We start the day with an early pick-up from your hotel, followed by a drive to Mollepata (2,800 m / 9,184 ft) for breakfast. Afterward, we continue our journey to Marcoccasa, the starting point of our trek. The initial hike ascends for about 2.5 hours to the day’s highest point before descending for 1.5 hours to Challacancha (3,600 m / 11,808 ft) for lunch. After lunch, we trek for another two hours to our campsite at Soraypampa (3,850 m / 12,600 ft).

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Lowest Elevation: 2,800 m / 9,184 ft
• Campsite Elevation: 3,850 m / 12,600 ft
• Distance to walk: 8.86 km / 5.5 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

After breakfast, we hike uphill for about 3.5 hours to Soyrococha (4,200 m / 13,776 ft) where we stop for lunch. We then ascend for another hour to reach the trek’s highest point, Abra Salkantay (4,650 m / 15,088 ft). Following a well-deserved break, we descend for 2 hours to our next camp at Huayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,500 ft).

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Lowest Elevation: 3,800 m / 12,500 ft
• Highest Elevation: 4,650 m / 15,088 ft
• Distance to walk: 14.4 km / 9 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging

This day involves a steady downhill trek lasting about four hours. We’ll visit the Inca site Andenes (3,500 m / 11,480 ft), renowned for its terraced fields. Continuing downhill along the Salkantay River, we pass through lush vegetation, waterfalls, and plantations of passion fruit and coffee. The highland terrain gradually transforms into a vibrant cloud forest. We arrive at Chaullay, and after another 45 minutes, reach Colpapampa (2,900 m / 9,514 ft).

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Lowest Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,800 m / 12,500 ft
• Distance to walk: 9.66 km / 6 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Easy

Following breakfast, we embark on a gentle hike through the rainforest, tracing the Santa Teresa River. This 5-6 hour trek, with its undulating terrain, showcases coffee plantations, banana fields, and passion fruit orchards, as well as a stunning waterfall. We reach Lucmabamba around noon for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, we explore a nearby coffee plantation. This interactive tour includes picking beans, roasting, grinding, and brewing your own coffee. Additionally, we’ll harvest tomatoes and avocados for dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Distance: 14 km / 8 miles
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Lowest Elevation: 2,050 m / 6,725 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,800 m / 9,184 ft
• Area: Rainforest
• Difficulty: Easy
• Sights: Santa Teresa River, Colpapampa village, Lucmabamba

An early start leads to a moderate 3.5-hour climb through the rainforest to the Llactapata Inca site (2,700 m / 8,856 ft). From here, you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu and the mountain Huayna Picchu. We then descend for 2.5 hours to the Hydroelectric station for lunch. At 3 pm, we take a train to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check into the hotel and have diner. Your guide will recommend a top-rated restaurant in the area. Dinner is not included as part of the price.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
• Time: 6-7 hours
• Lowest Elevation: 1,800 m / 5,905 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
• Area: Cloud Forest
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Sights: Llactapata Inca Ruins, Machu Picchu

Following an early breakfast at the hotel, we take a bus to Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca city rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. This UNESCO World Heritage site, perched on a high ridge, offers breathtaking views. Enjoy a guided tour of approximately 3-4 hours.

If you have a ticket to climb Huayna Picchu, the best time to start is at 10 a.m. Otherwise, you can explore the site further on your own. We then return to Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can have lunch at a restaurant of your choice (not included).

Finally, board the train to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy, followed by a minivan transfer back to Cusco, where the tour concludes.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,440 m / 8,005 ft