Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Lodging: Camping
Lowest Elevation: 3,205 m/ 10,512 ft
Highest Elevation: 4,450 m /14,596 ft
Distance to walk: 18 km/10 miles
Approximate walking time: 9 to 10 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Area: Dry Mountain

Physical Level

1, Easy

Each day of our trip begins with a friendly wake-up call from our team, who will bring you a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea and a bowl of hot water to wash up. We then gather for breakfast and make sure everyone is well fed for the day ahead.

Our hike begins with stunning views of Mount Veronica in the distance, as we hike along a rolling path beside a quiet stream for about an hour before descending for approximately 2.5 hours to the remote community of Ancascocha. You will be amazed by the simple but perfect way of life in these communities.

We then continue uphill for an hour, and spectacular views of the nearby glacier and well-preserved Inca ruins appear. Our ascent concludes at the magnificent crystal blue lake of Ancascocha, where we will stop for lunch.

Ascent to the summit
After taking a deep breath, we embark on a challenging 2-hour ascent up a steep zigzag trail to the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/15,250 ft), the highest point of the trek. We will take our time to ascend to the top, admiring the views of the lake and valley behind us.

The second day ends with a 3-4 hour descent, and you will notice the transition from the arid peaks to the lush green vegetation of the valley below. On a clear day, we will have distant views of the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, as well as the communities of the Quesqa Valley. We will also pass the small Inca site of Incaracay.

Finally, we will arrive at our campsite nestled in the Quesqa Valley (3,850 m/12,628 ft), where dinner awaits!

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Lodging: Camping
Highest Elevation: 4,650 m/ 15,250 ft
Campsite elevation: 3,850 m/12,628 ft
Distance to walk: 18 km/ 10 miles
Approximate walking time: 10 hours
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Area: Dry Mountain

Physical Level

1, Easy

On the third day of our trek, we will descend for the most part. We start with breakfast and a 2-hour hike to the Inca site of Paucarcancha, where your guide will give you a detailed explanation of the site. We will then join part of the Classic Inca Trail for about 5 hours until we reach Km 82, which is the official start of the Classic Trail. Along the way, we will get to see the Inca site of Llactapata, and this will be the first time we meet other hikers on the trail, although they are all heading in the opposite direction.

At Km 82, we will have lunch and say goodbye to our trekking team. Next, your guide will take you by private local van to Ollantaytambo.

In the Inca City of Ollantaytambo, we will check into a comfortable hotel we have reserved, and you will have some free time to explore this charming town, sample the local cuisine, or buy some souvenirs from the artisan street vendors.

In the evening, we will dine together at one of the town’s local restaurants (drinks not included) before retiring for the night, as Day 4 starts early!

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Lodging: Hotel
Lowest Elevation: 2,792 m/9,158 ft
Highest Elevation: 3,850 m/12,628 ft
Distance to walk: 13 km/ 7 ½ miles
Estimated walking time: 7 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Physical Level

1, Easy

We will pick you up at your hotel early, around 6 a.m., after breakfast, and transfer you to the nearby train station. The train ride offers an extraordinary view of the surrounding mountains and countryside. We will travel for almost 2 hours along the valley floor until we reach kilometer 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.

Our hike begins with a 3-hour climb to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, located at 2,680 m altitude. After catching our breath and enjoying the beautiful views, we will continue on the trail to Machu Picchu. We will arrive at the famous Sun Gate of ‘Inti Punku’ (2,720 m / 8,920 ft) and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the site.

We will take our time to savor the views and capture incredible photos before descending the last section of the trail to reach the ancient city itself.

We will leave our exploration of Machu Picchu for the next day and instead take a 25-minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes. Once we have checked into the hotel, you will be able to explore the town or visit the thermal baths that give the town its name. In the evening, we will meet for dinner at one of the town’s fantastic local restaurants (drinks not included) before retiring for the night and preparing for the excursion to Machu Picchu the following day.

Meals: Breafast/Box Lunch / Dinner.
Accommodations: Hotel
Maximum altitude: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
Distance to walk: 13 km / 8 miles
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours

Physical Level

1, Easy

To ensure that we make the most of our time in Machu Picchu, the hotel offers an early buffet or boxed breakfast, allowing us to join the bus queue as early as we wish. The winding road to Machu Picchu takes about 25 minutes and, if the weather is clear, we can witness a spectacular sunrise.

As we enter the gates of this wonder of the world, we may be left breathless once again, but this time by the breathtaking views of one of the most famous sites in South America and the world. During the 2-hour walking tour provided by your guide, you will learn about the history and significance of the ruins. After the tour, you will be able to explore the ruins at your own pace and find a quiet place to enjoy the spirit of the place.

Please note that ascending Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu Mountains requires an additional entrance fee, which is not included in the tour package. If you have opted for this experience, you can begin the hike once the guided tour has concluded. Your guide will indicate the time to return to Aguas Calientes by bus to take the train back to Poroy or Ollantaytambo. From there, you will travel by van to Cuzco and back to your hotel. Depending on traffic and connections, arrival time should be around 8:00 pm.

Meals: Breakfast
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Physical Level

1, Easy