We will have a group briefing today and get a chance to know your guides and fellow guests, while addressing equipment and other issues.

Cusco was “the navel of the world,” the Incas said. Walking a variety of urban archaeology sites and visiting the most important temples and landmarks in and around the city will serve as both historic orientation and acclimatization to altitude.

Early start by road to Mollepata and the beginning or your trek, a 3-hour acclimatization hike into Soraypampa valley, with picturesque views of the startlingly-steep 20,500-ft Salkantay mountain, highest in this range. After a section of Camino Real, or Royal Road, you arrive in late afternoon at the Salkantay Lodge. Rated easy-to-moderate, this hike takes 4 hours.

A high-altitude training day, with an ascent straight from the lodge to Humantay Lake, reached by a half-day hike that continues your acclimatization and fitness conditioning. The reward for this moderate trek is a stunning turquoise lake and the sight of your first tropical glacier. Return to the lodge for lunch, and rest up for the mighty pass tomorrow. Second night in Salkantay Lodge.

An early start for a big day. Ascending through unusual plateaus dotted with boulders left behind by an extinguished river, you switchback up to the Salkantay Pass, at 15,213 feet the highest point of the week. (Watch for condors.) Building on your acclimatization hikes, this is a challenging 8-hour excursion, with a hot field lunch after the pass, and finishes through bucolic rolling hills and wetlands at the Wayra Lodge, located at a comparatively comfortable elevation

Following the Salkantay river, continue your descent from high pampas into a verdant green cloud forest where three rivers meet. At 6 miles, this hike finishes at the Colpa Lodge, on a dramatic promontory over the river.

The Santa Teresa River valley ushers you from cold glacier streams down to fruit orchards and Amazonian warmth, and in the afternoon a short vehicle transfer extends your trek onto the Llactapata trail and, after a total of 6 hours of hiking, the Lucma lodge (7,003 ft.) for an overnight. Today is challenging for the distance involved.

During a 2-3 hour climb up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps, you will get a sense of what hiking through the rainforest would be like. A lush treeline creates green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggests that the river is still nearby. Your first milestone today will be the top of the peak, the last one before you reach the Aobamaba River valley that connects you to Machu Picchu. When you arrive at the ruins of Llactapata below the Llactapata Pass you will be delighted to see a southeast view of the “back” of the Machu Picchu ruins, a sight few travelers ever get a chance to admire.

At dawn, you begin your journey to Machu Picchu with a short and rollicking uphill bus ride. Then, it happens: You walk into the life-changing experience of seeing this lost city for the first time. Awe at the expanse of ruins in this mystical, improbable setting, as an expert guide walks you through principal sites and place the whole in context, but also leave time for solo examination. As you enter the “Sanctuary” (as locals refer to it), the morning sun rises over the iconic Sun Gate and washes the structures and terraces with resplendent light. Prepare to be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among many others.

Departure by train & vehicle for Cusco airport for flight to Lima and connection home.