As the epicenter of the Spanish subjugation of the Western Hemisphere, Peru still bears the scars and aftershocks of conquest (Jared Diamond’s influential Guns, Germs, and Steel tells the story well and insightfully). That may seem an odd way to invite you to visit it, but the fact is that this unvaryingly welcoming country tugs at the heart like few other places.

All of Peru’s charms, scenic and human, are on display on this less-than-two-week hiking and touring trip centered around a series of magnificently sited lodges: Salcantay, Wayra, Colpa, and Lucma. Beautifully built, sumptuous (private rooms graced with grand views; hot showers; great food), they look like they were airlifted from one of Vail’s better neighborhoods. We begin in Lima and fly to Cusco, where we will spend a few days exploring the ancient Incan capital and making a side trip to the famous Pisac market in the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River. For the next five days we’ll trek from lodge to lodge in the Inca Highlands, getting to know its people and soaking up top-flight Andean landscapes. We end with a short train ride to Machu Picchu (see our trip to Pablo Neruda’s “rock that abides”, Machu Picchu and the Urubamba), where we spend two nights in order to enjoy the ruins at a relaxed pace. We leave there with our hearts full, our eyes open, and our memory banks well stocked.

Why GeoEx?
This lodge-to-lodge route to Machu Picchu makes for an excellent privately outfitted trekking adventure for small groups. If you are a family or group of families, the trek makes a great setting for a reunion and a unique way to celebrate an important anniversary, birthday, or graduation. For business colleagues, a privately outfitted trek makes for a luxurious but challenging trip, ideal for building group cohesiveness or celebrating the successful end to a project or financial quarter. Your group will be met upon arrival in Cusco by one of our star local guides, an expert trip leader who will travel with you during the trek and until you depart for home. Many companies offer this trek, but only GeoEx can deliver the high level of service and attention to detail that private groups deserve.

Day 1: arrive in Lima • Day 2: morning flight to Cusco, Hotel Monasterio • Day 3: visit Pisac market, overnight in Cusco • Day 4: drive to first luxury lodge; short day hike in area • Day 5: day hike or relax at lodge • Days 6–8: trekking, with overnights at luxury lodges • Day 9: arrive in Machu Picchu • Day 10: full-day exploration of Machu Picchu • Day: 11 return to Cusco Day • 12: fly to Lima, tour city, depart.

Peru Extensions is available for this trip

• Currency Information
• General Description
• Health Precautions
• Reading List
• Travel Conditions
• Visa Information
• Weather Information

• More Peru Trips
• More Touring Trips