Peru In Style Lodge Alternative

17 days, Guided, Minimum 2 People, Seasonal bi-monthly Departures

Finally you can now trek to Machu Picchu in real style on this non-camping itinerary using luxurious eco-lodges built deep into the heart of the Andes. Trek from lodge to lodge along the magnificent Salkantay Trail discovering the history of the Incas and the majestic beauty of nature. With breathtaking views around every corner this is a fabulous way to reach Machu Picchu avoiding the crowds of the Inca Trail and experiencing genuine ethnic communities en route. Following a similar itinerary to our Peru In Style Camping trip you will enjoy several days in Cuzco visiting the numerous ruins and soaking up the exciting atmosphere of this amazing Inca city before travelling to the Sacred Valley where you will be based in an exclusive rustic lodge with access to a variety of activities including walking, horse-riding, tennis, spa treatments and even paragliding!

From here you embark on your trek to Machu Picchu, following a route which runs parallel to the famous Inca Trail and leads you deep into the heart of the Vilcabamba Mountains through ethnic communities still engaged in age-old traditions. The might Salkantay peak, at 6271 metres, dominates your trek, surrounded by stunning glacial scenery, turquoise lakes and green valleys in which condors soar. After your visit of the famous Inca site you return to Cuzco and take the famous train over the altiplano to Lake Titicaca where a fast boat brings you to Taquile Island, famous for a culture and lifestyle unchanged over the centuries.

Using stylish accommodation throughout this is Peruvian mountain adventure at its finest!

Days 1 to 3. Outbound to Cuzco

Fly to Lima and overnight before continuing on to Cuzco for private tours of the city itself and surrounding Inca sites. Enjoy a leisurely few days here, gently acclimatising to 3300 metres at your colonial, first class hotel.

Days 4 and 5. Sacred Valley

Travel out to the wonders of the Sacred Valley, the pre-eminent cultural and adventure destination in South America and home to a huge number of sites. The valley is situated within a dramatic setting of mountains and meadows. From your enchanting resort you can follow in the footsteps of the Incas trekking high into the mountains, bike to ancient salt pans, raft down the Urubamba river or witness the dazzling variety of birdlife.

Days 6 to 10. Luxury Lodge Trekking on the Salkantay Trail

Embark on your 6 day guided trail with full porter support. You will be walking for six to seven hours a day, including time to explore the sites you pass through. The first two nights are spent in the same lodge allowing you to acclimatise further with a memorable day walk to a stunning glacial lagoon right at the foot of mystical Salkantay, the second most important Inca peak. Continue along the trail high into the mountains, through 9 different bio-zones and over a high pass of 4600 metres. The eco-lodges en route have all been built with the utmost thought for the environment and provide a welcome source of employment for local people. They enjoy spectacular sites with breathtaking views from the dining areas where you can enjoy sumptuous cuisine in comfort. An incredible achievement in such remote spots. At night you have only the shining spires surrounding you and the peace is tremendous.

Days 11 and 12. Machu Picchu

Descend on the last day of your trek, with views to Machu Picchu, and take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes, the base town for the Inca site. After an overnight here you are up early, ahead of the crowds, and have a full day to enjoy a guided tour of this incredible city. Return to Cuzco by train.

Days 13 and 14. Lake Titicaca

From your first class train carriage you will view the breathtaking landscapes of the altiplano on your journey from Cuzco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Here you will take a day trip using the fast boat to Taquile Island one of the most idiosyncratic and beautiful spots in Peru and known for the sophistication and high quality of its weaving and the various archaeological sites from the Tiahuanaco period.

Days 15 to 17. Lima and Homeward

Return to Lima with the option of taking a city tour to the main sights of this historical city and fly back to the UK.