luxury lodge to lodge inca trail to machu picchu - 7 days & 6 nights

The Luxury Peru Travel Company Specialists in First Class & Luxury Peru Travel www.luxuryperu.travel

Luxury Peru Travel Calle Garcilaso 265, Cusco, Peru Toll Free: 1800 298 3158 Questions: [email protected]

Luxury Lodge-to-Lodge Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

7 Days & 6 Nights From $2,990.00pp

We have created an adventure in which you will be able to experience Peru at its best and like never before: trekking from lodge to lodge, enjoying the comfort and service of 4 top quality mountain lodges located in pristine areas and finally reaching Machu Picchu (the crown jewel) as a final destination.

This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience you will not want to miss.

http://www.luxuryperu.travel/

mailto:[email protected]



Table of Contents Day 1 - Cusco to Salkantay Lodge (B,L,D) ............................................................... 4

Day 2 - A Hike to Humantay Lake (B,L,D) ................................................................ 5

Day 3 – Crossing the Salkantay Pass (B,L,D) ........................................................... 6

Day 4 – Descending into the Cloud Forest (B,L,D) .................................................. 7

Day 5 – Following the Santa Teresa River Valley (B,L,D) ......................................... 8

Day 6 – First Views of Machu Picchu (B,L,D) .......................................................... 9

Day 7– Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco (B,L) ..................................................... 14

Financial Details ................................................................................................... 15

What is Included: ....................................................................................... 15

Information & FAQ - Peru .......................................................................... 16





Overview

The Luxury Peru Travel Company is a First Class & Luxury Peru Vacation Operator based in Cusco, Peru. Luxury Peru Travel won “Best Tour Operator” 2012 by DIRCETUR the Peruvian National Tourist Authority for Cusco & Machu Picchu. Our mission is to provide unique, personalized Peru Vacation experiences for our clients, listening carefully to your needs, wants & desires and customizing a Machu Picchu Vacation itinerary that meets these perfectly, and at the right price. All of our vacations are Private and as such you may start any day you wish and do and see exactly what you wish. If this vacation itinerary is not perfect for you, please just let us know and we will be delighted to make further suggestions as to Hotel and Tour etc. until we have the perfect Peru vacation for you. Thank you for your enquiry and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch. Regards,

Andrew Flowerdew

Senior Travel Consultant - Luxury Peru Travel [email protected] Toll Free USA / Canada - 1 800 298 3158 Skype: LuxuryPeruTravel www.luxuryperu.travel www.luxuryperu.travel








Note: On the evening before this day there will be a briefing with your guide in Cusco. After an early breakfast, we are picked up starting at 7:00 am at our hotel in Cusco by a guide and vehicle for the drive to the Salkantay Lodge in Soraypampa. En route we take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approx. 1.5 hrs from Cusco). After leaving Limatambo, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa (30 minutes from Mollepata by vehicle). Here, we begin our trek to Soraypampa, on an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for everyone to acclimate, while enjoying a beautiful six hour trek. Salkantay Lodge takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley—Mt. Salkantay, the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 6,270 m (20,600 ft), the highest in the region. After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, we are shown to our rooms and have time to wash-up, before tea and cookies. The trip leader will hold a briefing by the fireplace, followed by aperitifs and dinner. Trekking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch en route) Hiking Level: Moderate

Day 1 - Cusco to Salkantay Lodge (B,L,D)





Today we take an acclimatization hike on the slopes above the lodge to Lake Humantay, fed by the hanging glaciers of Mt. Humantay. The hike is optional, but the views are amazing, and those brave enough can even go for a dip. We return to the lodge for lunch, after which you may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our

outdoor jacuzzi. Afternoon at leisure. We spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge with gourmet food and warm, comfortable beds. In the evening, the guide briefs us on gear and the itinerary for the following day. All meals are served at the Lodge. Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging Option: Horseback Riding

Day 2 - A Hike to Humantay Lake (B,L,D)





This is the big day! After an early start, we hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. The highest point on the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638 m (15,213 ft). At the pass we stop to take in views of snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the glaciated south face of Salkantay towering above

us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass we descend towards Wayra Lodge (Wayra means wind; so the place where the wind lives) our destination for the evening. A hot lunch is served en route; dinner and overnight at the Lodge. Trekking Time: 6 / 8 hours (including lunch) Hiking Level: Challenging, crossing a 4,640m (15,200 ft) mountain pass.

Day 3 – Crossing the Salkantay Pass (B,L,D)





On this day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge. Then we continue our descent along the left bank of the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. We can feel the warm air rising from the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Upon arrival at Colpa Lodge we are greeted with a Pachamanca meal, a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meat and vegetables with hot stones, and then covering the whole thing up to bake. Colpa Lodge is located on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor jacuzzi has panoramic views of lush green mountains. We spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby orchid trail. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Trekking Time: 3 / 4 hours Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate

Day 4 – Descending into the Cloud Forest (B,L,D)





Today we hike along the Santa Teresa river valley, through more populated rural areas. We pass through banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards and coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world). A hot picnic lunch is served by the river. After lunch, we hike another hour before a private vehicle meets us for a short drive to the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail (30-minute or so). From the head of the newly restored Inca trail we easily make our way to Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Trekking Time: 5 / 6 hours (including lunch) Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging (because of distance, not terrain)

Day 5 – Following the Santa Teresa River Valley (B,L,D)





After a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8,974ft), where we come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers ever get a chance to admire. We take a short break to explore the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is served in a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu. We then begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu, is a short, scenic train ride away. Upon arrival, we check into our lovely hotel The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, for celebration dinner with our guide and one last briefing! Trekking Time: 4 / 6 hours Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging

Day 6 – First Views of Machu Picchu (B,L,D)





Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Breakfast | A la Carte Dinner | Orchid, Hummingbird and Nature Tours Included How does one best prepare for a visit to the enigmatic Lost City of the Incas? Nothing less than a natural paradise will do — a paradise where one connects completely with the sacred energy of the mountain. In Inkaterra’s vacation paradise and luxury boutique hotel, a pueblo of luxurious whitewashed bungalow nestles into terraced hills. Spa services use sublime natural essences, and a first-class restaurant boasts stunning views of the rushing Vilcanota River. The train station is only steps away. But Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel exists in a world apart. An intimate 85-cottage luxury hotel in sprawling Andean style village within the secluded 12 acres of exquisite beauty, where guests follow stone pathways to their rooms, located in comfortable one- or two-story whitewashed casitas.





Optional Tours - All Included Birds (2 Hours) Walk early in the morning to take advantage of the optimum time for cloud-forest bird watching. Begin at a river observatory, with the possibility of sighting the sought-after torrent duck and the white-capped dipper. Then proceed to a productive tanager feeding area, where silver-beaked, blue-necked, fawn-breasted and saffron-crowned tanagers can be found. Along the hotel's pathways, be on the lookout for the cock-of-the-rock, the golden-headed quetzal and many of the 18 different hummingbirds identified on the grounds, including the booted racket-tail and the green-and-white hummingbirds, which are native to the area. Orchids (2 Hours) Walk through the orchid garden to observe some of the hotel's 372 different native orchids in bloom. Discover this extraordinary plant family, which has captured the human imagination for centuries. From the largest orchid flower in the world – the Phragmipedium caudatum, to tiny flowering specimens properly appreciated only through a magnifying glass.





Nature Walk (2 Hours) Walk along the hotel's trails, and discover the fascinating yet fragile ecosystem of the Machu Picchu cloud forest, and learn about its many indigenous plants and animals. The Nature Walk offers guests a glimpse of cloud forest flora: ferns, bromeliads and orchids and fauna -an interesting variety of birds; as well as an introduction to the Vilcanota river system, the Observatory, the tea garden and house. Tea Plantation (2 Hours) Visit our organic tea (Camellia Sinensis) plantation and tea house to discover the wonders of the traditional tea making process. Take part as the freshly picked leaves are pressed over wooden blocks and finally seal your own tea bag. A glass of fresh iced-tea is included. Twilight Walk (2 Hours) This early evening walk is designed to connect on a spiritual level with the environment and the historical energy of the Machu Picchu area. With special attention placed on nature's core elements, the walk pauses at the Rocotal Observatory to appreciate an enchanting waterfall and sacred pre-Inca pictographs.





Spectacled Bear Project (2 Hours) Spectacled Bear Project The Inka Terra Association (ITA) and the Peruvian National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA) manage the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Spectacled Bear Project, an effort designed to recover bears that have been negatively affected by human impact, and reintroduce them into their natural habitat. Once common throughout the Andes, the spectacled bear is now critically endangered. Visits to the project are organized with advanced coordination to gain insight into the world of these large mammals (the only bear species in South America), and learn about the challenges they face to survive in Today's world. Donations to the project are welcome and will be duly acknowledged and certified.





Day 7– Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco (B,L)

After a very early buffet breakfast at the hotel, we make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (30 min). Our trip leader will give the group an introductory two-hour guided tour of the ruins, after which we have the rest of the morning to explore the site on our own—there is a lot to do and see! Afterwards, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and to meet our train. The ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes about one and a half hours, and then a private vehicle will drive us back to Cusco (an additional hour and a half ). Upon arrival in Cusco (approximately 7 or 8 p.m.), we are dropped off at our hotel. Option: Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Permits have to be purchased in advance (Please contact your Travel Specialist for information).





Financial Details

Low Season (Mar 1 – 31 & Nov 1 - Dec 14) High Season (Apr 1 – Oct 31 & Dec 15 – 31)

$2,990.00pp $3,490.00pp

Deposit would be 1,000pp Balance due 60 Days before travel

What is Included:

All services from pick up in Cusco on Day 1 to drop off in Cusco on Day 7. Transportation from hotel in Cusco to Soraypampa on Day 1 and from

Ollantaytambo back to hotel on Day 7. 6 nights lodging (5 nights in MLP lodges and 1 night in Aguas Calientes in a

4-Star hotel) All meals except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 7 Service of a bilingual guide (Spanish/English) from Day 1 to Day 7. Tours are led in English. Transportation of personal belongings on the trek by pack horses/mules

and/or porters Guided visit of Machu Picchu Sanctuary (includes entrance and

transportation to the site) Train transportation (Hydroelectric Station to - Aguas Calientes, and Aguas

Calientes to Ollantaytambo) At the lodges we provide filtered and sparkling water, tea and coffee, juice

and soft drinks free of charge. Alcoholic and sports drinks, and natural bottled water are not included. Only filtered water and tea are available free of charge at the Inkaterra

Pueblo Hotel.





Information & FAQ - Peru

IMPORTANT - Baggage Restrictions Luggage Allowance: Train to Machu Picchu All trains to and from Machu Picchu now have a 5Kg Limit on baggage, basically an overnight bag and your day pack. Luggage Allowance: Amazon Jungle All Jungle Lodges have a 5Kg per person weight limit basically an overnight bag and your day pack. You may safely leave your excess baggage at the Jungle Lodges offices at Puerto Maldonado Airport

Useful Travel Information Departure Tax Departure taxes at airports are not included as a part of your tour. We have indicated below current amounts (although these can change at any time). For international flights departing from Lima a departure tax of US$30.25 is applicable per person. For domestic flights a departure tax of US $6.05 is applicable per person.

Hotel vouchers for your trip We do not issue individual hotel vouchers; your full day by day itinerary represents exactly what is included in terms of hotel accommodation and meal basis.





Passports Please double check your passport is valid for six months beyond the date of return from your trip. Immigration Card Upon arrival in Lima you will receive an immigration slip that should be kept for your departure. This slip of paper will be required at all hotel check-in so please keep it with you at all times. Visas UK / USA / Canadian & Australian citizens do not currently require a visa to visit Peru. A valid passport for at least 6 months after date of departure from Peru is required by all visitors. Tipping Tipping for good service is an accepted fact. Amounts are obviously discretionary, but as a rough guide our ground agents recommend US$6-10 per day for guides and US$4-5 for drivers Electricity 220 volts/110 volts. The plugs are either two pronged round (not the European pins) or flat pins. Time GMT minus 5 hours or 6 hours Communications The phone code for Peru is 0051 Major tourist centers have numerous internet centers where you can also make reasonably priced international phone calls, and send faxes.





Money & Expense The Peruvian currency is the new sol, it is currently worth approximately $0.30 Change is always in short supply. Automatic cash dispensers are available in the major cities and towns. Most machines take all debit cards, as well as Cirrus and Plus cards. Visa and Amex are widely accepted (MasterCard to a lesser degree). If you want to bring traveler’s cheques, they should be in US dollars, and not sterling. Peru is a good value destination. Allow about $15-20 a day for meal and drink expenses, a local beer will normally cost around 1.00, a 2 course lunch $5 and a 2 course dinner $20. (Prices based on good local restaurants). Health No vaccinations are compulsory but tetanus, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and yellow fever are advisable. Please check with a GP or Travel Clinic for other up to- date immunization advice, including malarial areas. Do not drink the tap water. Up to date health information available at: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationPeru.aspx Altitude sickness ('soroche') is a possibility in the highland areas, precautions include resting when you first arrive, avoiding caffeine and alcohol and drinking coca tea. Nearly everyone will have a headache and feel out of breath and possibly nauseous for at least the first day at altitude, if symptoms worsen hotels and guides will have oxygen handy, the only cure for acute sickness is to descend to a lower altitude. The power of the sun at high altitudes is magnified, take sunglasses and sun cream.



http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationPeru.aspx

luxury lodge to lodge inca trail to machu picchu - 7 days & 6 nights

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