Journeys is pleased to offer this deluxe lodge-based trek to our array of offerings featuring Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Andes. This is an alternative to the more widely known Inca Trail. The hiking is similarly challenging, and the scenery is equally breathtaking, but the comforts in the evenings are luxurious.
After two days in Cusco for acclimatizing and touring, embark on a six-day guided trek to Machu Picchu, entailing 3-8 hours of hiking per day. Venture through cloud forests and alpine tundra, cross a high pass of over 4700 meters (15,416 ft) near the glacier-covered peak of Salkantay (“Savage Mountain” in Quechua), and descend into lush semi-tropical valleys. Your first view of Machu Picchu, from the Llactapata Pass on the sixth trekking day, is one that’s available to very few travelers. The following day is completely devoted to the site.
If time allows, do add additional time in Peru before and/or after this trek. We’re happy to offer our broad experience in this diverse country to help you spend more time in the Andes, on the coast or in the Peruvian Amazon.
On arrival in Lima and after clearing customs, you’ll just walk across the road to the airport hotel for a transit night before continuing on to Cusco in the morning. If you want time to explore Lima, it is possible to add additional time before or after the trip.
Meals
None
Lodging
Wyndham Costa del Sol or similar
BDay 2Flight to Cusco
Your day begins with an early morning flight to Cusco, high in the Andes (11,200’/3,400m), where you will be met and transferred to your local hotel. Over the next couple of days, you will have time to explore Cusco and acclimatize to the high altitude. The first afternoon is at your leisure to explore Cusco on your own. You can explore the Plaza de Armas, a great place to wander around and begin your cultural immersion. From here, you can see many of the city’s historical sites. We recommend, for acclimatization purposes, that you don’t push yourself on your first day at this altitude. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water!
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
XO Art House or similar
CDay 3Cusco Exploration
On your second day in Cusco, embark on a full-day city tour beginning with the Temple of the Sun at the famous Inca site of Korikancha, followed by the Plaza de Armas and its dramatic cathedral.
Next, depart by vehicle to visit the Inca sites of four extraordinary nearby ruins: Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Cusco was the center of the Incan Empire and was built in the shape of a puma. The city itself is the puma’s body, and the enormous Sacsayhuaman ruins represent the head and teeth. The largest and most impressive of Sacsayhuaman’s original rocks are still in place, though only about 20% of the entire site remains today. Qenko, meaning zig-zag, consists of a large limestone rock covered with carvings with mysterious caves and alters below, and its zig-zag walls and channels are thought to have been used for ritual sacrifices. Puca Pucara, or red fort, is so named because it appears red when viewed in the right light. Tambo Machay, known locally as “El Bano del Inca” or the Incan bath, is a small site with beautiful ceremonial stone fountains and bathing pools.
Your trekking guide will meet with you in the evening to discuss plans for the beginning of the trek.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
XO Art House or similar
DDay 4Cusco to Salkantay Lodge
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu goes beyond deluxe lodges and a great trek. It is also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Andean culture as you learn about the Inca civilization and the extraordinary legacy that they left for generations to come.
Depart by vehicle with your guide in the direction of the Salkantay Lodge in Soraypampa. After an early breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco. The first stop will be a visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata. Enjoy lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village where you will also have the opportunity to learn about local agriculture and livestock. After lunch, a scenic ride on a winding mountain road takes you to Challacancha from where you will begin your hike to Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa along a picturesque path called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path).
Duration: 3 hours; Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Salkantay Lodge
EDay 5Hike to Humantay Lake
After breakfast, you begin an ascent up the slopes that border the plateau behind Salkantay Lodge. An hour and a half later, your hard work will be rewarded with a first glimpse of the lake’s glistening turquoise waters and the Humantay glacier looming overhead. Upon arrival, you will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot, and participate in a traditional ceremony to honor “la Pachamama” (Mother Earth). After your descent back to the lodge, the Salkantay staff will be waiting with a hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure to relax, enjoy a massage, or soak in the outdoor hot tub for a spectacular view of the Salkantay Peak at sunset.
Duration: 4 hours; Hiking Level: Moderate
*Note: While the morning hike to Lake Humantay is optional, we strongly recommend your participation in preparation for the strenuous hike on Day 3.
Optional Activity: Chakana excursion (subject to additional cost): Horseback/hiking combo up the steep hills adjacent the lodge. The destination—a dramatic lookout point over the Salkantay River Valley marked by an oversized Inca Chakana (cross). This excursion will replace the hike to the glacier lake. Duration: Approximately 5 hours (1.5 — 2 hours on horseback) Horseback riding (subject to additional cost): After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Soraypampa on horseback. Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Salkantay Lodge
FDay 6Rio Blanco Valley to Salkantay Pass
After an early start, the ascent toward the Salkantay Pass begins. You will circle Humantay Peak, gradually making your way along expansive plateaus connected by enormous boulders, remnants of the Rio Blanco Valley that was once bisected by a fast-flowing river. The last and most challenging part of the ascent is conquering the mountain switchbacks that lead you to the pass, the highest point on the trek (15,213’ / 4,636m). The journey continues with a dramatic descent through fields of large boulders and natural stone formations often shrouded in fog. After lunch, you will have some time to rest before the final hike through the area’s bucolic countryside; its rolling hills will eventually lead you through marsh-like plateaus to the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay.
Duration: 6 hours; Hiking Level: Challenging
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Wayra Lodge
GDay 7Descending into the Cloud Forest
After a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, you will continue the descent toward the cloud forest along the banks of the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. The warm air will begin to rise from the edge of the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Today you will see more local Andean people as the trail takes you past their simple homes and makeshift fences. At approximately midday, you will arrive at Colpa Lodge, located on a high promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The Colpa staff will greet you with a Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked below ground with hot stones that create a natural oven. After lunch, spend the afternoon lounging in the sun or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub while you take in the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround you.
Duration: 3-4 hours; Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Colpa Lodge
HDay 8Santa Teresa River Valley
Today you will hike through the Santa Teresa River Valley along a rolling trail that crosses fertile fruit orchards and bisects streams originating from glacier-fed waterfalls. Rest alongside the river for a trail mix, then continue hiking for one more hour before you are met by an MLP transport vehicle for the short drive to the bottom of the Llactapata Inca Trail steps that lead to Lucma Lodge. Enjoy a great lunch at the lodge and afterwards, visit an organic coffee plantation, one of many in the area that produce some of the best organic coffees in the world. You will also begin to notice another shift in the climate; in Lucmabamba, the hot air and increased humidity signal that you are even closer to the edge of the Amazon Jungle.
Duration: 5 1/2 hours; Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Lucma Lodge
IDay 9Llactapata Pass
After breakfast, depart from Lucma Lodge and embark on a 2-3 hour climb through the cloud forest up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps. A lush tree line creates green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggests that the river is nearby. Your first milestone today will be the top of the peak, the last one before you descend to the Aobamba River Valley that connects you to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Llactapata Pass (8,974’ / 2,736m), you will delight in a southeast view of Machu Picchu, a sight few travelers get the chance to admire. After exploring Llactapata, the Inca tambo (fort) that marks the pass, enjoy a picnic lunch at a mountain lookout point with panoramic views. The final descent along a trail that zigzags down to the roaring Aobamba River will take you through lush bamboo forests, varied fruit orchards, and more coffee plantations. Celebrate as you cross the bridge over the river and take your final steps of the trek en route to the Hidroelectrica train station for a scenic one-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu.
Duration: 4-6 hours; Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Machu Picchu Hotel
JDay 10Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), prepare to be awed by the imposing, skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. After a two-hour guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own, including a hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain* for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. At some point, be sure to take a moment and sit quietly–listen to the wind, meditate, and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you.
After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours). As night falls and you arrive amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation that will linger long after your journey home
*Note: Tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain (8,924’ / 2,720m) may be available subject to additional cost. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, you may opt for a hike up Machu Picchu Mountain (10,112 / 3,082m), located next to the Machu Picchu Citadel on the southern side.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
XO Art House or similar
KDay 11Flight to Lima & Depart
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. Depending on your flight schedule, you may spend time exploring a city tour before catching your flight home. In the historic city center, you’ll find the dazzling 16th century Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas), surrounded by beautiful architectural buildings including the Government Palace, the 17th-century Cathedral of Lima, and Archbishop’s Palace.
Depart Lima on a flight back to the U.S., or add on more time to extend your exploration of Peru.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Dates & Price
Dates
Customized for you on your dates, or join a group on the following dates:
Best Time of Year to Visit
j
f
m
a
m
j
j
a
s
o
n
d
Ideal
Unpredictable
Not Recommended
Not Offered
Journeys is pleased to offer this deluxe lodge-based trek to our array of offerings featuring Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Andes. This is an alternative to the more widely known Inca Trail. The hiking is similarly challenging, and the scenery is equally breathtaking, but the comforts in the evenings are luxurious.
After two days in Cusco for acclimatizing and touring, embark on a six-day guided trek to Machu Picchu, entailing 3-8 hours of hiking per day. Venture through cloud forests and alpine tundra, cross a high pass of over 4700 meters (15,416 ft) near the glacier-covered peak of Salkantay (“Savage Mountain” in Quechua), and descend into lush semi-tropical valleys. Your first view of Machu Picchu, from the Llactapata Pass on the sixth trekking day, is one that’s available to very few travelers. The following day is completely devoted to the site.
If time allows, do add additional time in Peru before and/or after this trek. We’re happy to offer our broad experience in this diverse country to help you spend more time in the Andes, on the coast or in the Peruvian Amazon.
On arrival in Lima and after clearing customs, you’ll just walk across the road to the airport hotel for a transit night before continuing on to Cusco in the morning. If you want time to explore Lima, it is possible to add additional time before or after the trip.
Meals
None
Lodging
Wyndham Costa del Sol or similar
BDay 2Flight to Cusco
Your day begins with an early morning flight to Cusco, high in the Andes (11,200’/3,400m), where you will be met and transferred to your local hotel. Over the next couple of days, you will have time to explore Cusco and acclimatize to the high altitude. The first afternoon is at your leisure to explore Cusco on your own. You can explore the Plaza de Armas, a great place to wander around and begin your cultural immersion. From here, you can see many of the city’s historical sites. We recommend, for acclimatization purposes, that you don’t push yourself on your first day at this altitude. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water!
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
XO Art House or similar
CDay 3Cusco Exploration
On your second day in Cusco, embark on a full-day city tour beginning with the Temple of the Sun at the famous Inca site of Korikancha, followed by the Plaza de Armas and its dramatic cathedral.
Next, depart by vehicle to visit the Inca sites of four extraordinary nearby ruins: Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Cusco was the center of the Incan Empire and was built in the shape of a puma. The city itself is the puma’s body, and the enormous Sacsayhuaman ruins represent the head and teeth. The largest and most impressive of Sacsayhuaman’s original rocks are still in place, though only about 20% of the entire site remains today. Qenko, meaning zig-zag, consists of a large limestone rock covered with carvings with mysterious caves and alters below, and its zig-zag walls and channels are thought to have been used for ritual sacrifices. Puca Pucara, or red fort, is so named because it appears red when viewed in the right light. Tambo Machay, known locally as “El Bano del Inca” or the Incan bath, is a small site with beautiful ceremonial stone fountains and bathing pools.
Your trekking guide will meet with you in the evening to discuss plans for the beginning of the trek.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
XO Art House or similar
DDay 4Cusco to Salkantay Lodge
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu goes beyond deluxe lodges and a great trek. It is also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Andean culture as you learn about the Inca civilization and the extraordinary legacy that they left for generations to come.
Depart by vehicle with your guide in the direction of the Salkantay Lodge in Soraypampa. After an early breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco. The first stop will be a visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata. Enjoy lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village where you will also have the opportunity to learn about local agriculture and livestock. After lunch, a scenic ride on a winding mountain road takes you to Challacancha from where you will begin your hike to Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa along a picturesque path called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path).
Duration: 3 hours; Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Salkantay Lodge
EDay 5Hike to Humantay Lake
After breakfast, you begin an ascent up the slopes that border the plateau behind Salkantay Lodge. An hour and a half later, your hard work will be rewarded with a first glimpse of the lake’s glistening turquoise waters and the Humantay glacier looming overhead. Upon arrival, you will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot, and participate in a traditional ceremony to honor “la Pachamama” (Mother Earth). After your descent back to the lodge, the Salkantay staff will be waiting with a hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure to relax, enjoy a massage, or soak in the outdoor hot tub for a spectacular view of the Salkantay Peak at sunset.
Duration: 4 hours; Hiking Level: Moderate
*Note: While the morning hike to Lake Humantay is optional, we strongly recommend your participation in preparation for the strenuous hike on Day 3.
Optional Activity: Chakana excursion (subject to additional cost): Horseback/hiking combo up the steep hills adjacent the lodge. The destination—a dramatic lookout point over the Salkantay River Valley marked by an oversized Inca Chakana (cross). This excursion will replace the hike to the glacier lake. Duration: Approximately 5 hours (1.5 — 2 hours on horseback) Horseback riding (subject to additional cost): After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Soraypampa on horseback. Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Salkantay Lodge
FDay 6Rio Blanco Valley to Salkantay Pass
After an early start, the ascent toward the Salkantay Pass begins. You will circle Humantay Peak, gradually making your way along expansive plateaus connected by enormous boulders, remnants of the Rio Blanco Valley that was once bisected by a fast-flowing river. The last and most challenging part of the ascent is conquering the mountain switchbacks that lead you to the pass, the highest point on the trek (15,213’ / 4,636m). The journey continues with a dramatic descent through fields of large boulders and natural stone formations often shrouded in fog. After lunch, you will have some time to rest before the final hike through the area’s bucolic countryside; its rolling hills will eventually lead you through marsh-like plateaus to the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay.
Duration: 6 hours; Hiking Level: Challenging
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Wayra Lodge
GDay 7Descending into the Cloud Forest
After a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, you will continue the descent toward the cloud forest along the banks of the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. The warm air will begin to rise from the edge of the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Today you will see more local Andean people as the trail takes you past their simple homes and makeshift fences. At approximately midday, you will arrive at Colpa Lodge, located on a high promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The Colpa staff will greet you with a Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked below ground with hot stones that create a natural oven. After lunch, spend the afternoon lounging in the sun or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub while you take in the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround you.
Duration: 3-4 hours; Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Colpa Lodge
HDay 8Santa Teresa River Valley
Today you will hike through the Santa Teresa River Valley along a rolling trail that crosses fertile fruit orchards and bisects streams originating from glacier-fed waterfalls. Rest alongside the river for a trail mix, then continue hiking for one more hour before you are met by an MLP transport vehicle for the short drive to the bottom of the Llactapata Inca Trail steps that lead to Lucma Lodge. Enjoy a great lunch at the lodge and afterwards, visit an organic coffee plantation, one of many in the area that produce some of the best organic coffees in the world. You will also begin to notice another shift in the climate; in Lucmabamba, the hot air and increased humidity signal that you are even closer to the edge of the Amazon Jungle.
Duration: 5 1/2 hours; Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Lucma Lodge
IDay 9Llactapata Pass
After breakfast, depart from Lucma Lodge and embark on a 2-3 hour climb through the cloud forest up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps. A lush tree line creates green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggests that the river is nearby. Your first milestone today will be the top of the peak, the last one before you descend to the Aobamba River Valley that connects you to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Llactapata Pass (8,974’ / 2,736m), you will delight in a southeast view of Machu Picchu, a sight few travelers get the chance to admire. After exploring Llactapata, the Inca tambo (fort) that marks the pass, enjoy a picnic lunch at a mountain lookout point with panoramic views. The final descent along a trail that zigzags down to the roaring Aobamba River will take you through lush bamboo forests, varied fruit orchards, and more coffee plantations. Celebrate as you cross the bridge over the river and take your final steps of the trek en route to the Hidroelectrica train station for a scenic one-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu.
Duration: 4-6 hours; Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Machu Picchu Hotel
JDay 10Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), prepare to be awed by the imposing, skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. After a two-hour guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own, including a hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain* for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. At some point, be sure to take a moment and sit quietly–listen to the wind, meditate, and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you.
After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours). As night falls and you arrive amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation that will linger long after your journey home
*Note: Tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain (8,924’ / 2,720m) may be available subject to additional cost. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, you may opt for a hike up Machu Picchu Mountain (10,112 / 3,082m), located next to the Machu Picchu Citadel on the southern side.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
XO Art House or similar
KDay 11Flight to Lima & Depart
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. Depending on your flight schedule, you may spend time exploring a city tour before catching your flight home. In the historic city center, you’ll find the dazzling 16th century Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas), surrounded by beautiful architectural buildings including the Government Palace, the 17th-century Cathedral of Lima, and Archbishop’s Palace.
Depart Lima on a flight back to the U.S., or add on more time to extend your exploration of Peru.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
Land Cost
$5,650
• Requested Single Room: subject to a 50% supplement in addition to the standard retail cost/per person.
• Single traveler willing to share: no additional charge*
*Note: In the event that a traveler is willing to share a room, you will be assigned a guest roommate prior to your trip. If you have any preference, please let your Travel Specialist know.
The suggested packing list for this trekking trip includes:
Day pack
Broken-in hiking boots (sneakers are not suitable)
Full rain gear or poncho
Gloves
Lightweight hiking pants (recommended) or shorts
Breathable dry-fit top wear
Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
Cold-weather jacket
Long-sleeve fleece/sweater
Wool hat
Baseball cap or sombrero
Binoculars
Headlamp or flashlight
Sunglasses
Comfortable hiking socks (at least four pair)
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Bathing suit
Casual mountain wear for evenings
Photo/video cameras and chargers
Trekking poles (MLP provides quality walking sticks)
Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended)
Please note that this trip operates under different payment and cancellation policies than those described in our complete Terms & Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please review the complete Terms & Conditions prior to submitting a deposit.
Expenses covered
Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses not covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
Deposit and payment schedule
$1000 non-refundable deposit per person per trip or the applicable amount based on the trip and the proximity of the departure date. Final payment for land arrangements is due 90 days prior to departure. Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. The deposit may be made by Visa, Master Card, American Express, or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted via our website.
Cancelation Policy
If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees as follows:
90 days or more Non refundable deposit
30-89 days $25% of land cost
0-29 days $100% of land cost
Transfer Fees
If you want to change your tour dates, the following fees apply:
90 or more days prior to departure: No charge for date or name changes.
89-30 days prior to departure: An Additional 15% of the total trip cost
29 to 0 days prior to departure: An Additional 50% of the total trip cost
*Transfers are only valid until the end of the next year (e.g., if you cancel in 2024, you must travel on a departure date by December 2025). In addition to the transfer fee, if there is an increase in the rate of the trip, from one year to the next, you are responsible for paying the difference.
*Transfer fees are charged at the time the new departure date is confirmed. You do not have to decide at that time which future departure date you would like to join, however, your trip must be taken by December of the next year.
Insurance
We REQUIRE a valid and enforceable* insurance policy for medical expense and emergency evacuation/repatriation for the duration of the trip. Any rescue, evacuation, repatriation and/or medical costs that may be required during a program including, but not limited to, cost of aircraft, must be paid by the guest. All guests are required to provide valid proof of insurance at time of final payment of their trip.
In consideration of the normal nuances and situations regarding travel in general, we highly recommend that every traveler purchase travel insurance that covers events like baggage loss, cancellations/interruption and trip delays. We recommend Travelex Insurance, also accessible at:https://www.travelexinsurance.com/trip-destination?go=bp&location=22-0398. For fastest service, enter your location number (22-0398) into the Quick Enrollment box and click “Go”. Or, reach them by phone at 800-228-9792. There are significant benefits in obtaining this insurance within 14 days of your original trip deposit.
In the case that a guest abandons the trip by choice or as a consequence of medical emergency protocol (which allows the guide or resident doctor to deny further participation of a guest on a trip), we will issue no refunds on the trip cost. Alternative plans can be arranged at additional costs to the guest.
*Some insurance providers discriminate between “Standard Travel Activities” and “Adventure Travel Activities”, for enforceability of medical coverage. Guests should make sure that the insurance policy acquired includes coverage for “Adventure Travel Activities” or similar.
Airfare
We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.
Itinerary Change Fee
There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.
Duration 11 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 2 - 14
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Superior
Cozy, luxury mountain lodges
Activity Level
Demanding
Strenuous hiking at high altitude
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.