18 Days/17 Nights April - September Moderate
Lodge trekking over the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu
Peru is home to a wealth of extraordinary natural resources, interesting culture and surprising originality. We will visit sounding names such as Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca or even colonial cities like Cusco and Arequipa on this varied journey. The trekking leads on old Inca paths from lodge to lodge. In double rooms with hotel comfort and with wonderful food we enjoy warm hospitality. We end some trekking days with a warm bath in the bubbling Jacuzzi under the open sky. Passing deep-blue glacier lakes and colorful mountain meadows, the panorama over the glittering six-thousander is breathtaking. In the light of the mystical cloud forest, Machu Picchu suddenly appears in the distance, the city in the clouds. After visiting this legendary place, we take the train through the picturesque Urubamba Valley and continue by bus to the former Inca capital Cusco. Unforgettable, this legendary drive from the cloud forest to the colonial town of Cusco.
The versatility of this journey is incomparable.
The historic sanctuary Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu,"the old mountain", is an impressive fortress city of the Incas in the middle of the mountains. The city is also referred to as the "lost city of the Incas," as the whereabouts of the place until its discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911 remained a mystery. The complex was probably built in the 15th century by the Inca Pachacútec. Today, the archaeological site comprises two sectors with about 20 hectares. In the agricultural area are various terraces built on the mountain slopes with a height of up to 4 meters. In the city proper, there are numerous monuments and squares, the so-called Sun Temple, the sundial "Intihuatana" and the solar observatory, the three-window temple, the main temple and the so-called condor sector are the main attractions. There is also an impressive boulder, 3 meters high and 7 meters wide, known as the sacred rock. For the construction of Machu Picchu rocks from the surrounding areas were used, which were processed depending on the intended use with different techniques and more or less well cut. One of the finest worked walls is the central wall in the main temple with perfectly matched stone blocks. The historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu is more than just the archaeological sites: this includes the biodiversity of the flora and fauna, declared by UNESCO in 1983 as a cultural asset and natural reserve of humanity.
A journey could not be more varied. A journey into the natural wonder of Peru.
Join an unforgettable trip with us "Peru Expeditions Tours"
Day 1: Flight from Europe, USA, Canada, etc - Country of origin to Peru - Arrival Capital Lima - Flight to Arequipa
Day 2: Lima - in the morning flight to the city of Arequipa called (Ciudad Blanca de Arequipa)
Day 3: Arequipa - famous Colca canoy - View of Condores most spectacular in the world.
Day 4: Colca Canyon - an unforgettable day - Look at the condor closely
Day 5: From Colca - Private transport to Puno city - A city located in the heights
Day 6: Puno - Tour to Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands
Day 7: From Puno - Private transport to the city of Cusco, capital of the Incas culture
Day 8: Cusco drive by car - Trekking to Soraypampa
Day 9: Soraypampa - Acclimatization Trekking to Laguna Huamantay
Day 10: Soraypampa - Trekking to Wayra Lodge in Huayraccmachay
Day 11: Huayraccmachay - Trekking to Colpa Lodge in Collpapampa
Day 12: Collpapampa - Trekking to Lucma Lodge in Lucmabamba
Day 13: From Lucmabamba - Trekking to Hidroelectrica - by train to Aguas Calientes
Day 14: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu the best day - by train Urubamba Valley
Day 15: Urubamba Valley - Explorer and enjoy - Back to Cusco city
Day 16: Cusco - Visiting Sacsahuayman almost the end of our trip
Day 17: Cusco city - flight back to Lima and go back USA, Canada, Europa, etc
Day 18: Return flight - Arrival at home
Day 1: Flight from Europe, USA, Canada, etc - Country of origin to Peru - Arrival Capital Lima - Flight to Arequipa
Flight from Europe or the country of origin (USA or Canada), etc. Arrival in Lima - Transfer Hotel the large city in South America; population approximately 11 million. Flight from Lima to Cusco in the afternoon arrival, depending the arrival time visit or explore the city on your own. Flight directly to Arequipa. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)
Day 2: Lima - in the morning flight to the city of Arequipa called (Ciudad Blanca de Arequipa)
Arrival in the morning in Arequipa. The city lies at 2400 m in a fertile river oasis and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. Nestled, the city is like a huge arena, surrounded by snow-crowned volcanoes. The old colonial town is very well preserved, the buildings in white tufa give the city a special touch. City tour with a visit to the historic center, the colorful market and the famous monastery of Santa Catalina give us the first impressions of the colorful world of Peru. Overnight at hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 3: Arequipa - famous Colca canoy - View of Condores most spectacular in the world.
Today we drive to the 165 km distant Colca Valley. The drive goes over the 4800 m high Patapampa Pass into the National Park of Aguada Blanca and down to the Colca Canyon at 4000 m. We drive past imposing volcanic cones, it is also the habitat of alpacas and the shy Vikunjas. Upon arrival we make an easy hike to the Colca Canyon. We move slowly, because we are unusually high altitude. The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in South America. In the evening it is worth to go outside to admire the starry sky of the southern hemisphere. Hardly any light bothers the darkness, hardly a cloud obscures the view. Overnight in a hacienda. Overnight Hacienda (B/L/-)
Day 4: Colca Canyon - an unforgettable day - Look at the condor closely
Today offers a magnificent panorama. The Colca River winds its way up to the sea in a gorge that is up to a thousand meters deep. In between, however, the valley expands several times, similar to an amphitheater, with countless green and yellow terraces. Like contour lines, their retaining walls extend over the slopes. Alone a hundred bird species live here, from the small hummingbird to the mighty condor. The Canyon de Colca is a paradise for trekkers. We are about 3 - 4 hours on the way and get used to the height slowly. Trekking 3 - 4 hours. Overnight in a hacienda. Overnight Hacienda (B/L/-)
Day 5: From Colca - Private transport to Puno city - A city located in the heights
In the morning we do another little hike, then we take the bus through the Andean landscape to Puno to Lake Titicaca. It lies at 3800 m and is the highest navigable lake in the world. With a size of 8288 km ² (200 km long and up to 65 km wide), it is the second largest lake in South America. The western part of it is located in Peru, the eastern part in Bolivia. Overnight at hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 6: Puno - Tour to Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands
Today we take a trip to the floating Uros Islands in Lake Titicaca. The Uros Indians are considered indigenous people, who live as a small community on these reed islands and among whom have received customs that have long disappeared on the mainland. Their floating, anchored in the seabed islands consist of large blocks of peat-like reed roots, which are connected like a raft. The top layers must be freshly poured every fourteen days, otherwise the islands would sink. Huts and chapels, beds and boats - everything here is made of rushes. So also the sunken fish tanks and the enclosure for the guinea pigs, who of course also eat reeds. We visit a village and get to know the impressive way of life of the Uros. Return to Puno. Overnight at hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 7: From Puno - Private transport to the city of Cusco, capital of the Incas culture
The full-day drive from Puno to Cusco leads us past Indian villages and over the 4312 m high pass La Raya. Here we have a magnificent view of the glacier. Everywhere we see big herds of alpacas. Market women in their traditional, colorful clothing are selling their products. After the plateau was very barren, the vegetation in the direction of Cusco increases again. Past bubbling rivers, we arrive late in the afternoon in the Inca city. In the evening you will be informed about the upcoming trekking. Overnight at the hotel in Cusco. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 8: Cusco drive by car - Trekking to Soraypampa
After an early breakfast we will be picked up at our hotel in Cusco. The ride goes towards Soraypampa. The first break we take after about 1.5 hours drive to visit the ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo. After another 2 hours drive, including an interesting visit to the still very original mountain village of Mollepata, we arrive in Marcoccasa, our starting point for today's hike. Along an old route called "Royal Path", we walk 4 - 6 hours towards Soraypampa. For guests who do not wish to trek that day, there is an option to travel directly to the lodge. At the Salkantay Lodge we are warmly received by the local staff, to then move into the rooms for the next 2 days. The Salkantay Lodge has the majestic Salkantay as its patron saint, with 6270 m this is the highest mountain in the region and limits imposingly the end of the valley. Trekking: 4 - 6 hours, including breaks. Overnight in lodge. Overnight Mountain Lodge (B/L/D)
Day 9: Soraypampa - Acclimatization Trekking to Laguna Huamantay
This day is for acclimatization to the height. Very well suited for this is a morning excursion to the picturesque glacier lake Humantay. Surrounded by glacier giants, we overcome the altitude. After about 4 hours we are back in time for lunch at the lodge. The afternoon is at leisure; Relax with a view of the Salkantay, relax in the outdoor whirlpool or indulge in a massage. As an option, a horseback ride can also be undertaken. Trekking: about 4 hours. Overnight in lodge. Overnight Mountain Lodge (B/L/D)
Day 10: Soraypampa - Trekking to Wayra Lodge in Huayraccmachay
Today is the big day: The day hike takes us over the highest point of this trekking tour between the two glaciers Salkantay and Humantay, the Salkantay Pass (4638 m, 4 hours). On the way to the pass, we may, with some luck, observe condors and at the pass we take a break to admire the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba group. We continue our way down to Wayra Lodge (Wayra means wind, the place where the wind lives), our destination for this evening. There will be a warm lunch along the way and dinner will be taken at the very homely Wayra Lodge. Trekking: 6 - 8 hours including breaks. Overnight in lodge. Overnight Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 11: Huayraccmachay - Trekking to Colpa Lodge in Collpapampa
Today, it's downriver through a rapidly changing landscape: from the spectacular Andes highlands down to the cloud forest, also known as the "ceja de selva" (jungle cloud strip) where, thanks to the warmer climate, there are a variety of orchids, colorful butterflies, hummingbirds and parrots can be found. After about 4 hours we reach the Colpa Lodge (2800 m); we will be having lunch with the traditional Peruvian food "Pachamanca". In the afternoon, relax in the outdoor whirlpool with a wonderful view of the valley, the green hills and the nearby, small Andendorf or a walk in the orchid garden. Trekking: 3 - 4 hours. Overnight in lodge. Overnight Mountain Lodge (B/L/D)
Day 12: Collpapampa - Trekking to Lucma Lodge in Lucmabamba
Along the Santa Teresa River today through the cloud forest, past coffee, banana and passion fruit plantations down to Lucma Lodge (2100 m, about 5 - 6 hours). We stop along the river for a hot lunch. After another hour of trekking we are picked up by a minibus, which brings us directly to the entrance to the "Llactapata Inca Trail" (30 minutes’ drive). It is a 30-minute climb from the beginning of this newly restored Inca Trail to Lucma Lodge, which is surrounded by avocado trees. We arrive in time to allow enough time for a trip to the small village of Lucmabamba. Trekking time: 5 - 6 hours.
Overnight in lodge. Overnight Mountain Lodge (B/LD)
Day 13: From Lucmabamba - Trekking to Hidroelectrica - by train to Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast we start our last trekking day. For about 2 - 3 hours up to Llactapata Pass (2736 m), where we will soon be facing the spectacular view of Machu Picchu; a look that only very few tourists get to see. In addition, you can visit the Llactapata ruins, which have recently been restored.
The descent to the Aobamba River leads through bamboo forests, past coffee plantations and with a bit of luck we also discover orchids (2 - 3 hours’ descent). Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are now not far away. We cover the last kilometers with a 30-minute train ride. Dinner and overnight in a hotel. Trekking time: 4 - 6 hours. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 14: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu the best day - by train Urubamba Valley
After a very early breakfast, head to the bus for the drive up to Machu Picchu. We explore the ruins of this small mountain bastion - there is so much to discover! Return to Aguas Calientens for lunch before taking the train through the picturesque Urubamba Valley to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hrs). There will be a minibus waiting for us and drive us to the hotel in the beautiful Urubamba Valley. Overnight at the hotel in the Urubamba Valley. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 15: Urubamba Valley - Explorer and enjoy - Back to Cusco city
Today we visit the salt pans of Maras, the highest salt farm in the world. The labyrinth of salt basins, with a variety of shades of clear white to light brown, forms a fantastic contrast to the barren mountains around. During a 2 - 3-hour hike, we have enough time to marvel at the patchwork of salt terraces and learn more about the hard work of salt extraction. During the afternoon, we continue to the historic Cusco, where you can explore the city on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Cusco. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 16: Cusco - Visiting Sacsahuayman almost the end of our trip
All roads lead to Cusco. For the Inca, it formed the center of their empire. The whole city was considered sacred to them. If two men met, the one who came from Cusco automatically deserved the higher rank. The splendor and wealth of the capital, located at an altitude of 3300 m, were legendary. We dive into this world today and visit the sights and the well-preserved old town and the impressive Inca Sacsahuayman. Huge carved stones testify to the impressive architecture of the Inca. At a cozy dinner we review the trip. Overnight at the hotel in Cusco. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 17: Cusco city - flight back to Lima and go back USA, Canada, Europa, etc
We spend the morning according to our own preferences. In the afternoon transfer to the airport and return flight to Switzerland from Cusco via Lima and Cusco city - flight back to Lima and go back USA, Canada, Europa, etc. Overnight Flight (-/-/-)
Day 18: Return flight - Arrival at home
Go back home - end tour in Peru / South America. Overnight Fligh (-/-/-)
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
Season: April - September
Difficulty: Moderate
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