Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Chiquisca
We'll leave Cusco in the early morning to journey by road to the small village of Cachora.
On arriving in Cachora, we will be met by our mule drivers. With the great Salkantay massif across the canyon, we will head along the edge of the Apurimac canyon with the river almost 2000 metres below. About halfway through the day, we will begin the winding descent to our first campsite, Chiquisca.
(10 km - 6.2 mi / 5 hour trek)
Day 2: Chiquisca - Choquequirao
Today, we will make the steep 1800 metre ascent to the ruins of Choquequirao. The path will lead us through dense cloud forest for about two hours before we will finally catch our first view of the citadel on a ridge ahead of us. Another two hours of walking with Choquequirao constantly in sight leads us to our destination. Here, we will have the rest of the day to relax, explore the ruins and, hopefully, see some condors. That night, after an unforgettable sunset and a good meal, we will camp close to the ruins.
(10 km - 6.2 mi / 7 hour trek.)
Day 3: Choquequirao - Pinchaumuyoc
An early rise will give us the opportunity to see the sunrise over Choquequirao. We will climb the Usnu, where we can enjoy majestic views over Choquequirao. Tea and coffee will be served. Then, we'll return to the campsite for breakfast. We then have ample time to discover newly-excavated sections of the ruins. We'll explore the site until lunch. After lunch, we'll continue our hike through dense cloud forest. After approximately 4 hours on foot, we will reach our next camping site, Pinchaumuyoc, another Inca ruin which still waiting to be excavated.
(5 km -3.1 mi / 4 hour trek)
Day 4: Pinchaumuyoc - Maizal
From Pinchaumuyoc, we'll follow a steep and narrow trailhead for two hours before arriving at the bottom of the canyon. Here, we must cross the river--which can be something of an adventure. After crossing the river, we'll break for a refreshing plunge into the water and enjoy the surrounding view. After another 4 hours of walking uphill In the afternoon, we'll arrive at our campsite for tonight, Maizal. At Maizal, we'll enjoy the amazing scenery of snowcapped mountains all around us.
(6 km -3.7 mi / 7 hour trek)
Day 5: Maizal - Yanama - Qiswarpampa
After an early breakfast, we'll ascend toward Mina Victoria. On this part of the Inca Trail, we'll pass through lush and dense cloud forest while enjoying spectacular views along the way. The abandoned Silver Mines of Victoria were used during the Inca and colonial periods. Along our hike to Qoriwayrachina, we will follow the well-preserved Inca Trail. The pass (3900m / 12,800 ft ) is a good place for a break, as it offers stunning views of the surroundings. After the pass, our descent begins to the small village of Yanama, where we'll pause for lunch. From Yanama, it is another 3 hours over a flat section of trail to our campsite near Qiswarpampa.
(12 km - 7.5 mi / 9 hour trek)
Day 6: Qiswarpampa - Totora - Colcapampa
Our trail starts with a gentle walk through the Yanama valley before we reach Qyuiswar pass (4200 mtr / 13,700 ft). It can be windy and chilly on the pass, so it is a good idea to bring some warm clothes and a pair of gloves for this part of the trek. Once across the pass on a clear day, we can admire striking views of Mount Humantay and Mount Salkantay. Descending along the Inca trail, we'll finally arrive at Colcapampa, our campsite for tonight. At short walking distance (some 20 minutes), we can relax in the hot springs, a warm welcome after a long day of hiking.
(10 km - 6.2 mi / 8 hour trek)
Day 7: Colcapampa - La Playa
From Colcapampa, as we enter the cloud forest, the vegetation becomes lush and dense along the trail. Most of the trail today will slowly descend, providing us a relaxing walk along the riverside. On the way, we'll pass farmers, small coffee plantations, and a variety of tropical fruit trees. In the afternoon, we'll arrive at La playa, where lunch is served. La playa will be our campsite for the evening. (11 km - 6.8 mi / 8 hour trek)
Day 8: La Playa - Lucmabamba - Hydro electrica - Aguas Calientes
In the early morning, we'll begin our last day of trekking on the Inca Trail. After traversing dense cloud forest for approximately one and one-half hours, we'll arrive at Lucmabamba pass. Leaving the pass, we have we have our first opportunity to view Machupicchu in front of us. After a relaxing break, we'll descend to the Urubamba valley, passing along a footbridge and arriving in the early afternoon at the hydroelectric plant and its small railway station. At the plant, we'll have a simple lunch served at one of the restaurants along the railway station. In the afternoon, we'll take the short train ride to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hostal.
(8 km - 5 mi / 6 hour trek)
Day 09: Visit Machupicchu - Return to Cusco
We'll take the first morning bus to Machupicchu, which allows us to arrive before the first hordes of tourist coming from Cusco by train. We'll spend a full day on a guided tour of the Sanctuary of Machupicchu, and if time allows we can walk to the Inti Punku, the Sun gate.
In the afternoon, we'll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, then return to Cusco by train. We'll arrive in Cusco in the evening, and transfer you to your hotel of choice.
Note: campsites may change at your guide's discretion.
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