Machu Picchu Lodge Ride

Introduction
Cusco Peru
For those of you looking for a more luxurious way to follow the Inca's trail, this is the trip for you! By day we ride through the majestic Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular mountain range in the heartland of the Andes that cradles the legendary site of Machu Picchu. By night we stay very comfortably in beautiful boutique luxury lodges, each positioned a day’s ride apart.

Rediscover an historic old Inca route on high quality trekking horses, cantering through undulating open vistas, climbing rugged and steep mountain trails and meandering beside raging rivers. This adventure allows you to experience the country of Peru at its finest and  in comforts like never before, enjoying the service and accommodation of the region's top quality mountain lodges located in remote and pristine areas before finally reaching Machu Picchu - the crown jewel - as a final destination.

In this journey you will ride from 3,900m to 2,100m, traversing magnificent mountain passes, being inspired by enormous and mystical snow-capped peaks like the Salkantay, seeing nature in its purest and exploring several different eco-systems from start to end. Moreover the chances for ethnic and cultural exchange are ever-present, with local natives along the way who will still remain closely attached to their heritage and are very willing to share it with your open minds.

The luxury mountain lodges feature gourmet Peruvian cuisine, outdoor Jacuzzis, comfy beds with down duvets and cozy lounges with fireplaces.

The finest imported Quarter horses from top farms in Uruguay are the foundation stock for the herd we select our trekking mounts from. The breeding program has introduced Arabian bloodlines that bring passion and loyalty to the steeds, and the training programs have refined the horses to produce unparalleled riding partners, specially suited to the high mountain terrain of the Andes.
 
Those in search of a true once-in-a-lifetime experience can chose to ride with us to make their pilgrimage to Machu Picchu in style, comfort and sure-footed horses as confident companions.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent in different locations.

Description
The accommodation is either in our lodges or in 4 and 5 star hotels. There is access to laundry services at any point of this trip for an extra fee.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1:  Casa Andina Premium Collection in Cusco
Night 2 and 3: Salkantay Lodge (at 3,869 m/12,690 ft)
Night 4: Wayra Lodge (at 3,906 m/12,812 ft)
Night 5: Colpa Lodge (at 2,870 m/9,414 ft)
Night 6: Lucma Lodge (at 2,135 m/7,033 ft)
Night 7: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes (at 1,900 m/6,232 ft)

Casa Andina Premium Collection in Cusco


This charming hotel is ideally located in the heart of Cusco. It offers 93 comfortable and elegantly decorated rooms, each equipped with a safety box, heating, coffee kit, TV, free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom with hairdryer. Check-in starts at noon.

Salkantay Lodge (at 3,869 m/12,690 ft)


The Salkantay Lodge has 12 private double or twin rooms with private bathrooms (hot and cold water). This lodge welcomes you with a hot tub, reading room, and incomparable views of Salkantay, the region’s highest peak.

Wayra Lodge (at 3,906 m/12,812 ft)


In a windswept valley, this lodge has a small hot tub in an inner courtyard. The lodge offers 6 comfortable bedrooms, with private bathrooms and gas heating. There is also a bar and dining room.

Colpa Lodge (at 2,870 m/9,414 ft)


Colpa Lodge rests near a cloud forest, in the Colpapampa Valley, near hot springs and the confluence of three rivers. Half of the 6 rooms have views and all have heating and private bathrooms.

Lucma Lodge (at 2,135 m/7,033 ft)


Lucma Lodge is located in Lucmabamba, near coffee plantations. Savor spectacular views from this lodge built right into the mountainside and flanked by an avocado orchard. The lodge has 6 comfortable rooms with private bathrooms.

Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes (at 1,900 m/6,232 ft)


This accommodation is built as an Andean village featuring colonial-style architecture and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas. It is a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World and is surrounded by a beautiful rainforest populated with many birds. The rooms are decorated with local tapestries and feature free satellite internet access, a TV, a safety box and a private bathroom.

Note: At check-in at the 1st mountain lodge (Salkantay), you will be asked to open a voucher on your credit card for potential extras during the trip like alcoholic beverages, clothing/souvenirs and others. At the 4th lodge (Lucma Lodge) you will need to settle your bill and can do so by charging the credit card previously presented or by paying in cash. If paying in cash, please take note that we only accept US$ 5, US$ 10, US$ 20, and US$ 50 dollar bills. We do not accept US$ 1, US$ 100 or coins. We also accept Peruvian currency. If paying with a credit card, please note you will not be able to present a new credit card when settling the bill.

Communication
We offer satellite-based communications at all 4 lodges along the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu. Due to the satellite-based nature of the system, signal reception may not be guaranteed in cases of continuous or extreme bad weather conditions. These phones work on phone cards which can be purchased at the lodges. As a reference, a US$10 phone card provides 10 minutes to the US/Canada and 5 minutes to Europe.
We also provides rural Wi-Fi internet service at all 4 lodges. However, as a sign of respect and courtesy to other guests, we kindly ask that the use of the internet service is limited to use within the guest rooms and is prohibited in the common areas of each lodge.

Terms & Conditions of Internet Use
• If you decide to bring your own laptop the rate is US$12.00 per day, at each lodge, for unlimited Internet access. A username and password will be provided to you when the service is requested. A “public” laptop is available at each lodge for the guests to use for a flat fee of US$6.00 per session. Each session has a maximum duration of 45 minutes per guest.
• Payment of the services will be charged to your credit card at the end of the ride.
• Please keep in mind that good internet reception is not guaranteed due to the satellite-based nature of the system.
Continuous and/or extreme bad weather conditions might negatively affect the internet signal.

Massage Services  
We offer professional massage services at the Salkantay Lodge from March-December, as well as at the Wayra, Colpa and Lucma lodges—subject to availability, please inquire prior to departure. The cost for a massage service is ~$85 per 50 minute session.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.



Meals
While on the trip we include all meals except dinners in Cusco. Meals at the lodges are designed to be light, because of the effect high altitude has on the digestion, and to contain the necessary nutrition for guests riding at high altitude.

Alcoholic drinks are not included, and guests are asked not to bring any bottle with them on this trip.

Dietary Restrictions
Please inform us at the time of booking of any dietary requirements. If any requirements should arise between the time of booking and the trip beginning, for instance, due to a change in health circumstances, ie, diagnosis of diabetes, please inform us as soon as possible and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Riding

Riding Experience
Intermediate to advanced. Beginners are welcome as we have different type of horses and direct assistance from a horseman available for them, however we recommend taking at least 6 hours of riding lessons prior to arriving in Peru. We keep groups small, carefully match horses to riders, see that people of similar skills ride together, and train ride leaders carefully.
In case we have riders of different skill level, we usually divide the group into 2 in order to accommodate everyone.

Horses
We have bred a number of our own Quarter Horses, which are specially exercised and trained for this trip, so they are highly aware and accustomed to the local terrain, wildlife and to performing at high altitude, making them a very secure ride. They combine responsiveness, energy, bravery and manners to produce the perfect trail horse. All horses are picked from a pre-selected pool especially for each trip, according to their level of fitness at the time.
For extra precautions, horses are fitted with boots or bandages to protect their extremities. Our horses are trained Western so they are used to neck reining and going on a loose rein.

Tack
We mostly use American endurance saddles (similar to Western-type;  synthetic) but there are English-type saddles (Uruguayan Endurance Saddles) available for those who prefer them. We are very careful in checking that the saddles fit each horse well and we constantly ensure that the tack and shoeing are in excellent condition.

Pace
The ride consists of 5 days (2 days optional) of moderate to strenuous riding (and optional walking on day 6). We cover about 60 km total.

Terrain
The ride crosses nine different eco zones in seven days, with the possibility of changing weather conditions. We ride at elevations of 2,000m-4,600m (6,600-15,000ft) on diverse types of trails ranging from flat and grassy to steep and rocky slopes.

Altitude
Altitude sickness is most common at elevations above 6,500’/1,900m and results from the body adjusting to a decreased amount of oxygen. To combat this, we recommend spending a few nights in Cusco prior to the start of your program. In addition, it is always important to drink plenty of water. Filtered and purified water is available at our lodges and carried by trek support at all times. In case of extreme altitude sickness, both oxygen and hyperbaric chambers are available as needed.

Age Limits
The recommended minimum age of participants is 12 years old. However, we may consider exceptions depending on experience and physical condition.

Helmets & Insurance
We strongly recommend the use of helmets on this ride. They are available for loan at no additional cost.
We kindly request that every guest presents valid proof of insurance coverage as a minimum for Medical Emergency Treatment and Evacuation. Make sure that the insurance policy includes Adventure Travel Activities or similar coverage.

Guides
Depending on group size, 1main guide or one main and one assistant guide you for the duration of the itinerary.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

NOTE: If you have more time and wish to discover the Sacred Valley before or after your tour, we suggest looking at our Sacred Valley Explorer or our Andean Villages Ride.

Day 1: Arrival
When arriving in Cusco, check into you accommodation. Usually we have a 'Briefing' around 7 PM with your tour leader at a local restaurant. During this briefing, you will meet with the group and the guide and be given the detailed itinerary and any last-minute changes. At that time, we will also re-confirm any specific dietary and medical information of the participants and answer frequently asked questions. Then, we will proceed to a participant gear & equipment verification.
Meals included: None
Overnight at Boutique 'Casa Andina Premium Collection' or similar hotel

Day 2: Cusco to Salkantay Lodge
After an early breakfast, guests will be picked up starting at 7:00 am at the hotel in Cusco by the guide and transfer by vehicle in direction to the Salkantay Lodge in Soraypampa. The first stop is a visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata. Enjoy lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village, where you will also have the opportunity to learn about local agriculture and livestock.
After lunch, you will take a scenic ride to Coronilla Ranch to meet and get to know your horse and start a 4-hours ride to the Salkantay Lodge in the high plain of Soraypampa.
Riding Hours: Approx. 4 hours (including picnic lunch en route)
Type of Terrain: Open roads, some steep ascending trails
Pace: Walk, trot, canter, gallop on open roads
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Salkantay Lodge
Non-riders will be transferred directly to the Lodge.

Day 3: Ride to Humantay Lake and the Chakana
Today’s excursion takes us first to Humantay Lake, fed by glaciers far above on the slopes of the  impressive Mt. Humantay. Our 1-hour ride there is followed by a short 20-minute walk, which is  necessary in order to reach the lake, but the view is well worth it and those brave enough can go for a swim! After a short snack break we hike back down to where we left the horses, and from where we begin a 30-minute ride to our next dismount spot: the gateway to the “Chakana” (the mystical Cross of the Incas, located on a view point high above Soraypampa). From here, we begin a one-hour excursion on foot to our destination, the actual “Chakana”. This excursion allows guests to enjoy the best views of the Soraypampa Valley, Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Humantay, and is truly one of the high points of our journey which should not be missed! A mystical offering to Mother Earth (or “Pachamama”) at the Chakana, performed by a local Shaman, in full view of the awe-inspiring Mt. Salkantay, tops off this unique experience.
We return to the lodge for lunch with your afternoon at leisure, after which you may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor jacuzzi. Additionally there is the option of riding out again for a couple of hours in the surrounding area. In the evening, the guide briefs us on gear and the itinerary for the following day.
Riding hours: Approx. 4 hours 
Type of Terrain: Open roads, some steep ascending trails and open fields
Pace: Walk, trot, canter on open roads
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Salkantay Lodge
Non-rider activity: Hike to Humantay Lake

Day 4: Crossing the Salkantay Pass
Today we continue our journey towards Machu Picchu, riding up the Rio Blanco valley and circling  Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. The highest point of the ride is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638 meters (15,213 ft). At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, with 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 the Wayra Lodge, (“Wayra”: wind; from the name of the location “Wayracmachay”: ‘the cave where the wind lives’) our destination for the evening.
Riding Hours: Approx. 4 hours (including hot lunch en route)
Pace: Walk, trot on mostly steep trails, some open slopes
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wayra Lodge
Non-rider activity: transfer to Ollantaytambo or Cusco or hiking along the trail

Day 5: Descending into the Cloud Forest
On this day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, and then we continue downhill above the Salkantay River, descending into the cloud forest, 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, a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meat and vegetables with hot stones. Everything is then covered with hot stones, plantain leaves, high Andean grass and local herbs and the contents are baked in this underground oven.
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.     
Riding hours: Approx. 3 hours
Pace: Walk, trot on narrow trails
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Colpa Lodge
Non-rider activity: Free day in Ollantaytambo or hiking along the trail

Day 6: Following the Santa Teresa River Valley 
Today we ride along the Santa Teresa river valley, through more populated rural areas. We pass through banana, passion fruit, avocado orchards and coffee plantations. The coffee grown here is said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world. Our ride takes us to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail”, which is where we say goodbye to our horses and equestrian staff. A short 30-minute walk through an avocado orchard brings us to Lucma Lodge.  
Riding Hours: Approx. 4 hours
Pace: Walk, trot and canter on steep trails and some open roads
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lucma Lodge
Non-rider activity: Transfer by train and vehicle to Lucma Lodge, hiking along trail, or Canopy Zip Line Tour 

Day 7: First Views of Machu Picchu from Llactapata Pass
After a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. At this point, we will say goodbye to our beautiful horses and get ready for a 3 hour-hike 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 at a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu. After which we begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations.  We then board a train for a scenic ride (approx. 1 hour) to Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we check into an award-wining hotel for a celebration dinner with our guide and one last briefing!
Note - Those who prefer not to hike can go to the train station by van after a leisurely morning including breakfast and lunch at the lodge. They will meet the rest of the group at the train station for the ride to Aguas Calientes together. (The guide confirms your preferences the night before.) 
Hiking Hours: 4-6 hours (Moderate to challenging)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 8: Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary
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 an introductory 2 hour guided tour of the ruins, after which we have the option of climbing the steep staircase of Huayna Picchu, a steep and vertically quite challenging hike that takes about 2 hours which affords great views of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, we meet up with our guide again and return by bus to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and to catch our train. The ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes about 1½ hours, and then a private vehicle will drive us back to Cusco (an additional 1½ hour). Upon arrival in Cusco (approximately 7 or 8 p.m.), you are dropped off at your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Rates and Dates for Machu Picchu Lodge Ride

Dates Note: Additional dates can be made available throughout the year with 3+ riders on request

Other Info
Meeting: Cusco
Airport: Cusco
Transfer: Cusco

Climate:
                                                Cusco area