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Selected as one of National Geographic Traveler Magazine's Tours of a Lifetime for 2009!

Also featured in The New York Times in August 12, 2007!

At last! A challenging high-altitude trek without camping! Our fabulous lodge-to-lodge trek follows a lightly-traveled trail through the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular mountain range in the heartland of the Andes that cradles the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Hiking from one lodge to the next, you’ll encounter ever-changing dramatic landscapes, from luxuriant forests to brilliant blue lakes, from snowcapped peaks to icy glaciers, culminating in the never-to-be-forgotten vista of Machu Picchu, one of the awesome wonders of the Americas. You’ll feel like royalty itself as you cap each exhilarating day with a delightful respite at a lovely mountain lodge, where well appointed rooms, Jacuzzi, fireplace, and first class international and Peruvian cuisine await your pleasure. (Talk about comfort and style—and hot showers at night!)

Before and after our trek, we’ll take in all the important sights that have drawn centuries of travelers to Peru. We’ll stroll the back streets of Cusco, and spend an extra day at Machu Picchu to fully absorb and appreciate the Incas’ sophisticated ideas and technology. We venture to say that this journey to Machu Picchu will be as stunning as Machu Picchu itself!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• A challenging high-altitude trek—but with the welcome creature comforts of mountain lodges at the end of every day
• Journey to Machu Picchu through the Cordillera Vilcabamba, whose glittering icy peaks feed the Amazon
• Views include spectacular Salkantay, the highest mountain in the Cordillera and most sacred in Inca mythology
• Explore the Inca ruins around Cusco, and spend a full day at Machu Picchu!

Short on time? Check out our 7-day Machu Picchu Inn-to-Inn Express!

Day 1 - Meet in Lima, Peru, and fly to Cusco. Afternoon guided walk through the city, once the capital of the vast Inca Empire. Overnight at Hotel Libertador.

Day 2 - Transfer to Salkantay Lodge (11,800') in the Soray Pampa valley, visiting the impressive Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo on the way. Optional afternoon hike.

Day 3 - The day is free to relax, with the option to hike to to a high glacial lake for a breathtaking panorama of Salkantay.

Day 4 - Begin the trek with a hike up the Río Blanco valley, circling Humantay (19,413') and crossing a pass at 14,700 feet. At the pass we stop briefly at Lake Salcantaycocha for views of icy peaks in every direction. Descend to Wayra Lodge (12,000').

Day 5 - Hike down to the Collpapampa valley, where Collpa Lodge (10,300') is located in a lovely meadow. Optional visit to a nearby hot spring for a relaxing soak.

Day 6 - Head down the Santa Teresa river valley through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations. After lunch along the river, it’s a short climb to Lucma Lodge (6,000'), set in a tropical wooded enclave. You’ll arrive in time to explore the village and meet members of the local community.

Day 7 - Hike toward Palltayacta Pass (8,530' - great views of Machu Picchu from here!), then descend to the Urubamba River through lush bamboo forests and diverse mountain terrain. At the railway line, board the train and transfer to the village of Aguas Calientes, just below Machu Picchu. Lunch at the Sanctuary Hotel within a stone’s throw of the ruins (8,000'). Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, complete with spa.

Day 8 - A full day to explore the exquisite stone remains of Machu Picchu.

Day 9 - The morning is free to visit Machu Picchu again or to relax at the hotel. Afternoon train to Cusco.

Day 10 - Fly to Lima and depart.

Photo Credits
Both images: ©MTS photo file