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Your adventure starts in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. At over 3,300m above sea-level, Cusco is the perfect place to acclimatise before starting the Mountain Lodges of Peru, Salkantay Trek. We suggest three nights 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.

On one of the evenings you’ll meet the trip leaders for a briefing before the trek.

Stay: Three nights at El Mercado – bed & breakfast

Today the Mountain Lodges of Peru Salkantay 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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’/1,900³¾)

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 (additional cost), 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).

Stay: One night at El Mercado – bed & breakfast

On your final day, you will be driven to Cusco airport for your onward flight connections.