This once-in-a-lifetime journey into the sacred havens of the Incas is equal parts physical, cultural, and spiritual. The combination of inspiring hikes through magnificent landscapes and unique immersion into traditional Andean culture will afford you a profound understanding of what makes this region and its history so remarkable. We offer guaranteed departures from Cusco several times per year 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.
Morning visit to the Pisaq market followed by an optional trek through the adjacent valley. Excursion to the Viacha community for a traditional Pachamanca lunch. Afternoon exploration of the Pisaq archaeological complex.
ACTIVE EXCURSION:
ACTIVITY
HIKE
-From the local community of Amaru to the local community of Viacha
-Approximately 3 hours
-Moderate to challenging
-Highest elevation: 14,200’ / 4,328 m
GROUP ACTIVITY
/ Visit to the community of Viacha
/ Traditional Pachamanca lunch in town
/ Exploration of the Pisaq archaeological site
/ Optional hike from Viacha to the Pisaq archaeological site
OVERNIGHT: Lamay Lodge (9,705’ / 2,958 m)
CULTURE EXCURSION:
EXCURSION
/ Explore the textile center of Awanacancha
/ Visit to the town and marketplace in Pisaq
/ Short drive to the village of Viacha
GROUP ACTIVITY
/ Visit to the community of Viacha
/ Traditional Pachamanca lunch in town
/ Exploration of the Pisaq archaeological site
OVERNIGHT: Lamay Lodge (elevation: 9,705’ / 2,958 m)
Highlights: Viacha | Pisaq archeological site
Scenic drive into the heart of Lares to the archeological site of Ancasmarca. After lunch, choose a visit to the village of Choquecancha or a hike to Huacahuasi Lodge.
ACTIVE EXCURSION:
GROUP ACTIVITY
/ Visit to the small town of Lamay
/ Scenic drive to Ancasmarca
/ Guided tour of the Ancasmarca archaeological site
ACTIVITY
HIKE
OPTION A)
-From Quelquena to Huacahuasi
-Approximately 2.5 hours
-Easy to Moderate
-Highest elevation 12,595’ / 3,839 m
OPTION B)
-From Cuncani to Huacahuasi
-Approximately 4 hours
-Moderate
-Highest elevation 13,838’ / 4,219 m
OVERNIGHT: Huacahuasi Lodge (el. 12,585’ / 3,835 m)
CULTURE EXCURSION:
GROUP ACTIVITY
/ Visit to the small town of Lamay
/ Scenic drive to Ancasmarca
/ Guided tour of the Ancasmarca archaeological site
EXCURSION
/ Scenic drive to the small town of Choquecancha
/ Afternoon arrival at Huacahuasi Lodge
OVERNIGHT: Huacahuasi Lodge (el. 12,585’ / 3,835 m)
Highlights: Ancasmarca | Choquecancha | Cuncani hike | Quelquena hike
ACTIVE EXCURSION
ACTIVITY HIKE
In the morning:
-From Huilloc to Pumamarka, stopping by the Ayar Orcco Inca Cemetery
-Approximately 3 hours
-Moderate
GROUP ACTIVITY
Visit the archaeological site of Pumamarka
In the afternoon:
-From Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo
-Approximately 3 hours
-Moderate
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to an artisanal brewery that uses all locally sourced products for their beers. (subject to additional cost)
OVERNIGHT: Hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (el. 9,284’ / 2,830 m)
CULTURE EXCURSION:
EXCURSION
/ Scenic drive from Huacahuasi Lodge to Huilloc
/ Visit to a local trout farm and ceviche tasting
/ Participate in a ceremony for the good health of the community’s flock
/ Visit the archaeological site of Pumamarka
/ Visit to the “Half-Moon” terraces
/ Explore the town of Ollantaytambo
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY:Enjoy a visit to an artisanal brewery that uses all locally sourced products for their beers. (subject to additional cost)
OVERNIGHT: Hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (9,284’ / 2,830 m)
Morning exploration to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological en route to the mountain village of Mollepata, followed by lunch at El Pedregal. Enjoy a scenic ride on the winding mountain road to Challacancha, where you will begin your hike to Salkantay Lodge.
ACTIVE EXCURSION:
In the morning: In the morning: Visit Quillarumiyoc archaeological site and the village of Mollepata, stopping for a short visit to Yanapana, Mountain Lodges of Peru NGO
In the afternoon: Hike to our flagship Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa along a picturesque path called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path)
ACTIVITY
HIKE
-From Challacancha to Soraypampa
-Approximately 3 hours
-Easy to moderate
OPTIONAL
/ Guests may opt out of the trek and continue by transport to Salkantay Lodge
OVERNIGHT:
Salkantay Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869 m)
Half-day hike to Lake Humantay followed by lunch at Salkantay Lodge. Afternoon at leisure
ACTIVE EXCURSION:
In the morning: Early morning round-trip hike to the turquoise waters of Lake Humantay
In the afternoon: Lunch at Salkantay Lodge & afternoon at leisure
THINGS TO KNOW
HIKE
-From Salkantay Lodge – Lake Humantay – Salkantay Lodge
-Approximately 4 hours
-Moderate
Please note: The morning hike to Lake Humantay is optional; however, we strongly recommend that you participate in preparation for the strenuous hike on Day 6.
OPTIONAL
/ Afternoon horseback riding at Soraypampa (subject to additional cost)
OVERNIGHT: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869 m)
Journey over the Salkantay Pass to Wayra Lodge. Lunch on route.
ACTIVE EXCURSION:
In the morning: Journey through the Salkantay River valley as you begin your climb to the Salkantay Pass
In the afternoon: After marveling at the majesty of the Salkantay Peak & patting yourselves on the back for a job well-done, enjoy lunch on the mountain before heading down to Wayraccmachay
THINGS TO KNOW
HIKE
-From Soraypampa over the Salkantay Peak to Wayraccmachay
-Approximately 7 hours
-Challenging
-Salkantay Mountain pass at 15,213’/ 4,640 m
OVERNIGHT:
Wayra Lodge (12,812’ / 3,906 m)
Descent to Collpapampa along the Salkantay River. Traditional Pachamanca lunch at Colpa Lodge.
ACTIVE EXCURSION:
In the morning: Begin your descent into the cloud forest on the way to Colpa Lodge
In the afternoon: Upon arrival, the staff will be waiting for us with a traditional Pachamanca lunch; afternoon at leisure
THINGS TO KNOW
HIKE
-From Wayraccmachay to Collpapampa
-Approximately 4 hours
-Easy to moderate
OPTIONAL
/ Mountain bike ride
(subject to additional cost)
-From Machaywacco to Collpapampa
-Approximately 3 hours
-Easy
OVERNIGHT: Colpa Lodge (9,414’ / 2,870 m)
Hike through rural areas on the way to Lucma Lodge. Picnic lunch en route followed by a tour of a local coffee plantation.
ACTIVE EXCURSION:
In the morning: Descend along the Santa Teresa River towards Lucmabamba
In the afternoon: Picnic lunch along the river, followed by a short hike & van ride; afternoon visit to a local coffee plantation before arrival
THINGS TO KNOW
HIKE
-From Collpapampa to Lucmabamba
-Approximately 6 hours
-Moderate to challenging
OPTIONAL
Zip Line in Santa Teresa: This is a full day activity that replaces the hike (subject to additional cost)
Mountain biking:
(subject to additional cost)
OPTION A)
-From the Yanama Pass through Hornopampa to Lluskamayo
-Approximately 5 hours
-Easy to moderate
OPTION B)
-Descent from Hornopampa to Lluskamayo
-Approximately 3.5 hours
-Easy
please note: Guests may opt out of the trek and continue by transport to the lodge
OVERNIGHT: Lucma Lodge (7,003’ / 2,135 m)
Travel uphill to the Llactapata Pass for a seldom-seen view of Machu Picchu. Lunch en route followed by a descent to the Aobamba river. Train to Aguas Calientes (30 mins). Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
ACTIVE EXCURSION:
In the morning: Travel uphill through the cloud forest to the Llactapata Pass for a seldom-seen view of Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon: Lunch en route followed by a winding descent to the Aobamba River valley, ending the day with a 30 minute train ride to Aguas Calientes
THINGS TO KNOW
HIKE
-From Lucmabamba to Hidroelectrica train station
-Approximately 5 hours
-Moderate to challenging
OPTIONAL
/ Guests may opt out of the trek and continue by transport to the train station
OVERNIGHT: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (6,232’ / 1,900 m)
ACTIVE EXCURSION:
In the morning: Early morning guided tour of Machu Picchu followed by free time for further exploration.
In the afternoon: Lunch in Aguas Calientes; afternoon train ride and van transport back to Cusco (11,021’ / 3,360 m)
THING TO KNOW
HIKE
-The citadel of Machu Picchu has many steps and uphill climbs
-Approximately 4 hours
-Machu Picchu: Easy to moderate
OPTIONAL
/ Hike up Huayna Picchu*
**Note: Tickets for Huayna Picchu Mt. (8,924’ / 2,720m) may be available subject to additional cost. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, you may opt for a hike up Machu Picchu Mt. (10,112 / 3,082m), located next to the Machu Picchu Citadel on the southern side. Please consult with your MLP Travel Specialist for detailed information.
MAP
