guest at the pre-trip briefing.

• The highest-quality filtered water is available at all of MLP lodges.
  Local taxes (18% IGV) on meals and lodging applicable to Peruvians, foreign residents, and tourists traveling in Peru for 60+ days.

SINGLE OCCUPANCY REQUEST Requested Single Room: subject to a 50% supplement in addition to the standard retail cost/per person. Single traveler willing to share: no additional charge*

ADDITIONAL NOTES | THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
Lodging in Cusco before and after your MLP adventure is not included in the itinerary; however, we invite you to book accommodations at one of our Signature MLP Properties in Cusco, Please ask your MLP Travel Specialist for more details and help with securing reservations at your hotel of choice in Cusco.

Extend Your Stay: Combine Trip Extensions with your Signature Adventure to create your own customized travel experience.  Contact your Travel Specialist for more details and help with securing reservations for your extended itinerary.