PERU
Planning your adventure
Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a breathtaking Incan citadel nestled in the Andes at 2,430m. It’s the grand finale for many trekkers and travelers in Peru. There are two main treks - the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek.
The Inca Trail is Peru’s most famous trek and one of the most iconic hikes in the world. However, it requires a permit and it’s very crowded. There are no traditional hotels or lodges along the way. Instead, trekkers stay in campsites provided by their tour operator. It does however, lead directly into Machu Pichu.
For hikers looking for the road less travelled with lodges rather than campsites, the 7 day Salkantay Trek with Mountain Lodges is a must. It meanders through the same region of the Peruvian Andes and has the same conditions as the Inca Trail. It weaves through lush jungles, cloud forests, high-altitude alpine meadows, snow-capped mountains and remote villages along the way. This trail ends in Aquas Calientes, just outside of Machu Pichu.
Since the Salkantay Trek reaches high altitudes of 4,600m, spending time in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your trek is crucial for acclimatization and avoiding altitude sickness. The more time you spend at higher altitudes before the trek, the better your body will adjust, making your hike more enjoyable and safer. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and take it slow.
Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley is a must-do before the Salkantay Trek. It offers a mix of light hikes, luxury stays, and cultural immersion to help you acclimate while enjoying stunning landscapes.
Following our arrival at Cusco airport, we chose to take a private transfer (arranged through the Airbnb) directly to Urubamba where we spent the afternoon relaxing at our villa and wondering around town..
There are 3 luxury hotels to choose from Inkaterra, Tambo del Inka or Explora Valle Sagrado. Because we were 7 people, we chose to stay at a Luxury Villa. The villa was amazing…gated and close to town. Every morning the caretakers came and made us breakfast and cleaned up after.
The following day we got up early and spent the day explorying this incredible Valley. We hired the same driver to come and pick us up and drive us between all the sites.
There are tour guides for hire at each site should you wish to learn more about the history. You will also need to pay to enter each site. There is a Sacred Valley bundle ticket which will give you access to Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero and Pisac. You will need to pay extra for the Maras salt mines, which I do highly recommend visiting.
Since Pisac is on the way back to Cusco we chose to visit that the following day to minimize driving and arrive back in Cusco in the afternoon in time to check into our next villa.
Ollantayambo Ruins
Ollantaytambo — where the past still walks beside you.
Tucked deep in Peru’s Sacred Valley, this ‘Living Inca Town’ is one of the last places where original Inca urban planning and architecture remain intact and actively used. Imagine walking ancient stone paths, drinking coca tea where emperors once stood, and gazing up at a fortress that resisted Spanish conquest.
From the towering Sun Temple ruins that guard the valley to vibrant Quechua markets lining narrow alleys, Ollantaytambo is a living blend of history, spirituality, and daily life. It’s not just a stop on the way to Machu Picchu — it’s a destination full of soul.
Maras Salt Mines
Thousands of glistening salt pools cascading down the Sacred Valley. Nestled in the Andes near Cusco, the Maras Salt Mines have been harvested by hand since pre-Inca times. Fed by an underground salt spring, each terraced pool reflects sunlight in brilliant whites and golds, creating a surreal landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Today, local families still manage and maintain these pans, preserving a tradition that’s centuries old. While walking through the salt flats is no longer allowed to protect them, the panoramic viewpoints offer unbeatable photo ops. A must-stop if you’re exploring the Sacred Valley!
Moray Agricultural Terraces
Ancient science carved into the Earth - the Moray agricultural terraces were absolutely incredible!
These concentric stone circles were used by the Inca as a sophisticated agricultural laboratory. Each level created a different microclimate, allowing them to experiment with crops at various temperatures and altitudes
What looks like an amphitheater is actually a masterpiece of engineering, showcasing the Inca’s deep understanding of climate, soil, and sustainability. Standing here, you’re reminded that innovation isn’t just modern — it’s rooted in history.
Chinchero
Discover the vibrant world of Chinchero textiles! Each piece is a testament to centuries-old weaving traditions passed down through generations. From naturally dyed fibers to intricate patterns, every creation reflects the heart and heritage of the Andean people. The dies come from local plants, roots, and insects like cochineal. Weavers carefully extract vibrant reds, blues, and yellows using traditional techniques—like boiling or fermenting—ensuring each piece carries a piece of Andean nature and culture
We purchased alpaca sweaters, blankets, hats, socks and scarves, which kept us cozy warm on this adventure.
Support local artisans and help preserve this incredible cultural legacy.
Pisac Ruins & Market
High in the Sacred Valley, the Pisac ruins sprawl across the mountain like a fortress in the clouds, an incredible example of Inca stonework, agricultural terraces, and sacred temples. From the summit, you get sweeping views that feel like they belong in another era.
Just below, the town of Pisac bursts with color and life. The market is a maze of textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and local food — all handmade and steeped in Andean tradition.
Our favourite place for textiles was however Chinchero. The quality and prices were unmatched.
Cusco
We have now spent 4 days getting used to the altitutude and ready for our scenic, less crowded yet challenging adventure leading to Machu Picchu.
In the evening before our tour began, we met our MLP guides and fellow travellers for a quick trip briefing. You are provided with a duffel bag which is what you need to pack in for the duration of the trek. This duffel will follow you, travelling on mules, and you will have access to it at each lodge. What you need for each day’s hike will need to go in your day pack.
Day 1 - Cusco to Soraypampa
After an early breakfast, our tour began. The first stop was a visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata. Often called the Temple of the Moon, this sacred site is less touristy, but steeped in Incan astronomy, religion, and mysticism.
It takes about 2.5 hours to get from Cusco to Mollepata and the road is a well paved hwy with beautiful rolling hills, small villages, and deep valleys. We enjoyed lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village, where we also had the opportunity to learn about local agriculture.
From Mollepata to Challacancha the Andean views are epic, with Salkantay Mountain appearing in the distance, but it’s an unpaved gravel road that is very bumpy. This part of the journey takes about an hour.
Challacancha to Salkantay Lodge - 6.7km | 310m
The Lodge has road access and for those not wanthing to hike this first leg, do have the option of getting a ride with the duffel bags. But it is highly recommended you hike.
This first section is relatively short, but takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery before reaching the lodge.
Day 2 - Humantay Lake - 7.4km | 550m
The hike from Salkantay Lodge to Humantay Lake is a short, but steep climb that takes you to one of the most stunning turquoise glacial lakes in Peru. It’s an optional side trek on the Salkantay Trek, but 100% worth the effort. This lake is a popular destination so we chose to get up early and leave the lodge by 7am to ensure we had the lake all to ourselves for a bit before the masses arrived.
Expect steep switchbacks with a steady uphill climb. Make sure to take breaks often as the altitude will be your biggest challenge. Dress in layers as it’s cold in the morning and very warm once the sun comes out.
Above the lake we were able to participate in a traditional Peruvian Offering. In Peru, people honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) through a ritual called pago a la tierra. It’s a beautiful ceremony where they gather coca leaves, flowers, sweets, and symbolic miniatures on a ceremonial cloth. Everything is then buried or burned to ask for blessings, abundance, and protection. A timeless way to give thanks to nature and the spirits.
After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Soraypampa on horseback or book a massage (these are not part of the tour and can be added for an addtional cost). There are also hot tubs at each lodge.
Day 3 - Crossing the Salkantay Pass - 14km | 860m
The Salkantay Pass is the highest point on the Trek to Machu Picchu at 4,600m. This is the most challenging and rewarding day, offering breathtaking Andean scenery and views of Mount Salkantay.
Crossing the Salkantay Pass is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with dramatic landscapes and a feeling of accomplishment unlike any other. Despite all our training, altitude prep, and our general fitness level, the climb pushed us in ways we didn’t expect. The air felt thin, every step burned, and the wind was strong despite the incredible weather. But with every step, we felt stronger, more determined, and so grateful for this incredible journey.
Standing at the summit, surrounded by rugged peaks and breathtaking views, we felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Moments like these remind us why our bucket list exists — for the challenge, the growth, and the unforgettable memories.
After the pass, the trek gradually gets easier as you descend into warmer climates leading to Machu Picchu. The wind continues to be quite cold even on the descent so be prepared to change a few times along the way.
Day 4 - Wayra to Colpa Lodge - 8 km | 130m
After a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, we left the high-altitude plains behind, following the Salkantay River as it weaved its way into lush cloud forest. The trail was a gentle descent, a welcome change after yesterday’s climb, and every step brought new sights - waterfalls, orchids, and bursts of vibrant butterflies.
Halfway down, the warm air began to rise from the edge of the jungle and the vegetation turned a deep green. It felt like entering another world, so different from the rugged highlands. Arriving at Colpa Lodge was a reward in itself. Perched on a hill where three rivers meet, with an outdoor jacuzzi and the best Pachamanca lunch (cooked underground with hot stones)
This is what hiking dreams are made of - incredible scenery, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences around every bend.
Day 6 - Luca Lodge to Train station 11km | 750m
From Lucma Lodge we embarked on a climb through the cloud forest up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps. A lush tree line created green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggested that the river was nearby. Upon arrival at the Llactapata Pass we got our first view of Machu Picchu, a sight few travelers get the chance to admire.
The final descent along a trail that zigzagged down to the roaring Aobamba River, we walked through lush bamboo forests, varied fruit orchards, and more coffee plantations. We celebrated our final steps of the trek as we crossed the bridge over the river to the Hidroelectrica train station.
From here we embarked on a one-hour scenic train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu.
Day 7 - Machu Pichu
As previously mentioned, the only way you can enter Machu Pichu on foot is via the Inka Trail. This morning we took an uphill bus ride to the ‘sanctuary’ and were awed by the imposing, skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others.
After a two-hour guided tour, we had some free time to explore on our own. We did the climb up Huayna Picchu, the peak that forms the backdrop for all photos of Machu Picchu. The number of people allowed to climb per day is limited so your tickets need to be purchased well in advance of your visit.
After the visit we had lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approx 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to our hotel in Cusco (approx 1.5 hours).
Info to help you pack!
Hiking gear - weather varies greatly and packing layers is key! The sun is hot, but the shade and wind are very cold! During the Salkantay Pass day I think we changed a dozen times to be comfortable. I had an outfit of tights and a wool t-shirt for each day and added a long sleeved wool shirt, mid layer, puffy jacket, rain jacket, hiking pants to go over tights, hat, gloves and buff. I did wish I would have packed a vest. You cannot wear your hiking shoes inside the lodges so you may want to pack a slipper as the floors are cold.
Water from the tap isn’t safe to drink and it’s even recommended to use bottled water for brushing your teeth. I purchased a lifestraw, but it really isn’t required. There is bottled water everywhere.
Cash on hand - the tips for the workers at the lodges are included in the cost of your trip. You will however need to tip your guides, person guiding your emergeny horses, sherpas carrying water/food through the Inca Trail where horses aren’t allowed and your porters in Aquas Calientes. You will want cash for this as well as shopping at markets. Most places do not take credit cards and ATM’s charge a fee to take $$ out.