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 Hotel Monasterio and the Inkaterra Machu Picchu 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!

Classic Hotels and Enchanting Refugios: Premiere Inns

Hotel Monasterio (1 night): The Colonial-style San Antonio Abad seminary, built in 1592, is now an elegant hotel featured 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 Pueblo Hotel (2 nights): With a pool, stunning gardens and beautifully decorated adobe cabanas, 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  3 Route Options Available
• Walking 2.5, 4.3, 5 miles (2-3 hours)
• 0 - 500 feet elevation gain

Day 2

• Levels 1 to 3  2 Route Options Available
• Hiking 3.2, 7.4 miles
• 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain

Day 3

• Level 2 1 Route Option Available
• Walking 3.7 miles
• 1500 feet elevation gain/loss
• Optional Activities

Day 4

• Level 4 1 Route Option Available
• Hiking 7.4 miles (4-6 hours)
• 2500 feet elevation gain/loss 

Day 5

• Level 2 1 Route Option Available
• Hiking 5.5 miles (4-5 hours)
• 3500 feet elevation loss

Day 6

• Level 4 to 5  2 Route Options Available
• Hiking 8, 10.9 miles (6+ hours)
• 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain, 2500 - 3000 feet elevation loss

Day 7

• Level 3 1 Route Option Available
• Hiking 6.8 miles (4-6 hours)
• 2100 feet elevation gain, 3300 feet elevation loss

Day 8

• Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
• 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. Due to the high elevations and rugged terrain, the routes often feel more challenging than the mileage suggests.

Routes 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	Biking Average	Walking Average
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

2010 DATES

CLASSIC TRIPS

• 4/10-18Price: $5498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 5/7-15Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 6/9-17Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 8/15-23Price: $5098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 9/25-10/3Price: $5198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 10/29-11/6Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)

2011 DATES

CLASSIC TRIPS

• 4/7-15Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 5/7-15Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 6/9-17Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 8/13-21Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 9/9-17Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 10/6-14Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 11/10-18Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)
• 12/22-30Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1420 for sgl. occ.)

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.

Kellie Vander Veur - 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.

Michelle Barbour - Berkeley, CA

I went on this trip with extremely high expectations and without exception, all were exceeded. A truly marvelous experience. Thank you.

Christy Murchison - Houston, TX

An absolutely beautiful trip. I haven't processed everything that happened and everything I've seen but I'm sure it will stay with me for a very long time. I continue to love Backroads trips and am sure I will be taking another within the year. Thank you for everything you do.

Karen Volarich - Boynton Beach, FL

Overall, the trip was one of our best ever. Challenging but rewarding.

Helen Kolodziejzyk - Calgary, AB

An amazing experience. A valuable mix of culture and nature and physical.

Greg Kolodziejzyk - Calgary, AB