We recommend you arrive a day or two prior to the trip departure in Cusco to acclimitise to the altitude. We can are happy to help with hotels. You will also need to spend a night in Cusco on the last day of your trail (dependent on flight times). Please ask us for advice. Please note services start for collection from hotel at 7 am on day one. Note: On the evening before this day there will be a briefing with your guide in Cusco.
DAY 1 – Cusco to Salkantay Lodge
After an early breakfast, you are picked up starting at 7:00 am at your Cusco hotel by a MLP guide and vehicle. En-route we 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 a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to Coronilla Ranch. Here, after a short period of familiarization with the equestrian team and the horses, we begin our ride to Soraypampa. This is a good opportunity for everyone to acclimatize while enjoying a beautiful 3-4 hour ride. Salkantay Lodge takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley—Mt. Salkantay, the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 6,270m, the highest in the region. After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, we are shown to our rooms and have time to freshen-up, before tea and cookies. The trip leader will hold a briefing by the fireplace, followed by aperitifs and dinner. Riding time: Approximately 5 hours (including picnic lunch en- route). | Ride and terrain: Walk, trot, canter, gallop on open roads, some steep ascending trails. Overnight: Salkantay Lodge at 3,869m.
DAY 2 – Ride to Lake Humantay and the Chakana
Today’s excursion takes us first to Humantay Lake, fed by glacier far above on the slopes of the impressive Mt. Humantay. Our 1-hour ride there is followed by a short 20-minute walk, which is necessary in order to reach the lake, but the view is well worth it and those brave enough can go for a swim. After a short snack break we hike back down to where we left the horses, and from where we begin a 30-minute ride to our next dismount spot: the gateway to the “Chakana” (the mystical Cross of the Incas, located on a view point high above Soraypampa). From here, we begin a one-hour excursion on foot to our destination, the actual “Chakana”. This excursion allows guests to enjoy the best views of the Soraypampa Valley, Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Humantay, and is truly one of the high points of our journey…which should not be missed! A mystical offering to Mother Earth (or “Pachamama”) at the Chakana, performed by a local Shaman, in full view of the awe-inspiring Mt. Salkantay, tops off this unique experience. We return to the lodge for lunch with your afternoon at leisure, after which you may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor jacuzzi. Additionally there is the option of riding out again for a couple of hours in the surrounding area. All meals are served at the Lodge. Riding time: Approx 4 hours. Ride and terrain: Walk, trot, canter on open roads, some steep ascending trails and open fields. Overnight: Salkantay Lodge at 3,869m.
DAY 3 – Crossing the Salkantay Pass
Today we continue our journey towards Machu Picchu, riding up the Rio Blanco valley and circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. The highest point of the ride is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638m. At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, with the glaciated 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 descend towards the Wayra Lodge, (“Wayra”: wind; from the name of the location “Wayracmachay”: ‘the cave where the wind lives’) our destination for the evening. A hot lunch is taken en-route; dinner and overnight at the Lodge. Riding time: Approximately 5 hours including hot lunch en-route. Ride and terrain: Walk, trot, on mostly steep trails and some open slopes. Overnight: Wayra Lodge at 3,906 m.
DAY 4 – Descending into the Cloud Forest
On this day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, and then we continue downhill above the Salkantay River, descending into the cloud forest, through increasingly verdant scenery. We can feel the warm air rising from the jungle, accompanied by colourful butterflies and striking orchids. Upon arrival at Colpa Lodge we are greeted with a Pachamanca, a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meat and vegetables with hot stones. Everything is then covered with hot stones, plantain leaves, high Andean grass and local herbs and the contents are baked in this underground oven. Colpa Lodge is located on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers. We spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby orchid trail. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Riding time: Approximately 4 hours. Ride and terrain: Walk or trot, on narrow trails. Overnight: Colpa Lodge at 2,870 m.
DAY 5 – Following the Santa Teresa River Valley
Today we ride along the Santa Teresa river valley, through more populated rural areas. We pass through banana, passion fruit, avocado orchards and coffee plantations. The coffee grown here is said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world. Our ride takes us to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail”, which is where we say goodbye to our horses and equestrian staff. A short 30-minute walk through an avocado orchard brings us to Lucma Lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Riding time: Approximately 5 hours. Ride and terrain: Walk, trot, and canter on steep trails and some open roads. Overnight: Lucma Lodge at 2,135 m.
DAY 6 – LUCMABAMBA | EXPLORING LLACTAPATA PASS
After a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8,974ft), where we come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travellers ever get a chance to admire. We take a short break to explore the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is served at a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu. After which we begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. We then board a train for a scenic ride (approx. 1 hour) to Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we check into an award-winning hotel for a celebration dinner with our guide and one last briefing. Trekking time: 4–6 hours. Hiking level: Moderate to challenging. Overnight: Aguas Calientes at 1,900 m.
Note: Those who prefer not to hike can go to the train station by van after a leisurely morning including breakfast and lunch at the lodge. They will meet the rest of the group at the train station for the ride to Aguas Calientes together.
DAY 7 – Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary
After a very early buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will make your way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (approx 30 minutes). Your trip leader will give an introductory two hour guided tour of the ruins, after which you will have the option to explore freely through the site for 2 hours. Afterwards, you will meet up with your guide again to return by bus to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and an afternoon train ride back toward Cusco. The ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes about 1½ hours, from where a private vehicle will then take over for the drive back to Cusco (an additional 1½ hour). Upon arrival in Cusco (approximately 7 or 8 p.m.), you will be dropped off at the hotel of your choice. (Accommodation not included tonight).
