In the "top ten things to do before you die" list, trekking to Machu Picchu just became more than just a pipedream for those who simply could not face the idea of camping out. Two incredible initiatives have accomplished amazing feats of engineering by building top quality lodges at high altitudes in remote areas of Peru.

Now you can truly trek along the Salcantay route to the foot of Machu Picchu in style, safe in the knowledge that at the end of a good days walking, you can relax in a hot shower and enjoy a fabulous meal before retiring your comfortable bed. Spread across five days and four nights at different lodges along the route, your adventure includes traversing across magnificent mountain passes, witnessing mystical mountain peaks and passing through an incredible nine different ecosystems in all.

If this is too tame for you, the second initiative, a joint partnership by our friend, the renowned guide Roger Valencia and the shepherding communities of the Chillca and Orefina, takes you higher, deep within the rugged landscape of the Ausangate range of Southern Peru. Under the protection of the Ausangate mountain (20,945ft / 6,384m), they have built four comfortable, eco-friendly "tambos", lodges ideal to rest weary feet after five days of trekking at these altitudes.

Recent lodge visitors on the Salcantay route, Alan and Jean Hollingworth reported, "our experience on the trek and the lodges was really excellent. The staff was all very attentive to whatever we wanted." The personal service extended to replacing muddy boots with slippers in the evening, and then presenting a beautifully cleaned pair the next morning. It was "a fantastic alternative for us - to hike during the day and be pampered at night."

For many it's the personal connections made with guides, the local people and fellow trekkers combined with the sheer visual impact of the scenery that makes a trek. The advent of the lodge trek simply completes the view.

To be one of the first to enjoy a lodge trek, contact your Aracari representative.