Mystical Peru Lodge Trek

The Salkantay trek is spread over four days with a minimum of 27 miles of moderate to strenuous hiking at elevations between 6,600 and 15,000 feet on steep, rocky trails and stone-paved Inca paths. An additional two days and 16 miles of hiking are offered in the itinerary, but these distances can either be omitted or a portion completed by vehicle. This trip is designed to allow everyone to hike at their own pace, with plenty of breaks throughout the day. 

Important Peru Hiking Information

Trekking in the High Andes takes a toll on the average person, which is why previous high-elevation hiking is recommended for this adventure. Although the level of exertion is only moderately strenuous overall, good physical fitness is required. It is a good idea to come prepared with proper elevation sickness medicine, which can be prescribed by your local doctor before your trip. This trip is not recommended for people who have a fear of heights or children under the age of 12 years.

All four mountain lodges have been designed and built in accordance with traditional building techniques, Inca architectural and mythological concepts, and respect for the surrounding environment. 

The Salkantay Lodge has 12 private double, twin, or triple rooms with private bathroom facilities, while the other lodges (Wayra, Colpa, Lucma) have 6 private double, twin, or triple rooms, all with private facilities. Salkantay, Wayra, and Colpa lodges have an outdoor hot tub. 

Every lodge guarantees an ample supply of hot water for showers and room heating ensures the temperature remains comfortable. While embracing the wonders of nature, you can still have your conveniences available to you, with each lodge offering satellite-based communications and Wi-Fi internet.

Meals

Breakfast is provided at each lodge on the morning of days 2-7. Lunch varies. You’ll carry a provided lunch bag on day 1, while a picnic lunch on days 3, 5, and 6 will be prepared fresh, en route, by the cooks and may include hot soup, gourmet sandwiches, and salad. The other days, lunch is provided at the lodge. Additionally, each day you will be handed a “snack-pack” to carry in your day pack with dried fruits, peanuts, chocolates, and fresh fruits. Dinners are prepared for you at each lodge.

We need to know as soon as possible about any dietary restrictions we must consider in planning your trip. If you have food allergies or necessary restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Peruvian Cuisine

Peru is known worldwide for its unique and varied cuisine. You will be able to experience a great variety of regional foods during your adventure. Peru’s variety in cuisines is based on the ancient cultural traditions of the Incas and their predecessors, the diversity of its ecosystems, and the more recent influence of European and Asian culinary traditions. In the markets, you will discover a great festival of colors, aromas, and flavors.

The mountainous region is noted for a great variety of corn dishes. There are also countless offerings of potatoes due to Peru‘s vast variety of the tuber. Researchers believe that Peru is host to over 4,000 varieties of potatoes. Other flavorful offerings of this region include alpaca and guinea pig seasoned with Andean products such as chili peppers, goosefoot, black mint, or pampa savory. Regardless of where you are—urban or rural—you will be delighted by the incredible variety of traditional foods served.

Airport Transfers

For arrival or departure in Cusco, transport can be arranged to and from your hotel (pricing varies based on the number of passengers)

Horseback Rides/Support 

Day 2: 

• 4–5 hour guided horseback/trekking combination allows you to enjoy the best views of the Soraypampa Valley, Mt. Salkantay, Mt. Humantay, and Humantay glacier lake. A mystical offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) at the Chakana (Inca Cross) performed by a local Shaman, in view of the awe-inspiring Apu Salkantay (“Apu” or mountain god), tops off this unique experience.
• 2–3 hour guided rides around the valley. Itineraries vary depending on the guests’ riding experience.

Day 3: You may choose to trade the hike up to Salkantay Pass for a horseback ride (entirely or partly).

Massage

May be available at each lodge. Advance notice of your interest increases the likelihood of this service being available.

Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

These popular side hikes can be done with the advance purchase of a ticket. Each hike will take you away from the included guided tour of the sanctuary.

• Ticket to hike Huayna Picchu: $100 per person (includes a guide)
• Ticket to hike Machu Picchu Mountain: $72 per person

Extra Day at Machu Picchu

Although you have enough time to see the core of Machu Picchu Sanctuary during the regular guided tour, many of our guests opt to stay longer since there is so much to explore.

Optional 1-day Machu Picchu Extension: $395 per person based on double occupancy; $540 based on single occupancy

The Cusco area has two defined seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season starts in November and ends in March. During this period, it rains almost every day for three or four hours, but there are sunny days. The dry season begins around March and lasts until October. June and July are the coldest months.

Average High/Low Temperature & Rainfall for Cusco:

The Machu Picchu area has a humid climate and tends to be warmer since it is located at a lower altitude and near to the Amazon Jungle. The average temperatures at Machu Picchu are between 73°F and 77°F, with the minimum temperature around 64°F.

Average High/Low Temperature & Rainfall for Aguas Calientes:

Reservations and Deposit

An $800/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. Deposits may be made by check, money order, or Visa/Mastercard (American Express and Discover incur a 3% processing fee). Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency.

Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days before the departure date will be canceled without exception.

Cancellations and Refunds

Your deposit is fully refundable, less a 3% processing fee, for 7 days after you book when you submit a deposit 7 days or more before the final payment due date.

If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below. We regret we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.

Transfers

The terms below are only applicable to another Mystical Peru trip (payments can’t be transferred to a different OARS program). The transfer fee is due at the time the new trip date is booked. Transfers are subject to any change in the trip price and may only be applied to a trip within 12 months of the original trip date.

Canceled Trips

OARS International and the outfitter Mountain Lodges of Peru reserve the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements unless you have spoken to your Adventure Consultant regarding the status of your trip.

If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less a 5% service fee plus any nonrefundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers, however, we can’t guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.