6.8 miles / 6 hours

We’ll kick off our adventure as the sun rises over Cusco. Your guide will pick you up early, and we’ll head towards the Sacred Valley. Before leaving the city behind, we’ll stop at the lively Calca market for any last-minute necessities. The drive to Lares is a scenic one, crossing the Amparaes pass at 14,670 ft. You’ll be wowed by the epic mountain views and winding roads. Our final stop is the hot springs of Lares, where we can soak in the natural thermal waters before we hit the trail. Afterward, we’ll start our trek that will take us through quaint farming communities, stopping for lunch before reaching Cuncani, where we’ll camp for the night under the stars.

• Accommodations: Camping / 12,600’ elevation

• Meals Included: L / D / Snacks

9 mlles / 10 hours

If the weather’s clear, the stunning sight of Colque Cruz, a glacier-topped mountain, will greet us this morning. We’ll follow the path along an icy stream, with the majestic peak in view. The climb has challenging rocky trails but incredibly rewarding views. As we hike, you’ll pass high-altitude lakes and take in stunning scenery, leading us to the top of the pass. Get ready for some incredible photo opportunities along the way!

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Pampas of Anta. After the climb, we’ll start our descent through a beautiful, steep trail that passes through a small forest of Polylepis trees—an endangered species unique to the Andes. We’ll stop for lunch at a scenic spot before continuing down to our next campsite.

• Accommodations: Camping / 15,700’ elevation

• Meals Included: B / L / D / Snacks

3.1 miles / 4 hours

After breakfast, we’ll have time to take some group photos with the amazing team that helped make this journey happen. Then, it’s all downhill—literally! We’ll trek through warmer, lusher surroundings as the climate changes and hummingbirds join us along the way. After a few hours, we’ll meet our private transportation to take us to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll hop on the train to Aguas Calientes.

As the train winds through the valley and into the canyon, you’ll start to see the beautiful cloud forest come into view. We’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, where hotel staff will greet us and help with the luggage. After a refreshing shower, we’ll wrap up the day with a fantastic dinner at one of the town’s top spots.

• Accommodations: Hotel / 13,400 elevation

• Meals Included: B / L / Snacks

Wake up refreshed and ready for the big day! This morning, you can relax at the hotel or stroll through town before we enjoy an early lunch. Then, we’ll catch a short bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Your guide will take you on a fascinating tour of this iconic site, showing you the hidden gems of the ancient citadel. You’ll have about two hours to explore and soak it all in.

As the day at Machu Picchu winds down, we’ll hop back on the bus to Aguas Calientes and take the train to Ollantaytambo. It’s the perfect time to reflect on what will likely be one of the most incredible experiences of your life. From Ollantaytambo, we’ll have private transport waiting to bring you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Optional Huayna Picchu Hike:

For the adventurous, you can start your day with an optional hike up Huayna Picchu! This steep climb takes about three hours round trip, offering some of the best views of Machu Picchu from above. Be sure to book this in advance as tickets are limited. Afterward, we’ll rejoin the group for lunch before diving into our guided Machu Picchu tour.

• Meals Included: B / Snacks