Lodge to lodge trekking to Machu Picchu
Destination Himalaya is pleased to announce its first “official” destination outside of Asia, as we venture west and south to the mountain range of the Andes, Peru to be precise. An area of phenomenal natural beauty, friendly people and fabulous mountain scenery, Peru has long been a mecca for hikers and trekkers. Teaming with Mountain Lodges of Peru, we have crafted an excellent itinerary to Peru and the unforgettable archaeological site of Machu Picchu – one of the “new“ Seven Wonders of the World.
The tour starts in Cusco, where we acclimate to the high altitude for a couple of days before heading into the Peruvian Andes to begin our trek to Machu Picchu. Whereas most trekkers and tours hike to Machu Picchu via the overused “Inca Trail,” Mountain Lodges of Peru has pioneered an exciting alternative to the iconic landmark via the far-less traveled Salkantay Route. With comfortable lodges, sumptuous cuisine we make the trek to Machu Picchu and spend a full day exploring this Inca site, before heading back to Cusco and the US.
Outline Itinerary – 2012
Day 1: Depart USA
Depart USA for Lima, Peru. Non-stop flights from Los Angeles, Houston and Miami. Arrive Lima late night. Overnight at hotel adjacent to airport.
Day 2: Arrive Lima, Connect to Cusco
Met on arrival and transferred to our hotel. An easy day to help us acclimate to the high altitude. After our "trek orientation" meeting we have free time wander through Cusco’s old city center.
Day 3: Exploring Cusco
Sightseeing tour and time to explore Cusco. Visits to the Temple of the Sun, Plaza de Armas and Cusco Cathedral, as well as time to experience Cusco’s outstanding shopping and dining experiences.
Day 4: Drive to Trailhead and Start Trek
Depart Cusco and make the approximately three-hour drive to Salkantay trailhead. En route, visit Inca site at Tarawasi and take a coffee break in the lovely town of Mollepata. Continue on to the trailhead and have lunch. Hike to Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort in Soraypampa (optional drive for those who don’t want to hike).
Day 5: Acclimitazation Day / Soraypampa
After breakfast, hike to glacial lakes at base of mount Huamantay. Remainder of day at leisure, or option for additional hike or horseback ride to nearby cloud forest.
Day 6: Over Salkantay Pass to Huayraccmachay
Full day hike via Salkantay Pass to Wayra Lodge. Hot lunch provided en route. Phenomenal views of Salkantay Peak, one of the Inca civilization’s most sacred mountain peaks, throughout the day.
Day 7: To Colpapampa Lodge
A shorter trek day as we descend rapidly into the cloud forest and Colpapampa. Arrive at the lodge and enjoy traditional Peruvian “barbecue” for lunch. Spend time relaxing at the lodge and experience the fantastic views from the lodge’s strategically placed Jacuzzi!
Day 8: Hike to Lucmabamba
Departing the Colpa Lodge, follow the course of the river today as we descend to Lucmabamba and the Lucma Lodge, nestled in a verdant setting of coffee plantations and a variety of lush, tropical foliage and fruits.
Day 9: To Aguas Calientes
A long trekking day today. After an intense uphill hike through the cloud forest, we crest the pass and are rewarded with our first magical glimpse of western ramparts of Machu Picchu. After exploring some Inca ruins, descend to the hydroelectric train station to complete our journey to Aguas Calientes. After checking into our hotel, have dinner at hotel.
Day 10: Exploring Machu Picchu, reach Cusco
After an early breakfast, board the bus to Machu Picchu (approx. 30 minute ride). With your guide, spend the morning exploring the ruins. Optional additional hike to the Sun Gate or Huayana Picchu, depending on availability). Take the return bus ride to Aguas Calientes. Have lunch in town before boarding the afternoon train to Ollayntaytambo (1 ½ hour train ride). Met on arrival and transferred to Cusco (approx. 1 ½ hour drive). Have dinner in Cusco.
Day 11: Day in Cusco, fly to Lima & Outbound
Spend the first part of the day in Cusco. Take afternoon flight to Lima. Group dinner in Lima. Transfer back to the airport for departing flight to the USA on Continental. Flight to Houston departs at 11:45 p.m.
Day 12: Arrive USA
Return flights to the USA arrive this morning.
| Galapogos Extension:
Located 1,000 km from the Ecuadorian mainland, the Galapagos archipelago consist of 13 major islands, of which 5 are inhabited. The Galápagos islands and its surrounding waters are part of a national park and a biological marine reserve and a “must” on any nature lover’s list. The islands are geologically young and famed for their vast number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle. His observations and collections contributed to the inception of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.
Five to ten day cruise/sailing trips are offered by a multitude of companies. Call or email us for recommendations. |
Call us toll free at 1-800 MY INDIA (1-800-694-6342) or email us to request a detailed day-to-day itinerary. |
Hiking up to the pass
We did say " comfortable lodge" right
Dinner is served - on trek
