Arrival in Lima
Arrival in Lima. Upon arrival, meeting with staff. Check in to the airport hotel, Costa Del Sol Ramada in front of the airport, where you will spend the night before heading to Cusco the next morning.

Lima – Cusco
Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Cusco. Transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon for acclimatizing to the altitude of Cusco city. Cusco is a beautiful city with well-preserved colonial architecture, evidence of a rich and complex history. The city itself represents the centre of indigenous Quechua culture in the Andes, and by merely walking the streets one sees the layers of history. Spanish colonial buildings erected directly atop Inca walls line the square, while the modern tourist nightlife flourishes in their midst.
Included meals: Breakfast

Cusco city tour (half a day)
Private services
Time to explore magical Cusco! This beautiful city has an interesting history, both from Inca and colonial times. You start this half-day tour at Cusco’s main square, which was called Huacaypata (Warriors Square) by the Incas. While the guide tells you more about the history of this special place, you can admire the city’s cathedral which was built between 1560 and 1664 with the red granite stones from the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The cathedral is without doubt one of the most impressive buildings in Cusco, and not only from the outside: the historical buildings host one of the most significant collections of gold and silver work of the colonial period.
 Next, you continue to Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo. The convent was built on top of the most important Inca temple dedicated to the worship of the sun, with walls covered with gold leaf. Wandering through the streets of what once was the capital of the Inca Empire, you feel like you are travelling through time.After exploring Cusco, you head to the nearby ruins, such as the Sacsayhuaman Fortress with its immense temple walls made out of huge stones constructed in a zigzag pattern; the red fort Puca Pucara; the Qenko Amphitheater, and Tambomachay, the Inca baths. Full of new knowledge about the history of the Incas, you return to your hotel in Cusco.
Included meals: Breakfast

You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco early in the morning and escorted (1.5 h drive) to the starting point of the tour – Piuray Lake at Taucca (3750 m), a short distance outside Chinchero. Continue driving further up to 3900 m.
From here, start the trek by ascending a well-marked trail in open terrain.
You will reach the highest point (4400 m) at Pucaqasa after around 2.5 hours trek. After hiking on the elevated plateau, the trail descends while you will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, fields, and lakes. Continue hiking 1,5 h to the canyon and follow the recently restored Inca trail, crossing streams, and bridges, through Puma Punku and other Inca ruins, until you finally enter the citadel Huchuy-Qosco at 3600 m.
The site itself lies majestically with a great view over Lamay and Calca. Originally a palace, the adobe stone structures remain impressive even in the modern age. After a brief rest in the shade of the Queñua (Andean oak) trees, you will enjoy your lunch before exploring the site at your leisure. You will then continue the trek zigzagging downhill through the fields for approximately 1 hour to the car waiting for us above Lamay at an altitude of 3320. From here, transport back to Cusco.
Ascent: 500 m / Descent: 1100 m) / Highest altitude: 4400 m / Distance: 14 km / Activity duration: 8 h / hiking time: 5-6 hours.
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

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) – Aguas Calientes (2050 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 take the afternoon train (1,5 hour) to the village of Aguas Calientes (2050 m), where we’ll spend the night before visiting the magical citadel of Machu Picchu.
Night in hotel.
Descent: 107 m / Distance: 4,5 Km. / Activity duration: 3 h
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Machu Picchu (2450 m) – Cusco
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.
After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and take the return train to Ollantaytambo and road transfer (2 h) to Cusco.
The total road distance from Aguas Calientes to Machu Pichu by tourist bus: 25 km / Initial altitude: 2100 m / Final altitude: 2450 m
Included meals: Breakfast

Cusco
Free day in Cusco for own plans.
Included meals: Breakfast

Cusco – Upis (4408 m)
Early departure from the city of Cusco, heading around 100 km. South-East, towards the Vilcanota mountain range where the famous Ausangate trek is located. The drive takes about 4 h, passing the settlements of Urcos and Tinqui (4050 m). The transport will stop about 30 minutes further ahead from Tinqui. After a short break to get ready for the hike and arranging the pack animals, a 1,5 h hike by the Vilcanota Valley from the Mapacho River and up to the small mountain settlement called Upis (4400), where the night will be spend. There are hot-springs close to the settlement and it is a great spot to further acclimatize and a panoramic view over to the Vilcanota range with Ausangate and Colqe Cruz peaks.
Night in tents.
Ascent: 350 m / Highest altitude: 4400 m / Activity duration: 1,5 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Hatun Pucacocha Lake (4500 m)
After a good breakfast and a first night in altitude, the group will start the hike up to Arapa mountain pass (4850 m), the first pass of the trek. The hike follows a well-marked gravel trail up to the highest point which is a magnificent place for picture to the Norther flank of the mountain range. A moderate descend to a group of lakes and lagoons at the base of the range, the biggest one known as Hatun Pucacocha. The camp will be setup on the shores of one the lakes.
Night in tents.
Ascent: 442 m / Descend: 300 m / Highest altitude: 4850 m / Distance: 12 km / Activity duration: 5-6 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Anantapata (4650 m)
Today the aim is to ascent to Pucacocha pass (4910 m),the hike takes about 2 h with gorgeous views of turquoise lakes and the Ausangate glacier. From the pass the Chillca Valley opens up below with grazing alpacas and llamas, in the distance it is possible to see the base of Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain and its striated colors. Then a gradual traversing long descend into the Chillca Valley where the Anantapata camp is located (4650 m).
Night in tents.
Ascent: 360 m / Descend: 260 m / Highest altitude: 4910 m / Distance: 15 km / Activity duration: 6-7 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Rainbow Mountain/Vinicunca (5030 m) & Ausangatecocha (4650 m)
One of the trek’s highlights is to reach Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain (5030 m), famous for the amazing varied striated colors. The day’s hike leaves the Anantapata camp ascending to Warmisaya pass (4985 m), also known as Pitumarca, a short descend to Kayrawiri Lake (4780 m) and then up again to Vinicunca’s view point (5030 m). It is one of the most colorful sceneries one can imagine in the mountains, product of the composition of various minerals making different colors on the stones. The valleys around are also very colorful and in the background the stunning Vilcanota range. Then a long descend to Ausangatecocha camp (4650 m) just at the foot of Ausanaget peak (6384 m) and its hanging glacier. It is one of the most dramatic landscapes on the itinerary.
Night in tents.
Ascent to Warmisaya pass: 335 m / Descend to Kayrawiri Lake: 205 m / Ascent to Vinicunca: 250 m / Descend Ausangatecocha Lake: 380 m / Highest altitude: 5030 m / Distance: 15 km aprox. / Activity duration: 7-8 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Jampa Camp (4700 m)
After a well deserved rest, the trail will lead the team up to the next mountain pass known as Palomani (5120 m), the highest pass on the trek, and which ascents takes about 3 hours. Once on the pass, the landscapes changes drastically and new peaks come into sight: Mariposa and Caracol, plus all the South-East mountain range. Down below the green Pampacancha (4500 m). The descend is gentle and very enjoyable, once at the bottom of the valley, the trail follows the Jampamayo River up to the village of Jampa where the next camp is (4700 m).
Night in tents.
Ascent to Palomani pass: 470 m / Descend to Pampacancha: 620 m / Ascent to Jampa Camp: 200 m / Highest altitude: 5120 m / Distance: 12,9 km / Activity duration: 7 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Pacchanta (4280 m) – Cusco
Last day of the trek start hike up the valley, passing beautiful mountains like: Hauyruropunco, Jampa, Puka Punta, Pacchanta, Hatun Uma and Ninaparaqu. The ascent is progressive and ends at the Jampa pass (5071 m), the second highest in the trek, with astonishing view to both side of the range. After a good break to enjoy the landscape, The group will descends towards Pacchanta (4280 m) by a nice valley that changes vegetation as it looses altitude.
The team will be picked up in Pacchanta and drive back to Cusco (4 h).
Night in hotel.
Ascent: 371 m / Descend: 791 m / Highest altitude: 5071 m / Distance: 13,9 km / Activity duration: 6 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

Cusco – Lima – Departure
Transfer to Cusco airport, flight to Lima. At your arrival in Lima transfer to the international departures to make the check in. Return home.
Included meals: Breakfast