Peru Tours and Travel

Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu, in Comfortable Lodges

This is the opportunity to experience the essence of adventure within the realm of creature comforts. But for us, a great adventure does not end there: for it to be a life-changing experience for our guests, we believe that the experience has to be an adventure on many levels. This is why our proposal goes far beyond comfortable lodges and great treks… it 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.

We propose an expedition… one that takes guests on an ancient trail called the “Salkantay Route”, going from lodge to lodge along four mountain lodges in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular Andean mountain range which cradles the famed Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Within the lodge system, the crown jewel is the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (SLAR), located in the high Andean valley of Soraypampa at 3,800m/12,500ft above sea level. In addition to high-quality “Andean Energetic Cuisine” (as created and named by the Food & Beverage Director), the Lodge offers an outdoor hot tub, cozy reading rooms, a bar/lounge (with Pisco Sour classes and all!) and 12 well-appointed private double (or twin) rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers. In this Machu Picchu Lodge-Lodge experience, trekkers spend one night each at three Trekker’s Lodges located at strategic points along the route: Huayraccmachay, Collpapampa and Lucmabamba. Although the Trekker’s Lodges are smaller in size (only 6 guest rooms per lodge), each one of them offers the same amenities as the base lodge.

Detailed Itinerary (also see route map)

THE NIGHT BEFORE DEPARTURE: EVENING BRIEFING IN CUSCO MEET & GREET

DAY 1: CUSCO to SALKANTAY LODGE & ADVENTURE RESORT at SORAYPAMPA (3,800 m/12,500 ft).
After an early breakfast, guests will be picked up starting at 7:00 am at their hotel in Cusco by a 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 a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa (30 minutes from Mollepata by vehicle).

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 acclimate and enjoy a mild & beautiful 4 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, the guests will be shown to their rooms and have time to wash-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.

DAY 2: 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 next four days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the Lodge.

DAY 3: SORAYPAMPA to WAYRA LODGE at HUAYRACCMACHAY (3,850m/12,600 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 the Salkantay. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 4,600 m (15,000 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: 4-6 hours. Total excursion time for day: 5-7 hours. Hiking level: challenging with a 15,000ft mountain pass).

DAY 4: HUAYRACCMACHAY to COLPA LODGE at COLLPAPAMPA (2,800m/9,200 ft).
Following the long first 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. Our arrival at the next lodge encounters a “Pachamanca”-style lunch (subject to availability; traditional underground stone cooking). 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).

DAY 5: COLLPAPAMPA to LUCMA LODGE at LUCMABAMBA (2,100m/6,900 ft).
After an early breakfast we head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world!), bananas, ‘granadillas’, and orchards. 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 possible meeting with members of the local community. (Hiking time: 5-6 hours. Total excursion time for day: 6-8 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging, basically due to distance, not terrain).

Day 6: LUCMABAMBA to AGUAS CALIENTES (1,900 m/6,200 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 (2,700 m/8,900ft), 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, in 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.

Day 7: Machu Picchu (2,450m/8,000 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.

RATES: The 2010 rate for this seven-day/six-night program is US$2,650.00* per person based on shared accommodations in a twin, double or triple room. The requested single room supplement is 50% extra. If a guest is a single “willing to share”, we will do its best effort to pair that guest up with another single willing to share. If ultimately this guest is not paired up, this will be considered an “un-requested single” and will only be subject to a fee of 25% surcharge on the rate. Rate does NOT include a mandatory entrance fee (instated July 2008) of US $50 per person to hike on the Salkantay Trail. Please note that this must be paid in cash on Day 1 of the trek.
* Tour price is subject to change without prior notice due to circumstances beyond our control

The rate includes:
• All services from pick up in Cusco on Day 1 to drop off in Cusco on Day 7.
• Transportation from hotel in Cusco to Soraypampa on Day 1 and from Ollantaytambo back to hotel on Day 7
• 6 nights lodging (5 nights in MLP lodges and 1 night in Aguas Calientes in a 4* hotel or similar)
• All meals except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 7
• All non-alcoholic beverages*. Alcoholic beverages are charged extra (average price: US$8/drink).
• The services of a bilingual guide from Day 1 to Day 7
• Transportation of personal belongings on the trek by packhorse/mules and/or porters
• Guided visit of Machu Picchu (includes entrance to the site)
• Trains (Hydroelectric station – Aguas Calientes & Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes – Cusco).
Please note that if your arrival into Cusco is delayed and you are unable to join your group for the transfer on day one to the first lodge, we can arrange a private transfer for you at added cost.
* Due to our efforts to reduce plastic waste in our lodges and along the trail, bottled water is not included in the rate. Water stations are available throughout the lodges for free & unlimited refilling. Bottled water is available for US$ 1.00 per bottle and light-weight, aluminum sport-bottles are available at the lodges at US$ 20.00 per sport-bottle for use throughout the trek. All profits for the bottled water and sport-bottles support environmental and community development projects.

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2010 departure dates: March: 5 (full), 12, 13, 19, 21, 26, April: 2 , 3, 9 (full), 10, 15 (full),16, 22, 23 (full), 30 (full), May: 1 (full), 3 (full), 4, 7 (full), 11 (full), 12 (full), 14, 15 (full), 17, 21 (full), 24, 28 (full), 31, June: 4, 5, 11, 12, 15, 16 (Inti Raymi 1), 17 (Inti Raymi 2), 18 (Inti Raymi 4), 20 (Inti Raymi 6), 25 (Inti Raymi 5), 26 (Inti Raymi 3), July: 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 18, 23, 24, 28, 30, August: 1, 6, 7, 13, 18, 20, 21, 27, 29, 30, September: 3, 4, 10, 12, 13 (full), 17, 19, 23, 24 (full), October: 1, 2, 7, 8, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 23, 29, 31, November: 5, 12, 19, 26, December: 3, 10, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 27, 30

RESERVATIONS, PAYMENT & CANCELLATIONS:
A non-refundable deposit of US$500.00 per person is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before fixed departure date.
We will refund 50% of the deposited amount between 59 and 30 days prior to departure.
We will not refund any money between 29 and 0 days prior to departure.
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PURCHASING TRAVEL INSURANCE
TRANSFER FEES: If a guest wants to change tour dates, the following fees apply:
- 60 or more days prior to departure: US$ 100.00 per person
- 59 to 30 days prior to departure date: US$ 250.00 per person
- 29 to 0 days prior to departure date: US$ 350.00 per person

BRIEF TECHNICAL TRIP DESCRIPTION: 6 days (2 days optional) of moderate to strenuous hiking at elevations of 6,600- 15,000 feet (2,000-4,600m) on steep and rocky trails and a section of stone paved Inca paths. Trekking entails traversing through 9 different eco-zones, which involves changing weather conditions.

Minimum age permitted: 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE LODGES: All 4 lodges have been designed and built in accordance with traditional building techniques, Inca architectural & mythological concepts and respect for the environment.
The Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort has 12 private double, twin or triple rooms with private bathroom facilities. Each Trekker’s Lodge (Wayra, Collpa, Lucma) has 6 private double, twin or triple rooms. Rooms can hold up to 3 people maximum. Lodges are fully equipped and serviced. Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort, Wayra Lodge and Colpa Lodge have an outdoor hot tub. Every lodge guarantees an ample supply of hot water for showers; there are no bathtubs in any of the lodges. Room heating ensures the temperature remains a comfortable 68° F (23° C).
We have satellite telephones at each lodge which work with phone cards; these can be purchased at each lodge. Internet is also available at all lodges.

PRE-TREK BRIEFING AND MEET & GREET GROUP
pre-trek briefing in Cusco for guests which consists of the following::
• meet and greet with the group and the guide
• detailed itinerary and any last-minute changes
• confirmation of specific dietary and medical information of the participants
• frequently asked questions (and answers)
• participant gear & equipment verification
• specific requests for additional information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The pre-trek briefing takes place in Cusco the night before the trek departure. On the day of the briefing, we will leave a message at your pre-trek hotel confirming the time and place. If you plan to be away, please check with your hotel front desk for a message throughout the day.

Salkantay Trail Entrance Fee
The INC (Instituto Nacional de Cultura or National Institute of Culture) of Peru, through a legal ruling, has started to charge US$50 entrance fee for all tourists hiking on the Salkantay Trail from Mollepata to Santa Teresa. This announcement was made during the third week of July 2008 without previous warning or notification and the order was made effective immediately. This is a mandatory fee that will have to be paid by all tourists in the town of Mollepata in cash. There are no ATMs in Mollepata where the fee must be paid, so guests must make sure to take the money for the entrance fee with them from Cusco. Guides will remind guests of the Salkantay entrance fee the night before departure at the pre-trek briefing.

At check-in at the 1st lodge, you will be asked to open a voucher on your credit card for potential extras during the trip like alcoholic beverages, clothing/souvenirs and others. At the 4th lodge you will need to settle your bill and can do so by charging the credit card previously presented or by paying in cash. Please note you will not be able to present a new credit card when settling the bill.

• We recommend that guests try to spend at least 2 nights in Cusco (or Urubamba) prior to departure. This helps with acclimatization to the altitude and also provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Cusco.
•We encourages guests to undergo preparation by regular cardio-vascular exercise and eating healthy prior to the trip.

What to Bring, What to Tip, Frequently Asked Questions

Phone: 800-232-5658 or 1-512-443-5393 email

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Peru Tours and Travel

Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu, in Comfortable Lodges

BOOKING REQUEST

Phone:
800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email

BOOKING
REQUEST