Lima – Salkantay – Trek to Machu Picchu – Lima

Rise early for the journey to our first lodge, stopping along the way to visit the ruins of Quillarumiyoc, an Inca temple dedicated to the moon. Drive to Marcoccasa, and enjoy lunch at a farmhouse. Then opt for a spectacular hike or continue by vehicle to Salkantay Lodge, nestled in the valley with a breathtaking view of the 20,574-foot Salkantay, the highest peak in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba. (11 miles optional hiking, 4-6 hours)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Salkantay Lodge
Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
4 Hours approx
Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
Meals
B/L/D

We’ll spend today acclimating to the altitude. You may opt to go on a half-day hike to a stunning glacial lake. Or relax in a cozy lounge or a hot tub at the lodge. (4 miles hiking, 3-4 hours)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Salkantay Lodge
Overnight 
Hotel
Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
Meals
B/L/D

Rise early and set out on our four-day trek to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Follow the Río Blanco valley, hiking the girth of Humantay, a snowy peak across from Salkantay. We’ll reach the highest point of our trip at 15,213 feet, and pause a moment to admire a vista of snowcapped peaks. From here, descend to Wayra Lodge (12,812′) where showers and a hot tub await. (8 miles hiking, 5-7 hours)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Wayra Lodge

Overnight 
Hotel
Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
Meals
B/L/D

Enjoy a leisurely morning at Wayra Lodge. Today’s hike takes us out of the stark high-alpine region and into increasingly lush vegetation, as we head down into the Collpapampa Valley. Our home for the night is perched on an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The surrounding cloud forest harbors wild orchids and butterflies as well as remarkable birdlife. Upon arrival, sit down to a pachamanca, a traditional underground stone barbecue. (6 miles hiking, 4 hours)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Collpa Lodge
Overnight 
Hotel
Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
Meals
B/L/D

Continue downhill through the Santa Teresa River Valley, a verdant area home to local farms and villages. Hike past coffee plantations and tropical fruit orchards, as well as dazzling wildflowers of all colors. Stop alongside the river for a picnic lunch. From here it is a short climb to Lucma Lodge, hidden among avocado trees. We’ll arrive in time to explore the village and meet some local residents. (9 miles hiking, 5-6 hours)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Lucma Lodge
Overnight 
Hotel
Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
Meals
B/L/D

Our trail winds uphill toward Llactapata Pass at 8,974 feet, where we’ll catch our first glimpse of Machu Picchu far in the distance. Explore the ruins of Llactapata, a sacred Inca site that has been recently restored. Like Machu Picchu, the ruins here were rediscovered by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from National Geographic. After lunch at an observation point overlooking Machu Picchu, follow the path down to the Urubamba River, hiking through thick bamboo stands, orchards, and coffee plantations. A short, scenic train ride brings us to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Settle into our hotel, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World nestled in the cloud forest amid orchids and colorful birds. (7 miles hiking, 5-6 hours)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: This night includes a stay at a National Geographic Unique Lodge.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel is a haven of Andean charm tucked into the tropical forests just beneath the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
1 Hours approx
Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
Meals
B/L/D

Stacked up a hillside amid soaring Andean peaks, the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is considered one of the new seven wonders of the world. A short bus ride brings us to the sanctuary, where we’ll spend an entire day exploring its breathtaking labyrinth of stone temples, sanctuaries, and homes. Delve into the site with our guides, learning about the Inca’s sophisticated culture and technology, and discovering the secrets of this royal city lost to the wider world for some 500 years. Opt to climb the steep peak of Machu Picchu Mountain—enjoying a rewarding view of the entire sanctuary and the surrounding peaks. (3-4 optional miles hiking, 3-4 hours) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
4 Hours approx
Tours/Hiking
 6 Hours approx tours
Meals
B/L/D

This morning, opt to relax or explore the trails surrounding our lodge. Then take the train from Aguas Calientes to the Sacred Valley, where lunch awaits at a charming restaurant. Continue by private van to Cusco, stopping along the way at the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco, a weaving cooperative founded by National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez. Learn about the center’s work preserving and reviving this ancient Peruvian art form. Tonight, toast our Andean trek during a farewell dinner at a Cusco restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Palacio del Inka Hotel
Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
1 Hours approx
Tours/Hiking
 1 Hours approx tours
Meals
B/L/D

Explore charming Cusco on your own this morning. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight
Hotel 
Driving
1 Hours approx
Tours/Hiking
 1 Hours approx tours
Meals
B/L/D