Ryder-Walker’s Machu Picchu Trip Recap
Our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is undoubtedly one of the most incredible journeys we offer. The adventure begins in Cusco, the historic capital city of the Incan Empire. While Lima is now the capital of Peru, Cusco once served as the vibrant heart of the entire Incan civilization, which stretched across the Andes and included what are now western Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile.
Cusco is known for it’s archaeological remains from this pre-Columbian time period as well as Spanish colonial architecture. The city is the launching point to enter the Sacred Valley towards Machu Picchu and is full of vibrant Peruvian food, music, and culture. After a day of exploring the city, the Ryder-Walker team sets off to begin our journey along the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu.
This route includes five nights in luxurious lodges, taking you through high-alpine, cloud-forest, and jungle environments. Built in 2008, these lodges offer amenities similar to a fully stocked and staffed backcountry ski hut or a 5-star bed and breakfast in the European Alps. Each lodge features hot tubs, private bathrooms, communal WiFi areas, and family-style dining tables where skilled chefs prepare gourmet meals. Our evenings in these lodges provide a relaxing and transformative experience amid the stunning backdrop of the Peruvian Andes.
After six days of trekking beneath some of Peru’s largest glaciers and spotting as many orchids as possible, we reach Aguas Calientes. Nestled at the base of Machu Picchu along the river, Aguas Calientes welcomes travelers from around the world. Here, we settle into our bungalows at the Inkaterra Hotel, preparing for an early morning entrance to Machu Picchu. This iconic citadel, a symbol of the Incan Empire, sits atop a mountain ridge at 8,000 feet, showcasing stunning stone wall architecture. Recognized as one of the ‘7 Wonders of the World,’ Machu Picchu attracts countless visitors year-round. After exploring the citadel for two hours, the Ryder-Walker team has the chance to hike up Huayna Picchu, the mountain adjacent to Machu Picchu, by ascending an ancient Incan staircase for an hour to reach the summit—offering breathtaking views!
This trip and trek along the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu is an adventure to remember and unparalleled anywhere in the South American Andes. We hope you can join us as we return to this magical place every year. Give us a call to reserve your dates or book your own, private trek. We look forward to sharing this incredible trip with all of you!
Written by Ryder-Walker Senior Head Guide Dave Nesis.
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