Leaving very early in the morning, your journey begins with a drive into the Sacred Valley. You’ll pass through Ollantaytambo, a historic town of Incan origin, and continue up a twisting road to Abra Málaga mountain pass. From the pass, the road descends towards high jungle and plantations cut out of the forest. Farmers in this area grow a variety of crops, including tea, coca, coffee, cacao and fruit. Huamanmarca, an archaeological site with an important Usnu (ritual platform), is our first stop. The site also contains a precinct with four doorways facing the four cardinal points. From Huamanmarca, the journey continues to the settlement of Santa María and then onto Huancacalle. This is a remote area of solitude rarely seen by foreign visitors. Upon reaching the trailhead, you will be met by arrieros (mule handlers) who will help load your gear onto the mules. Vilcabamba Archaeological Park is your first stop on this walk. A unique feature of the park is the Ñusta Hispana, which includes a spring-fed pool and the stone foundations of a building. You can also find here the Yurac Rumi (white stone), an enormous boulder with steps carved into its side. While his tomb has not been located, it is believed the rebel leader Manco Inka II was buried in this area. By dusk, you’ll arrive at Casapata campsite for the night where you’ll enjoy dinner and rest. Min – Max Altitude: 2,950m – 3,060m Distance Travelled: 5km Approximate Walking Time: 3hrs

After breakfast and packing your gear, you’ll ascend the ravine to the source of the Pumachaka River in the Chupana sector. Here you’ll follow remnants of the Inca Trail and observe local flora, which is used to dye textiles. From Pillaujasa Pass, the trail descends to the valley of the Racchchaka River. Following the river upstream, you’ll arrive at Hatunpampa, where you’ll camp and enjoy a beautiful view of the Tuytubamba snow-capped peak. Min – Max Altitude: 3,060m – 4,086m Distance Travelled: 17km Approximate Walking Time: 10hrs

This day begins with a challenging trek up to Yanacocha mountain pass. Native trees (Qeuña and Kiswar) somehow survive here at an altitude of 14,700 ft above sea level. At the pass itself, you’ll get some great views of Yanacocha lake, located at nearly 13,000 ft. The trek continues to Mojon Pass (14,078 ft), the last high pass on this trek. You may feel like you’ve reached the edge of the earth at this remote location. The trek continues down the Mutuypata Ravine where you’ll have lunch and a rest before continuing to the Saqsarayoq Valley. You’ll cross the Saqsarayoq River to reach Nogalpampa, where camp will be set up for the night. Min – Max Altitude: 2,788m – 4,500m Distance Travelled: 14km Approximate Walking Time: 8hrs

Today you’ll head downhill, trekking through native forest in the direction of Yanatile, a small Andean town. From Yanatile, you’ll be transfered to the nearest train station where you’ll board a train headed for Aguas Calientes, the jumping off point for Machu Picchu. Min – Max Altitude: 2,100m – 2,788m Distance Travelled: 13 km / 8 ml Approximate Walking Time: 5 hrs

At dawn, you’ll take the bus to the Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu, where you can climb up to the summit of Huayna Picchu. From here you can see Inti Punku (the sun-gate) and the archaeological complex itself. Following the guided tour, you’ll have a chance to explore on your own. We suggest heading west from the center of Machu Picchu to the Inca bridge, a 30-minute (2 km) walk along a narrow path. After a good time spent exploring the site, you’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where you can overnight or return to Cusco. Min – Max Altitude: 2,070m – 2,437m Distance Travelled: 1.5km Approximate Walking Time: 3hrs