Peruvian Mountain Lodge Trek

Day 1 To Lima
Fly from London to Lima and transfer to your hotel for 2 nights.

Day 2 Lima
Take a morning tour of Lima, visiting the Cathedral, San Francisco monastery and see the Parliament buildings in the historic centre before a visit to the Larco Herrera museum detailing the pre-Inca civilisations of Peru.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 To Cusco
This morning fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas. An afternoon tour of Cusco you will visit the ancient Koricancha Ina temple of the Sun and the imposing Cathedral, as well as Sacsayhuaman.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Cusco
On a relaxing free day in Cusco, you can explore the San Blas area, or watch the world go by from a café in the Plaza de Armas. You will of course have time to make any last minute preparations or shopping before your departure on your trek. This morning meet for a pre-trek briefing and meet and greet with your trekking companions and guide.

Day 5 Depart on Lodge to Lodge Trek to Salkantay Lodge
Depart early for a drive to the Salkantay Lodge in Soraypampa, stopping en route to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi. Arrive in Marcoccasa village to begin our day’s walk to Soraypampa on an old Camino Real (Royal Path). This six hour trek introduces beautiful andean scenery and is a good acclimatization day before arriving at the lodge. Salkantay Lodge takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley, one of the most sacred peaks in Inca mythology and, at 6,270 m (20,600 ft), the highest in the region. After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, we are shown to our rooms and have time to wash-up, before tea and cookies. The trip leader will hold a briefing by the fireplace, followed by aperitifs and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Humantay Lake hike
Today we take an acclimatisation hike on the slopes above the lodge to Lake Humantay, fed by the hanging glaciers of Mt. Humantay. The hike is optional, but the views are amazing, and those brave enough can even go for a dip. We return to the lodge for lunch, after which you may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor jacuzzi. We spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge with gourmet food and warm, comfortable beds. In the evening, the guide briefs us on gear and the itinerary for the following day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 Trekking over the Salkantay Pass
Overnight at Wayra Lodge at 3,906 m/12,812 ft
An unforgettable day awaits today. After an early start, we hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. The highest point on the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638 m (15,213 ft). At the pass we stop to take in views of snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, 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 Wayra Lodge (“Wayra” means wind; so ‘the place where the wind lives’) our destination for the evening. A hot lunch is served en route.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Descending into the Cloud Forest
After a leisurely breakfast, we continue our descent along the left bank of the Salkantay River, 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 meal, a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meat and vegetables with hot stones. Arrive at Colpa Lodge, located on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers at 2,870 m/9,414 ft. The outdoor jacuzzi has panoramic views of lush green mountains. We spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby orchid trail.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Trekking along the Santa Teresa river valley
Today we hike along the Santa Teresa river valley, passing banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards and coffee plantations which are said to be some of the best organic coffees in the world. A hot picnic lunch is served by the river. After lunch, we hike another hour before a private vehicle meets us for a short drive to the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail. From the head of the newly restored Inca trail we easily make our way to Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 First Views of Machu Picchu from 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 travelers ever get a chance to admire. We take a short break to explore the remote Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is served in a scenic viewpoint, looking across to Machu Picchu. We then begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu, is a short, scenic train ride away. Upon arrival, we check into our lovely hotel for celebration dinner with our guide and one last briefing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Machu Picchu & Cusco
Depart early this morning for a visit to Machu Picchu, arriving in time before the crowds arrive. Our trip leader will give the group an introductory two-hour guided tour of the ruins, after which we have the rest of the morning to explore the site on our own. Return to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and to meet a train to Ollantaytambo and a coach to Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 Cusco
A free day in Cusco, to unwind after your trek and time for some souvenir shopping. Please let us know if you would like to extend your time in Peru. You can travel over the high plains to Lake Titicaca for 2 nights, fly to an Amazon rainforest lodge for 3 days, stay in the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a few nights in a country lodge, or just have another day in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 To UK
Transfer to Cusco airport for a flight to Lima to connect with your overnight flight to the UK.

Day 14 UK
Afternoon arrival.

Tour includes:

All flights specified
Private transfers
Local expert guides in Lima and Cusco
Expert trek team with full back-up
Inspirational sightseeing programme
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
Walk on an Inca Trail
Experience Machu Piccu
Comfortable trek lodges

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”