On day 1 you will arrive into the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, where you will be met and driven to your hotel in the historic centre. 

Note: Most international flights to Peru will arrive into Lima and then it is a 1 1/2 hour connecting flight to Cusco. There are some airlines which fly directly into Cusco though.

Cusco is over 3,300m above altitude and it is important to acclimatise before starting the Mountain Lodges of Peru, Salkantay Trek. We have included three nights for you to adjust to the altitude and on your second full day in the city, you will be taken on a private tour of the Cusco’s main attractions. 

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cusco is nestled in a green valley high in the Andean mountains and is home to some truly remarkable colonial architecture and relics left over from the Inca Empire. A private tour will show you the spectacular Inca ruins in the surrounding countryside, including the temple of Kenko, the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara and the mighty Sacsayhuaman fortress.

In the evening of day 3 you’ll meet the trip leaders for a briefing before the trek.

Stay: Three nights at El Mercado – bed & breakfast

Day 4 – On the way to Soraypampa

Today the Mountain Lodges of Peru Trek begins and you will be picked up by your guide from your hotel in Cusco.

In the morning: Visit the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site on the way to the town of Mollepata.

In the afternoon: Lunch at El Pedregal before your first trek to MLP’s flagship Salkantay Lodge. Approximately 3 hours – Easy to Moderate.

Optional: Guests may opt out of the trek and continue by transport to Salkantay Lodge.

Stay: Two nights at Salkantay Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869 m)

Day 5 – Hike to Lake Humantay

In the morning: Early morning round-trip hike to the turquoise waters of Lake Humantay. Approximately 4 hours – Moderate.

In the afternoon: Lunch at Salkantay Lodge and afternoon at leisure

Optional: Afternoon horseback riding at Soraypampa (subject to additional cost)

Day 6 – Crossing the Salkantay Pass

In the morning: Journey through the Salkantay River Valley as you begin your climb to the Salkantay Pass

In the afternoon: After marveling at the majesty of the Salkantay Peak and patting yourself on the back for a job well-done, enjoy lunch on the mountain before heading down to Wayraccmachay. Approximately 7 hours – Challenging (max elevation 4,640m)

Stay: One night at Wayra Lodge (12,812’ / 3,906 m)

Day 7 – Descending into the cloud forest

In the morning: Begin your descent into the cloud forest on the way to Colpa Lodge

In the afternoon: Upon arrival, the staff will be waiting for us with a traditional Pachamanca lunch; afternoon at leisure. Approximately 4 hours – Easy to Moderate.

Stay: One night at Colpa Lodge (9,414’/2,870m)

Day 8 – Following the Santa Teresa river valley

In the morning: Descend along the Santa Teresa River towards Lucmabamba

In the afternoon: Picnic lunch along the river, followed by a short hike & a van ride; afternoon visit to a local coffee plantation before arrival. Approximately 6 hours – Moderate to Challenging.

Stay: One night at Lucma Lodge (7,003’/2,135m)

Day 9 – First views of Machu Picchu

In the morning: Travel uphill through the cloud forest to the Llactapata Pass for a seldom-seen view of Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon: Lunch en route followed by a winding descent to the Aobamba River Valley, ending the day with a 30-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes.

Stay: One night at Machu Picchu Inkaterra Hotel (6,232’/1,900m)

The Citadel of Machu Picchu

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a rollicking morning uphill bus ride, followed by a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. After the tour you will have free time to explore on your own or hike up Huayna Picchu*, the iconic mountain that looms overhead. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before the return train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours).

*Note: Permits for Huayna Picchu are subject to availability; please consult with your Ultimate Travel Specialist when you confirm your reservation. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, Machu Picchu Mountain (the second peak within the sanctuary) permits will be secured instead.

Stay: One night at El Mercado – bed & breakfast

Arrangements end after breakfast on day 11 and you’re free to either return to Cusco airport for your onward flight connections, or continue your journey through Peru and South America.