Peru

Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge

Hiking and Horseback Riding

(10 Days)

Slide Show

For those of you looking for a luxurious way to follow a less trodden Inca trail, this trip is for you. By day we trek through the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular mountain range in the heartland of the Andes that cradles the legendary Machu Picchu. By night we stay in four boutique luxury lodges, each a day’s hike apart. The luxury mountain lodges feature gourmet Peruvian cuisine, outdoor jacuzzis, comfy beds with down duvets and cozy lounges with fireplaces. The highest point we reach is a dramatic 15,200-foot pass between Salkantay, the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology, and Huamantay peaks. As we descend to lower altitudes we trek through misty cloud forests filled with tangled strangler figs, bromeliads, and orchids. After our trek, we head to the “lost city” of Machu Picchu for a day of discovering the exquisite ruins. We end with a train journey back to colonial Cuzco.

Trip Highlights

• Exploring the cobblestone streets of Cuzco
• Tour of Machu Picchu
• 4 Day Trek traversing the Vilcabamba Range with overnights in luxurious lodges

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival into Lima- Fly to Cuzco

Upon arrival into the Lima International Airport a BikeHike Adventures representative will greet you and assist you with your domestic flight to Cuzco. The flight to Cuzco is one hour, and we’ll be awaiting you upon arrival. We’ll transfer you to a comfortable 4-star hotel in Cuzco. The remainder of the day is at leisure to acclimate to this high altitude colonial city located at 11,500 feet/3,500 meters.

Day 2: Cuzco - Sacsayhuaman (Horseback Riding)

This morning is at leisure to wander through the cobblestone streets of Cuzco exploring the cathedral, museums or shopping for local handicrafts. Later this afternoon we depart by horse, riding to the nearby ruins of Kenko, Tambomachay and Pucapucara. Our final destination is Sacsayhuaman, a spectacular mountaintop fortress overlooking Cuzco. We return to our Cuzco hotel late afternoon. Approximately 4 hours on horseback. (B)

Day 3: Cuzco - Soraypampa (Hiking)

We start with an early breakfast and then we’ll be transferred to the Inca ruins of Tarawasi. From here we’ll drive a final 30 minutes, ascending a winding mountain road to the village of Marcoccasa. Here we take to the trails and begin our trek along an old royal route called the Camino Real to Soraypampa. This first hike is a mild 4 hours, amongst majestic peaks and high altitude Andean landscapes. We’ll reach the Salkantay Lodge mid afternoon and have the remainder of the day at leisure to adjust to the altitude. We’ll meet around the fireplace for a trip briefing followed by aperitifs and dinner. (3,800 m/12,500 ft) (B,L,D)

Day 4: Soraypampa (Relaxing and Hiking)

Today is a day of leisure at the Salkantay Lodge to rest and acclimate in the cozy reading rooms or go on a half-day moderate hike to a glacial lake. Hikers will return to the lodge early afternoon with plenty of time to soak in the steamy outdoor hot tub. In the evening, our guide will conduct a briefing on the upcoming trek, ensuring everyone has the appropriate gear for the next four days of adventure. (3,800 m/12,500 ft) (B,L,D)

Day 5: Soraypampa to Wayra Lodge (Trekking)

We’ll rise early and hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling the Humantay Peak. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 4,600 m (15,000 ft) where we’ll stop to indulge in dramatic 360’ views of the snowy peaks of the Vilcabamba Range. Keep your eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. We’ll stop along the trail midday for a hot picnic lunch en route. From the pass we continue our descent toward the Wayra Lodge, our destination for the evening. We’ll have dinner and overnight at the Lodge. (Trekking time: 4-6 hours). (3,850m/12,600 ft). (B,L,D)

Day 6: Huayraccmachay to Colpa Lodge (Trekking)

We’ll start with a leisurely breakfast and then set off on our trek descending the mountain, with the Salkantay River below us. The lower we get, the landscapes become more verdant. We arrive at the Colpa Lodge in time for a Pachamanca style lunch (a traditional meal cooked underground in stone). The Colpa Lodge is located in a peaceful pasture at the confluence of three rivers. There is an outdoor hot tub at the lodge and the location offers striking views of the surrounding lush mountains and a small, far-away, local town. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (Hiking time: 3-4 hours). (2,800m/9,200 ft) (B,L,D)

Day 7: Collpapampa to Lucmabamba - Lucma Lodge (Trekking)

After an early breakfast we head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas fertile with plantations of coffee, bananas, ‘granadillas’, and orchards. We stop along the river for a hot picnic lunch. After another hour of trekking a private vehicle and driver arrives to take us to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail” (30-minute drive). From the trailhead, it is a short climb to our next accommodation, The Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. We arrive early with time to explore the small village of Lucmabamba and opportunities to meet the locals. (Hiking time: 5-6 hours. Total excursion time for day: 6-8 hours). (2,100m/6,900 ft). (B,L,D)

Day 8: Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes (Trekking)

After an early start and a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata pass (2,700 m/8,900ft). This is where we get our first glimpse of the striking Machu Picchu site. An added value from this viewpoint, are the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is provided at the observatory, in view of Machu Picchu. We then begin our final 2-3 hour descent to the Aobamba River through dense bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations. Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are just a short scenic train ride away, following the roaring Urubamba River. We arrive in Aguas Calientes and check in to our 4 star hotel for the night. (Total hiking time: 4-6 hours. (1,90)0 m/6,200 ft). (B,L,D)

Day 9: Machu Picchu to Cuzco

We wake up early to have breakfast at the hotel and then make our way to the bus station for the rickety ride along switchbacks to Machu Picchu. We’ll have a comprehensive guided tour of the Machu Picchu site and then everyone will have time to explore on their own. Afterwards, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and to go to the train station for the afternoon departure. The train will end in Ollantaytambo and from here we’ll take a private transfer to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco we’ll be transferred to our comfortable 4 star hotel for the night. Dinner this evening is on your own. (2,450m/8,000 ft) (B,L)

Day 10: Cuzco - Lima

We’ll transfer you to the Cuzco airport for your flight back to Lima International. We have a morning city tour planned and the afternoon is at leisure. We’ll transfer you back to the Lima Airport in time for international flights back home. (B)

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