Machu Picchu Lodge Trek

Introduction
Cusco Peru
Hidden Trails offers "Adventure at its finest”: the opportunity to experience the essence of adventure within the realm of creature comforts. But for Hidden Trails, a great adventure does not end there: for it to be a life-changing experience for our guests, we believe that the experience has to be an adventure on many levels. This is why our proposal goes far beyond comfortable lodges and great treks…it is a unique opportunity to experience ancient history in the Land of the Incas, contemporary manifestations of deep-founded culture, the most interesting and exotic variety of flora and fauna, culinary surprises, the determination of local people to progress, new friends and like-minded souls.

Experience The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in style. This 7-day lodge to lodge trekking adventure 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 adventure 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.

Accomodation

You will be staying at the following lodges along the trail:
Salkantay Lodge (Abra Salkantay  15,213 ft / 4,638 m) ,
Wayra Lodge (Huayraccmachay 12,812 ft / 3,906 m),
Colpa Lodge (Collpapampa 9,414 ft / 2,870 m) ,
Lucma Lodge  (Lucmabamba 7,003 ft / 2,135 m)  and at a
Hotel in Aguas Caliente near Machu Picchu.


Salkantay Lodge
The Salkantay Lodge has 12 private double or twin rooms with private bathrooms (hot and cold water). Located at 12,690 feet (3,869 meters), this luxury lodge welcomes you with a hot tub, reading room, trout fishing, horseback riding and incomparable views of Salkantay, the region’s highest peak.


Wayra Lodge
In a windswept valley at 3,900m, this lodge has a small hot tub in an inner courtyard. The lodge has 6 comfortable bedrooms, with private bathrooms and gas heating. There is also a bar and dining room. From here the trail leads downhill, in the knowledge that the highest pass is behind you!


Colpa Lodge
Colpa Lodge rests near a cloud forest at 9,414 feet (2,870 meters) in the Colpapampa Valley, near hot springs and the confluence of three rivers. The 6 rooms have views and all have heating and private bathrooms.


Lucma Lodge
Lucma Lodge is located in Lucmabamba, ear coffee plantations. Savor spectacular views from this lodge at 7,003 feet (2,135 meters), built right into the mountainside and flanked by an avocado orchard. The lodge has 6 comfortable rooms with private bathrooms.

Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel - Aguas Calientes
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a colonial-style property. The spacious rooms feature tiled floors and seating areas. Decorated with Andean tapestries, rooms at Inkaterra boast beds with cotton sheets, alpaca blankets and canopies. Some rooms have Wi-Fi, fireplaces, marble basins and private pools.


CHECK-IN: SIGNATURE ACCOUNT
At check-in at the 1st lodge, you will be asked to open a voucher on your credit card for potential extras during the trip such as alcoholic beverages, clothing/souvenirs and others.
At the 4th lodge you will need to settle your bill and can do so by charging the credit card previously presented or by paying in cash. If paying in cash, please take note that we only accept US$ 5, US$ 10, US$ 20, and US$ 50 dollar bills; we do not accept US$ 1, US$100 or coins.
We accept Peruvian currency. If paying with a credit card, please note you will not be able to present a new credit card when settling the bill.

MASSAGE SERVICES
We offer professional massage services at the Salkantay Lodge from March-December of every season. We offer professional massage services at the Wayra, Colpa and Lucma lodges—subject to availability, please inquire prior to departure.
The cost for a massage service is approx. US$85.00 per 50 minute session


COMMUNICATION

RURAL SATELLITE PHONE
• Each Lodge has a stationary rural satellite phone which the guests can use.
• International calls can be placed and received. However, we kindly ask to refrain from receiving incoming calls unless in case of emergency, as a sign of respect and courtesy for other guests.

RURAL SATELLITE INTERNET
Though it is our goal to try and maintain our guest’s experience as pure and natural as possible, with as less contact with urban traits (like internet) as possible, we understand that internet might have become a necessary service for some guests. Thus, we provides rural wi-fi internet service at all 4 lodges. However, as a sign of respect and courtesy to other guests, we kindly ask that the use of the internet service is limited to use within the guest rooms and is prohibited in the common areas of each lodge.

Please keep in mind that good internet reception is not guaranteed due to the satellite-based nature of the system. Continuous and/or extreme bad weather conditions might negatively affect the internet signal.

* WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF THE GUESTS LAPTOPS OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE.



Meals
All meals are included as well as water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks at the lodge.

We offer meats that have been farmed locally and we use local organic ingredients in all of our meals.
Meals at the lodges are designed to be light, because of the effect high altitude has on the digestion, and to contain the necessary nutrition for guests riding at high altitude. We offer meats that have been farmed locally and we use local organic ingredients in all of our meals.

Alcohol and sports drinks are not included. 

In an effort to reduce plastic waste on the trail and at the lodge, we encourage guests to use refillable water bottles. For this purpose we provide an ample supply of the highest - quality filtered water.


Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restriction if given prior notice.
Please inform us at the time of booking of any dietary requirements. If any requirements should arise between the time of booking and the trip beginning, for instance, due to a change in health circumstances, ie, diagnosis of diabetes, please inform us as soon as possible and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Riding

Altitude
Altitude sickness is most common at elevations above 6,500’/1,900m and results from the body adjusting to a decreased amount of oxygen. To combat this, we recommend spending a few nights in Cusco prior to the start of your program. In addition, it is always important to drink plenty of water. Filtered and purified water is available at our lodges and carried by trek support at all times. In case of extreme altitude sickness, both oxygen and hyperbaric chambers are available as needed.

Age Limits
The recommended minimum age of participants is 12 years old. However, we may consider exceptions depending on experience and physical condition.

Insurance
We kindly request that every guest presents valid proof of insurance coverage as a minimum for Medical Emergency Treatment and Evacuation. Make sure that the insurance policy includes Adventure Travel Activities or similar coverage.

Guides
Depending on group size, 1 main guide or one main and one assistant guide you for the duration of the itinerary.
Our guides are among the best in Peru (some even having won international awards) and have on average at least 15 years of experience guiding in the mountains, not only in Peru, but around the world. Many of them are considered pioneers in this area, having scouted many of the current routes in the country. All your tour guides have excellent language skills, and are highly trained in managing group dynamics.
All guides undergo continuous medical and rescue training, with a certification in “Wilderness First Aid.” You will appreciate their knowledge of history and cultural traditions, as well as their interpretation of local flora and fauna, and their great insights (and stories!) that go far beyond any guide or history book.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 0: Pre-trip
We recommend that you arrive at least 1 (better 2) nights before the trek in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude.
A welcome meeting is scheduled for 7PM on the day before the actual trip start, at El Mercado Hotel.

Day 1: Cusco to Salkantay Lodge
After an early breakfast, your 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. 
Overnight at Salkantay Lodge (3,869 m / 12,690 ft)
Trekking Time: Approximately 3 hours (including picnic lunch en route)
Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Salkantay Lodge (3,869 m / 12,690 ft)

Day 2: Hike to the Humantay Lake
Another opportunity to gauge your altitude-acclimatization with a half day optional hike to Lake Humantay (we strongly recommend your participation in preparation for the strenuous hike on the next day). After breakfast, you begin an ascent up the slopes that border the plateau behind the Salkantay Lodge. An hour and a half later, you will be stunned to see the turquoise water of the lake. Here you will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot and be part of a traditional offering to “Pachamama” (Mother Earth). After your descent back to the lodge, the staff will be waiting with a hot lunch. The second half of your day is spent at leisure. You may opt to soak in our outdoor jacuzzi, indulge in a relaxing massage or even take a long nap.
Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Salkantay Lodge (3,869 m / 12,690 ft)

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: 6-7 hours (including lunch)
Hiking Level: Challenging
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wayra Lodge (3,906 m / 15,213 ft)

Day 4: Descending into the Cloud Forest
After a leisurely breakfast at the Wayra Lodge, you continue the descent along the banks of the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. Today you will see more of the local people as the trail takes you past their simple homes and makeshift fences. At lunch time you will arrive at Colpa Lodge, located on a high promontory at the confluence of three rivers. You are greeted by the staff with a Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked in the earth by hot stones that create a natural underground oven. After lunch, spend the afternoon lounging in the sun or relaxing in the outdoor jacuzzi while you take in the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround you.
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Colpa Lodge (2,870 m / 9,414 ft)

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 a 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: 5-6 hours (including lunch)
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging (because of distance, not terrain)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lucma Lodge (2,135 m / 7,003 ft)

Day 6: First Views of Machu Picchu from Llactapata Pass
During a 2-3 hour climb up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps, you will get a sense of what hiking through the rainforest would be like. Your first milestone today will be the top of the peak, the last one before you reach the Aobamaba River valley that connects you to Machu Picchu. When you arrive at the ruins of Llactapata at the Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8,974 ft), you will be delighted to see a southeast view of the “back” of the Machu Picchu ruins.
Enjoy your lunch a bit farther down the trail in a meadow with panoramic views. The final descent takes you through lush bamboo forests, until you end the day’s hike at the Hidroelectrica train station. A one-hour scenic train ride delivers you to your final stop, the town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Aguas Calientes Lodge (1,900 m / 6,332 ft)

Day 7: Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary
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.
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Hiking Level: Challenging
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

* Note: Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets are subject to availability.



Spend an Extra Day in Machu Picchu - extra cost
Even though you have enough time to see the core of Machu Picchu Sanctuary during the regular guided tour, most of our guests realize that they would have liked to stay a little longer since there is so much to explore! Let us know at time of reservation if you would like to add this optional day. By spending an extra day at Machu Picchu, you will be able to:
• Make the best of your time visiting a World Heritage Site situated on a spectacular mountain ridge.
• Explore areas of the site that are less visited by most travelers, such as climbing Machu Picchu Mountain (special permit to be purchased in advance) or hiking to the Inca Bridge or the Sun Gate.
• Visit the town of Aguas Calientes and shop the local craft markets.
• Treat yourself to a relaxing end to your vacation and hospitality of the unique Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel.

Rates and Dates for Machu Picchu Lodge Trek

Dates Note:
Almost daily departures between March and December. Any time with 2 participants in season.

Other Info
Meeting: Cusco
Airport: Cusco
Transfer: Cusco

Climate:
                                                Cusco area