Peru Lodge Trek 7 or 10 days

Peru Lodge Trek 7 or 10 days

We promise this alternative hike will be one of the most meaningful 50 miles you will ever trek. Hike hard during the day, relax in hot tub during the evening.  Luxury, guided hike on remote Salkantay trail.  Expansive, open, unforgettable. Every detail has been prepared, from the moment you board the private vehicle in Cusco, until your scruffy boots skim the paths of the ancient ones. The ones who created it. The magnificent & mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu. Every step is to discover something unique & wonderful about Peru & about yourself.

Day 1 - 12,690'/3869 M. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and transport you, with stops along the way, to the base lodge to relax or enjoy an optional short, 6 hour moderate hike to help you acclimatize. Evening briefing by the fire before you dine. (Box lunch provided)

Day 2 - Today you can acclimatize by relaxing and enjoying being away from everything or choose to join a 3-4 hour moderate to challenging hike to a glacial lake. Perhaps for a very quick swim! Followed by a relaxing soak in the outside hot tub back at the lodge and a fireside briefing on gear and itinerary for the next day. Breakfast, lunch & dinner at lodge.

Day 3 - 12,812'/3906 M. This day is the beginning of the trek and starts early with 6-8 hour hike into the valley of Salkantay with views of white-encrusted peaks. The highest point crossed is 15,213'/4638 M. The summit of Salkantay towers above and the view in every direction takes your breath. A hot lunch is provided. You continue to tread the weathered paths, sharing the same iconic views as the Incan ancestors. For this moment, you are alive. And that is all that matters. You'll arrive at the lodge where you can freshen for dinner and enjoy your rest.

Day 4 - 9414'/2870 M. You'll enjoy a slow start and an easy to moderate 3-4 hour hike to the next lodge. Scenery will become more lush and green, but the hot tub at the next lodge echos the same relaxing tone as the others. Dinner in the lodge.

Day 5 - 7003'/2135 M. An early departure, you trek 5-6 hours down through successful farms and cottage industries including avocado orchards, bananas, granadilla and organic coffee plantations. You'll stop for a picnic lunch, then board a private vehicle for a 30 minute drive to the beginning of the Llactapacta Inca Trail where you climb to the lodge. Moderate to challenging due to distance, you have the chance to explore a small village and meet local community members. Dinner in the lodge.

Day 6 - 6232'/1900 M. After a hearty breakfast, you'll trek for 2-3 hours to the Llactapata pass (8974'/2736) for a rare, distant view of the Machu Picchu ruins. The observatory makes a nice lunch spot before you descend to the train station. A scenic ride on the train takes you to Aguas Calientes and your 4* hotel for the night.

Day 7 - 7872'/2400 M. Early breakfast at the hotel and then board the bus for the 30 min ride to the Machu Picchu National Park Entrance. Your guide will provide a 2-hour private tour of the ruins followed by 4 hours to roam and explore alone. You return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then take the train to Ollantaytambo, where a private vehicle will continue the journey to Cusco. Arrive at the hotel of your choice between 7-8 pm. The conclusion of our service.

For 10 day trip, we include 2 days in 3* hotel & guided tours of Cusco prior to start of 7-day trek and 1 day hotel and free day after the trek for addtional $550 pp. based on dbl/trl rooms.

Group size averages 10/Minimum age 12 - maximum age 50 (over 50 must be fit) Guaranteed departures

Lodges offer: 12 rooms, bar/lounge, internet access, sat phones with phone cards, dining room, outdoor jacuzzi, private bath/hot showers

High Season Rates: $2850.00 pp based on dbl/tpl room from April 16 - Oct 31, Dec 16 - 31

Low Season Rates: $2560.00 pp based on dbl/tpl room from Jan 1 - April 15, Nov 1 -Dec 15

(Please note that rates do not include the mandatory $50 entrance fee to the Salkantay Trail, payable on day 1 in cash only)

Single Occupancy: Add 50% for requested single supplement Add 25% if willing to share (we will try to find a roommate)

EQUIPMENT LIST/Basic packing list.

These items are essential for your comfort and safety.

Day pack
Well-worn, comfortable hiking boots
Rain Gear (ponchos or full jacket/pants set)
Lightweight hiking pants or shorts (PANTS RECOMMENDED)
Breathable, lightweight comfortable shoes / flip-flops
Cold-weather jackets
Long-sleeve fleece / sweater
Wool hat & gloves
Sport Hat (BASEBALL STYLE OR SOMBRERO STYLE OUTDOOR HAT)
Headlamp
Sunglasses
4 pairs hiking socks
Sunscreen & insect repellent
Bathing suit
Casual mountain wear for evenings
Photo / video cameras & chargers
Trekking Pole (or we provide quality wooden walking sticks)
Re-fillable water bottle
Lightweight, small binoculars

Notes  • We appreciate no hard suitcases; soft duffel bags and /or backpacks (“soft” luggage) are recommended. • Sleeping bags are not required as the lodges provide ample bedding. • We provide a limited amount of hair-dryers at each lodge, due to limitations in energy supply and environmental concerns. • Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel is provided at each lodge.