You will be woken with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, followed by a full breakfast to fuel you for the morning ahead.

We begin with a 45 minute undulating hike followed by a 20 minute ascent by way of a narrow trail that follows a stream with beautiful views of Mt. Veronica (5,822 m/ 19,100 ft).

We then take a 2.5 hour walk downhill to reach the small community of Ancascocha (3,700 m/12,139 ft), in a small but gorgeous wooded valley with a stream running through it.

Continuing uphill for 1 hour you will enjoy views of the nearby glacier and well preserved Inca remains, before reaching the beautiful crystal blue Ancascocha Lake where we stop for lunch.

After lunch we continue our ascent towards the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/15,255 ft). This is a strenuous 2 hour climb along a steep switchback trail which brings us to the highest point of our trek. Along this section you will see an original cobblestone paved Inca Trail.

After taking time to enjoy the incredible views from the summit, we embark on a 3 hour descent into greener vegetation. Along this stretch we will have a distant vista of the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu as well as fascinating views of the communities of the Quesqa valley. We will also pass the small Inca site of Incaracay.

Finally we will reach our campsite, nestled in the Quesqa valley (3,850 m/12,631 ft). Once again, your chef will serve an excellent dinner as we reflect on the sights and sounds of the day.

Meals – Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Highest Elevation – 3,700 m / 12,139 ft.
Campsite elevation – 4,650 m / 15,255 ft.
Distance to walk – 18 km / 11,1 miles
Approximate walking time – 10, 11 hours
Area – Dry Mountain

On our final day of trekking we descend from Quesqa Valley for 2 hours until we reach the Inca site of Paucarcancha (3,133 m/10,278 ft) where your guide will provide a comprehensive commentary about the site.

We then join a section of the Classic Inca Trail and make an easy hike downhill for 5 hours until we reach Km 82, which is the official start of the Classic Trail. Along the way we will be able to see the Inca site of Llactapata. Lunch will be served at Km82.

After lunch we will be picked up by our private local van and transported to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,160 ft) to catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Photo opportunities are endless as we carve through the valley floor into the lush green vegetation of the Aguas Calientes area.

After 2 nights in the mountains, your comfortable hotel room will be a welcome sight. The natural hot springs in town are also a great place to relax if there is time before dinner. We will take dinner together at a nice and quality local restaurant with an extensive menu (drinks not included) before retiring to the hotel to prepare for the early start on Machu Picchu.

Meals – Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Lodging – Hotel
Highest Elevation – 2,040 m / 6,692 ft.
Lowest Elevation – 3,850 m / 12,631 ft
Distance to walk – 15 km / 9,3 miles
Approximate walking time – 7 hours

After a very early breakfast at your hotel we take one of the first buses (5:30am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the magnificent sunrise. Your guide will then give a 2 hour walking tour of this breathtaking site, named as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is included in the price of the trek.

If you have elected to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains you can begin the hike once your guided tour concludes. The ticket price for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is also included in the price of your trek. If you choose not to climb the mountain you will have plenty of free time to explore Machu Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes by bus.

Arriving back in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Poroy or Ollantaytambo. From here you will travel by private van to Cusco and back to your hotel. Your arrival time in Cusco will depend on the time of your train ticket.

Meals – Breakfast
Highest Elevation – 2,440 m / 8,005 ft.
Lowest Elevation – 2,040 m / 6,691 ft.