DAY 2 –
HIKE TO HUMANTAY LAKE
Whet your appetite for trekking and
scenery with an acclimatization hike from the lodge to glacier-fed
Lake Humantay with views of Mt. Salkantay, a sacred mountain in
Incan mythology.
Overnight: Salkantay
Lodge (3,869 m/12,690 ft)
Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
DAY 3 –
CROSSING THE SALKANTAY PASS
Today’s the big day—we reach the trek’s
highest point on the Salkantay Pass (4,638 m/15,213 ft). Take in
views of snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction
and the glaciated south face of Mt. Salkantay towering above.
Overnight: Wayra Lodge
(3,906 m/12,812 ft)
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours (including lunch)
Hiking Level: Challenging, crossing a 4,640m/15,200
ft mountain pass
DAY 4 –
DESCENDING INTO THE CLOUD FOREST
We begin our descent along the Salkantay
River, where warm air starts rising from the jungle, accompanied by
colorful butterflies and striking orchids. At Colpa Lodge, we’ll be
greeted with a Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian meal.
Overnight: Colpa Lodge
(2,870 m/9,414 ft)
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate
DAY 5 –
FOLLOWING THE SANTA TERESA RIVER VALLEY
Today we hike through more populated
rural areas, passing through banana, granadilla and avocado
orchards. We’ll picnic by the river, and later tour a coffee
plantation before arriving at Lucma Lodge, which is surrounded by
its own avocado trees.
Overnight: Lucma Lodge
(2,135 m/7,003 ft)
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours (including lunch)
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging (because of
distance, not terrain)
DAY 6 –
FIRST VIEWS OF MACHU PICCHU FROM LLACTAPATA PASS
On our last trekking day, we hike along
the Llactapata Pass and come upon a distant but spectacular view of
Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers ever
get a chance to admire. Then we’ll make our way to the train bound
for our ultimate destination: Machu Picchu.
Overnight: Aguas
Calientes (1,900 m/6,232 ft)
Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging |
