Your story begins with a dream of visiting Machu Picchu. The dream comes alive during a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the ultimate lodge-to-lodge horseback ride along the Salkantay Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Guided by one of our experienced horseman, you’ll see the beautiful countryside from one of the best vantage points – atop a horse!
ITINERARY
Meet your MLP guide and fellow travelers for a general trip briefing and Q&A.
In the morning: Visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata
In the afternoon: Take a scenic ride to Coronilla Ranch to meet and get to know your horse and start a 4-hour ride to the Salkantay Lodge in the high plains of Soraypampa.
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869m)
Walk, trot, canter, gallop on open roads, some steep ascending trails
Approximately 4 hours (including picnic lunch en route).
In the morning: A 1-hour ride to Humantay Lake
In the afternoon: 30-minute ride followed by a 1-hour excursion by foot to the “Chakana” (the mystical Cross of the Incas) located on a viewpoint high above Soraypampa.
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869m)
- Walk, trot, canter on open roads, some steep ascending trails and open fields.
- Approximately 4 hours
In the morning: We continue our journey towards Machu Picchu, riding up the Rio Blanco valley and circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak.
In the afternoon: The highest point on the trail is a pass at 4,638 m / 15,213 ft. From there we continue our descent towards Wayra Lodge
Overnight: Wayra Lodge (12,812’ / 3,906m)
- Walk, trot on mostly steep trails and some open slopes.
- Approximately 5 hours
In the morning: We continue downhill above the Salkantay River, descending into the cloud forest, through increasingly verdant scenery.
In the afternoon: Upon arrival at Colpa Lodge, we are greeted with a Pachamanca, a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meat and vegetables with hot stones.
Overnight: Colpa Lodge (9,414’ / 2,870m)
- Walk or trot, on narrow trails.
- Approximately 4 hours
In the morning: We ride along the Santa Teresa river valley, through more populated rural areas. We pass through banana, passion fruit, avocado orchards and coffee plantations.
In the afternoon: Our ride takes us to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail”, which is where we say goodbye to our horses and equestrian staff. A short 30-minute walk through an avocado orchard brings us to Lucma Lodge.
Overnight: Lucma Lodge (7,003’ / 2,135m)
- Walk, trot, canter on steep trails and some open roads.
- Approximately 5 hours
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.
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (6,232’ / 1,900m)
- From Lucmabamba to Hidroelectrica train station
- Approximately 5 hours
Moderate to Challenging
In the morning: Early morning guided tour of Machu Picchu followed by free time for further exploration or a hike up Huayna Picchu*.
In the afternoon: Lunch in Aguas Calientes; afternoon train ride and van transport back to Cusco (11,021’ / 3,360m)
*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.
- The citadel of Machu Picchu has many steps and uphill climbs
- Approximately 4 hours
- Machu Picchu: Easy to moderate
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