Cusco – Tocobamba (3700 m). Trek to Tinkoq (4154 m)
From Cusco, we drive toward Limatambo, past the Tika Tika Pass where we will get our first view of the majestic Mount Salkantay and Humantay on the horizon, just before crossing the Anta plateau. Driving past breathtaking panoramas of this vibrant agricultural region with views of rugged snowcapped peaks in the background, we will arrive at the ruins of Tarawasi. After a visit to this important Inca ceremonial centre, with its long asymmetrical stone walls, we will continue our drive (40 minutes) toward the village of Tomacaya (3075 m), where we’ll continue to Tocobamba (3700) where we will begin our trek. This day’s hiking is all uphill. As we gain altitude, we’ll observe how the ecosystem changes starting in relatively warm temperatures by a sheltered valley where crops of fruits and vegetables thrive, then onto higher plateaus where native potatoes are grown. Finally, as we reach our campsite at Tinkoq (4154 m), we’ll observe herds of sheep and camelids grazing the highland meadows.
Night in tent.
Ascent: 450 m / Distance: 11,1 Km. / Activity duration: 6-7 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Tinkoq – Tinkoq Pass (4700 m) –  Tocto Pass (4900 m) – Canal Inca (3800 m)
Leaving Tinkoq, we will head up the valley and take the left side of the trail to begin a long uphill climb toward the pass. As the day warms up during our climb, we may see some Andean bird species, including Condors as they prepare to fly high above the mountains. After 3-4 hours of steady ascending, we will arrive first at the Tinko Pass at 4700 m, then after 1 more hour at the Tocto Pass (4,900m) where we will enjoy incredible views of the south face of Mt. Salkantay while enjoying the solitude that comes with knowing that there are almost no other tourists around. After descending for 1 hour, accompanied by amazing views of the eastern face of Mount Salkantay, we will reach our lunch place at 4700 m.
We’ll continue our descent along the Pampacahua Valley toward our campsite at Canal de Inca (Pampacahua region) at 3,800 m.
Night in tent.
Ascent: 750 m / Descent: 1100 m / Distance: 17 Km. / Activity duration: 8-9 h

*An easier option, of only hiking 4-5 h and reaching a maximum altitude of 4500 m is also possible this day!
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner

Canal Inca (3800 m) – Paucarcancha – Llactapata/Meskay (2763 m)
We’ll take our leave of Canal de Inca and continue our hike downhill along an ancient Inca canal flowing down the centre of the Pampacahuana Valley, passing through a landscape dotted with small farm settlements. At the end of the valley, we’ll once more begin to observe a greater variety of vegetation as we descend past the tree line before arriving in Paucarcancha, a remote Inca site. After a short visit to explore the Inca stone walls and remnants of ancient houses at the site, we’ll continue our journey downhill to Hatunchaca where we will enjoy our lunch. (4 h hike from Canal de Inca).
Afterwards, continue descending toward Meskey. This is the settlement close to the Llactapata ruins. These ruins were once an important rest stop for the Inca on the way to Machu Picchu, and this site will also be our private “rest stop” for the evening. We are the only company that uses this campsite, and we have equipped it with a hot shower for you to cleanse and refresh after the strenuous activity of the previous few days.
Meskay is located close to the Llactapata ruins, and we will have a chance to explore these ruins. These ruins were once an important rest stop for the Inca on the way to Machu Picchu. Campsite at Meskay (2763 m).
Night in tent.
Descent: 1050 m / Distance: 16 Km. / Activity duration: 7 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Meskay – Pistakucho (2656 m) – Ollantaytambo (2845 m) 
At this point, we will be on the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. After visiting the ruins of Huayna Q’ente, with its amazing Inca terraces and impressive landscaping, we will leave the National Sanctuary through the town of Qoriwairachina and head towards Pistakucho, where the main entrance to the Inca Trail is located (Km. 82). The trail will take us alongside the Vilcanota River and through several more ancient archaeological sites. In fact, this is the same path that Hiram Bingham used when he was first led to Machu Picchu by local people living here in 1911. From here, we’ll travel by car (30 minutes) to Ollantaytambo, and then to our hotel.
Night in hotel.
Descent: 107 m / Distance: 4,5 Km. / Activity duration: 3 h
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Hiking: Short Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (2050 m)
After a well deserved rest, we’ll begin our first experience en route to the famous Machu Picchu, but with a slightly different approach. We’ll depart from Ollantaytambo and board a train at the Ollantaytambo station, following the Urubamba River downstream to the location known as Kilometer 104, where our trek begins.

The trailhead (2128 m) leads us up a fairly steep section of well maintained switchbacks, eventually connecting with the final stretch of the Classic Inca Trail. Along the way, we’ll have the chance to see other archaeological sites.

After passing the checkpoint, we’ll visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba, believed to have been built for ceremonial or religious purposes. Continuing our hike, we’ll take our first break to enjoy some snacks while admiring the stunning landscape, with views of the Urubamba River, the surrounding mountains, and the Veronica Glacier visible throughout the route.

We’ll continue hiking until we reach the impressive archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna (2650 m), a beautiful Inca structure believed to have served various functions related to daily life. From there, we’ll proceed to Intipunku, or the Sun Gate (2730 m), where we’ll be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of Machu Picchu and its surrounding mountains and valleys.

After a short rest, we’ll descend along a scenic trail, passing briefly by the citadel before boarding a bus at 2433 meters that will take us back to the town of Aguas Calientes.

Ascent: 602m / Descent: 297 m / Highest altitude: 2730 m / Distance: 16,7 km / Activity duration: 5-6 h
Level of difficulty: Moderate

Luggage allowed: A day-backpack with 8 kilos per person. Rest of luggage, must be left at your hotel.
The Inca Trail does not operate in February due to the rainy season.

Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Machu Picchu, rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Built in the 15th century under Inca emperor Pachacútec, this mountain-top citadel is believed to have served as a royal estate, religious sanctuary, and astronomical observatory. Perched at 2430 meters above sea level, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding Andean landscape and the Urubamba River below. The site showcases extraordinary Inca engineering with over 150 structures—temples, terraces, fountains, and royal tombs—crafted using precise stonework techniques that required no mortar. Key highlights include the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana stone, and the Temple of the Condor.

Beyond its architectural brilliance, Machu Picchu reflects the deep spiritual and cosmological beliefs of the Inca civilization. Its layout aligns with astronomical events, such as solstices and equinoxes, and reveals a profound respect for nature and the cosmos. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu stands as a powerful symbol of Peru’s cultural legacy. Visiting the site is a journey into the heart of Andean history, spirituality, and ingenuity.

Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Morning tour to Macchu Picchu. Early breakfast and take the first bus up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. We’ll have a 2-hour guided tour of the site during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. Around noon take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Lunch in Aguas Calientes and afterwards travel back to Ollantaytambo by train. From here private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Included meals: Breakfast