(Day 5 of the Inca Trail Trek, but Day 1 of the MLP Trek.)
Day 5 (1 MLP): Cuzco to Soraypampa (12,500 ft.) Departure this morning in the direction to the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (SLAR) in Soraypampa. 
You will make a short visit at the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo. You then pass through the mountain village Mollepata where you stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa (30 minutes from Mollepata by vehicle). Here you will begin the trek to Soraypampa on an old route called the 'Camino Real' (Royal Road). This is a good opportunity to acclimate and enjoy a mild and beautiful four-hour trek on their first day. (Hiking level: moderate). (Optional: guests who do not wish to trek may be transported to the lodge in the vehicle).
The SLAR takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley - the 'Salkantay', the second most sacred peak in 
Inca Mythology, and at 20,600 ft., the highest in the region. After a warm welcome by the friendly staff, you will be shown to your rooms and have time to wash up. The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude. An evening briefing by the fireplace is followed by aperitifs and dinner. (Boxed L, D)
Day 6 (2 MLP): Soraypampa The day is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending upon guests' level of acclimatization. The most popular activity at Soraypampa is a half-day hike (3-4 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging) to a glacial lake where the more adventurous might take a very short swim!
This activity is excellent for acclimatization and a first immersion into high-mountain trekking.
In the afternoon, you may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi. In the evening, the guide will brief you on gear and the itinerary for the next four days. (B, L, D)
Day7 (3 MLP): Soraypampa to Huayraccmachay (12,600 ft). This is the big day: the start of the four-day trek to Machu Picchu. After an early start you will hike up the Rio Blanco Valley, circling Humantay Peak across from the Salkantay. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 15,000 ft. At the pass you stop to take in views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, with the south face of Salkantay towering above you. Keep your eyes open for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From this pass you continue the descent toward the Wayra Lodge ('Wayra': wind; 'the place where the wind lives'), the destination for the evening. A hot lunch is served en route, with dinner and overnight at the lodge. (Hiking time: 4-6 hours. Total excursion time for day: 5-7 hours. Hiking level: challenging with a 15,000 ft. mountain pass). (B, L, D)
Day 8 (4 MLP): Huayraccmachay to Collapapampa (9,200 ft.) Following the long first day you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge. You then begin your trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. Upon arrival at the next lodge you will encounter a "Pachamanca"-style lunch (traditional underground stone cooking).
The Colpa Lodge is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor hot tub in this lodge has prominent views of lush green mountains and a small, far away, local town. Lunch, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
(Hiking time: 3-4 hours. Hiking level: easy to moderate). (B, L, D)
Day 9 (5 MLP): Collapapampa to Lucmabamba (6,900 ft.) After an early breakfast you head down the Santa Teresa River Valley through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffee in the world!), bananas, 'granadillas', and orchards. You will stop along the river for a hot picnic lunch. After another hour of trekking a private vehicle arrives to take you to the beginning of the
'Llactapata Inca Trail' (30-minute drive). From the head of the trail it is a short climb (30 minutes) to the Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. You arrive in time to explore the small village of Lucmabamba and possibly meet with members of the local community. Overnight at the Lucma Lodge. (Hiking time: 5-6 hours. Total excursion time for day: 6-8 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging, basically due to the distance.) (B, L, D)
Day 10 (6 MLP): Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes (6,200 ft.) After an early start and a hearty breakfast, you tackle the last day of the trek. You head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata pass (8,900 ft.), 
where you come upon a distant, but quite special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few tourists ever glimpse; an added attraction are the Llactapata Ruins, which have been recently restored. Lunch is provided at the observatory, in view of Machu Picchu. You then begin the final descent to the Aobamba (Urubamba) River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations (2-3 hour descent). Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are a short (30 minutes), scenic train ride away. Overnight in Aguas Calientes at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. (Hiking time: 4-6 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging). (B, L, D)
Day 11 (7 MLP): Machu Picchu to Cuzco (12,300 ft.) You wake up early to have breakfast at the hotel and then make the way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu (30 minutes). A complete guided tour of Machu Picchu will be provided (2 hours). You will have about 4 additional hours to explore the site on your own (there is a lot to do and see). Afterwards, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and to go to the train station for the afternoon departure. The train takes you to Ollantaitambo (1½ hrs), where a private vehicle awaits to take you to Cuzco (1½ hrs). Upon arrival in Cuzco (approximately 7-8 p.m.) you will be dropped off at your selected hotel. (B)
