I know some people want to come to Peru and trek all over the place. While that's ok and fine, consider Eco Quechua first. We passed many trekkers on our hikes and they were quite envious of us returning to a bed and warm shower at the end of our 8 hour hike.
We found Eco Quechua Lodge on Hotels.com of all places. This lodge is SO MUCH more than just a place to stay. When I went to their website I saw that they offered 4 or 6 day “Adventure Packages”. We were going to the area with MachuPicchu as the main attraction of course and we wanted to add a few days of other exploring. The adventure packages are very much worth every penny spent (and very economical) as the lodge arranges ALL of the transportation, from the hotel pickup in Cuzco, to the drop off back in Cuzco at the end of the journey. Their package prices seem in line with what other adventure companies are charging, but with the added benefit of warm showers, a comfortable bed and AMAZING food and outstanding service.
The lodge itself is so picture perfect, and better than it appears in any online picture. One of the owners, Kikee (spelled with one e but tripadvisor won't let me spell it that way), was in the taxi on our pickup and he spent the ride over the mountains to the lodge as our tour guide. We stopped off at several vistas, saw a demonstration on how wool is made into the traditional clothing, ate lunch at a roadside restaurant (a lot of Americans may turn their nose at this place when they pull up to it, BUT we had grilled duck with rice and vegetables. MOST EXCELLENT), and had a very nice drive thru the mountains.
Upon arrival we had a welcome drink, served by Kikee’s wife, with Kikee (again, one of the owners) and were shown to our room. One wall is windows with a big door, looking out over the forest canopy down to the river. We had chairs right outside our room which we sat in during every free moment. We were there in April, mild temperatures, no bugs. On that first evening we took a short walk up the hill behind the lodge on a trail, then returned at dark for dinner
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Dinners here at the lodge during our stay were different than those to which most travelers are accustomed. There was no menu, they told you what was being prepared, we like all sorts of food so whatever they served was good with us. First night we went down to the dining area(outdoor of course) and there were 3 place settings. Note that there were two of us. Having never traveled to Peru we did not know that, at least at this lodge, your guide will dine with you the night before some excursion. This was a very nice plus as the guide explained the next day’s plan, and talked with us about the local culture, landscape, business, or whatever. We learned so much more than if the guide just showed up day of excursion.
As far as what to do while here at the lodge. Book an adventure package. Options are listed on the website. For us, Day 1 was the drive over from Cuzco. Day 2 short guided hike up behind lodge, then a trip to Hot Springs near Santa Teresa (we choose not to do to the extra cost zip line). Day 3 a hike to a coffee plantation, and over the mountain on part of Inca Trail, with lunch on top of mountain at a small "restaurant" with a view of Machu Picchu. Day 4 the trip to Machu Picchu (again, transportation was arranged for us and we had a guide for just the 2 of us). Then transportation (first class train) was again already set for our return to Cuzco. On the drive back one of the other owners called our driver and asked to speak to us to make sure we had a good and safe trip.
We did note that some things happen out of order than what is listed on the website, but that’s ok. Sometimes schedules conflict or weather happens. Be flexible and go with the flow of this beautiful country.
My wife and I HIGHLY recommend Eco Quechua Lodge and one of their “Adventure Packages”.
I can't imagine finding a better place to stay, or better hosts to travel with in this part of the world.
