ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco • Cruzpata • Soraypampa • Salkantaypampa

Morning Drive to the Trailhead

Your trek begins with a 5:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. After that, we travel by private transport to Mollepata (2,800m / 9,184 ft) for breakfast. Then, we continue one more hour to Cruzpata (3,100m / 10,168 ft). Therefore, here we meet our horsemen and horses who will carry all equipment for the next three days.

Hike to Salkantaypampa Camp

From Cruzpata we begin a gentle ascent to Soraypampa, with views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain (6,400m / 20,997 ft). Next, we continue through a valley filled with rivers, native birds and vegetation to our camp at Salkantaypampa (3,890m / 12,762 ft) at the foot of Salkantay. Finally, we spend the night under the stars.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Trailhead Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,168 ft
• Max Altitude: 3,890 m / 12,762 ft

Day 2: Salkantaypampa • Inka Chiriasca Pass • Valle Sisaypampa • Canal Inka

Climb to the Highest Pass

Today we wake to a hot cup of coca tea before breakfast. Afterward, we begin the 4 hour climb to the highest point of the trek, Inka Chiriasca Pass (4,855m / 15,928 ft). From this point, you can enjoy the closest views of Salkantay and its turquoise glaciers. Moreover, you may even hear avalanches.

Descent to Canal Inka

Subsequently, we descend to the plain of Sisaypampa with more snow-capped peaks around us. Here we have lunch before continuing to our camp at Canal Inka (3,400m / 11,155 ft).

• Difficulty: Challenging (High Altitude)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
• Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours
• Max Altitude (Pass): 4,855 m / 15,928 ft
• Camp Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,155 ft

Day 3: Canal Inka • Inkaracay • Wayllabamba • Llulluchapampa

Inkaracay and Wayllabamba

After breakfast we hike across the valley near the Pampacahuana River. After a couple of hours downhill, we arrive at the archaeological site of Inkaracay and explore it with your guide. Then we descend to Wayllabamba Village (3,000m / 9,840 ft).

Afternoon to Llulluchapampa

Here we say goodbye to our horsemen and horses. From this point onward, our porters will carry all equipment, as pack animals are not allowed on the Inca Trail. After that, we enjoy lunch and a rest in Wayllabamba before a 4 hour hike through native forest filled with orchids, ferns and Andean birds to our camp in Llulluchapampa (3,855m / 12,648 ft).

• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
• Min Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,840 ft
• Max Altitude (Camp): 3,855 m / 12,648 ft

Day 4: Llulluchapampa • Dead Woman’s Pass • Runkuraqay • Chaquiqocha

Conquering Dead Woman’s Pass

After breakfast we hike to Warmiwañusca (4,215m / 13,829 ft), also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, after about 2 hours uphill. It is named for the mountain ridge that resembles a sleeping woman. From the pass we descend 2 hours to Pacaymayo (3,600m / 11,811 ft) for lunch and rest.

Runkuracay and Chaquicocha Camp

After lunch we visit the archaeological site of Runkuracay and continue to Runkuracay Pass (3,900m / 12,795 ft) with fantastic views. Then we descend to explore Sayacmarca before a 30 minute walk to our camp at Chaquicocha (3,600m / 11,811 ft), which means dry lake.

• Camp Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours
• Max Altitude (Pass): 4,215 m / 13,829 ft

Day 5: Chaquiqocha • Puyupatamarca • Wiñay Wayna

Cloud Forest and Puyupatamarca

This is one of the most beautiful sections of the trek. After breakfast we continue to Puyupatamarca Pass (3,700m / 12,139 ft). At the top is Puyupatamarca, the Town Above the Clouds, which we explore with your guide.

Descent to Wiñay Wayna

From here you can see the back side of Machu Picchu Mountain and the Sacred Valley below. Next, we descend along stone steps to our camp near Wiñay Wayna (2,680m / 8,792 ft), a spectacular Inca site built into the mountainside with views of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. Finally, Wiñay Wayna camp offers cold showers, our last dinner together, and a goodbye to our porters and chef.

• Camp Altitude: 2,680 m / 8,792 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Max Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft

Day 6: Wiñay Wayna • Sun Gate • Machu Picchu • Aguas Calientes • Cusco

Early Morning Hike to the Sun Gate

We wake up at 3:30 AM and have breakfast at 4:00 AM. After that, we wait at the checkpoint to start when the gates open at 5:30 AM. Our team of porters and chefs says goodbye, and then we continue forward to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). We reach the Sun Gate by 6:30 AM. From here we have spectacular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu.

Entering Machu Picchu

As we hike and get closer to Machu Picchu, the views of the city get better and better. Around 7:40 AM we will reach the final checkpoint and enter the magnificent ruins. From here we will join Circuit 1B to observe The Citadel from above. Later, you will join Circuit 3B.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Then, you will take on a 2 hour guided visit in Machu Picchu. During this tour, your knowledgeable guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the most important parts of Machu Picchu, including: The Temple of the Sun, The Temple of the Condor, The Temple of Three Windows, The Sun Dial, the Quarry, and The House of the Inca. In addition, you will also learn about the three sectors of the site: agricultural, residential, and religious.

Return to Cusco

After the tour, you will be given your bus tickets to make your way down to Aguas Calientes, and there you will have plenty of free time to explore. You also have the option to climb Huayna Picchu, however this must be arranged ahead of time. Your guide will offer to meet you in Aguas Calientes for your last lunch in a local restaurant (Not Included). Later, you will start your journey back to Cusco with a train ride. Train Options: Expedition train included, upgrade available to Vistadome train for $67 USD. Departure: Between 2:30 pm and 3:45 pm. From Ollantaytambo or Poroy, an Apple driver will meet you and drive you back to Cusco.

• Machu Picchu Citadel Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Hiking Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Max Altitude (Sun Gate): 2,720 m / 8,920 ft