All Ancient Summit Programs depart on any day with a minimum of 1 Guest – we are dedicated to Private, Authentically Unique, and Custom Travel. The above program can easily be customized to your needs. If you need other arrangements, please contact Ancient Summit for details and pricing. If you wish to stay longer and visit other destinations in Peru, we are happy to assist. Optional visits to many spectacular areas in Peru or add in the Galapagos. We can do that and even more!

1. In riding a horse we borrow freedom.
A horse is poetry in motion.

3. …a once in a lifetime physical, cultural, and spiritual
journey that will take you through the magnificent
Salkantay Valley en route to the legendary ruins at Machu
Picchu.
…Challenge yourself as you ride through several
different bio-zones, changing altitudes and varied terrain…
…Marvel at the exquisite beauty of the Salkantay Peak,
Salkantay Glacier and Humantay Glacier Lake…
…Share in the culture and customs of local Andean
families who maintain age-old traditions…
…Witness environmental and social initiatives to
maintain the natural integrity and improve quality of life
in the region…
…Indulge in the comfort of enchanting mountain lodges,
innovative local cuisine, the warmth of our people, and
your daily retreat to a recovery Shangri-la for body, mind
and spirit …
…Be inspired by the majesty of your surroundings and
the knowledge that you are following in the footsteps of
the Ancients… Salkantay Peak, also known as “Apu Salkantay”, among the
locals, which means “the savage mountain goddess”
Ancient Summit invites you to
Trek on the back of your trusted horse along the a Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range. Still pristine and not too often visited by
tourists, this trail has vistas to inspire, where you can still sense the authentic ancient culture. How often can you travel through 12
different biospheres, possibly witness the majestic Andean condors and so much more….

4. The opportunity to experience the essence of
adventure within the realm of revitalizing
comforts. A great adventure does not end
there: for it to be a life-changing experience, it
must become an adventure on many levels.
This trek goes far beyond comfortable lodges
and great rides… it is a unique opportunity to
experience ancient history as well as
contemporary manifestations of this deep-
founded culture. Experience the most
interesting and exotic variety of flora and fauna,
culinary surprises, and a determination of local
people to progress.
All Ancient Summit Programs depart on any day with a minimum of 1 Guest – we are
dedicated to Private, Authentically Unique, and Custom Travel.
The above program can easily be customized to your needs. If you need other arrangements,
please contact Ancient Summit for details and pricing. If you wish to stay longer and visit
other destinations in Peru, we are happy to assist. Optional visits to many spectacular areas in
Peru or add in the Galapagos. We can do that and even more!
Nina Enjoying this amazing trek!

5. See why the majestic peaks with their emerald-
green glacial lakes inspired awe among the
natives who consider them gods
Stunning Humantay lake with its emerald green waters and Humantay peak right above it.

6.  We offer an exciting adventure that takes you on an ancient Inca trail called the
“Salcantay Trail”, the road less traveled to the lost city of the Incas. The route winds
through the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular Andean mountain range, before
plunging into forested canyons. Discover this magical world which will stay with
you far beyond your return home..
 Riding on the unbeaten trails of the mysterious Incas, high in the mountains and
on winding slopes creates an intimate bond between horse and rider based on
mutual trust and the excitement of the journey ahead. These athletic, surefooted
and noble horses are well trained for high altitude and changing terrain, and
travel with outstanding willingness. “after the first few hours on my horse, I was
completely confident that she know much more than I about the days to come
and I was able to relax and experience what I came for” Nina Fogelman-Director,
Ancient Summit, Inc
 Each day’s ride ends not in a freezing tent but in one of four cozy lodges with hot
showers, fine gourmet meals, select wines, goose-down bedding, Jacuzzis and
highly personalized service provided by local staff.

7. The
Lodges
The Lodges

8. Salkantay Lodge
Soraypampa – 3,869m / 12,690ft.

9. Wayra Lodge
Huayraccmachay – 3,906m / 12,812ft.

10. Colpa Lodge
Colpapampa – 2,870m / 9,414ft.

11. Lucma Lodge
Lucmabamba – 2,135m / 7,003ft.

12. Suggested Itinerary
DAY 1- International arrival to Lima. Welcome and we will assist you across to your hotel just
outside the airport entrance so that you can get a good night’s rest and not deal with Lima
traffic. Assuming late night arrival.
DAY 2 - Transfer to the airport and assisted check in for flight to Cusco. In Cusco welcome
and direct transfer to the Sacred Valley. No tours scheduled today but do enjoy your
beautiful drive through the Andes. Guided tours start tomorrow. . Please stop whenever you
like for photographs (it´s your car and personal driver) and today is your day to take it easy
and adjust to the altitude. Free evening in the Sacred Valley.
Day 3 - Privately guided tour to Pisaq Market and archeological complex at your own pace.
Lunch at home of my dear friends in the Valley. Our friend is a wonderful cook and seasonal
ingredients come from their own organic garden. A member of this family is a well known
Peruvian artist. After lunch, leisurely drive back to hotel with interesting stops along the way.
Day 4 -This morning we hike to Moray, Maras and the famous Salt ponds as part of continued
acclimation. After lunch, is a special visit to an authentic village whose inhabitants still
practice their traditional lifestyle. This is not a tourist stop but something we offer our visitors
as it is one of the communities we are dedicated to working closely for sustainability and
education of the children.. The Documentary about our work was filmed here. This day
ends in Cusco and you will receive a briefing about the adventure that starts tomorrow
morning. You can wander and explore this UNESCO World Heritage City this evening.
Cusco is glorious at night.

13. DAY 5 CUSCO to SALKANTAY LODGE at SORAYPAMPA
(3,869 m/12,690 ft).
Now you are well acclimated to begin the riding
adventure! After an early breakfast, we leave Cusco with
our guide and vehicle in the direction of the Salkantay
Lodge in Soraypampa. Approximately 1.5 hours from
Cusco, we stop to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near
the town of Limatambo. We then pass through the
mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a short
coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road
to the Ranch.
Technical Description Day 1
Riding Time: Approx. 4 hours
Type of Terrain: Open roads, some steep ascending trails
Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter, gallop
Note: Lunch is a picnic lunch en route.
Non-riders activity: Direct transfer to the lodge
At the ranch, we meet and get familiarized with our
horses and begin our ride to the Lodge. Salkantay Lodge
is named after the majestic peak at the head of the valley
–the 2nd most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at
6,270 m (20,600 ft), the highest in the region. Today's
ride is at a pace to help with acclimating.
The afternoon is spent at leisure to continue adjusting to
the altitude, enjoying the outdoor Jacuzzi or just walking
in the beautiful surroundings. An evening briefing by the
fireplace is followed by aperitifs and dinner.
Photo: On a beautiful sunny morning, a small group of riders
arrive to Salkantay Lodge and enjoy the great scenery.

14. Technical Description Day 2
Riding Time: Approx. 3 hours
Type of Terrain: Open roads, some steep
ascending trails and open fields
Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter
Non-rider activity: Hike to Humantay Lake
DAY 6: SORAYPAMPA (3,869 m/12,690 ft).
Today we ride out for 3 hours in the area surrounding the
lodge, to visit the Humantay Lake, fed by glaciers far above on
the slopes of Mt. Humantay. A short walk of about 25 minutes is
necessary in order to reach the lake, but the view is well worth it
and those brave enough can go for a swim. This activity is
excellent for acclimatization. We return to the lodge for lunch,
after which you have the option to ride out again for around 3
hours in the surrounding area, or you may choose to trade the
glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor Jacuzzi. We
spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge with gourmet food and
warm, comfortable beds. In the evening, the guide briefs us on
gear and the itinerary for the next four days.
Fully enjoying the pleasure of letting one’s horse canter through the pristine
countryside.
Nina and Fiore

15. DAY 7: SORAYPAMPA to WAYRA LODGE at
HUAYRACCMACHAY (3,906m/12,812 ft).
Today the ride continues (about 4 hours) towards Machu
Picchu, riding up the Rio Blanco valley and circling
Humantay opposite Salkantay. We reach the highest part of
the ride, 4,638 meters (15,213 ft) where we keep our eyes
open for Andean condors, common to the area. At the pass
we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the
Vilcabamba Range in every direction. From the pass we
continue our descent toward the Wayra Lodge, (“Wayra”:
wind; ‘the place where the wind lives’) our destination for
the evening.
Technical Description Day 3
Riding Time: Approx. 4 hours
Type of Terrain: 80% steep trails , 20% open land
Type of Riding: Walk, trot
Non-rider activity: Transfer to Ollantaytambo or
hiking along the trail
Top: Arrival to Wayra Lodge with stunning Humantay in the background
Left: Thanks to our ongoing training the horses are attentive and very
relaxed which allows the rider to enjoy great company and beautiful
scenery.

16. Technical Description Day 4
Riding Time: Approx. 3 hours
Type of Terrain: Steep trails
Type of Riding: Walk, trot
Non-rider activity: Free day in Ollantaytambo
or hiking along the trail
DAY 8: HUAYRACCMACHAY to COLPA LODGE at COLPAPAMPA
(2,870m/9,414 ft).
Today we continue downhill above the Salkantay River, descending
into the cloud forest, through increasingly verdant scenery. Upon
arrival at Colpa Lodge, located on an open plateau at the confluence
of three rivers. The outdoor Jacuzzi has panoramic views of lush green
mountains. There may be the possibility of enjoying a *Pachamanca
here at the Lodge. One never knows.
*The name Pachamanca comes from the ancient language – Quechua. “PACHA” means
EARTH and “MANCA” means cooking pot, which could be translated as “Earth Oven”
Widely used during Inca times, the Pachamanca is considered part of a ritual. More
than just a method of cooking, it is a celebration of fertility and life. Pachamanca is
buried under the ground and cooked over hot stones for several hours. Cooking
Pachamanca is a way of rendering homage to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Products
return to the earth to be cooked and participants will receive it from the earth and feast
from it. It is both a way of worshiping nature combined with social events and rooted
in Andean culture even today.
Enjoying the magnificent surroundings along the way.

17. DAY 9: COLPAPAMPA to LUCMA LODGE at LUCMABAMBA
(2,135m/7,003 ft).
Today we head down the Santa Teresa river valley, through
banana and passion fruit orchards and coffee plantations. The
coffee grown here is said to be one of the best organic coffees
in the world. Our ride takes us to the beginning of the
Llactapata Inca Trail, which is where we say goodbye to our
horses. A short 30-minute walk through an avocado orchard
brings us to Lucma Lodge.
Technical Description Day 5
Riding Time: Approx. 4 hours
Type of Terrain: Steep trails and some open roads
Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter
Non-rider activity:
Transfer by train and vehicle to Lucma Lodge or
hiking along the trail Riding sure-footed horses allows riders to enjoy the surroundings
The trail in the cloud forest, the "Ceja de la Selva"
(eyebrow of the jungle) winds through low lying clouds,
mystically reminding us of bygone peoples and cultures.

18. Day 10: LUCMABAMBA to AGUAS CALIENTES /
MACHU PICCHU TOWN (1,900 m/6,232 ft).
After breakfast, We leave the lodge around 9am and
head uphill for around 2 hours towards Llactapata
pass (2600m / 8500ft). After heading downhill for
about 10 minutes we come upon the recently restored
Llactapata Ruins from where we also have a distant
but very unique view of Machu Picchu from the
southwest, a perspective that few travelers get to
enjoy. We walk another 10 minutes or so to our lunch
spot where we enjoy this view of Machu Picchu. We
then descend to the Vilcanota River through bamboo
forests, orchards and coffee plantations, a descent of 2-
3 hours. After taking a short train ride to Aguas
Calientes we check into our hotel for dinner and a
well-earned rest.
Those who prefer not to hike, can go to the train
station by van after a leisurely morning with breakfast
and lunch at the lodge. The rest of the group is met at
the train station, and we all enjoy the scenic train ride
(45 min.) to Aguas Calientes together.
Day 11: Machu Picchu (2,400m/7,872 ft) to Cusco
We wake up early to have breakfast at the hotel and then,
with your guide, take the bus ride on the famous ZIG ZAG
road up to Machu Picchu for your SUNRISE guided tour.
You will learn about the amazing architecture and
mysterious temples to better understand the sophisticated
ideas of this highly advanced culture. If you are feeling
energetic you can hike to Huayna Picchu. Lunch is at
Sanctuary Lodge and you can have additional time back in
the lost City before heading down to catch the late
afternoon train back to the Sacred Valley and drive to
Cusco.

19. Day 12 Today is your private tour of the city of
Cusco - the oldest continuously inhabited city in
South America and capital of the Inca Empire. Visit
the Koricancha Temple, a classic example of the
fusion of Inca and Western cultures. The temple
walls were sheathed in gold and silver and were
dedicated to Sun Worship. Anyway.
Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara, and the
Tambomachay Ruins are also on the list of visits
today. You will also have time to continue
exploring this fascinating and city on your own
Day 13 To Cusco Airport today for your flight
to Lima. Welcome and begin your Lima City
tour. We will show you Colonial Lima and
the modern section as well. It is a long day so
we have made arrangements for a hotel
room where you can freshen up. It is in the
best and most convenient part of town and
you can have dinner in one of Lima’s world
class restaurants and enjoy the waterfront
until we pick you up for your transfer to Lima
Airport for your international flight.
Assuming late night flight.
Lima`s Lovers on the Pacific

20. “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things
Henry Miller

21. BRIEF TECHNICAL TRIP DESCRIPTION
5 days of moderate to strenuous riding (and optional
walking on day 6) at elevations of 2,000m-4,600m
(6,600-15,000ft) on diverse types of trails ranging
from flat and grassy to steep and rocky. Riding entails
traversing through 12 different eco zones, which
involves changing weather conditions.
Level of difficulty: Intermediate to advanced. Beginners
are welcome as we have different type of horses and
direct assistance from a horseman available for them.
Age: The recommended minimum age of participants is
12 years old. However, we may consider exceptions
depending on experience and physical condition.

22. For extra precautions horses are fitted with boots or
bandages to protect their extremities. Also, replacement or
back up horses are taken on every trip. Our horses are
trained Western so they are used to neck reining and
going on a loose rein. We mostly use American endurance
saddles, but there are English saddles available for those
who prefer them. We are very careful in checking that the
saddles fit each horse well and we constantly ensure that
the tack and shoeing are in excellent conditions.
We keep groups small, carefully match horses to riders, see
that people of similar skills ride together, and train ride
leaders carefully.
Important Notes
HORSES
Quarter Horses specially exercised and trained for
this trip, so they are highly aware and accustomed to
the local terrain, wildlife and to performing at high
altitude, making them a very secure ride. They
combine responsiveness, energy, bravery and
manners to produce the perfect trail horse. All
horses are picked from a pre-selected pool especially
for each trip, according to their level of fitness at the
time. *Nina, owner/director of Ancient Summit is a
horse advocate and proud owner of a rescue horse
in the U.S.

23. Saddles: We offer our guests two different types of saddles
Helmets: We strongly recommend the use of helmets on this ride. You can bring your own or rent from
us at an additional cost.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must stay in the Cusco area for a minimum of 2 days prior to starting the ride in
order to acclimate. Please see our first few days suggested itinerary above. Contact Us for your pre and
post ride tours and pricing. We have options to suit all of your needs.
Uruguayan Endurance Saddles (similar to English-type; leather)American Endurance Saddles (similar to Western-type; synthetic)
Ancient Summit , Inc. 13833 Wellington Trace E4-Suite 452, Wellington, Florida 33414
561.228.1729 - 877.378.9223
www.ancientsummit.com - info@ancientsummit.com
Florida State Licensed Seller of Travel #ST36254
Pack your Bags and…Your SIX Senses!!!