Day 1: Cusco City Tour
Upon your arrival in Cusco, we will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. There you will receive a short briefing to prepare you for our next week together, and we can also plan your day in this lovely and ancient city of the Incas. The Cusco City tour lasts only half a day, so you can have some time to rest, if you wish, before we begin. Cusco is a truly fascinating place to visit. It has a unique blend of two cultures (Inca and Spanish) which gives the city a look and feel that is completely different from the rest of Peru. We will give you an excellent introduction by visiting the most significant Inca and colonial sights of this historic city, including exploring the three amazing ruins just outside the city. Highlights include The Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), Sacsayhuaman, and learning Inca history as you explore Cusco’s main streets and enjoy its unique charm.

Day 2: Cusco – Chinchero – Moray – Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
We pick you up from your hotel for our tour in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is Chinchero – a very interesting colonial town whose economy is still based on traditional weaving practices. Local family cooperatives will invite you in and teach you how they do their craft. Or second stop is Moray – impressive circular terraces which are considered an impressive Incan agricultural laboratory. The Salt Mines of Maras are some of the oldest mines in the world, and they are still producing pure and natural salt under the ownership of local families. After a delicious lunch in the town of Urubamba, we will head to Ollantaytambo with its impressive Incan fortress and charming stone streets. Finally, we will take a train to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Meals: B

Day 3: Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is a special day, because you will visit Machu Picchu – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. A 30-minute bus ride will take you to this magical, mysterious city. You will have an informative, 3-hour tour exploring the stone quarry, sun temple, royal residence, and living quarters. A 16:22pm train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting for you to drive you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Meals: B

Day 4: Cusco – Cachora – Chikisca
We pick you up at 6:30 am with our private transport to drive to the village of Cachora. Here we will meet our staff and drive 30 more minutes to the Capuliyoc lookout point and the trail head (2,941masl / 9649 ft). Before we begin our trek, we will enjoy a good lunch with an amazing view of the Apurimac canyon and a chance to see the Andean condor. Our hike begins with a spectacular view of Nevado Padreyoq, with the archaeological complex of Choquequirao in the distance. Our path continues downhill for about 5 hours, where we will arrive at our first campsite at Chikisca (1,863masl). We can expect a warm night in the valley.

Meals: B, L, D
Maximum Altitude: 2,977m / 9,767ft
Minimum altitude: 1,836m / 6,024ft
Distance Travelled: 8 km / 5.0 mi
Walking Time: 5 hrs

Day 5: Chikisca – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa – Marampata
We leave early and continue downhill for around one hour, to the Apurimac River, where we cross a bridge. We begin our walk uphill, arriving in 2 hours at Santa Rosa where we can stop for a rest. Here we find a family house, where we can freshen up and enjoy the sugar cane chicha which is made here. We can also buy mineral water, soft drinks and rehydrating drinks. We continue uphill for approximately 2 more hours, until arriving at Marampata (2,950 msnm) which will be our second camp. Here we visit local families and share their daily activities. Depending on the season, you may have a chance to harvest some local, organic vegetables to prepare for our meals on the rest of our trek. This is a great way for us to support the local families who live near Choquequirao.

Meals: B, L, D
Maximum Altitude: 2,914m / 9,560ft
Minimum altitude: 1,500m / 4,921ft
Distance Travelled: 9 km / 5.6mi
Walking Time: 6 hrs

Day 6: Marampata – Choquequirao
We start with a 2-hour hike to the principal archaeological complex of Choquequirao, where we visit and explore the Usnu, Priests House, Llamayoq, (stoned llama figures designed into farming terraces) and the Administrative Sector. We spend the day exploring and learning about the Inca people of Choquequirao, the remote city of the Incas. With your native, certified guide, you will explore every site of this magical city. Only about 50% of this ancient city has been excavated, so new areas continue to be uncovered and restored. Late in the afternoon we will go to the campsite within Choquequirao.

Meals: B, L, D
Maximum Altitude: 3,050m / 10,007ft
Minimum altitude: 2,914m / 9,560ft
Distance Travelled: 7km / 4.3mi
Walking Time: 7 hrs

Day 7: Choquequirao – Santa Rosa – Chikisca
After a leisurely breakfast, we pack up our equipment to begin our return to Marampata. After lunch will will retrace our steps to Chikisca. The gradient of the path is “Peruvian flat” in the beginning, but will steepen on the descent to the Apurimac River. After crossing the river we will hike uphill for around 1 hour to our campsite in Chikisca.

Meals: B, L, D
Maximum altitude: 3,000m / 9,843ft
Minimum altitude: 1,500m / 4,921ft
Distance: 12km / 7.5mi
Walking Time: 7 hrs

Day 8: Chikisca – Capuliyoc – Cusco
We begin the day as early as possible to avoid the midday sun, which is exhausting. The climb today will be challenging, but the views when we finally reach the Capuliyoc lookout point will make you forget your exhaustion. After lunch we will drive you back to your hotel in Cusco. If you wish, we can drive you to the airport in the morning.

Meals: B, L
Maximum Altitude: 2,977m / 9,767ft
Minimum altitude: 1,836m / 6,024ft
Distance Travelled: 8km / 5.0mi
Walking Time: 5 hrs

SERVICES INCLUDED:

• Guide service in English/Spanish
• 3 nights of hotels in Cusco and 1 night plus breakfast in Aguas Calientes
• Private transportation for day tours, to and from Ollantaytambo, and to and from Cachora
• Round trip Expedition train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
• Round trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
• Entrance tickets to all archeological sites, including Machu Picchu
• Master cook on the trek
• Food (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, snacks)
• Vegetarian/special diet options available at no extra cost
• Cooking and dining equipment, including tents, chairs and tables
• 4-season tents (3-person capacity but used for 2 people)
• Thermarest (sleeping mattress)
• Mules and horsemen to carry our camping equipment & food
• 10 kilos of your personal gear will be carried on the mule (we provide you a duffle)
• First-aid kit
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• Pre-departure briefing

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

• Tips for field staff and guide
• Meals on day tours except for breakfasts
• Entrance to Wayna Picchu – can be arranged for an additional US$30, but must be arranged well in advance
• Upgrades to train/hotel – for Vistadome add US$50 per person
• Sleeping bag
• Extra money for souvenirs or to buy Gatorade or beer along the trail
• Emergency horse for the group (in case of injury or the need to rest), but this can be arranged for an additional fee
• Note: If you need to rent any equipment such as a sleeping bag, water-proof poncho, hiking poles, etc. please let us know in advance. We will secure them for you – no deposit required.

 WE RECOMMEND YOU BRING:

• Sleeping bag (-10 Cº)
• Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals
• Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
• Waterproof jacket & pants or rain poncho
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
• Sunhat & sunglasses
• Sun block
• Insect repellent
• Water bottles
• Water filter (optional – boiled water will be available at all meals)
• Personal medications
• Walking poles
• Towel
• Personal items
• Personal snacks
• Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
• Camera
• Toilet paper
• DNI/Original Passport
• Insurance card

PRICE: 1490 USD$ per person when booking 2 people

PRICE: 1400 USD$ per person when booking 3 people

PRICE: 1350 USD$ per person when booking 4-6 people

PRICE: 1310 USD$ per person when booking 7- 10 people

DAY 1. Cusco City Tour
We will meet you at the airport and transport you to your local hotel. After you have a chance to settle in and get some rest, we will pick you up with our private transport for our half day Cusco tour. We will wander the streets in the city center and share stories about the Incan and colonial past, visit the Inca Sun Temple (Qoricancha), and wander through a market, if you wish. We will also visit archeological sites on the outskirts of the city, such as Saksayhuaman and Qenqo. When you have had your fill, we will return you to your hotel in Cusco.

DAY 2: Sacred Valley: Chichero, Moray, Salt Mines, Pisac
This will be a long, but fascinating day as we loop through the most popular sites in the Sacred Valley. We will pick you up from your hotel and head first to the village of Chinchero, an interesting and colorful colonial town which still retains Incan farming terraces and temples. Chinchero is frequently visited because local weaving cooperatives welcome you in to learn how they prepare wool, use natural dyes, and weave beautiful textiles.

Next, we will visit Moray – circular terraces that were used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory. They were carefully built by master engineers of Inca society to create many different micro-climates for agricultural experimentation. Nearby is the town of Maras, with its beautiful colonial church of St. Francis, and the Maras Salt Mines, still owned and managed by local community members. Since pre-Incan times, these evaporation pools, fed by a salty subterranean stream, have been farmed by local families.

After a delicious lunch in Urubamba, we will head to Pisac. The archeological site in Pisac has stunning views of the Andes, extensive agricultural terraces, temples, living quarters, and the largest Inca cemetery in Peru. If we have time, you might even be able to pick up a souvenir or two in the colorful Pisac market. At the end of the day, we will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: B

DAY 3: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa
We pick you up early at your hotel in Cusco and drive 3 hours in our private transport to the trail head in Soraypampa. There we will have our breakfast while enjoying the amazing views of the snowy peaks of the Humantay (5900m) and Salkantay (6217m) mountains. Before we start our trek, a short hike will take us to the beautiful Humantay Lake. After enjoying the lake, we will return to Soraypampa where a delicious lunch awaits us. Then we will begin the actual trek with a one-hour climb to our first campsite at Salkantaypampa.

Meals: B, L, D
Maximum Altitude: 4,250m / 13,944ft
Minimum altitude: 2,980m / 9,777ft
Distance Travelled: 9km / 5.6mi
Walking Time: 6 hrs

DAY 4: Salkantaypampa – Soyroccocha – Salkantay Pass – Andenes
After a delicious, hardy breakfast, we start our trekking with beautiful views of Apu Salkantay. We hike 2 or 3 hours to reach Apacheta Pass, the highest point of the trek. From there, we can enjoy the spectacular views of snow-capped mountains before hiking down to Salkantay Lake. After a rest at the lake, we walk down to Wayracpampa where our cook has prepared us a delicious lunch. After lunch, we have a 2-hour trek to Andenes campsite where we spend the night in a very peaceful area.

Meals: B, L, D
Maximum Altitude: 4,638m / 15,217ft
Minimum altitude: 3,100m / 10,171ft
Distance Travelled: 17km / 10.6mi
Walking time: 8 hours

DAY 5: Andenes – Lluskamayu – La Playa – Lucmabamba
Today we walk for 6 hours through the beginning of the rainforest, enjoying a variety of flora and fauna including orchids, birds, coffee trees, banana trees, waterfalls and fruit plantations. We arrive at La Playa lunch with free time to rest before we head to Lucmabamba, our next campsite. Once here, we will enjoy a wonderful coffee tour with a local family. The tour will take us throughout the coffee plantations and end with a chance to taste the best organic coffee of the Cusco Region.

Meals: B, L, D
Maximum altitude: 3,100m / 10,171ft
Minimum altitude: 2,135m / 7,005ft
Distance travelled: 14km / 8.7mi
Walking time: 7 hours

DAY 6: Lucmabamba – Llaqtapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Our day starts with a 3-hour climb on an original Inca Trail up through the Andean cloud forest to Puncuyoc Pass. From here a short hike takes us to the Inca city of Llactapaca (2,700m/8,906ft). From here we are rewarded with a beautiful view of Machu Picchu, and your guide will share with you the ancient stories of this sacred city. After another 2-hour hike downhill we will reach the hydroelectric plant and our lunch. A train will take us the remaining distance to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Meals: B, L, D
Maximum altitude: 2,954m / 9,688ft
Minimum altitude: 2,135m / 7,005ft
Distance travelled: 12km / 7.5mi
Walking Time: 5 hours

DAY 7: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Rising early, we will take the first bus up to Machu Picchu. Sunrise is the most spectacular time to experience Machu Picchu without the crowds that arrive from the Inca Trail and the subsequent buses. This is the best time to admire the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Your guide will explain this sacred city and its history. Then you will have time for exploring on your own, taking photos and climbing to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)! This has an extra cost of 40 USD and must be booked several months in advance to get a coveted permit. After experiencing this Seventh Wonder of the World, we will head back to Aguas Calientes to catch a train to Ollantaytambo and then a private transport to Cuzco where you will be returned to your hotel. In the morning we can drive you to the airport if you wish.

Meal: B

SERVICES INCLUDED:

• Guide service in English/Spanish
• 3 nights of hotels in Cusco and 1 night in Aguas Calientes – breakfast included
• Private transportation for day tours, to Soraypampa, and from Ollantaytambo
• Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Round trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
• Entrance tickets to all archeological sites, including Machu Picchu
• Master cook on the trek
• Food (6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, snacks)
• Vegetarian/special diet options available at no extra cost
• Cooking and dining equipment, including tents, chairs and tables
• 4-season tents (3-person capacity but used for 2 people)
• Thermarest (sleeping mattress)
• Mules and horsemen to carry our camping equipment & food
• 10 kilos of your personal gear will be carried on the mule (we provide you a duffle)
• First-aid kit
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• Pre-departure briefing

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

• Tips for field staff and guide
• Meals on day tours except for breakfasts
• Entrance to Wayna Picchu – can be arranged for an additional US$40, but must be arranged well in advance
• Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain – would be an additional US$40
• Upgrades to train/hotel – for Vistadome add US$80 per person
• Sleeping bag
• Extra money for souvenirs or to buy Gatorade or beer along the trail
• Emergency horse for the group (in case of injury or the need to rest), but this can be arranged for an additional fee

NOTE: If you need to rent any equipment such as a sleeping bag, water-proof poncho, hiking poles, etc. please let us know in advance. We will secure them for you – no deposit required.

 WE RECOMMEND YOU BRING:

• Sleeping bag (-10 Cº)
• Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals
• Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
• Waterproof jacket & pants or rain poncho
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
• Sunhat & sunglasses
• Sun block
• Insect repellent
• Water bottles
• Water filter (optional – boiled water will be available at all meals)
• Personal medications
• Walking poles
• Bathing suit & towel (for hot springs)
• Personal items
• Personal snacks
• Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
• Camera
• Toilet paper
• DNI/Original Passport
• Insurance card

PRICE: 1180 USD$ per person when booking 2 people

PRICE: 1110 USD$ per person when booking 3 people

PRICE: 1060 USD$ per person when booking 4- 6 people

PRICE: 1000 USD$ per person when booking 7- 10 people

DAY 1:  Cusco City Tour

We will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel where you can settle in and rest before we start the half-day Cusco City Tour. On the tour, we will explore Cusco’s charming main streets while learning the fascinating history of the city. We will visit the Sun Temple (Qoricancha) and perhaps visit a market. Then we will head to the outskirts of the city where you will get a panoramic view of the city at the archeological site of Sacsayhuaman. Finally we will visit Qenqo, an impressive Inca temple, before returning you to your hotel.

DAY 2: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Inca trail – Aguas Calientes

We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco in the early morning, drive to Ollantaytambo, and from there take the Machu Picchu train to kilometer 104. There our trek will begin and we will work our way up the most impressive stretch of the Inca Trail. As we pass through the lush and verdant cloud forest that covers the mountain we will see a variety of plants, flowers and birds. We will also visit beautiful Inca sites, including Wiñay Wayna, and enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the Andes mountains. After a full day of trekking we’ll arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get our first views of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain below. The light in late afternoon is great for photos, and with fewer tourists in the site later in the day, it’s a perfect time to take some pictures. After we’ve passed through the Sun Gate we’ll continue along the trail that leads us to Machupicchu  then bus to Aguas Calientes which is located  in the valley below where we’ll check into our hotel.

Meals: L, D
Maximum Altitude: 2,700m / 8,858ft
Minimum Altitude: 1,950m /6,398 ft
Distance: 10km / 6.3mi
Walking Time: 6-7 hrs

DAY 3: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo

Waking up early, we’ll take the bus back up to Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas – to enter the site as it opens. This historical sanctuary is a masterpiece of art, urbanism, architecture and engineering, and, from its perch amongst spectacular mountains, it will take your breath away! You will have a 3-hour guided tour of the site during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you’ll have time to do short hikes if you have permits, to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo where you will stay overnight in a hotel.

Meals: B

DAY 4: Ollantaytambo – Patacancha – Willoq Alto

After breakfast we will drive to the community of Patacancha where we will meet local Quechua families at the trailhead for our day hike. It will take approximately 4 hours  hiking to reach Q´euña Lake, the highest point of our trek (4300 m/14107 ft). This is the time to pat yourself on the back and enjoy the stunning views of snowy mountains, llamas, alpacas, rugged valleys and undulating farmlands. Then our Quechua families will set up our lunch spot, and we will enjoy hot cocoa and coca tea with a delicious lunch overlooking the picturesque Lares Valley. After lunch we will descend 3 hours to reach our homestay in the Willoq Alto community where all the Quechua families will welcome you to their village. They are excited to “adopt” travelers into their families, and you will experience a living culture during your overnight stay with these Inca descedents in the Andes of Perú .

Meals: B, L, D
Maximum Altitude: 4,300m/14,107ft
Minimum Altitude: 3,700m/12,139ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours

DAY 5: Willoq Alto – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

We will wake up early to share breakfast with village families. The morning will be spent learning about the traditional weaving culture that sustains these families. They still use all-natural dyes made from plants, seeds, flowers, roots and cactus parasites to color their wools, and this is a terrific place to pick up some handmade souvenirs. Around 10:00 am our driver will pick us up and an hour’s drive will take us to Pumamarka – an amazing Incan archeological site that is seldom visited by tourists. You will enjoy the view of Incan farming terraces which extend over the mountains as well as their ancient houses and store houses. Exploring Pumamarka takes around 1 hour. After our tour of Pumamarka we will head down to Ollantaytambo where you will have lunch and then explore the Ollantaytambo ruins along with the charming town itself. On the way back to your hotel in Cusco we will stop in Maras to visit the amazing Moray circles – an ancient agricultural laboratory – and the Maras Salt Mines. These picturesque evaporative pools are fed by a subterranean river and are owned and managed cooperatively by the community of Maras. We will return you to your hotel in Cusco and to the airport, if you need a ride, in the morning.

Meals: B

SERVICES INCLUDED:

• Guide service in English/Spanish
• Hotels in Cusco (2 nights), Aguas Calientes (1 night), Ollantaytambo (1 night), and homestay (1 night) – breakfast included
• Private transportation for day tours, and to and from Ollantaytambo
• Expedition train – Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104 and Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Round trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
• Entrance tickets to all archeological sites, including Machu Picchu and inca trail
• Food (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks)
• Vegetarian/special diet options available at no extra cost
• First-aid kit
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• Pre-departure briefing

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

• Tips for field staff and guide
• Meals on day tours except for breakfasts
• Sleeping bag
• Entrance to Wayna Picchu – would be an additional US$100, but must be arranged well in advance
• Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain – would be an additional US$100
• Upgrades to train/hotel – for Vistadome add US$80 per person
• Extra money for souvenirs

NOTE: If you need to rent any equipment such as a sleeping bag, water-proof poncho, hiking poles, etc. please let us know in advance. We will secure them for you – no deposit required.

 WE RECOMMEND YOU BRING

• Sleeping bag (-10 Cº)
• Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals
• Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
• Waterproof jacket & pants or rain poncho
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
• Sunhat & sunglasses
• Sun block
• Insect repellent
• Water bottles
• Water filter (optional – boiled water will be available at all meals)
• Personal medications
• Walking poles
• Swimsuit & towel
• Personal items
• Personal snacks
• Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
• Camera
• Toilet paper
• DNI/Original Passport
• Insurance card

PRICE:  1540USD$ per person when booking 2 people

PRICE: 1480 USD$ per person when booking 3 people

PRICE: 1400 USD$ per person when booking 4- 6 people

PRICE: 1340 USD$ per person when booking 7- 10 people