Mountain Lodges of Peru – Salkantay Trek

Mountain Lodges of Peru operates four distinct lodges along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Salkantay, Wayra, Colpa and Lucma Lodges all have cozy reading rooms, fireplaces, outdoor jacuzzi, central heating and Peruvian/International cuisine. The water at all four lodges is of drinking quality. Each of the Trekker’s Lodges (Wayra, Colpa, Lucma) has 6 private double rooms with private bathrooms (hot and cold water). Rooms can hold up to 4 people maximum. Lodges are fully equipped and serviced.

Mountain Lodges of Peru Salkantay Lodges Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Mountain Lodges of Peru review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our adventure travel experts can help compare the Mountain Lodges of Peru Salkantay with other best Machu Picchu tours and lodges on our many Peru land tours.

Choose the Mountain Lodges of Peru Salkantay Trail lodges for their focus on comfort, warmth, superb service, Peruvian Andes roots and a welcoming atmosphere that lets guests feel like friends of the family. These are one-of-a-kind, hike-in lodges like you’ll find nowhere else, each with its own charm and microclimate.

Design & Sustainability at Salkantay Lodges

These mountain lodges have brought together traditional Inca building techniques and sensitivity to the surrounding environment with all the comforts of home, to create the feeling of being in a large, high-end Peruvian home. Constructed from stone, adobe, wood and straw, the lodges feature abundant color, texture, vegetation and well-positioned windows to maximize the visual experience and create a warm ambiance. The lodges are designed to optimize energy efficiency, utilizing sunlight and natural ventilation together with state-of-the-art insulation techniques to minimize the need for heating. High-performance solar and space water heaters contribute to this ecologically minded concept. 

Mountain Lodges of Peru feature operations focused on sustainability. Reusable snack bags and water bottles, as well as use of bulk dispensers, help guests to reduce single-use plastic waste. Water is treated at each lodge, enabling guests to drink right from the tap, avoiding the need for plastic bottles. All cleaning products are biodegradable. Composting is practiced at every lodge (except for Wayra and Lamay, where food is given to the animals of the local communities).

Community Development at Salkantay Lodges

Mountain Lodges of Peru was chosen for National Geographic Traveler’s “Leadership in Sustainable Tourism Award” in 2015, recognizing it for “demonstrable leadership and innovation in preserving and communicating an authentic sense of place through a wisely managed tourism program” via the efforts of its nonprofit social and environmental responsibility arm, Yanapana Peru. Yanapana Peru works to reduce extreme poverty in the Andean Highlands and to promote responsible and environmentally conscious tourism. Conservation efforts include solid waste recycling, fauna and flora trails and reforestation, as well as collaborative projects focused on the health of transport animals. Mountain Lodges of Peru also partners with local communities to provide healthcare, education, employment, farming support, weaving workshops, clothing and more.

Common Areas at Salkantay Lodges

Every lodge has a lounge/common space that’s either tied to the dining space or located on a separate level, so there’s always a place to gather. WiFi is available at these lodges, but connectivity can vary depending on weather conditions and useage.

Dining at Salkantay Lodges

Many meals at these mountain lodges feature Peruvian ingredients like quinoa, potatoes, fava beans, unique chilies and other flavors associated with Peru’s exceptional cuisine. Special dietary needs can often be met with advanced notice.

Breakfast is served buffet style with options such as breads, cheese, yogurt, granola, cereals, fruits and juices; there is also a full range of made-to-order options from the kitchen like eggs and bacon. Snacks are laid out every morning at breakfast for guests to reload their reusable bags (provided at the start of the trip). Common snacks include fresh fruit, trail mix, cookies, nuts, hard candies and granola bars. 

Guests can expect three courses at lunch and dinner, even on the trail, unless the itinerary indicates a boxed lunch. Meals are usually plated and generally include a soup or salad followed by meat, chicken or fish with vegetables, rice or another side and dessert. A pizza night at Kuychi Rumi is commonly offered for dinner one night, making use of the lodge’s wonderful outdoor pizza oven.

Accommodations at Mountain Lodges of Peru – Salkantay Trek

Rooms at each lodge offer one king or two twin beds, with select options for triples. Biodegradable soaps and shampoos are stocked in each bathroom.

Salkantay Lodge

The Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort at Soraypampa has 12 private double or twin rooms with private bathrooms (hot and cold water). Located at 12,690 feet (3,869 meters), this luxury lodge welcomes you with a hot tub, reading room, trout fishing, horseback riding and incomparable views of Salkantay, the region’s highest peak.

Wayra Lodge

Located at Huayraqmachay, Wayra Lodge is “the place where the wind lives.” Enjoy a hot tub soak here at 12,812 feet (3,906 meters).  

Colpa Lodge

Colpa Lodge rests near a cloud forest at 9,414 feet (2,870 meters) in the Colpapampa Valley, near hot springs and the confluence of three rivers.  

Lucma Lodge

Lucma Lodge is located in Lucmabamba. Savor spectacular views from this lodge at 7,003 feet (2,135 meters), built right into the mountainside and flanked by an avocado orchard.