This once-in-a-lifetime exploration into the sacred havens of the Incas is an equal parts physical, cultural and spiritual journey, a journey of knowledge and transformation gathered while trekking, biking, sightseeing and enjoying the plush comfort of warm, welcoming high mountain lodges. Enjoy the uncrowded paths, authentic encounters with local people and the silence and mysticism of the Andes.
We offer guaranteed departures from Cusco several times per week from March 1st through December 31st along with lodging and other services for before and after your MLP journey.
ITINERARY
- Meet your MLP guide and fellow travelers for a general trip briefing and Q&A.
Activity options
- Cultural (morning): Excursion to Awanakancha, for an introduction to traditional Andean textile weaving techniques.
- Excursion to Pisaq for a guided tour. Free time to explore its celebrated marketplace.
- Active (morning): Hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha.
- All-Group Activity: Meet the Viacha locals and learn about their traditional Andean farming practices.
- Hike or drive and guided exploration of the Pisaq archaeological site.
Overnight: Lamay Lodge (9,705’ / 2,958m)
- All-group visit to the town of Lamay and the Ancasmarca archaeological site.
Activity options
- Cultural: Visit a remote village where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn from the community.
- Active: Hike from Chinchero (Option A) to Urquillos or Hike from Cuncani to Huacahuasi (Option B).
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585’ / 3,835m)
- Scenic drive from Huacahuasi to the remote village of Huilloc.
Activity options
- Cultural (morning): Visit the village of Huilloc and nearby sheepherding community to participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and her blessings for the health of the community livestock. Drive from Marcacocha to Pumamarka for an all-group tour of the archaeological site and lunch.
- Cultural (afternoon): After lunch, take a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo and spend the afternoon exploring the town.
- Active (morning): Hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka.
- Active (afternoon): Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo.
Overnight: Partner hotel in Ollantaytambo (9,284’ / 2,830m)
- Visit the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site.
- Scenic ride on the winding mountain road to Challacancha.
- Hike or continue by transport to our flagship Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa.
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869m)
- Early morning round-trip hike to Lake Humantay.
- Afternoon at leisure.
Optional activities: Chakana excursion, Horseback riding (subject to additional cost)
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869m)
- The ascent toward the Salkantay Pass begins.
- Circle Humantay Peak and reach to the highest point on the trek (15,213’ / 4,636m).
- Hike through the area’s bucolic countryside to our Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay.
Overnight: Wayra Lodge (12,812’ / 3,906m)
- Descent into the cloud forest on the way to Colpa Lodge.
- Traditional Pachamanca lunch in Colpa Lodge.
- Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Colpa Lodge (9,414’ / 2,870m)
- Descend along the Santa Teresa River towards Lucmabamba.
- Afternoon visit to a local coffee plantation before arrival.
Overnight: Lucma Lodge (7,003’ / 2,135m)
- Travel uphill through the cloud forest to the Llactapata Pass for a seldom-seen view of Machu Picchu.
- Descent to the Aobamba River Valley.
- 30-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes.
Overnight: Partner hotel in Aguas Calientes (6,693’/2,040m)
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Free time for further exploration or a hike up Huayna Picchu (subject to additional cost).
- Scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo.
- Vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
MAP
