We arrive in Cusco where we are met by our local guides and then we transfer to our hotel.The rest of the day is free to acclimatise to the high altitude and explore this fascinating city, hidden deep in the Andes Mountains. We are now at an altitude of 3,300m so we need to take it easy whilst we adjust to the decreased pressure and oxygen levels. Slight headaches, sleeplessness, dizziness and breathlessness are common. At dinner tonight we will get a full briefing about the adventure ahead.

Today it is essential that we take some exercise to adjust to the high altitude. We have a fairly early breakfast before transferring to Tambo Machay, the Inca ruins high above Cusco. We trek down to Sacsayhuaman, having our lunch en route, then return to Cusco. A full trek briefing will be held before our challenge tomorrow – The Inca Trail!

Trekking distance – approx. 8 – 12km

Following breakfast, we transfer to km82 where we register at the checkpoint for our Inca Trail permits. En route, we’ll make a short stop at Ollantaytambo where there will be time to do some last minute shopping for trekking provisions – crackers, cookies, walking sticks etc. Once we arrive at km82, we begin our trekking adventure! We follow the Urubamba River before the trail becomes more undulating and reaches the Patallacta lookout, from where we will have the impressive view down to the Inca town of Patallacta (2,700m). We then continue to the Kusichaca Valley, through Tarayoq and Hatunchaca to Wayllabamba, which is our first campsite.

Trekking distance -approx. 11km / 5 – 6 hours

Our most challenging day as we climb steadily from 3,000m to 4,200m, to Warmihuañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’. On the way we will see impressive cloud forest, beautiful lichens, bromeliads, orchids, birds, also the Huayanay glacier and part of the Vilcabamba mountain range. The ascent will take approximately 5 – 6 hours but the feeling of elation on conquering the pass will stay with you forever.From this point we trek for another hour and descend into Pacaymayo Valley, our campsite for the night.

Trekking distance -approx. 8km / 7 – 8 hours

This is another tough day when we conquer the two remaining mountain passes. Once we reach the second pass at Runkurakay (3,950m), the trail heads downhill for  approximately one hour until we reach Sayacmarka, another archeological site. On the way to the third pass, Phuyupatamarka (3,600m), we’ll pass through our first Inca tunnel. The views today are truly unforgettable with lush green mountains and snowy peaks as far as the eye can see! Continuing down the original Inca stairway and passing through another Inca tunnel, we descend to Wiñayhuayna, our last campsite on the way to Machu Picchu.

Trekking distance – approx. 18km / 7 – 8 hours

We wake early in order to reach the Sun Gate for the optimum view of Machu Picchu in the morning. There is one last steep push on Inca steps until we catch our first glimpse of the famous lost city of the Incas, and rest awhile to take in one of the world’s most breathtaking sights. We then descend to explore the fascinating buildings and ruins that make this city in the clouds so special. Our guide will explain the history and there will be some free time for exploration! Glowing with success, we catch the bus down to Aguas Calientes – a bustling market town hidden below Machu Picchu – then board our train back to Cusco.

Trekking distance – approx. 6km / 2 – 3 hours

There is so much to see in Cusco that we spend the day doing just that (and giving our legs a rest!) The day is free to spend at your leisure. In the evening, we all get together for our celebratory meal and to reflect on our achievements.

Following our early breakfast, we transfer to Cusco Airport for our flights back to the UK.

Arrive in the UK.

Please note, this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed. Mountain weather conditions, the group’s ability and any other factors outside our control can impact on the schedule set out in this brochure.