Trip Overview
This loge-to-lodge trek is the perfect combination of ancient history, living culture, and magnificent landscapes. Expert guides will expose you to adventure hiking and cultural immersion in equal parts on this trek. As the sunset begins to paint the sky with vibrant colors, you will settle in to your mountain home and prepare for the next day.
Notes
This is a 5-day itinerary, we also offer a more challenging 7-day trek that explores more sights and allows you to prolong your Machu Picchu experience. All meals are included for the duration of the trek.
Day 1 – Sacred Valley of the Incas / Exploring Pisaq
Day 1 – Sacred Valley of the Incas / Exploring Pisaq
Early morning departure from Cusco. Visit to the celebrated market at Pisaq or take a hike in the mountains over the Sacred Valley. For lunch, delight in a traditional “Pachamanca” meal, cooked under hot stones. Afternoon excursion to the archaeological complex at Pisaq, a wonderful opportunity to explore the complex free of crowds, with the sun setting behind the peaks.
Day 2 – Lares Region / Inca Sites and Villages
Day 2 – Lares Region / Inca Sites and Villages
A road journey into the mountains will take you through remote archaeological sites. After lunch, choose between visiting a traditional weaver’s villager or a scenic drive and a hike amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi.
Day 3 – Sacred Valley of the Incas / Hiking Authentic Inca Trails
Day 3 – Sacred Valley of the Incas / Hiking Authentic Inca Trails
You can choose to embark on a spectacular hike over a high pass, to the adjacent valley and the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, the oldest living city in Latin America; or try an easygoing hike from Lares Pass along an astonishing authentic Inca trail to the local community of Totora.
Day 4 – Sacred Valley of the Incas / Discovering Ollantaytambo
Day 4 – Sacred Valley of the Incas / Discovering Ollantaytambo
Early morning short hike to Inca storage structures high above Ollantaytambo for magnificent views of the town and the temple. After, enjoy a guided tour of the fortress, one of the best examples of Inca architecture and revel in its mystical history…a perfect introduction to the wonder of Machu Picchu. Midday, embark on a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River Valley to Aguas Calientes, a bustling town below the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
Day 5 – Machu Picchu / The Sanctuary
Day 5 – Machu Picchu / The Sanctuary
At dawn, begin your visit to Machu Picchu with a rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the Sanctuary, the morning sun rises over the iconic Sun Gate and washes the structures and terraces with resplendent light. Prepare to be awed by the skillful architecture of the many Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among many others. Optional uphill hike on Huayna Picchu.