Trekking to Machu Picchu
Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru
Hiking and Culture
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While visiting Machu Picchu is definitely one of the highlights of this trip, there is so much more of Incan culture and history to explore. We start our immersion with a half-day of exploring Cusco, followed by a full day in the Sacred Valley with extremely knowledgeable local guides. Then we start our trek on the Salkantay Trail, an ancient Incan Trail (a more remote off shoot of THE Inca Trail). Trekking through constantly changing ecosystems, our trail traverses high passes and follows rivers, on paths through rocky plains and thick forest, as we go beyond the crowded guidebook trails and into the authentic heart of the Incan empire. At night we rest in remote and beautiful mountain lodges, enjoying delicious and expertly prepared cuisine. At the end we visit Machu Picchu, situated on the spine of a jungle-cloaked granite peak towering some 2,000 ft. above a roaring river, the crowning glory of the Incas. Maximum group size: 12.
NOTE: DUE TO THE NATURE OF PERMITS FOR MACHU PICCHU, DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS ARE NON TRANSFERABLE AND NON REFUNDABLE 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE OR LESS. Also, because the backcountry lodges where we stay run on generators and shut off their electricity at night, we are unable to accommodate anyone traveling with a CPAP machine on this trip.
Highlights
- Exploring Machu Picchu, one of those destinations whose magic and mystery lives up to its hype
- Challenging yourself on an ancient Incan trail under towering Andean Peaks that traverses fifteen different bio-zones
- Relaxing in comfortable and small environmentally sustainable remote lodges at the end of each day
- Learning the culture and customs of local Andean families
- Supporting local businesses that believe in sustainability
Inclusions
- Experienced bilingual local guides and an Adventures in Good Company guide (for trips with less than 8 participants, there will not be an AGC guide)
- Nine nights double occupancy lodging in hotels and lodges (no single supplements available on this trip)
- All meals from dinner the first day through breakfast the last
- All transport once you arrive in Cusco including airport transfers
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Trail
- Gratuities for staff and drivers and luggage transport by mules on the trek
Trip Info
This trip is appropriate for women in very good physical condition with previous hiking experience, who can hike 6 to 8 hours a day on rocky and sometimes steep mountain paths. The most challenging day includes hiking over a 15,000 foot pass with a 2500 foot elevation gain in 3 miles. This trip is rated 4 because on most days we hike 3 to 5 hours and there are a couple of 6 - 8 hour days. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be engaged in aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2 hour hike once a week) and strength training for your legs is strongly recommended. Rating: 1 2 3 [4] 5.
Combining cultural exploration with first rate hiking in the Andes, you will experience Andean culture, both past and present, as you hike over high mountains. (Those with a history of adverse reactions to high altitude activity should consult their physicians before registering). The breadth and vitality of Incan culture is seen not only at Machu Picchu, but also in Cusco, Ollantaytambo and the small villages we pass through. The vibrancy of that culture continues today in the Quechuan people who we meet on our trek.
We stay two nights in a boutique hotel in Cusco (Andenes); and 2 nights at a 5-star hotel in Aguascalientes (InkaTerra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel). On the Salkantay Trail we stay in small remote mountain lodges where, with the exception of the first lodge, we are the only ones there. They are known for exceptional comfort and hospitality, and offer comfortable rooms and beds with glorious views, hot tubs, and excellent food. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions on this trip.
Trip Resources
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
Overnight: Andenes Hotel or similar (D)
Overnight: Andenes Hotel or similar (B, L, D)
The lodge has spectacular views of the majestic Salkantay peak at the head of the valley. It's the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 20,600 ft, the highest in the region. After having some time to get settled in our rooms, we'll have time to relax before an evening briefing by the fireplace followed by appetizers and a hearty dinner. After dinner we might relax in the hot tub or, on a clear night, gaze at the achingly beautiful star-studded sky.
Hiking: 3-4 hours, 3.7 miles, and 1,076 feet elevation gain, 499 feet elevation loss. Overnight: Soray Lodge (B, L, D)
Hiking: 4-5 hours, 3.1 miles, and 1,430 feet elevation gain and loss. Overnight: Soray Lodge (B, L, D)
Hiking: 7 - 8 hours, 7.2 miles, and 2,632 feet elevation gain, 2,477 feet elevation loss. Overnight: Wayra Lodge (B, L, D)
Hiking: 4-5 hours, 5.2 miles, and 0 feet elevation gain, 3488 feet elevation loss. Overnight: Colpa Lodge. (B, L, D)
Hiking: 6 - 8 hours, 10 miles, and 935 feet elevation gain, 3,350 feet elevation loss. Overnight: Lucma Lodge (B, L, D)
Hiking: 4 - 6 hours, 6.3 miles, and 2,359 feet elevation gain, 3,455 feet elevation loss. Overnight: Inkaterra. (B, L, D)
Overnight: Inkaterra or similar (B, L, D)
(B)
4.9
(13 reviews)*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
Lixayda Vasquez and Yuri were our Peruvian guides and they were phenomenal. I cannot express how wonderful they were. They offered cultural stories, tidbits and they were great with all the logistics and helping any hiker that needed assistance.
All of the guides on the trip (Karen, Lixayda, Juri) were excellent, and they all went above and beyond to make sure that everyone had a fun and safe experience. Lixayda and Juri were so generous with their knowledge of local culture and we learned so much from them!
It started out to be a trip with a very special friend. She had travelled with the company before and was confident that it was a good choice. It was. The best thing was the choice of guides, the AGC guide from the US was outstanding and worked incredibly well with the local guides who absolutely made the trip memorable.
This trip has it all. I loved the combination of challenging hiking, learning about the Incan history and Peruvian culture, staying in beautiful lodges, eating delicious food, being among a very supportive and caring group of woman and lead by 3 amazing guides. I liked to give a big shout out to Karen, Liz and Juri for all their dedication, compassion and hard work making this trip a huge success.
Fun group of women, great guides and Peru is just a beautiful country
Lixayda and Juri's knowledge and guidance was great. The comradery of the group was wonderful.
The landscape of Peru was breathtaking, most people in the group got along well, and our guides were exceptional
This trip to Peru exceeded all of my expectations. The country is gorgeous, and being able to see it intimately, from places less visited by tourists made it special. And Lixayda, our in-country tour guide, shared with us her love of her country, providing a context for what we were seeing, whether it be anthropological sites, changes in flora and fauna, explanations of natural phenomena... And all of us, regardless of hiking ability, were supported and encouraged by staff as we trekked along.
All the leaders were great and made every single participant feel special. The entire trip was well coordinated. The places we went to were very special and well planned for. I loved Peru, the culture and the people we interacted with. The Mountain Lodge staff worked perfectly with our US leader, Brenda Porter.
This was an amazing trip. Brenda Porter is an excellent AGC guide and our Peruvian guides, Lecayda and Saul were amazing. The hike was very challenging but with such a great, encouraging group of women, and such beautiful scenery it was well worth the challenge! I would love to return to Peru and do another hike in a different area!
I honestly enjoyed just about every thing on this trip. It was all new and interesting and out of my world. The people of Peru are lovely. Our guide was outstanding because he loves his country and communicated that in his knowledge and the "heartfelt" way he spoke.
It was an amazing trip and thanks to our excellent Peruvian guide we learned so much about the country and the areas we hiked.
Guides passion about his culture
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Where do we eat?
All the breakfasts and dinners will be served at the lodges where you're staying. Sometimes you may have lunch on the trail. In Cusco you will have dinner at a restaurant where you can order off the menu. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
Vegetarian options for this trip are available but may be more limited than you are used to. If you are concerned about having enough protein during your trip, plan to bring some plant-based protein sources such as nut butter, instant dried hummus, or high-protein energy bars. If you cannot eat gluten or if you have other dietary restrictions i.e. vegan, you will need to bring some supplemental food with you. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
No, all rooms are shared on this trip with the exception of: If there is an odd number of guests. In that case, there will be a charge for the participant who would like her own room. We’ll pair you up with someone and then change roommates every time we switch lodging.
No visa required for US citizens to travel in Peru but you will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the last day of your stay in Peru and with at least 2 blank pages.
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