A once in a lifetime physical, cultural, and spiritual journey that will take you through the magnificent Salkantay Valley en route to the legendary ruins at Macchu Picchu. This 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. Whilst you are in the finest hands of one The Adventure Boutique’s Expedition Leaders, this trip will be nothing but magical from start to finish.
Machu Picchu
The Incan Empire Adventure
Machu Picchu - The Incan Empire Adventure
Machu Picchu - Adventure Highlights
- Discover the awe-inspiring ancient city of Machu Picchu that was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.
- Visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo.
- Trek through beautiful variations of flora, including banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards and coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world).
- The lodge’s en-route offer high-end facilities, where guests can take a relaxing soak in an outdoor Jacuzzi after a long days trek.
- Discover the local cuisine by partaking in an optional cooking class led by locally renowned chefs.
DURATION
12 Days
RECOMMENDED GROUP SIZE
4-12 People
ACCOMMODATION
- 7 nights in high-end lodges whilst on the treK
- 5 nights in Cusco in a luxury hotel pre and post trek
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit the Cusco area and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is during the Peruvian winter (May – September) period as it is the driest season. The summer (December – March) is the wettest season, with frequent heavy showers.
Your itinerary at a glance
Day | Destination | Accom. (B/L/D) | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Cusco | Hotel (D) | |
2-3 | Cusco | Hotel (3,400m) (B/L/D) | Explore the city’s historical and cultural sites |
4 | Soraypampa | Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (3,869m) (B/L/D) | Visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi |
5 | Soraypampa | Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (B/L/D) | Half day hike to a glacial lake |
6 | Huayraccmachay | Wayra Lodge (3,906m) (B/L/D) | Embrace the stunning snow- capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range |
7 | Colpa Lodge | Colpa Lodge (2,800m) (B/L/D) | Relax in the open air hot tub surrounded by lush green mountains |
8 | Lucmabamba | Lucma Lodge (2,135m) (B/L/D) | Meet members of the local community |
9 | Aguas Calientes | Aguas Calientes (1,900m) (B/L/D) | Get a glimpse of the Llactapata Ruins |
10 | Cusco | Hotel (B/L/D) | Spend the morning discovering the magical Machu Picchu |
11 | Cusco | Hotel (B/L/D) | Explore Cusco: Take part in a local cooking class or relax in therapy suits |
12 | Return home | (B) |
*B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Machu Picchu - Your Itinerary in Detail
Day one
Arrive Cusco and meet with your personal Expedition Leader who will help you check in to your luxury accommodation. You will have the chance to relax post flight and receive a comprehensive brief from your Expedition Leader on the adventure you are about to undertake.
Day two- three
As the city of Cusco is set at an altitude of 3,400m, it is an ideal location to acclimatise and relax before we start our trek to Machu Picchu. What’s more is that Cusco has a fantastic blend of history and cultural sites which make it a perfect place to spend a few days. Saksaywaman, a UNESCO World heritage site, is a citadel located in the northern outskirts of Cusco. Sections of the citadel date back to around 1100AD where it was first built by the Killke culture. The location of the Saksaywaman is worth a visit in itself; located on a steep hill that overlooks the city, the fortified complex has a wide view of the valley to the southeast.
The city of Cusco itself is bursting with places to explore. Qurikancha, The Temple of the Sun, is one of the most revered temples in the city. Whilst the main Cathedral in Cusco, completed in 1654, holds many archeological artifacts and relics that are certainly worth a look at. The Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco, is a great place to rest on the benches, soak up the gardens, and admire the fountain in the center. The area is also very lively and beautiful at night, with people mulling about and the architecture lit up with spotlights. A beautiful city!
Day four
Cusco to Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort at Soraypampa (3,869m/12,690ft).
After spending a few days in Cusco acclimatising, we’ll be ready to set off on the trek. During this journey 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 a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa. Here, we will begin our trek to Soraypampa, on an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). 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. The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude.
Day five
Today will be spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending upon your level of acclimatisation. The most popular activity at Soraypampa is a half-day hike (3-4 hours) 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.
Day six
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 4,638m (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.
Day seven
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. We will stay at Colpa Lodge which 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.
Day eight
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). 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.
Day nine
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 uphill 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. 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.
Day ten
Today we’ll spend the morning at Machu Picchu, exploring all the unique aspects it has to offer. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century. Archaeologists estimate that approximately 1200 people could have lived in the area, though many theorize it was most likely a retreat for Incan rulers. Due to it’s isolation from the rest of Peru, living in the area full time would require traveling great distances just to reach the nearest village. In the afternoon we will make our way back to Cusco, where we will be able to relax post trek.
Day eleven
Didn’t manage to visit everywhere you wanted to in the first few days in Cusco? Don’t worry; a final day can be spent at your leisure here. After a good few days trekking, this could be a prime opportunity to explore the local cuisine of Cusco. There is even an opportunity to partake in a cooking class that the hotel offers to guests should they wish. There is also the opportunity to relax in the hotels Therapy Suit where you can take away the aches and pains from the trek with a Thai massage or a relaxing aromatherapy session.
Day twelve
Return home
Pricing Information
This adventure will depart with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 12*.
Please get in touch for pricing information.
Included
- Expedition Leader from ‘The Adventure Boutique’
- Local guides, local chefs and porters
- All scheduled accommodation
- Scheduled meals
- All scheduled transfers
Excluded
- Travel insurance
- International Flights
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
* We can accommodate private groups less than 4 or more than 12 people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are we catered for?
The cost of the trip includes dining in the high-end hotels and lodges for both breakfast and dinner. During the trekking days your Expedition Leader will provide you with lunch. These lunches will be nutritious and tasty and tailored to your tastes, you will not be left wanting more!
Do you provide expert training advice in advance of the trip?
Yes. Even before you go we’ll be on-hand to give you expert advice and can provide you with a comprehensive personalised training plan should you desire. Our Expedition Leaders have a high level of experience and can give you sound advice based on their numerous past experiences.
Do I need to tip our local staff?
You do not need to tip the local staff such as chefs and guides. Unlike other companies, we have included the tipping into the price so there are no hidden surprises when you arrive in the country. Tipping the Expedition Leader is at your discretion but will be much appreciated, especially after you witness their dedication and professionalism in looking after you and ensuring your happiness.
Will I require any spending money?
Throughout the experience, you won’t need much spending money as the trip is comprehensively covered in the initial cost. You may require money for the very occasional meal as shown on the schedule and any alcoholic drinks. You may also wish to buy some souvenirs or make a satellite phone call home or for work purposes. It will be best to bring your usual currency and this can be changed into local currency soon after arrival.
What clothing/equipment do I need?
The Adventure Boutique team will give you a full comprehensive kit list when you sign up and be on-hand if you have any questions before the trip.
Do I need special insurance?
You should not need any special type of travel insurance for this trip. Do ensure that your insurance covers the South American region. If you do not have adequate insurance cover, The Adventure Boutique team can refer you to appropriate insurers.
Do I need a visa?
This is dependent on your nationality, our team can advise you on this before signing up. British citizens do not need a visa to visit Peru for the designated time frame.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible. Sources of information include: www.fco.gov.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, www.nathnac.org, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Clients travelling to worldwide destinations are recommended to seek advice from the sources mentioned above and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example, Malaria, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid.
What is the minimum age a person has to be to go on this adventure?
The minimum age is 16 years old accompanied by a legal guardian or 18 years old otherwise. If you do have children and want to bring them, we would be happy to facilitate this. We would be happy to make necessary arrangements to accommodate a young person into a private group.
Is there a maximum age?
There is no maximum age limit, providing you are fit and in good health.
Will my mobile work? Can I stay in touch with the office or my family?
You’ll find some phone reception during your trip, partially when not in the jungle. We specially carry a satellite phone in case of emergencies, but we also realise people may need to keep in touch with their loved ones or have some work commitments to deal with. The satellite phone can be used for a charge.
Can I organise this trip exclusively for myself, friends and family?
If you have a group of friends or family who want to travel together, a bespoke date can certainly be arranged to suit your party. If you do have your own group and want to discuss any variations in the schedule or particular objectives, feel free to discuss this with The Adventure Boutique team.