Itinerary
Day 1: You will be collected from your hotel in Cusco after breakfast and driven to Marcoccasa at an altitude of 3,300m where your trail begins. On the way, pause briefly to explore the attractive Inca ruins of Tarawasi and the mountain village of Mollepata. From Marcoccasa, it is a 3-4 hour trek through beautiful mountain scenery to Salcantay Lodge at an altitude of 3,800m where you spend your first two nights.
Day 2: Today is an acclimatisation day, with a variety of optional activities possible. The most popular option is a half day hike to a glacier lake at an altitude of 4,200m to prepare you for the next days trek. You will also have time to relax and enjoy the facilities of the lodge, including the outdoor jacuzzi.
Day 3: Today is the most challenging days hike, taking about 5-6 hours. Your path follow the Rio Blanco Valley before rising steeply up to Salcantay pass at an altitude of 4,600m. Here you will have time to enjoy the fabulous mountain vista before descending to Wayra Lodge at an altitude of 3,900m.
Day 4: Today is an easier downhill trek leaving the mountains behind as you descend through the cloudforest to Colpa Lode at an altitude of 2,800m, about a 3-4 hour hike. There is the option for a strenuous hike up to a glacier lake in the morning, or more gentle hikes into the cloudforest in the afternoon.
Day 5: Follow the verdant Santa Teresa Valley to the village of Lucabamba from where the Llactapata Inca Trail leads up to Lucma Lodge an altitude of 2,100m. It is about a 5-6 hour hike, with a picnic lunch prepared for you on the way.
Day 6: It is an early start following an Inca trail along the slopes of the Santa Teresa Valley to Llactapata Pass at an altitude of 2,800m and your first views through the cloudforest of Machu Picchu. You will have time for a picnic lunch and to explore the little visited ruins of the newly discovered Inca settlement of Llactapata before descending steeply to the Aobamba River. From here, it is a short train ride to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 7: After an early breakfast, you will be taken to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ruins. After your tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before catching your train back to Cusco.