Machu Picchu Trek

Day 1: Arrive Cusco

A group briefing and dinner to meet your guides and fellow guests, and address equipment and other questions.

DAY 2: Cusco

Leaving early by vehicle to Saqsaywaman, a vast fortress built on three platforms, overlooking the city of Cusco. Continue to Qenqo, a site of worship with a high rock carved into the shape of a Puma. The road continues uphill to reach Puka-Pukara and Tambomachay, a site with Inca baths. Return to Cusco, and visit the main sites around the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Inca Walls with its 12 angled stone, and the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha) inside the Santo Domingo Temple.

Day 3: Cusco – Maras and Moray

Elevation 11,000 ft.

Head into the Sacred Valley winding along the plains toward Moray. After the visit, head back towards the Maras Village, where the famous mountainside salt lakes are situated. Enjoy a picnic lunch and soak up the incredible setting of the Sacred Valley.

Day 4: Tocobamba to Tinkoc Camp

Elevation 12,600 to 13,600 ft.

Drive through the Sacred Valley into the Limotambo range to Tocobamba trailhead. Begin an ascent up the Tinkoc Valley, descend to the Collpa River at 11,480 ft then hike uphill again to make camp after an overall elevation gain of 2,000ft. Sleep nestled in the crook of the valley floor at Tinkoc Camp.

Day 5: Tinkoc – Salkantay Pass – Pampacahuana Camp

Elevation 13,600 to 15,750 ft to 13,000 ft.

The big crossing with a long uphill climb on the southeast side of Salkantay and close-up views of the sacred snow-capped peak. Take advantage of breathtaking views and enjoy the majesty of the mountain.

Day 6: Pampacahuana to Chamana

Elevation 13,000 ft to 8,400 ft

From views of Salkantay, descend the Pampacauha valley, following an ancient Inca canal still used by scattered farmers and entering the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Camp in front of the dramatic Llactapata ruins.

Day 7: Chamana to Ollantaytambo

Elevation 8,300 to 9,100 to 8,650 ft.

Explore the ruins at Machu Q’ente and Huayna Q’ente before descending on an Inca trail beside the Vilcanota River – the same path on which Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu. Hike back into civilization and transport to the town of Ollantaytambo for a train to the town at the base of Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes.

Day 8: Machu Picchu/The Sanctuary

Enjoy a guided visit to the citadel itself, a huge complex of hundreds of homes and sacred sites with unique access to this showcase of Andean spirituality, architecture, engineering, astronomy, and agriculture. Descend back to Aguas Calinetes via train with panoramic viewing cars to Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley, then private transport back to Cusco.

Day 9: Departure

Departure flight to Lima and connection home.