The Salkantay Trail

The first leg of the journey is by car (for 3-4 hours), along winding mountain roads with marvellous scenery. There will be time for a number of stops – at the Tarawasi Inca ruins, just outside the town of Limatambo (1 hour from Cusco), and at the mountain village of Mollepata, where you can sample the local coffee – before you reach the small settlement of Marcoccasa, the start point for your trek.

From Marcoccasa, it’s a 5-6 hour trek to Soraypampa, on an old trail known as the Camino Real (‘Royal Path’). This first walk is a good chance for you to adjust to the altitude and the mountain terrain. We’ll proceed at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to take in the scenery. Expect to arrive at Salkantay Lodge late afternoon.

Salkantay Lodge takes its name from the majestic Mt. Salkantay, the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 6,270m (20,600ft), the highest in the region. After a warm welcome by the friendly staff you will be shown to your room. There will be time to wash and freshen up before tea and cookies are served in the fireplace lounge.  Your walking guide will then hold a briefing on the journey ahead, followed by aperitifs and dinner.

Trekking time: 6 hours (including picnic lunch en-route)
Hiking level: Moderate

Today’s hike is optional, but recommended. Those feeling brave might even like to take a swim in the lake! There’s also the option of a horseback ride around the lake – let us know in advance if this of interest.

Return to the lodge in time for lunch, after which you might like to find time for a relaxing soak in the outdoor jacuzzi (particularly if you skipped the glacial lake swim!) Afternoon at leisure.

This evening, enjoy another multi-course dinner, before retreating to the warmth and comfort of your room.

Trekking time: 4 hours
Hiking level: Moderate to challenging

Much of the morning will be spent climbing uphill; the trail climbs steadily as you journey up the valley, then more steeply as you approach the Pass. Your reward, on reaching the top of the Pass, is marvellous views of the snow-capped Vilcabamba Peaks and the southern face of Salkantay. A leisurely afternoon’s trekking follows as you descend to Wayra Lodge, where you rest tonight.

‘Wayra’ means wind, and it’s a fitting name for this cosy lodge, which sits on a windswept plateau beneath Mt Humantay. A warm room and hot shower awaits you on arrival, then time for rest before a delicious multi-course dinner served in the lodge dining room.

Trekking time: 6–8 hours (including lunch)
Hiking level: Challenging

Colpa Lodge, where you stay tonight, is situated on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers. It offers six cosy guest rooms and an outdoor jacuzzi with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or to explore the nearby orchid trail.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Pachamanca dinner, a festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meat and vegetables with hot stones, which are then baked.

Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Hiking level: Easy to moderate

You’ll re-join with your transfer vehicle at the end of the valley where the road meets the trail, and drive the short distance to the start of the Llactapata Inca Trail (30 minutes’ drive). From the head of this recently-restored trail it’s a short walk to Lucma, a gorgeous lodge set in an avocado orchard.

Dinner and overnight at Lucma Lodge.

Trekking time: 5–6 hours (including lunch)
Hiking level: Moderate to challenging

Late morning, there will be time to explore the Llactapata Ruins, followed by lunch at a scenic viewpoint looking out to Machu Picchu.

After lunch, descend to the Aobamba River on a trail that cuts through forests of bamboo and plantations. The last leg of your journey is by train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. On arrival, check-in at a local hotel for a celebratory dinner with your guide and a briefing on tomorrow’s visit to the ancient site.

Trekking time: 4–6 hours
Hiking level: Moderate to challenging

Your guide will lead you on a two hour tour of the site, providing an introduction to its history, from its construction in the 15th-century to its rediscovery in the early 20th-century. After the tour you will have the rest of the morning free to explore the site at your own pace.

After exploring Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes by bus, arriving in time for a late lunch. From Aguas Calientes, catch the train to Ollantaytambo (1½ hours), then a private vehicle will carry you back to Cusco (a further 1½ hours), where your tour ends. You will be dropped off at your hotel on arriving into Cusco in the evening.

NB. If you’re keen to do some more walking, you can complete an optional climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain today. Let us know in advance if of interest.