Trip Dossier
Have you always dreamed of walking to Machu Picchu but found the thought of camping and hiking at altitude too daunting? Due to the popularity of our ‘Beyond the Inca Trail’ tour, we have looked at ways of making this memorable trip more accessible. Thus we have devised this trip using unique top class eco-accommodation built deep in the heart of the Andes with a gradual acclimatisation programme.
Sandwiched between the driest desert and the largest rainforest in the world, the Andes of Peru contain some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery. Within these mountains ancient civilisations, of which the Incas are the most famous, built cities, temples and roadways (there are known to be more than 25,000km) using precision construction techniques that continue to baffle scientists today.
Enjoy several days in Cuzco visiting the numerous ruins and soaking up the atmosphere of this amazing Inca city before travelling to the Sacred Valley where you will be based in a rustic lodge with access to a variety of activities including walking, horse-riding, tennis, spa treatments and even paragliding! This also provides vital acclimatisation time before you embark on the Salkantay Trail.
The six-day trek allows time to explore and enjoy the archaeological sites, landscapes and nature along the trail. You will enjoy tasty meals and luxurious accommodation in the company of expert guides. This specific itinerary is designed to offer a relaxed trek and a deep understanding of Inca culture and the ethnic communities en route. You will walk for six to seven hours each day including time to explore sites you pass through and to take in the unparalleled scenery. You will then arrive at Machu Picchu and have a full day to explore the site. You return to Cuzco by train. The journey continues with the first class train (day dependent) over the altiplano to Lake Titicaca where a fast boat brings you to Taquile Island, where the culture and lifestyle have remained unchanged over the centuries.
Using stylish accommodation throughout, often in historic hotels, this is the ideal way to experience this fascinating country with its many cultural sites and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Itinerary
Please note that due to the timetable of the Altiplano train from Cuzco to Puno which only runs three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays) the itinerary may need to be changed in order to fit with the group departure dates of the trek and the train timetable. This may involve either allowing for an extra day in Cuzco or visiting the Sacred Valley after the trek.
Joining the tour
On booking you will be sent the following information: name and address of Lima hotel, advice on how to get there and time of rendezvous with tour leader.
Joining the tour
Itinerary details
Note: Should circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1
Arrive Lima and transfer to your hotel which has been selected for its high standard of comfort, a feature of our ‘in style’ trips. Hotel, Lima.
Day 2
After a brief overnight stop in the busy capital of Lima you return to the airport and fly on up to Cuzco, the beautiful ancient capital of the Incas. The rest of the day will be yours to get used to the altitude and recover from the long journey. Your hotel is one of the finest in Cuzco, offering much comfort, and luxury. It is a grand, opulently furnished, colonial mansion, boasting Inca Foundations. Part of the building dates back to 16th century, when Francisco Pizarro was an occupant. It is right in the heart of the city, surrounded by magnificent Inca and colonial buildings. Hotel, Cuzco (3,300 Metres), B.
Day 3
An incredible blend of Inca and Spanish colonial buildings, colourful markets, cathedrals and a clear atmosphere gives Cuzco a unique feeling. After a morning to yourselves, you will be given a private guided tour of the city and the nearby Inca sites, helping you to acclimatise to the altitude of 3,300 metres and to learn about some of the extraordinary Inca culture. Hotel, Cuzco (3,300 Metres), B.
Day 4 and 5
This morning we leave Cuzco, to begin a fascinating private two day tour of the world renowned Sacred Valley, based in the Urubamba Valley. Over the next two days you will travel out to the wonders of the Sacred Valley, the pre-eminent cultural and adventure destination in South America, and home to a huge number of sites including Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Maras and the saltpans of Moray all of whom you will tour or walk to. The valley is lower than Cuzco and enjoys a mild climate within a dramatic setting of mountains and meadows. From your enchanting resort you can follow in the footsteps of the Incas trekking high into the mountains, bike to ancient salt pans, drink some local corn beer with the villagers, raft down the Urubamba river, watch a dramatic theatre presentation at night or witness the dazzling variety of hummingbirds during the day. You will be staying in the heart of the Sacred Valley, in an enchanting lodge. Its rustically elegant character evokes the traditions and style of the ancient valley, whilst providing exclusive accommodation and cuisine. Return to Cuzco at the end of Day 5. Lodge, Sacred Valley, B, L on Day 4/ Hotel, Cuzco, B on Day 5.
Day 6
After an early breakfast, you will be picked up starting at 7:00 am from your hotel in Cuzco by your guide and vehicle and meet the rest of your group taking the trek. You will be transferred to the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (about 3.5 hours’ drive). En route you will take a short break to visit the impressive Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approx. 1.5 hrs from Cusco). After leaving Limatambo, you pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where you stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain track to the spectacularly situated valley of Soraypampa (3,600m).
Optional: You will have the option of choosing to trek from Mollepata to Soraypampa, on an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for you to acclimatise and enjoy a mild & beautiful 3-4 hour trek on your first day.
The Lodge takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley – the “Salkantay”, the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 6,240 m, the highest in the region. After a warm welcome by the friendly staff, you will be shown to your rooms and have time to wash-up. The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude. An evening briefing by the fire is followed by aperitifs and dinner. Note - Lunch today is a gourmet packed lunch. Salkantay Lodge (3,600m), B, L, D.
Day 7
This day is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending upon your level of acclimatisation. The most popular activity at Soraypampa is a half-day hike to a glacial lake where the more adventurous might take a very short swim! This activity is excellent for acclimatisation and a first immersion into high-mountain trekking. In the afternoon, you may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in the outdoor jacuzzi. In the evening, the guide will brief the trekking party on gear and the itinerary for the next four days. Salkantay Lodge, BLD.
Day 8
This is the big day: the start of the four-day trek to Machu Picchu. After an early start you 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. At the pass you will stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the south face of Salkantay towering above. Keep your eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass you continue your descent toward the Wayra Lodge (“Wayra”: wind; ‘the place where the wind lives’) your destination for the evening. A hot lunch is taken en route. (Hiking time: 4-6 hours; total excursion time for day 5-7 hours). Wayra Lodge (3,900m), BLD.
Day 9
Following the long first day you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Huayraccmachay. You then begin your trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. Your arrival at the lodge encounters a “Pachamanca”-style lunch (subject to availability; traditional underground stone cooking). The Collpa Lodge is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor jacuzzi in this lodge has prominent views of lush green mountains and a small faraway local town. Collpa Lodge (2,800m), B, L, D.
Day 10
After an early breakfast you 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. Stop along the river for a hot picnic lunch. A vehicle arrives at the lunch spot to pick the group up for a short drive to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail”. From the head of the trail it is a short climb (30 min.) to the Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. You will arrive in time to allow for an exploration of the small village of Lucmabamba and possible meeting with members of the local community. (Hiking time: 4-6 hours/total excursion time for day 5-7 hours). Lucma Lodge (2,100m), B, L, D.
Day11
After an early start and a hearty breakfast, you tackle the last day of your trek. Head uphill for two hours towards Llactapata pass (2,600 m), where you 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. You then begin your final descent to the Vilcanota River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations (2-3 hours descent). Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are a short, scenic train ride away. (Total hiking time: 4-6 hours). You arrive in Aguas Calientes to check-in to your hotel. Hotel, Aguas Calientes (2,000m), B, L, D.
Day 12
Wake up very early to have breakfast at the hotel and then make your way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu (30 min). A complete guided tour of Machu Picchu will be provided. You will have about 4 to 6 hours to tour the ruins (there is a lot to see) visiting the best-known features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. Some will want to take the optional hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu,
for an amazing overview of the site (limited numbers permitted, early visit advised), while others may want to investigate Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners. Afterwards you transfer to Aguas Calientes and board the return Vistadome train to Cuzco. Again you will be able to re-acquaint yourself with, and enjoy the delights of the city. Hotel, Cuzco B.
Day 13
After an early breakfast, you embark on the spectacular, classic train journey crossing the high Altiplano to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, at an altitude of just under 4,000 metres. The first half is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains, towering over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River. It then crosses the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where alpaca and vicuna can be seen. Once you have arrived you can further relax at your splendidly located hotel which is based right on the shores of Lake Titicaca with amazing views. Hotel, Puno, BL.
Day 14
Lake Titicaca.
The Uros is a group of 42 floating islands just off Puno. The Uros originally created these artificial islands to escape the Inca, who dominated the mainland at the time; today they are a major tourist destination. Around 3,000 descendants of the Uros are alive today, although only a few hundred still live on and maintain the islands; most have moved to the mainland. The islands are made of totora reeds, which grow in the lake. The dense roots that the plants develop support the islands. They are anchored with ropes attached to sticks driven into the bottom of the lake. The reeds at the bottoms of the islands rot away fairly quickly, so new reeds are added to the top to compensate. Each island lasts about 30 years. The larger islands house about 10 families, while smaller ones, only about 30 meters wide, house only two or three. Taquile Island is one of the most idiosyncratic and beautiful spots in all of Peru. Located some 2 ½ hours by fast boat from Puno, it is only 4 kilometres long and on average 1 kilometre wide but supports a population of almost 2,000 Taquileños. The island has several archaeological sites dating from the Tiahuanaco culture. But it is the culture of the people living here today that makes Taquile so interesting; a culture far removed from our own and distinct from the rest of Peru. Taquile is known for the extremely high quality of the sophisticated weaving, practised from a young age by both men and women. The islanders spin, knit and weave whenever they have a free moment in the busy agricultural calendar.
By taking the fast boat from Puno out to the islands you have an opportunity to explore the many trails and to experience an island lifestyle unchanged in centuries. Others will join you in the boat but you will have your own private guide. Be prepared for intense sun and perhaps a very cold wind on the boat – take good quality sun protection and, just in case, plenty of warm clothing. Hotel, Puno, B.
Day 15
You will generally have a little time in the morning to shop in the markets of Puno (depending on internal flight times) before flying back to Lima. Transfer to your hotel, located in the cosmopolitan district of Miraflores. Hotel, Lima, B.
Day 16
Today there is the choice of joining an optional city tour or exploring the city by yourself before transferring to the airport and flying out. B.
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