Along the way

The Vilcabamba Cordillera, the last refuge of the Incas, encompasses the height of the mountains before giving way to the jungle known as Yungas, or cloud forest.
Over the course of the 7-day trek, we notably traverse an ancient Inca trail and are able to observe exceptional flora and fauna as well as reach the Machu Picchu citadel itself.

Daily program

Day 1: CUZCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – MALAGA PASS- VILCABAMBA – HUANCACALLE / TREK

In the early morning, transfer in a private vehicle to Huancacalle, departure point of the trek. Crossing of the Sacred Valley, via the countryside of Cachimayo and the village of Chinchero (at an altitude of 3760 meters a.s.l. / el. 12,335 feet).
Arrival in Ollantaytambo, and continuation of the journey to the Malaga Pass, the highest point of the day, at an altitude of 4315 meters a.s.l. (el. 14,156 feet). Descent into the semitropical valley of Vilcabamba, to Huancacalle.
Camp at an altitude of 3000 meters a.s.l. (el. 3,842 feet).
Hiking time: around 9 hours.

Day 2: HUANCACALLE – AZUTINA PASS – INKA WASI / TREK

Visit of the surrounding areas of Huancacalle: Vitcos Rosaspata (at an altitude of 3080 meters a.s.l. / el. 10,104 feet) and Nusta Hispana (3050 meters a.s.l. / el. 10,006 feet). Then, continuation of the hike with an exceptional view over the Tincoc and Ccaccacarcel Rivers, and climbing all the way to Pacchac for lunchbreak.
Continuation on the Lost Inca Trail, in the direction of the Azutina Pass, at an altitude of 3900 meters a.s.l. (el. 12,795 feet).
Arrival at the village of Pumachaca (at an altitude of 4000 meters a.s.l. / el. 13,123 feet), and then to the ruins of Inca Wasi.
Set up of the camp. All included.
Hiking time: around 7 hours; Climate: moderate to cold with mosquitoes.

Day 3: INKA WASI – HATÚN PAMPA / TREK

Hiking day using the original part of the Inca Trail. Crossing of the community of Raccachaca dominated by the Lazuna Glacier at an altitude of 5470 meters a.s.l. (el. 17,946 feet).
Night in a camp at an altitude of 4000 meters a.s.l. / el. 13,123 feet.
Hiking time: around 5 hours; Climate: cold.

Day 4: HATÚN PAMPA –YANACOCHA PASS - LACO COCHA - MUTUYPATA / TREK

First stop of the day at the Yanacocha Pass, the highest part of the trek, at an altitude of 4420 meters a.s.l. (el. 14,501 feet), offering a 360 degrees panoramic view over the Salkantay Glacier, on the mountain of Machu Picchu, and over the Mojón Pass on the other extremity.
Then we start the descent at the heart of the humid vegetation of Laco Cocha, at an altitude of 3600 meters a.s.l. (el. 11,811 feet).
Night in Mutuypata, in the “Misty Forest”, at an altitude of more than 3000 meters a.s.l. (el. 3,842 feet).
Hiking time: around 9 hours; Climate: from hot to cold with mosquitoes.

Day 5: MUTUYPATA - YANATILE - SANTA TERESA / TREK

Hiking day in the lush Valley of Mutuypata, along the Sacsarayoc River. Continuation of the walk to Yanatile until the final stop of the trek: the village of Santa Rosa.
Night in a camp at an altitude of 1850 meters a.s.l. (el. 6,069 feet).
Possibility to visit the hot springs located about half an hour’s walk away.
Hiking time: around 5 hours; Climate: warm with mosquitoes.

Day 6: SANTA TERESA – HIDROELECTRICA - AGUASCALIENTES / TREK

Short hike along the Willcamayu River before going onboard the ‘oroya’, typical transport to cross the river. We arrival at the hydroelectric plant and to take the train to go to the village of Aguascalientes.
Arrival at the hotel. Lunch included. Dinner open.
Hiking time: around 4 hours; Climate: warm with mosquitoes.

Day 7: AGUASCALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU – CUZCO / TREK

In the early morning, departure with the shuttle service to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu. Day dedicated to the visit of the site; one of the wonders of the world, discovered in 1911 by the American anthropologist Hiram Bingham. In the afternoon, return by train to Cuzco. Reception and transfer to the hotel. Meals open.

Suggestion: Ascent to the peak of Huayna Picchu (make sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes and that you are not carrying to much luggage.
People suffering from vertigo should not participate) or climb to the La Puerta del Sol.

Please note: train timetables to be communicated to visitors upon arrival in Cuzco.