Max group size: 24

Itinerary

DAY 1
Arrival to Cusco; afternoon city tour

Walk – easy, 3 hours.

We begin our exploration of the Incas in the city of Cusco (11,150’), a name taken from the Quechua word for “naval” or “center.”  Here, dramatic Spanish colonial architecture blends with solid Inca masonry in a harmony belying the area’s tumultuous history.  Throughout the city are prime examples of colonial buildings that are built on top of ancient Inca foundations. The stonework of the Incas is unsurpassed by that of any other culture.  Massive rocks were painstakingly ground to fit so perfectly together that no mortar was needed, and many walls have remained for over 500 years in spite of regular tremors. This afternoon we enjoy a walking tour of the city’s historic center with our guides, who lay the foundation for our understanding of the Inca way of life that we will encounter in the coming days. This afternoon we have time to relax before dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
Hotel Novotel, Cusco

DAY 2
Tambomachay to Sacsayhuaman

Hike – easy to moderate, 3-4 hours on hiking trails; approximate elevation loss of 1,000’.

Outside Cusco, the landscape quickly becomes agricultural. We drive to the ruins of Tambomachay, or El Baño del Inca. The ancient ceremonial bath marks the beginning of our first acclimatization hike (beginning at about 12,500’), through scenic farmland and past the archeological sites of Pukapukara and Q’enqo, and finally reaching the impressive Sacsayhuaman, where we encounter our first example of the huge boulders the Incas used in building temples and fortresses. Along the way, we enjoy views of the Cusco valley and snowcapped Andean peaks in the distance. 

This evening you are free to further explore Cusco, and our guides will be happy to make recommendations from the diverse and excellent eateries in the area, or you may choose to enjoy dinner at our hotel’s fine restaurant.
Hotel Novotel, Cusco

DAY 3
Pisac and the Sacred Valley

Hike – easy to moderate, 2-4 hours on trails with some stone stairs; approximate elevation loss of 1,800’.

This morning we leave Cusco and head for the Sacred Valley.  As we enter the valley, it is evident why this area was an important cultural and agricultural region for the Incas. The climate is pleasant, and generally is a bit warmer than Cusco due to its lower elevation (about 9,300’). Crops flourished here, and ancient terraces remain in testament to the fertility of the land. At Pisac, we begin today’s hike.  The well-preserved ruins above the town offer excellent views and further insight into the spiritual life of the Incas. After exploring Pisac, we may hike from the ruins into the town 1,800’ feet below, where we visit the local market and have the opportunity to bargain for pottery and colorful Peruvian weavings.  

Later this afternoon, we arrive at the hotel were we’ll be staying for the next two nights, a charming country lodge on the site of a restored 350-year-old monastery.
Posada del Inca, Yucay

DAY 4
Mountain Village and Ollantaytambo

Hike – easy to moderate, 4-5 hours on dirt roads and trails; some steep stone stairs at ruins.

Today we begin our hike in a mountain village near the town of Ollantaytambo. After a short visit to the local school, we depart Patacancha on foot, passing through the small village of Huillac. Taking our time on foot allows us a glimpse of the agricultural life the campesinos have lived for centuries, growing wheat and potatoes, and raising sheep and guinea pigs. We pass through remote areas where we may see isolated herds of llama or alpaca roaming amid the patchwork of cultivated fields. After a picnic lunch we return to Ollantaytambo, a charming town of cobblestone streets, ingenious aqueducts, and colorful market stalls at the base of an impressive ruin. Exactly how the Incas moved the rose colored stone blocks from their quarry miles away is a mystery to this day.  This spot at a narrow part of the valley is the only place where the Incas managed to stave off the Spanish conquest. By using their canals to flood the valley floor, they were able to prevent the invaders’ advances.

Tonight we enjoy a hearty dinner and a restful evening in preparation for our trek.
Posada del Inca, Yucay

DAY 5
Begin trek: Parpishu to Chilipahua

Hike – moderately strenuous, 5-6 hours.

Beginning elevation: 10,000’

Highest elevation: 12,800’

End/Campsite elevation: 11,500’

Our trek begins in the Pumatales Valley, a deep gorge spliced by the Rio Huarocondo.  The ancient trail, still used today by goat, sheep, and cattle farmers, ascends steadily toward the Watuq’asa pass. We take our time, stopping now and then to appreciate the amazing views of Mt. Chicon (17,500’), Mt. Verónika (18,641’) and Mt. Pumahuanca (17,500’).  As we approach the pass, the Inca walls of Qosqoq’awarina come into view. At the head of the pass we enjoy lunch amid the ruins. After our meal there is time to relax or climb the last 300 feet to the top of the ancient watch tower, where 360Ëš views reward our efforts. Continuing, we descend into the valley of Anapahua, where lush green terraces replace the dry landscape of the beginning of the day.  This afternoon we arrive in Chilipahua, a tiny hamlet where we make our camp. As the farmers gather their livestock from the surrounding hills, children from the nearby farms may try to tempt you to kick a soccer ball around before sunset.
Full service camping

DAY 6
Chilipahua to Ancascocha

Hike – strenuous, 5-6 hours.

Beginning elevation: 11,500’

Highest elevation: 14,750’

End/Campsite elevation: 12,700’

At dawn, our camp chefs wake us with steaming cups of coca tea brought to our tents. The ubiquitous dried coca leaves make a wonderful tea that provides energy at high altitudes – the reason for its immense popularity among those living in the mountains of Peru. There is time to wake up gradually, feeling the early sun warm our tents. After a breakfast of granola, yogurt, and eggs or maybe pancakes, we begin our hike while our arrieros (horse handlers) break camp and pack the horses. Our trail gradually ascends to the Pampaq’asa pass, and along the way we are likely to meet local farmers bringing potatoes to the lower villages to trade for rice and sugar. After about an hour, we take a break for a snack of fruit, chocolate, and nuts before continuing up through the farmland to the pass. Here, at 14,750 feet, we are at the highest point of our journey. To our right, a hidden valley, the remains of a glacial lake, is now a perfect grazing land for horses.

As we clear the pass, the landscape changes entirely. Before us lies a beautiful valley and the tumbling waters of the Rio Silque. After descending steeply from the pass, we enjoy a lunch of homemade soup and freshly prepared salads on the bank of the river. Local children often bring their flocks of sheep to graze nearby, and we enjoy the idyllic setting with them, watching for caracara hawks and majestic Andean condors circling overhead.

We leave our lunch spot, gently descending through pastureland populated by sheep, cows, and horses. These animals and the occasional inquisitive Quechua child are often the only witnesses to our presence. Looking north, we are treated to dramatic views of the snowcapped peak of Verónika, beautifully framed by the green valley.

We arrive to our waiting tents on the flanks of Mt. Huayanay (17,500’), whose glaciers hang above the valley floor, feeding the river running by our camp.
Full service camping

DAY 7
Ancascocha to Camicancha

Hike – moderate to strenuous, 5-6 hours.

Beginning elevation: 12,700’

Highest elevation: 12,700’

End/Campsite elevation: 9,700’

By now we are accustomed to the morning chill disappearing by breakfast as the sun warms the mountains. Today’s hike is a bit easier, as we start trekking down through a narrow valley, full of red Masdevallia orchids, known locally as huakanki. Our trail threads across several bridges over a small mountain river.

As we make our way across fields of rocky scree, going up and down, we enjoy nearly constant views of impressive Mt. Verónika across the Sacred Valley. After lunch at a scenic resting spot, we continue to descend. After some time, we enter a eucalyptus grove, captivatingly lush after days spent above tree line in the mountains. By mid-afternoon, we arrive at the tiny community of Camicancha, where we will camp tonight. Local children, as always, are eager to greet us and share some of their produce. 
Full service camping

DAY 8
Camicancha to Piscaycucho

Hike – easy to moderate, 5-6 hours.

Beginning elevation: 9,700’

Highest elevation: 9,700’

End/Campsite elevation: 8,975’

This morning we find ourselves slowly re-entering civilization. Our route follows a wide, relatively flat dirt track along the Rio Silque before narrowing again. We pass the occasional home, slightly more complex than the simple dwellings we’ve encountered in the past days.

Our trail follows the contours of the Sacred Valley, winding through eucalyptus groves and hillsides boasting impressive cacti. Everywhere, signs of the intense farming during Inca times can be seen in the many terraced fields.

By mid-afternoon, we reach our final camp site, at Piscaycucho, on the Urubamba River. Here, we may meet other trekkers and compare stories of our travels. We camp in relative luxury tonight, with complete indoor dining facilities, hot showers, and even a sauna to revive weary muscles!
Full service camping

DAY 9
Piscaycucho to Machu Picchu

Hike – moderately strenuous, 5-6 hours.

Beginning elevation: 7,000’

Highest elevation: 8,200’

End elevation: 7,900’

Our trek ends today hiking the final miles into Machu Picchu on the classic Inca Trail. We begin with a scenic train ride from Piscaycucho to the start of our hike. Our train has large windows and a glass ceiling, allowing everyone to enjoy amazing views of the Andes rising precipitously above us. After about 40 minutes, we disembark at kilometer 104, and begin the final hike of our trek. We soon come upon Chachabamba, a small Inca village in ruins. Our trail continues to climb gradually, switching back and forth across the steep hillside. The views are spectacular, and we may begin to recognize some of the steep, Our trek ends today hiking the final miles into Machu Picchu on the classic Inca Trail. We begin with a scenic train ride from Piscaycucho to the start of our hike. Our train has large windows and a glass ceiling, allowing everyone to enjoy amazing views of the Andes rising precipitously above us. After about 40 minutes, we disembark at kilometer 104, and begin the final hike of our trek. We soon come upon Chachabamba, a small Inca village in ruins. Our trail continues to climb gradually, switching back and forth across the steep hillside. The views are spectacular, and we may begin to recognize some of the steep, forest-covered mountains that surround Machu Picchu, although the lost citadel remains out of sight. After a few hours, the trail becomes more forested and we turn a corner to see the picture-perfect ruins of Wiñya Wayna before us. We take time to have lunch at the ruins, and marvel at the ingenuity of the people who created this complex village in such an unlikely place. From Wiñya Wayna, the trail begins to evoke a sense of history – ancient stone steps, pavements, and complex retaining walls, still half covered with vegetation, surround us. A final steep ascent brings us to Intipunku (the Gate of the Sun), and as we come through the gate, the first unforgettable sight of Machu Picchu emerges below us. We have a few hours this afternoon to explore the lost city on our own or with our guides, or you may simply choose to find a quiet spot from which to soak in the splendor.

Late this afternoon we board a bus for a short ride to our hotel in the festive small town of Machu Picchu, where we enjoy a feast in celebration of accomplishing our trek.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Pueblo

PLEASE NOTE: It is important to sign up early, as the Peruvian government has a new permit system in place which strictly limits the number of hikers on the trail at any given time. Permits are issued without priority on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you dream of hiking into Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail, now is the time to reserve. There are alternative options if permits are not available at the time when you reserve. This will not affect our visit to Machu Picchu, just the hike to the ruins.

DAY 10
Sunrise at Machu Picchu; exploration of ruins; return to Cusco

Walk – easy, 2-3 hours, optional moderate hike to Wayna Picchu, about 3 hours.

For those who wish to rise early, a very special experience is in store this morning.  We return to Machu Picchu before sunrise, so that we can quietly enjoy the ruins before the crowds begin to arrive later in the morning. There is plenty of time to learn more about the complexities of this mountaintop city, or you may choose to challenge yourself to a final hike up Wayna Picchu, the dramatic spire that rises in the background of every classic photograph of the famed citadel.

Later, we descend to the town of Machu Picchu for lunch before boarding the Vistadome train to return to Cusco. The ride takes a few hours, giving us plenty of time to relax, enjoy the views, and reflect on our journey before a final celebratory dinner in Cusco.
Hotel Novotel, Cusco

DAY 11
Departure from Cusco

After breakfast we transfer to the Cusco airport in time for flights to Lima and homeward.

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