Machu Picchu Trekking
DESTINATION: USA
TRIP GRADE: Moderate To Challenging
SEASON: May & Oct
ALTITUDE: 4200 mtrs /13776 ft
Day 01: Upon arrival in Cusco, Peru, we’ll take you to the hotel for showers and a brief orientation meeting. Stay hydrated, given the high altitude of over 11,000 feet. Later, we’ll gather for dinner at a local Peruvian restaurant. Self-care, including ample water intake, is crucial at this elevation.
Day 02: After breakfast, we’ll explore the historical sites of Saksaywaman and the Qoricancha. Lunch will feature local organic cuisine with our chef. Enjoy some free time before dinner, where guides will outline the plan for the next day and address any questions.
Day 03: Today, we’ll rest and acclimatize, starting with a visit to Chinchero village to witness traditional weaving. Later, explore the ancient salt mines and enjoy lunch with stunning mountain views. Afterward, discover the agricultural terraces of Moray before returning to Cusco. Free time precedes dinner, where guides will discuss the plan for the next day.
Day 04: Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles (12.1 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,476 feet (450 m)
Elevation Loss: 492 feet (150 m)
Highest Elevation: 10,168 feet (3,100 m)
Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours
Accommodations: Premier Camping
Today, we depart early from Cusco, heading to Piscacucho (Km 82), our Inca Trail starting point. The hike begins in a high desert forest with views of Waqayhillca. After lunch, we enter the Cusichaca valley, transitioning to jungle-like flora. We explore Incan ruins like Patallaqta and catch glimpses of Q’anabamba and Willkarakay. By 4 pm, we reach our first camp at 10,168′, providing time to rest and enjoy dinner by 7 pm.
Day 05: Hiking Mileage: 7 miles (11.3 km)
Elevation Gain: 3,937 feet (1,200 m)
Elevation Loss: 2,133 feet (650 m)
Highest Elevation: 13,779 feet (4,200 m)
Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours
Accommodations: Premier Camping
Wake up in the Peruvian mountains with Wildland Trekking for a delightful start – hot drink delivery and a scrumptious breakfast. The day’s early hike leads through high-altitude landscapes, reaching Dead Woman’s Pass at Wamiwanusqa (13,779′). Descend for about 2 hours to our camp at Paqaymayo (11,646′), offering a stunning view of clouds in the valley. Rest and savor a delicious Peruvian dinner in this picturesque setting.
Day 06: Hiking Mileage: 6.2 miles (10 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,444 feet (440 m)
Elevation Loss: 1,148 feet (350 m)
Highest Elevation: 12,959 feet (3,950 m)
Trekking Duration: 7-9 hours
Accommodations: Premier Camping
Today on the Inca Trail is a feast for the senses, showcasing diverse flora, especially orchids, and offering stunning mountain views and Incan ruins. After ascending to the Runkuraqay pass at 12,959 feet, we’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery and photograph peaks like Huaqaywillka (19,028′) and Pumasillo (19,685′). Descending, we explore the Inca ruins at Sayaqmarca and continue for another two hours to the picturesque Phuyupatamarka campsite (11,942′) with views of Machu Picchu’s Mountain. Note: Bring earplugs for potential noise as some groups aim to reach Machu Picchu by sunrise.
Day 07: Hiking Mileage: 6.2 miles (10 km)
Elevation Gain: 294 feet (90 m)
Elevation Loss: 4,264 feet (1,300 m)
Highest Elevation: 11,942 feet (3,640 m)
Trekking Duration: 6-8 hours
Accommodations: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu
After departing Phuyupatamarka (11,942′) with a sunrise and breakfast, we visit Intipata, then hike three hours to Winayhuayna. After touring, a two-hour hike to Machu Picchu (7,972′) follows. A bus takes us to Aguas Calientes (6,692′) for the night and dinner at Indio Felice. Guides discuss the next day’s plan.
Day 08: Hiking Mileage: varies
Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
Options in the morning: early bus for sunrise at Machu Picchu (7,972′) or a later bus around 10 am to avoid crowds. A 3–4-hour tour of Machu Picchu with a local guide follows. After lunch in Aguas Calientes, we take a train to Ollantaytambo and then a van to Cusco (11,200′) for dinner and hotel check-in.
Day 09: Final morning in Cusco with breakfast, good-byes, and airport transfer. Departure at any time or continue exploring Peru. Service concludes after airport transportation.