Itinerary
This unforgettable experience combines the exhilaration of a 60 km trek in the towering Peruvian Andes with the comfort and delights of 4 lovely mountain lodges.
Salkantay Lodge has 12 rooms; Wayra, Colpa and Lucma have just 6 rooms each. Guests on the little-known Salcantay Trail pass through numerous eco-systems at heights ranging from 2100 to 4600 metres.
Original Inca paths offer views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers, winding their way to waterfalls, rivers and turquoise lakes. Local inhabitants live isolated in simple houses, much as their ancestors have done for centuries. Guests are rewarded for their daily exertions with rarely seen views of Machu Picchu, before visiting the ruins the next day. In contrast to the traditional Inca trail, guests are pampered at their overnight stops by attentive and friendly staff, with excellent cuisine, comfortable rooms, hot showers and even a heated outdoor jacuzz.
As an itinerary, it can be modified and adapted to suit your individual requirements.
Do ask The Independent Traveller for a quotation or for more specific information.
DAY 1. - Arrive LIMA
Upon arrival in Lima, assistance and transfer to Hotel selected Overnight in Lima
Meals included: None
DAY 2.- LIMA
Private Lima city and visit to Larco Herrera Museum This tour includes points of interest such as the Main Square (Plaza Mayor) founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of Perú, Government Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral, the San Francisco Convent, built in the 17th century, and its “Catacombs” ancient underground cemetery of Lima, and finally the House of El Oidor. During the tour, you will see other colonial architectural jewels, such as Torre Tagle Palace, a beautiful mansion dating back to the 18th century and the Osambela House.
Continuing the tour will visit the Larco Museum, which contains an extraordinary collection of pre-Colombian Peruvian art. Includes an exquisite Collection of Peruvian Gold and Silver from the olden days, and the Pre-Hispanic Erotic Art Salon. It also has different showrooms for mummies, textiles, precious stones, metals and pottery. The tour continues to the new residential and commercial areas of San Isidro and Miraflores.
Overnight in Lima Meals included: Breakfast
LIMA Lima, the capital city of Peru, was founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro on 6th January 1535, the Catholic feast of Epiphany - or the Day of the Kings - which is why Lima is known as the "City of the Kings". For more than 300 years, Lima was the most important city and the greatest metropolis in South America. Today more than seven million people - a third of Peru's population - live in the capital city of Peru, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Vestiges of Lima's colonial heyday remain today in downtown Lima. Dozens of Lima's colonial churches are gems of Ibero-American architecture, such as San Francisco church founded in 1535 and La Merced whose earliest construction predates the founding of Lima. Visit the Plaza Mayor or main square, flanked by the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Cathedral. Modern Lima is a mix of architectural styles and beautiful gardens. The fashionable residential and commercial districts of Miraflores and San Isidro have an abundance of excellent shops, art galleries and restaurants. Barranco, home to Lima's best-known artists and writers, is filled with bars and nightclubs. The mansions and churches of colonial downtown Lima and the modern districts of San Isidro, Miraflores and Monterrico, make Lima a study in contrasts. Visit the colonial mansions with their ornate balconies in downtown Lima; try a famous Pisco Sour cocktail followed by dinner at the Larco Herrera Museum; enjoy a ride through the city on a horse-drawn chaise just as they did in colonial times; visit an authentic farm to see the unique Paso Horse exhibition; and of course sample the delicious seafood on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
DAY 3. - LIMA / CUSCO
Private transfer to the airport Flight Lima / Cusco Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance and transfer to hotel
CUSCO Cusco, a city 3,200 metres above sea level, is a showcase of several different cultures: Pre-Inca, Inca, Colonial, and Republican. Many kinds of architecture are found here. The Inca's most sacred building in Cusco, the Korikancha - orTemple of the Sun - today forms part of the Spanish church of Santo Domingo. Ruins, temples, churches, and mansions make this a memorable destination, full of history and culture. It is the archaeological capital of the Americas and the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city. Cusco has about 300,000 inhabitants. Cusco was more than just a capital city, it was an administrative, military and holy city, similar to Mecca. Many kinds of architecture are found here and one's eyes can feast on their splendid variety and combinations. A city with a splendid legacy, Cusco's winding, cobbled streets transport visitors through its rich and beautiful past. The surrounding countryside is stunning, much of it sculpted by agricultural terraces once watered by complex irrigation systems. A stay in the Urubamba, the Sacred Valley, is the perfect way to relax in the heart of the country. Just an hour’s flight from the capital city of Lima, Cusco is the departure point for visits to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
SACRED VALLEY Half-way between Cusco and Machu Picchu lies the surprising Sacred Valley of the Incas. Previously the breadbasket of Cusco, today the Sacred Valley is a peaceful retreat where the traveller can also find spectacular ruins, an unforgettable handicraft market and first-class accommodation. Private – Half Day Cusco walking tour We will walk through the beautiful district of San Blas and visit a Colonial Church with its outstanding wood-carved pulpit. Afterwards visit the studio of Merida, Mendivil or Olave, whose works have been exhibited in New York, Paris and London We will also see the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, the Cathedral with its altars encrusted with repoussé silver and many other interesting sites
City tour of Cusco A tour of this wonderful city will show you the amazing colonial centre built on the foundations of Inca palaces. You will visit the famous "Koricancha" or Temple of the Sun where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas.
Continue to the Plaza de Armas - Cusco’s Main Square and scene of so many historical events in Cusco during the Inca and Spanish reigns. Under a backdrop of the majestic Andes mountains and the remarkable Spanish colonial architecture of the church and of La Campania, built on the foundations of Inca palaces, Cusco seems to have been frozen in time.
The Cathedral, built in the form of a Latin cross, offers beautifully carved woodwork, especially in the side chapels and the cedar choir stalls; a baroque pulpit; the high altar covered in silver; and the fascinating painting of the Last Supper by Marcos Zapata in which a guinea pig is depicted. Sacsayhuaman, Kenko and Tambomachay From the centre, enjoy the drive to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman on the hill above the city of Cuzco. Hot drinks, chocolate and traditional sweets will be served as you enjoy the fabulous views of the Andean valley and down to the city below. You will then continue on to the underground cave and temple of Kenko and then to Tambomachay, known as the “Baths of the Inca” due to its thermal springs.
Private Visit to Sacsayhuaman fortress Sacsayhuamán is one of the most amazing Incan constructions for tourists. Its Quechua name means "satisfied falcon", it was the falcon that guarded the capital of the empire, since it was possible to overlook Cusco from the hill in where it was erected. If, as it is known, Cusco was designed with the shape of a lying puma, Sacsayhuamán would be its head, and the Coricancha would correspond to the feline's genitalia. Spectacular fortress built with huge carved rocks jointed with absolute accuracy, this astounding sample of the Incan military architecture is, undoubtedly, the greatest architectonic work of the Tahuantinsuyo. But, in addition, it proves the undeniable firmness of the great administrative capacity of the empire and its powerful logistic system capable of mobilizing and organizing such a work. It is located 2 km away from the city of Cusco, that is, 10 minutes by car. As of the Spaniards arrival its aspect has changed a lot, since this fortress was used as a hewn stone to build the colonial Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4.- CUSCO / SACRED VALLEY / CUSCO
Private – Full day visit Chincheros, Maras, Moray & Ollanta + lunch Visit Chincheros village located 30 km from Cusco with an altitude of 3,672m. It is surrounded by perpetually snow-capped peaks. At a very colourful Sunday fair in the main square, the indigenous people trade by barter as they did in olden times. Tradition is also maintained in the dress of the peasants and the profile presented by the site, which includes the walls of an Inca fortress and palace with trapezoidal niches, most likely belonging to Inca Tupac Yupanqui, all of which gives the town a unique charm. It has a lovely colonial church with paintings by the indigenous artist Chiwantito Maras Salt mines are located 6.2 miles (10 Km) away from Maras town and about 30 minutes by car or 2 hours walking. Famous for its salt mines exploited from Inca times until today, it is worth visiting, due to the wonderful show of hundreds of salt ponds. Moray is located 5.5 miles (9 Km) away from Maras town and about 25 minutes by car. This place has elliptical irrigation terraces. It was an Inca agricultural experimental centre from the Temple of the Sun. Vestiges of rooms are seen on top, and on the other side of the hill a four storey building, either a military school or prison Meals included: Breakfast and BBQ lunch with Peruvian Paso Fino horse show at Wayra restaurant In the afternoon, you will visit the remarkable fortress of Ollantaytambo, built by the Incas. A very steep stone staircase leads into the fortress. Across an esplanade there is a temple with 10 niches, and beside it a block of partially unworked stones. Beyond another esplanade, six huge rectangular monoliths (estimated weight: 50 Overnight in Cusco Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 5.- CUSCO / SALKANTAY LODGE
7day 6night Mountain lodge program (fixed departure dates)
CUSCO to SALKANTAY LODGE & ADVENTURE RESORT at SORAYPAMPA (3,869 m/12,690 ft).
After an early breakfast, guests will be picked up starting at 7:00 am at their hotel in Cusco by a Mountain Lodge Peru guide and vehicle 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 ashort coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa (30 minutes from Mollepata by vehicle). Above & Left: Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort at Soraypampa 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 acclimatise and to 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 and brush-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.
Note.- Lunch on DAY 1 is a box lunch. Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch and dinner
DAY 6.- SORAYPAMPA SORAYPAMPA
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. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 7. - SORAYPAMPA to WAYRA LODGE at HUAYRACCMACHAY SORAYPAMPA to WAYRA LODGE at HUAYRACCMACHAY (3,906m/12,812 ft).
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 8.- HUAYRACCMACHAY / COLPA LODGE HUAYRACCMACHAY to COLPA LODGE at COLLPAPAMPA (2,870m/9,414 ft).
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 9. - COLLPAPAMPA / LUCMA LODGE COLLPAPAMPA to LUCMA LODGE at LUCMABAMBA (2,135m/7,003 ft).
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 10. - LUCMABAMBA / AGUAS CALIENTES LUCMABAMBA to AGUAS CALIENTES (1,900 m/6,232 ft). After an early start and a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head up hill 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,with a 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). We then arrive in Aguas Calientes to check-in to our hotel for the night. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 11. - MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO Machu Picchu (2,400m/7,872 ft) to Cusco
We wake up early to have breakfast at the hotel and then make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu (30 min). A complete guided tour of Machu Picchu will be provided (2 hours). Guests will have about 4 additional hours to explore the site on their own—there is a lot to do and see. Afterwards, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and to go to the train station for the afternoon departure. The train takes us to Ollantaytambo (1½ hrs), where a private vehicle awaits to take us to Cusco (1 ½ hrs). Upon arrival in Cusco (approximately 7-8pm) we will drop guests off at the hotel of their choice. Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu Machu Picchu is one of the most renowned examples of Inca architecture. A spectacular and imposing citadel lost in history, it is believed to have been built in the mid 15th century by the Inca, Pachacutec, but was not discovered until 1911 by the American explorer, Hiram Bingham. The breathtaking view from this mountaintop citadel and its well-preserved ruins are a photographer’s dream. Some 120 km from Cusco, Machu Picchu rises to an altitude of 2,400 metres above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). The day will begin with an early start as we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco for the transfer to the train station where you will board your train to Machu Picchu. The train journey takes approximately 3 hours as it makes its way along the sacred valley of the Urubamba to the Lost City of the Incas. Refreshments will be served on the train and you will arrive mid-morning at the town of Aguas Calientes. Here, you will be transported by coach for the half-hour journey to the top of the mountain where the citadel of Machu Picchu perches on a mist-shrouded mountain peak surrounded by lush cloud forest.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu The ruins are separated into an agricultural zone and an urban area on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu mountain. The urban zone includes a civil sector where dwellings and canalisations were built and a sacred sector with temples, mausoleums, squares and royal houses. The buildings were made of stone with roofs built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu or straw and with the highest degree of expertise displayed in the religious buildings.
Overnight in Cusco Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 12. - CUSCO
Day at leisure Overnight in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13.- CUSCO / PUNO
Private transfer to the train station First class train service: Cusco / Puno (the train operates on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, from April to October it also operates on Saturday) Train to/from Puno (full day) Make the journey between Puno and Cusco on board the Orient Express “Andean Explorer”. A spectacular train ride with wonderful views of the magnificent Andes and the highlands, where you can see some Andean cameloids. Travel comfortably in your seat and enjoy lunch on board. The train makes a stop in La Raya to get a wider scenic view from the highest point of the trip (4,319 metres above sea level).
*The train Puno/Cusco or vice versa operates on Monday-Wednesday-Saturday Upon arrival in Puno, assistance and transfer to the hotel Overnight in Puno
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch on board
DAY 14.- PUNO / SUASI ISLAND
3 days/ 2 nights in Suasi Island Departure from the main Pier in the city of Puno: between 07:00 and 07:30 hrs. Includes transfers from other hotels to the main Pier; (pick-up time between 6:00am and 6:30am). Visit to Uros Island (includes cultural activity - lasts approximately 30 minutes) Visit to Taquile Island (includes cultural activity - lasts approximately 1 hour) Arrival and welcome at the Casa Andina Private Collection Suasi (the speed boat arrives at approximately 12:30pm) and short explanation on our property Lunch BBQ, Suggested Activity (at approximately 5pm): Discover Plants and Animals – 2hrs, Dinner, Suggested Activity (at approximately 8pm): Lake Titicaca at Night – 2 hrs
Overnight Overnight in Suasi Island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 15.- SUASI ISLAND
Breakfast buffet Suggested Activity (between 9am and 11am): Canoeing along Lake Titicaca 1hr. Lunch,(between 3pm and 5pm): Martha’s Cultural Cabin – 1.5 hrs (between 5pm and 7pm): Andean Spa with a Sauna and Massage Service – 1 hr
Dinner and overnight Overnight in Suasi Island
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 16.- SUASI ISLAND / PUNO
Breakfast buffet Departure from Suasi to Puno
Overnight in Puno
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 17. - PUNO / JULIACA / LIMA
Private transfer to Juliaca airport Flight Juliaca / Lima Upon arrival in Lima, assistance and transfer to the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 18.- LIMA
*** At appropriate time, private transfer to the airport
