Distance: 12 km/ 7.5 mi | Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Max Altitude: 3,900 m/ 12,795 ft

Begin your journey with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Travel through the scenic countryside to Mollepata, where the trek begins. After a short break in Challacancha, continue hiking to Soraypampa, your first campsite nestled beneath the towering Salkantay and Humantay mountains.

In the afternoon, take an acclimatization hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, renowned for its surreal turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic glacier views. Return to camp for a hearty dinner under a sky filled with stars.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive from Cusco to the trailhead with panoramic views of the Andes.
• Visit the ancient Incan site of Tarawasi and the Apurimac Valley.
• Gradual ascent to Soraypampa through lush mountain terrain.

Luxury Experience:

• Camping tents with comfortable folding beds.
• Hot shower facilities and private, hygienic portable toilets at camp.
• Unwind in the massage tent with a 30-minute welcome massage from a certified therapist.
• Enjoy gourmet dinner under a private, climate-controlled dining tent featuring Andean fusion cuisine, paired with select wines and cocktails.
• Evening briefing with your private bilingual guide in a lounge tent with comfortable, stable seating.

Overnight in a Tent Glamping style – Soraypampa

Distance: 15 km/9.3 mi | Hiking Time: 7-8 hours | Max Altitude: 4,650 m/ 15,255 ft

Rise early for the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Ascend gradually through rugged highland terrain to the awe-inspiring Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the journey. Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), a sacred peak in Inca mythology.

Descend into the warmer, greener cloud forest, where the ecosystem transitions dramatically. Arrive at Chaullay, your campsite for the night, surrounded by lush vegetation and the sounds of nature.

Highlights:

• Early morning hike to the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.
• Cross the majestic Salkantay Pass, with spectacular views of glaciers and towering peaks.

Luxury Experience:

• Arrive at your second exclusive camp nestled in a secluded valley with panoramic mountain vistas.
• Relax with a post-trek massage and access hot showers in private stalls.
• Dinner features multi-course gourmet cuisine, including fresh, local ingredients and seasonal Andean delicacies.
• Indulge in warm herbal cocktails or hot mulled wine, depending on the season.

Overnight in a Tent Glamping style– Wayracmachay

Distance: 18 km/11 mi | Hiking Time: 6-7 hours | Max Altitude: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft

Continue your descent through the tropical cloud forest, passing cascading waterfalls, fruit plantations, and remote Andean villages. Enjoy local flora and fauna as the trail follows the banks of the Santa Teresa River.

Reach La Playa, where a vehicle will take you to the camp at Lucmabamba. In the afternoon, participate in an optional coffee experience, visiting a local family-run farm to learn how coffee is cultivated, harvested, and processed—then sample a fresh cup of organic Peruvian coffee.

Highlights:

• Enter the lush cloud forest, home to orchids, waterfalls, and vibrant birdlife.
• Visit a local coffee plantation for an interactive tasting and cultural immersion.

Luxury Experience:

• Camping tents with comfortable folding beds with portable toilets and private hot water showers.
• Sip on organic coffee cocktails and fresh seasonal fruit juices.
• Massage tent available with aromatherapy options.
• Enjoy a chef-hosted gourmet dinner featuring fresh trout, tropical fruits, and Peruvian wines.

Overnight in a Tent Glamping style – Lucmabamba

Distance: 15 km/9.3 mi | Hiking Time: 6 hours | Max Altitude: 2,800 m/ 9,186 ft

Begin the day with a hike along an original Inca trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata, located directly across from Machu Picchu. Enjoy a rare and breathtaking view of the citadel from this unique vantage point.

Descend to Hidroeléctrica, where you'll have lunch before continuing by foot or train along the railway to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Check into your hotel and enjoy a celebratory dinner ahead of tomorrow’s highlight.

Highlights:

• Hike the original Inca Trail to Llactapata ruins, offering a rare, stunning view of Machu Picchu from the west.
• Descend to the hydroelectric station and take a train to Aguas Calientes.

Luxury Experience:

• Lunch served en route with white linen table service at a scenic overlook.
• Arrival in Aguas Calientes and check-in at a 5-star hotel (e.g., Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or Sumaq Hotel) or similar.
• Optional evening spa or private hot tub session.
• Gourmet dinner at the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, with wine pairing.

Overnight in Luxury Hotel – Aguas Calientes

Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft

Rise early to catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, avoiding the mid-morning crowds. Enjoy a guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas, exploring temples, terraces, and ceremonial sites steeped in history and mysticism.

After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with prior permit-not included). In the afternoon, return by train and vehicle to Cusco, arriving in the evening.

Highlights:

• Sunrise guided tour of Machu Picchu with your private guide.
• Explore the iconic citadel, including the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and Royal Quarters.

Luxury Experience:

• Picnic breakfast at the Machu Picchu entry area or elegant brunch back at the hotel.
• Return to Cusco in luxury aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham or Vistadome Observatory Train, including a gourmet meal, live music, and an open bar on board.

Arrival at your hotel in Cusco with private transfer.