Airport transfer to your hotel, free in Cusco to explore.

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. You will also get a chance to meet and have a briefing with your guide during this time.

From Cusco, we drive toward Limatambo, over the Tika Tika Pass with Humantay Mountain on the horizon, be- fore crossing the Anta plateau. Driving past the breath- taking panoramas of this vibrant agricultural region with views of rugged snowcapped peaks in the background, we arrive at the trailhead just beyond the village of Misquiya- co where we’ll begin our trek through one of Peru’s newest private conservation areas signed into law in 2021. We be- gin our uphill hike through an old growth Meso-Andean Relic Forest, a rare type of inter-Andean cloud forest that exists in less than 0.02% of Peru’s vast territory. Among the species that inhabit this forest are the Tasta (Escal- lonia myrtilloides) and Chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa) tree species, which are protected by Peruvian law. As we approach the heights, we will observe how the ecosystem changes with the altitude, leaving behind the tree line to enter the high grasslands to reach our campsite at Acopía camp.

Leaving Acopía, we will traverse over a couple of valley heads while we continue our uphill climb toward our first of two passes today: the Tambomachay Pass (4367m/ 14,323ft). As the day warms up, we may see some Andean bird species, including Condors, as they soar majestically above the mountains. After 4-5 hours of gentle uphill climbing, we will reach our lunch spot Uspaccasa (4,559ml/ 14,953ft), a sheltered area just beyond the pass with majestic views of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Humantay. After lunch, we'll continue our traverse toward the Cruzjasa Pass (4680 masl / 15,808 fasl). After breaching the pass, we have an additional 2-3 hours of hiking before reaching our campsite at Mirador Pampacahuana (3902m/ 13,000ft). Today is a long day, you will likely arrive in camp near dinner time, ready to eat and proceed directly to bed where visions of your big accomplishment appear in your dreams.

Today will be a long day as we've got some distance to cover, though thankfully it is all downhill.
From views of Salkantay, we descend the Pampacauha valley, following an ancient Inca canal still used by local farmers. It is here that we enter the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary boundaries. Descending back into the treeline at lunchtime, we pause to examine the Inca site at Paucarcancha, located at the junction of two very impressive valleys. From here, we follow a stretch of the popular Inca Trail down toward Chamana; our camp lies in front of the dramatic Llactapata ruins. Today will make you realize how lucky we have been to have the mountains and valleys all to ourselves as we begin to encounter the droves of trekkers hiking the traditional Inca Trail. We sleep tonight at the base of the seldom-mentioned but very impressive and extensive ruins right outside our campsite.

At this point, we will be on the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, where we will explore the secluded archaeological cite called Machu Q'ente. Depending on the pace of the group and the amount of time available, we may also have the opportunity to visit Huayna Q'ente, another remarkable cite located nearby. Aer the visit, we will leave the Sanctuary through the town of Q’oriwairachina and head towards Piscacucho, where the main entrance to the Inca Trail is located. The trail will take us alongside the Vilcanota River and through several more ancient archaeological sites. In fact, this is the same path that Hiram Bingham used when he was first led to Machu Picchu by local people living here in 1911. From here, we’ll travel by car to Ollantaytambo, where we check into our well-earned hotel for a good night's rest before our final challenge tomorrow.

An early train sweeps you along the Urubamba River, dropping us off at Km. 104 deep in the cloud forest. Crossing the roaring Urubamba on a hanging bridge, you climb for 3 strenuous hours to Wiñay Wayna, a miniature Machu Picchu with distinctive waterworks. Cutting across steep ridge lines, you follow this one-time emperor’s trail up to the Sun Gate, and the once-in-a- lifetime reveal of the “lost city” laid out below. Descend through the site itself to catch a bus down to town. Tonight we eat and sleep in the quaint town of Aguas Calientes, where the only access deep in this valley is via train or on foot.

An early train sweeps you along the Urubamba River, dropping us off at Km. 104 deep in the cloud forest. Cross- ing the roaring Urubamba on a hanging bridge, you climb for 3 strenuous hours to Wiñay Wayna, a miniature Machu Picchu with distinctive waterworks. Cutting across steep ridge lines, you follow this one-time emperor’s trail up to the Sun Gate, and the once-in-a-lifetime reveal of the “lost city” laid out below. Descend through the site itself to catch a bus down to town. Tonight we eat and sleep in the quaint town of Aguas Calientes, where the only access deep in this valley is via train or on foot.

After breakfast and a 30 minute bus ride, we enjoy a guided visit to the citadel itself, a huge complex of hundreds of homes and sacred sites.
By arriving hours ahead of the day trippers, you will have unique access to this showcase of Andean spirituality, architecture, engineering, astronomy, and agriculture. Our guides will share detailed knowledge while also allowing you plenty of time to explore on your own. We take the bus to descend back to Aguas Calinetes and, in late afternoon, return via train with panoramic viewing cars to Ollantaytambo and onweard to the small village of Chinchero in the Sacred Valley.

This morning we head out for Moray, where you will have the privilege of exploring one of the earliest agricultural experimental “labs” in existence on the planet. It is believed that the beautiful and elegantly constructed descending circular terraces were used to support a variety of microclimates, encouraging the growth of specific crops that are attuned to each climate. The temperature difference between the uppermost and lowest levels can vary by as much as 15 °C (59 °F). Plants that thrive at the deepest level of over 30 meters (98 ft) are different species from those that thrive at the uppermost levels. To think that indigenous Peruvians used experimental techniques to nurture diverse food crops, centuries before modern greenhouse techniques were invented, is truly impressive !

Afterwards it's on to Maras, famously known for its spectacular mountainside salt ponds. Here residents “mine” 3000 bright white and multicolored salt pans, which are divided among local families. You will be able to observe the saltpans from a viewpoint and taste the famous Maras salt, known for its beneficial health properties. You’ll get a glimpse into a lifestyle very different from your own, as you learn about the techniques used to extract this mineral-rich condiment. Purchasing a bag of the precious salt will help support this community in maintaining their centuries-old traditional way of life.

Finally, we will celebrate the end of a magnificent adventure with a multi-course hot picnic lunch with the picturesque Andes mountains looming above. Take this time to relish the final views of these behemoth mountains and reflect on your amazing journey in Peru.

Departure flight to Lima and connection home.