Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Hike to Huayllabamba:

We pick you up at your hotel and head to the Inca Trail checkpoint at Km 82, where we will meet our field team loading the equipment. Our guide will introduce the entire group, including cooks, porters, and travelers. After registering with the park rangers, we begin our hike along a gentle trail with gradual ascents and descents, crossing semi‑arid terrain beside the Urubamba River while enjoying magnificent views of snow‑capped mountains. After an impressive view of the Inca remains of Llactapata, we leave the Urubamba Valley and continue hiking through the Kusichaca River valley until reaching our first campsite near the village of Huayllabamba (approx. 3,000 m / 9,842 ft). (Includes snack, lunch, tea time, and dinner) Distance: Km 82 to Huayllabamba: 11 km (6–7 miles) – Duration: approx. 6 hours.

Day 2: Hike from Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo:

After a healthy breakfast, we begin hiking uphill toward our first challenge: the Warmihuañusca Pass, or Dead Woman’s Pass (approximately 4,200 m / 13,860 ft). The trail passes through the last village, Huayllabamba, and the second park ranger checkpoint. As we ascend, we encounter different ecosystems, such as primary Andean forest and high‑altitude grasslands. We reach the top of the pass, where it is possible to enjoy 360‑degree views across the Urubamba and Huayllabamba valleys we have left behind. You can also see the other side of the trail descending toward the Pacaymayo Valley, our next campsite, guided by the Runkurakay ruins at the top. We then descend hundreds of steps to the bottom of the valley. (Breakfast / snack / lunch / tea time / dinner included) Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo: 7 km (4.5 miles) – approximately 7 hours

Day 3: Hike from Pacaymayo to Phuyupatamarca:

We will depart from Pacaymayo, and shortly after begin a short zigzag ascent along an ancient original trail that leads us to the circular Inca site of Runkurakay. There are no signs of human life here, only vast forests and steep hills. This is where mixed Andean and Amazonian vegetation begins, with high chances of spotting birds and wildlife. After a break and our guide’s explanation, we continue climbing until reaching the second pass at a place called Pacaymayo Alto (3,600 m / 11,181 ft) and begin our descent. From this point on, it becomes clear that the Inca Trail is well preserved, with astonishing constructions that make use of the natural landscape and geography. Before long, we arrive at the steps leading up to the site of Sayacmarca (approximately 3,620 m / 11,946 ft). From Sayacmarca, the stone path continues downward, seemingly suspended along the mountainside, now surrounded by tropical forest and patches of grassland. We continue our hike toward the site of Phuyupatamarca, with brief moments of ascent and descent. The trail crosses Chakicocha, a dry lake, and passes through “The Tunnel,” a natural cavity formed by a landslide but adapted by the Incas. The well‑designed path skirts hills covered in moss and ferns. After crossing a small pass, we see some steep steps and, below them, the Ceremonial Center of Phuyupatamarca (above the clouds) (approximately 3,650 m / 12,045 ft), where our third campsite will be set up. (Breakfast / snack / lunch / tea time / dinner included) Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca: 5 km (3.5 miles) – approximately 5 hours

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca to Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu:

After an early wake‑up and a participatory gathering with our trekking team to thank them for their services and, of course, take some photos at this spectacular viewpoint, we begin walking downhill to explore this Inca site, now increasingly immersed in Amazonian vegetation. The trail showcases throughout its length the remarkable engineering skills of its builders. Hiking downhill for the next 3 hours, we arrive at Wiñaywayna (approximately 2,700 m / 8,856 ft), the main archaeological site before reaching the lost city of Machu Picchu. We will visit and explore the site, from where you can see the Urubamba Valley and the river far below. The trail continues toward Inti Punku (approximately 2,740 m / 9,042 ft), or the Sun Gate, our final pass from which we will have our first view of the unique and breathtaking site of Machu Picchu. A boxed lunch will be provided. From this spot, Machu Picchu (approximately 2,450 m / 8,085 ft) appears unreal and beautiful. We will have a general orientation of the citadel. Then we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night. (Hotel and dinner not included) (Breakfast / snack / boxed lunch) Pacaymayo – Machu Picchu: 9 km (5.5 miles) – approximately 7 hours

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco:

After an early breakfast, passengers will meet their guide in the hotel lobby to begin our visit to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We will explore this magical Inca city and enjoy learning about how it was built and discovered. After this incredible visit, passengers will return to the town of Machu Picchu (formerly known as Aguas Calientes), where they may have lunch (not included). After lunch, they will take the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, passengers will be transferred by private vehicle back to their hotel in Cusco. (We can arrange any itinerary for any guest before or after the 5‑day trip.)