We will depart from Cusco and drive to Urubamba where we have a brief stop, then on to Chillca to start the trek. We will have lunch in Miskay with a half-hour rest, after which we start our trek to the first campsite. Along the way we will visit the extensive Llactapata ruins, a testament to the engineering capabilities of the Incas.

Enjoy an early breakfast and start trekking to the highest point of the Inca Trail, where we can see different ecological zones and climatic differences. We will experience the sun and wind of the high Andes as we hike in anticipation to the top. We cross the Warmiwañusca pass at 4200 meters above sea level (13,776'). After lunch, we descend into the valley on to the campsite at Pacaymayo and enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Walk approximately 45 minutes up to reach the second pass at 3850 meters above sea level (12,628'), and visit Runcuracay, small circular ruins overlooking the Pacaymayo Valley below. We descend and proceed to the Sayacmarca archaeological site, reached by a stone staircase and surrounded on three sides by sheer cliff walls. With commanding views of surrounding snow-capped peaks, we make our way through an orchid and moss-draped cloud forest to the third pass and arrive at the impressive ruins of Phuyupatamarca (town in the clouds), passing by six Inca ritual baths and through an Inca tunnel. After lunch we head to Wiñay Wayna where we will spend our last night.

After an early breakfast, we start on the final leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. We will arrive at Inti Punku, from which we will see the Machu Picchu citadel appear before our eyes. After a short hike down to Machu Picchu, we sign in and start on our 3 hour guided visit of the fascinating ruins complex, with its intricately carved steps, altars, walls, houses, portals and terraces. After experiencing the ruins in all their glory, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where we will have some free time before we board the return train to Cusco.