2    ........... weeks to take off...

Mountain Lodges of PERU

The only Lodge to Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu

Fly to Lima Peru August 25, 2012 for a night then
off to Cuzco.

..Detailed Itinerary

Wednesday; August 29, 2012

Pre-Trek Briefing in Cusco: Tonight our guide will meet us at our hotel for an important informational meeting at 18:00pm

Duration:  approximately 45 minutes

Thursday; August 30, 2012

Cusco to Salkantay Lodge

We will be picked up at 7:00 am our MLP guide and vehicle for the drive to the Salkantay Lodge in Soraypampa. En route you 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, you will pass through the mountain village of Mollepata, stopping there for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa (30 minutes from Mollepata by vehicle).

Here, we begin the trek to Soraypampa, on an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). An evening briefing by the fireplace is followed by aperitifs and dinner.

Trekking Time:  Approx. 6 hours (including lunch). Hiking Level: moderate. Note: Lunch is a picnic lunch en route. Option:  guests who do not wish to trek may be transported to the lodge in the vehicle.

Friday; August 31, 2012

A Hike to the Humantay Lake

Today we hike for 4 hours in the area surrounding the lodge, to visit the Humantay Lake, fed by glaciers far above on the slopes 

Humantay. The hike is optional, but the view is well worth it and those brave enough can go for a swim. This activity is excellent for acclimatization. Return to the lodge for lunch, after which you may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor jacuzzi. You then spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge with gourmet food and warm, comfortable beds. In the evening, the guide briefs you on gear and the itinerary for the following day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the Lodge.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours. Hiking Level: Moderate to challenging.

Optional Horseback Riding Excursions:

Chakana Excursion:  5 – 6 hours horseback/trekking combo to a nearby high view point, where a huge Inca cross (Chakana) has been placed (1 - 2 hrs riding on a steep hillside).  This excursion will replace the hike to glacial lake.  $90/person.

Saturday; September 1, 2012

Crossing the Salkantay Pass

This is the big day. After an early start, you hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak.  The highest point on the trek is a pass at 4,638 m (15,213 ft). At the pass you stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the south face of Salkantay towering above us. You will 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; dinner and overnight at the Lodge. 

Trekking Time: 7-9 hours (including lunch). Hiking Level: challenging with a 4,640m (15,200ft) mountain pass.

Sunday; September 2, 2012

Descending into the Cloud Forest

On this day you enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge.  Then you begin your trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. Upon arrival at Colpa Lodge you are greeted with a Pachamanca, famous for its cooking method which consists of layering meat with hot stones and then covering the whole thing up to bake. Colpa Lodge is located on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor jacuzzi has panoramic views of lush green mountains. You spend the afternoon relaxing or walking in the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Trekking Time:  3-4 hours. Hiking Level:  easy to moderate

Monday; September 3, 2012

Following the Santa Teresa River Valley

Today you head down the Santa Teresa river valley, through more populated rural areas. You pass through banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards and coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world). You stop along the river for a hot picnic lunch. After another hour of trekking a private vehicle arrives to take you 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. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. 

Trekking Time:  6 hours (including lunch). Hiking Level:  moderate to challenging

Optional Zipline Tour: Guests have the option of going on an exclusive half-day excursion--an exciting and scenic Canopy Zipline Tour. Cost per person: US$95 (2 passenger minimum)   

Note - Guests who choose to do the zip line would miss the Day 5 hike from Colpa Lodge to Lucma Lodge (which is along the Santa Teresa river).  This optional activity includes transfer to the village of Santa Teresa, a 2 ½ hour guided canopy zip line tour, all necessary safety equipment and training, as well as lunch.  At the end, the guests are driven to the start of the Llactapacta Trail for a 20-minute hike to Lucma Lodge.

Tuesday; September 4, 2012

First Views of Machu Picchu from Llactapata Pass

After a hearty breakfast, you tackle the last day of our trek. You head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata pass (2,736 m/8,974ft), where you come upon the first distant and unique view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few people get a chance to admire. Also see the recently restored Llactapata Ruins. Lunch is provided at the observatory, in view of Machu Picchu. You then begin your final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations. Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu, is a short, scenic train ride away, where you arrive at the Inkaterra hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Trekking Time:  4-6 hours. Hiking Level:  moderate to challenging

END OF SERVICES OF MOUNTAIN LODGES OF PERU

Then we are off to 

LAKE TITTACACA

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Getting the plans in order to leave for this new amazing trip hiking in Peru
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