Peru Hiking
Join Backroads on this fully supported lodge-to-lodge trek to one of the ancient world’s most extraordinary sanctuaries: Machu Picchu. From Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire, follow a little-known route through the Vilcabamba range, a spellbinding region of misty foothills blanketed in lush greenery and high Andes peaks cloaked in white. Cross a mountain pass at nearly 15,000 feet, marvel at hidden ruins and visit isolated communities where traditions of pre-Columbian cultures still thrive. Experience the acclaimed Monasterio del Cusco and the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, as well as four stylish trekking lodges, each offering a full bar, hot tub and views of ice-mantled peaks or subtropical hillsides. Spend evenings unwinding by the fireplace, stargazing and enjoying a wealth of creature comforts. It's a high-altitude adventure you won’t want to miss!
Day 1 Cusco
Meet in Cusco 
After a gourmet Backroads picnic, hike to the Inca sites of Q’enko, the Temple of the Moon and the fortress-temple Sacsayhuamàn.
Days 2-3 Soraypampa
Shuttle to the Soraypampa Valley and enjoy the spectacular scenery at our first mountain lodge Getting acclimated doesn’t mean getting bored: enjoy a short hike or relax at the hotel Savor aperitifs by the fireside.
Day 4 Huayraccmachay
Begin the trek by hiking along a rediscovered Inca route up the Río Blanco Valley, circling Humantay Peak Stop at a 15,000-foot pass (the trek’s highest point) for superb views of the snow-covered Vilcabamba Range Keep an eye out for Andean condors, often visible in the area.
Day 5 Collpapampa
Hike downhill above the Salkantay River amid a lush subtropical landscape At day’s end, treat yourself to a well-deserved soak in the lodge's hot tub.
Day 6 Lucmabamba
Trek down the Santa Teresa River Valley through a patchwork of orchards and coffee plantations Visit a traditional village and meet members of the community.
Days 7-9 Aguas Calientes
Descend through bamboo forests to the Vilcanota River before taking a train to Aguas Calientes Arrive at magical Machu Picchu, where you have an entire day to explore - hike to the Gate of the Sun or climb the stairs of Huayna Picchu for an impressive view of the citadel Our local guide reveals secrets of the Lost City’s astrological designs A morning train and bus ride returns you to Cusco.
Classic Hotels and Enchanting Refugios: Premiere Inns
Hotel Monasterio del Cusco (1 night): The Colonial-style San Antonio Abad seminary, built in 1592, is now an elegant member of Leading Hotels of the World and listed on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List.
Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (2 nights): Located at 11,800 feet, this luxury lodge welcomes you with a hot tub, reading room, trout fishing, horseback riding and incomparable views of Salkantay, the region’s highest peak.
Wayra Lodge (1 night): Overnight at "the place where the wind lives" and enjoy a hot tub soak at 12,000 feet.
Colpa Lodge (1 night): This lodge rests in a cloud forest at 10,300 feet in the Collpapampa Valley, near hot springs and the confluence of three rivers.
Lucma Lodge (1 night): Savor spectacular views from this lodge, built right into the mountainside and flanked by an avocado orchard.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel (2 nights): With a pool, stunning gardens and beautifully decorated adobe cabañas, this 100-percent carbon neutral hotel is both environmentally friendly and the perfect base for our Machu Picchu visit.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 3.7 , 4.3 miles (2-3 hours)
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Optional Activities
Day 3
- Optional Activities
Day 4
- Level 4 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 8 miles (4-6 hours)
- 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 3 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3.5 miles (3-4 hours)
- 1700 feet elevation loss
Day 6
- Level 4 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 6.2 miles (4-6 hours)
- 3700 feet elevation loss
Day 7
- Level 4 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 5.6 miles (4-6 hours)
- 1500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Avaialbe
- Hiking 2.2, 3.7, 5 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Day 9
- Conclusion of trip
Overnight trekking lodges are located at elevations of 6,600 feet to 11,800 feet. Trekking routes reach 15,000 feet at highest point.
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 4/6-14Price: $5198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/10-18Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/26-8/3Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/24-9/1Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/5-13Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/26-10/4Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/24-11/1Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 4/20-28Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/12-20Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/9-17Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/13-21Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/25-8/2Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/11-19Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/4-12Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/25-10/3Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/23-31Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1180 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
My best vacation ever. And I travel a lot! This was my third Backroads trip. It was a fantastic experience, just like my previous trips. Our guides were fantastic, as always. Can't wait for our next trip.- Holladay, UT
This was the best vacation I've taken in a long, long time. Everything was perfect - Peru, the trek and the lodges. I am definitely having re-entry problems at home after such a fantastic time.- Berkeley, CA