PERU TREK - AN INN TO INN ADVENTURE ITINERARY:
DAY 1 Cusco and surrounding Incan sites; 4 miles, easy
After a nourishing breakfast, we gather for an orientation
meeting with our Peruvian guides. As we set out on a walking
tour, our guides acquaint us with the history and culture of
this ancient city. Our exploration takes us over cobbled streets
as we visit the city’s main cultural and religious sites, which
showcase Cusco's Incan and Spanish colonial heritage.
Later, a short drive brings us to the city’s outskirts, where we
explore the famous Incan sites surrounding Cusco. We begin at
Sacsayhuaman, the principal Inca temple in the region, where
Incas held religious celebrations. We then proceed to Quenko, a
ceremonial area for important Inca families. Although Quenko was
virtually destroyed by the Spanish, we are able to see remnants
of ceremonial altars and depictions of gods worshiped by the
Inca. Our final visit is to the impressive site of Tambomachay,
the place of ritual baths and the Temple of the Water.
After returning to our hotel, we have a bit of time to relax
before dinner. Our evening meal is at a wonderful restaurant in
Cusco featuring such local specialties as rocoto relleno
(stuffed peppers) and chupe de quinoa (stew made with local
cheese, vegetables, and a local power-packed grain called
quinoa).
Novotel Hotel, Cusco
DAY 2 Transfer from Cusco to Salcantay Lodge at
Soraypampa. A day for acclimatization with optional
activities; elevation 11,800 ft
After an early breakfast, we leave our hotel in Cusco and
transfer to the Salcantay Lodge (approximate 3-hour drive). En
route we visit the Inca site of Tarawasi, considered a center
for Inca rituals, near the town of Limatambo. After leaving
Limatambo, we pause for a visit in the mountain village of
Mollepata before ascending a winding mountain track to the
spectacularly situated valley of Soraypampa and our lodgings for
the next two nights. As an alternative, you may opt to follow a
mountain path on on foot from the village of Marcoccasa to our
hotel (a 4-hour hike). This is a wonderful warm-up hike for the
week; however, it should be noted that sections of this hike can
cause vertigo.
We spend a leisurely afternoon adjusting to the altitude,
enjoying many optional activities offered at the Salcantay
Lodge, or simply relaxing. The Salcantay Lodge takes its name
from the majestic peak at the head of the valley, the most
sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 20,500 feet, the highest
in the region. In addition to well-appointed rooms with
comfortable beds and down comforters, our lodge offers a
Jacuzzi, lounge, and cozy fireplace.
This evening we gather to enjoy an aperitif followed by a hearty
dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients prepared by our
personal chef. Salcantay Lodge, Soraypampa
DAY 3 Soraypampa, various activities; optional 2 mile hike,
moderate; 2200 ft elevation gain and loss
This morning we arise to the glorious view of the Andes
surrounding us. To our left, Humantay Peak towers above—with
Salcantay Peak keeping watch on our right. The lush valley
between is dotted with grazing horses, cows, and the occasional
long-tailed rabbit.
We spend another day acclimatizing through rest, relaxation, or
light activity, depending on how you are adjusting to the
altitude. You may opt to enjoy a local hike—a moderate scramble
to a panoramic viewpoint. Other options include river rafting,
fishing a high glacial lake for rainbow trout with our fishing
guide, admiring our surroundings on horseback, or riding the
rugged trails on a mountain bike. All activities, except
horseback riding and river rafting, are included.
Over dinner this evening, we celebrate the eve of our trek with
a pisco sour, the national cocktail of Peru. Salcantay
Lodge, Soraypampa
DAY 4 Soraypampa to Huayracmachay; 5 miles (7½ hours
hiking), challenging; 3300 ft elevation gain; 2350 ft elevation
loss
We awake early and greet the dawn with great anticipation of
what lies ahead. The day has arrived to step out on the path
less traveled. After a fortifying breakfast of eggs, granola,
and fresh fruit, we gather our packs and meet our team of
horsemen and their sure-footed mules. Once our gear is loaded,
we commence our journey through the magical Andes.
We begin this, the most challenging day of our trek, with a
gradual climb through the Rio Blanco valley—Humantay Peak
drawing nearer with each step. Following our warm-up hike, we
enjoy a well-earned rest at Salcantay Pampa—a vast, flat valley
where the hiking challenge before us comes into clear view for
the first time.
After our break, we begin our ascent to the Salcantay pass at
15,100 feet. Our trail climbs steeply up the mountainside with
several switchbacks. We keep to a slow, steady pace as we adjust
our breathing to the high altitude. We pause often to rest,
hydrate, and look for the magnificent Andean condors, on
occasion visible in this area.
Upon reaching the Salcantay pass, we stop to take in the views
of the snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range surrounding us
and the south face of Salcantay towering above. Here we observe
a powerful age-old ritual of paying tribute to Pachamama
(“Mother Earth”).
From the pass we begin our descent toward Wayra Lodge—“the place
where the wind lives”—our destination for the evening. We enjoy
a welcomed hot lunch en route and then continue our gradual
descent. Massive, lichen-covered boulders line our path, a sign
of the pure mountain air. We spot our lodge off in the distance,
nestled in the cradle of a lush, green valley.
By late afternoon, we reach our eco-friendly lodge with time to
relax in the Jacuzzi or by the fireplace before a sumptuous
dinner. Wayra Lodge, Huayracmachay
DAY 5 Huayracmachay to Colpapampa; 5-6 miles (4 hours
hiking), moderate; 3500 ft elevation loss
Following the previous day’s challenging hike, we enjoy a
leisurely breakfast at our lodge. This morning is free for
exploration or relaxation. You may opt to hike to a high-alpine
lake or find a place from which to watch the sun rise over the
glacial peaks. You may hear the distant rumble of an avalanche
falling from nearby high peaks. Before saying “adios” to the
Huayracmachay mountain valley, we enjoy an early lunch at our
lodge. (Depending on weather, we may switch the order of this
day in order to make the most of the sun’s position and to allow
more time to take in the beauty of our next lodge.)
Today we leave the alpine zone behind and welcome the verdant
scenery of the rainforest. The downhill trail leads through
clouds of butterflies and offers views of the glacially-fed
Salcantay River. Passing through small villages, we notice an
even greater diversity of flora and fauna. If we are especially
lucky, we may spot a Spectacled Bear (also known as an Andean
Bear), the only bear native to South America.
Our home this evening is perched atop an open promontory 1000
feet above the confluence of three rivers—the Salcantay, Rio
Santa Teresa, and the Rio Blanco. We arrive in time for an
optional excursion to a nearby hot spring, or you may choose to
visit a local school (each option is an approximate 1-hour
hike).
Once again, we enjoy the comforts of our eco-lodge, savoring a
delicious meal prepared by our chef and recapping the day by the
fire. Colpa Lodge, Colpapampa
DAY 6 Colpapampa to Lucmabamba; 7½-8½ miles (6 hours
hiking), moderate; 380 ft elevation gain, 2780 ft elevation loss
After breakfast, we descend steeply into the Santa Teresa river
valley. This valley is more populated with rural villages whose
livelihoods rely on the nearby potato fields, coffee
plantations, and avocado orchards. Our walk leads us along the
rushing river and past cascading waterfalls, with periodic river
crossings. We pick a lovely spot to enjoy lunch.
From the river, we hike a short but invigorating climb to Lucma
Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. We arrive in time to explore
the small village and meet members of the local community.
This evening, we gather to celebrate our last day on the trail
and our newly formed bond with the mountains and our fellow
hikers. Lucma Lodge, Lucmabamba
DAY 7 Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes; 5-6 miles (7 hours
hiking), challenging; 2400 ft elevation gain; 2000 ft elevation
loss
We set out early this morning and begin our ascent to
Patallacta pass. We climb steadily for three hours, occasionally
walking on recovered Incan stone pathways. From our vantage
point we take in the breathtaking vistas—from the deep valleys
below to the high mountain peaks.
Shortly beyond the pass, we come upon a distant but
extraordinary view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view
few other travelers ever glimpse. Here we stop for an
unforgettable picnic lunch before beginning our final descent to
cross the Vilcanota River. Our home for the night is just a
short but scenic train ride away.
We arrive into Aguas Calientes by late afternoon and check into
our hotel for the next two nights—a lovely eco-property
overlooking a river at the edge of the cloud forest.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes
DAY 8 Machu Picchu; walking options of 2-6 miles on
varying terrain
For those wishing to experience the magic of sunrise over
Machu Picchu, an optional bus ride to the site is offered in the
pre-dawn hours. A chartered bus brings us to Machu Picchu just
as the gates open. After enjoying the site in near solitude for
two hours, we relax over breakfast at the nearby Machu Picchu
Sanctuary Lodge before joining the full group for a guided tour
of this magical city.
Guests not wishing to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu enjoy
breakfast at our hotel before boarding a bus for the
breathtaking climb up a series of switchbacks to the Machu
Picchu entrance. Our guide leads a comprehensive tour of the
site including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor,
and the astronomical observatory. You also have time to explore
the mystical temples, altars, terraces, and chambers on your
own. Some may choose to embark on one of the short walks leading
from the site.
Back at our hotel you may choose to relax, browse the town's
market, or walk to the local hot springs for a soothing soak.
Tonight we enjoy our farewell dinner while listening to Peruvian
music in a favorite restaurant in town. Machu Picchu
Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes
DAY 9 Departure
This morning, we bid farewell to Machu Picchu and Aguas
Calientes and catch an early train back to Cusco. We arrive at
the airport by 12:30 p.m., with plenty of time to depart for
your next destination or to continue exploring this fascinating
city.
Note: The above is a 2008 itinerary. The 2009
itinerary will be available soon - please call for details
Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is
a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due
to season, special events or weather. We reserve the right to
alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a
year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate
change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour
and your experience.
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