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The Trip

Craving the challenge of a Machu Picchu trek, but aren't keen on sleeping in a tent? At last, there is a more comfortable alternative! We will hike between four small new eco-lodges on a less-visited alternative to the overcrowded Inca Trail. Hot showers, delicious meals, and comfortable beds will seem like the ultimate indulgence after high-altitude hiking days.

After meeting in the city of Cusco, we'll start with a day of touring the city and another in the nearby Sacred Valley. Then we'll transfer to our first lodge, where we'll spend another day and a half catching our breath -- literally -- as we get used to the altitude with some easy hikes.

Once acclimatized, we'll spend four days trekking through the spectacular Cordillera Vilcabamba, passing glistening, snow-capped 20,000-footers, including majestic Salcantay. Each evening will find us in cozy, eco-friendly lodges, eating gourmet dishes, soaking in the hot tub under the stars, and snuggling into down comforters. Pack animals will carry our gear.

At the end of our trek, we'll reward ourselves with a full day exploring the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco (11,000 feet) by lunchtime, gather for a group orientation meeting, then take a guided tour of the city and surrounding Inca ruins. Overnight: Cusco.

Day 2: Today, we'll take a tour of the beautiful Sacred Valley, visiting colorful Pisac market and the fascinating Olleytaytambo Inca ruins and learning about local agriculture. Overnight: Sacred Valley.

Day 3: After an early breakfast, we'll set off for our first lodge. We will be transported by van for the first part of the route, then have the option of a moderate four-hour acclimation hike on the "Camino Real" to arrive at the lodge by foot. A soak in the hot tub, under the stars and mountain tops, ends a perfect day! Overnight: lodge (12,800 feet).

Day 4: Today will be an opportunity to acclimate to elevation while staying at this gorgeous location. You'll have the option of a half-day hike to a glacial lake, exploring the grounds around the lodge or just relaxing and admiring the scenery. Overnight: same lodge.

Day 5: We will start the day early and cross the highest pass on the trek (15,000 feet) by lunchtime. Views of snow-capped mountains will surround us and we'll look for Andean Condors, circling above us. We will reach our new lodge by mid-afternoon. Hiking time: six hours, challenging. Overnight: second lodge (12,600 feet).

Day 6: Today, our hike will be mostly downhill, following high above the Salkantay River and into increasingly verdant scenery. We'll plan to arrive at the lodge by the river by lunchtime. Hiking time: four hours, easy. Overnight: third lodge (9,350 feet).

Day 7: We'll walk through the river valley all day, by coffee and banana plantations and many orchards. A van will take us for a 30-minute ride after lunch to the trailhead where we can hike to our fourth and last lodge. From here it will be a 30-minute walk uphill where we find our lodge in an avocado orchard. Hiking time: six hours, moderate. Overnight: fourth lodge (6,890 feet).

Day 8: This will be the last day of our trek. We'll hike uphill for a couple of hours to get a spectacular view of Machu Picchu in the distance and to access the Llactapata Ruins. We'll have lunch here then descend through forests of bamboo and farmland to the Aobamba River and a short train ride to Aguas Calientes. Hiking time: six hours, moderate. Overnight: Aguas Calientes.

Day 9: A day in Machu Picchu! We will get up early and get the bus up the mountain to the ruins. After a guided tour there, you will have the rest of the day free to explore on your own -- maybe hiking to the Gate of the Sun or returning to Aguas Calientes to visit the market and local baths. Overnight: Aguas Calientes.

Day 10: We will take a morning train to Ollentaytambo in the Sacred Valley where a bus will meet us. From here we'll go back to Cusco by lunchtime and a free afternoon.

Day 11: Our trip ends after breakfast. You'll have the options of flying home, staying longer in Cusco, or visiting other places in beautiful Peru.

Getting There

This trip begins and ends in Cusco. The leader will send additional information to registered participants.

Accommodations and Food

The on-trek accommodations are a highlight of this trip. While most treks in this area involve camping, we will be staying in cozy, 6-to-12-room eco-lodges -- some even come with outdoor hot tubs. There is nothing quite so indulgent as sleeping in a warm, cozy bed in a roadless area where everything must be carried in by mules. Meals at each of the lodges are prepared by a high-end chef and local kitchen staff. Accommodations in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes can be considered "upscale tourist class" (3+ to 4 stars). The food on-trek is delicious and plentiful, with vegetarian options at every meal. Meals outside of the trek will be in local restaurants, with vegetarian options available.

Trip Difficulty

Although our gear will be carried by pack animals and we will spend nights in comfortable lodges, this is a strenuous, high-altitude trek and should not be underestimated. Altitudes on the trek range from 6,200 feet to nearly 16,000 feet, and we will hike up to seven hours per day. Some days require ascents or descents of several thousand feet. You must be in excellent physical condition for this trip. Previous high-altitude hiking experience is preferred. The leader is happy to answer any questions you may have and to help you plan your pre-trip conditioning.

Equipment and Clothing

April is generally a great time to visit Peru! Weather is typically nice with cooler temperatures ranging from 35-70 degrees F. On many days Cusco is partly cloudy, but Machu Picchu is usually sunny! We must still be prepared for occasional rain. A pair of well broken-in, sturdy hiking boots is essential, as is a full set of raingear and some warm layers. The leader will send a complete packing list to registered participants and is available to answer any questions you may have about gear.

References

For photos and trip resources of the area, you can reference this website that the trip leader has put together: http://coyotetrackadventures.shutterfly.com/machupicchu

Conservation

Tourism in this area of Peru has been a mixed blessing, especially with the increase in popularity of Machu Picchu. On one hand, it accounts for much of the economy and provides jobs for many of the local people. However, it has also led to widespread exploitation of labor and the environment, including a troublesome trash disposal problem on popular trekking routes and damage to the Machu Picchu ruins. We will discuss how tourism can be used as a source for economic and community development, and the steps that some organizations are taking to promote more ecologically friendly tourism. Although the lodges we stay in have an impact on the environment, the owners have employed many innovative building and maintenance techniques that reduce their footprint. They have also gone to great lengths to hire and train local employees and to help local support staff organize for higher wages and better working conditions industry-wide.

Trip Price

This trip requires a $200 per-person deposit. An additional payment of $300 per person is due six months prior to trip departure. International trip prices are subject to change and are based on double-occupancy or group accommodations as described above. Single rooms may not be available or may cost more than the listed price. If you have any questions regarding double occupancy, please contact the trip leader.

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

The Sierra Club accurately and fairly budgets and prices our trips. However, unforeseen costs such as devaluation of the dollar compared to other currencies and fuel surcharges assessed by our international providers may necessitate adjustment in trip price. We will make every effort to mitigate and absorb these fees. If a price increase is necessary, however, you will have 14 days after announcement to cancel without penalty.

Staff

Jim Balsitis, a life member of the Sierra Club, has been leading a variety of Sierra Club outings since 1990. He loves backcountry wilderness and loves to hike and explore off-trail in the Sierra Nevada. While in the wilderness, Jim takes time to enjoy photography, wildflower and tree identification and relaxing on large granite boulders. Jim was a cartographer for more than 20 years and then changed careers to start a business in facility management.

E-mail: jim.balsitis@sierraclub.org

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback