Day 1: Canada-Lima

Arrival in Lima and transfer from the airport to the hotel.

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Day 2: Lima (B)

Morning at leisure, in the afternoon you will go on a half-day city tour of modern and colonial Lima. We’ll start with a panoramic view of “La Huaca Pucllana” and then you will visit the impressive Historical Downtown of Lima, with its palace, mansions, churches and squares ending with a visit to the residential and financial district of San Isidro and an unforgettable view of the Pacific Ocean from the district of Miraflores. Overnight in Lima.

 

Day 3: Lima – Cuzco (B)

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel for the flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in downtown Cuzco. Rest of day at leisure to acclimate to the altitude. Overnight in Cuzco.

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Day 4: Cusco—Km 82—Wayllabamba, Yuncachimpa (B, L, D)

Pick up from your hotel in the Sacred Valley for the official beginning of the Incas, also known as the Km 82. After crossing the Rio Urubamba (2200m), we will start the legendary Inca Trail. The first day the trail is easy to walk and a good warm-up for the following days. In Miskay, we’ll have lunch at a small river bank while getting some information about the archaeological complex Llactapata. After that, we will continue our hike to Wayllabama (3100m) and ascend to Yuncachimpa (3300m), the camping site where we will spend the night. From here, we have a great view of the mysterious Nevado de Veronica.

Level of difficulty: normal (easy)

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

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Day 5: Yuncachimpa, Llulluchapampa, Warmihuanusca pass, Pacaymayu, Runkurakay pass, Chaquicocha (B, L, D)

Today is the “Free-Hike Day”; that means that everybody should walk at his/her own pace. Early in the morning, the trail first leads through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850m). The first 3km is steep; but, enjoy the humid woodland and the water sounds. From Llulluchapampa, follow the way for 2-3 hours until you crest the highest point of this section called the Warmihuanusca (Dead Woman Pass—4200m). This climb is known as the most difficult part of the Inca Trail.

 

After a short break at the summit, you continue your hike down with a long and steep descent to the river Pacaymayu (Sunrise River) towards the Runkurakay Pass (3050m) until you reach our camping site called Chaquicocha (3650m).

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

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Day 6: Chaquicocha, Phuyupatamarca, Winayhuayna (B, L, D)

This is the most beautiful one. You can notice a change in the eco-system while walking to the tropical forest of Winayhuayna. We will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m). It’s a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m) offers a grand view over the Rio Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is named Phuyupatamarca (Town Above the Clouds) (3600m). Here, we pass another Inca Tunnel before visiting the ruins of Winaywayna (Forever Young—2650m). The Inca staires change into a zigzag trail until you reach a red-roofed white building, our last camping site, and also a location with hot water and bottled drinks.

Level of difficulty: normal (easy)

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

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Day 7: Wanayhuayna—Machu Picchu (B)

After breakfast at 4:30am, we will head to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. This triumphant descent will take about one hour, before we visit the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m) around 8:00am. You can enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour (about 2 hours) that helps you to understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings. After this tour, you will have time to explore the site on your own (climb Wayna Picchu for an amazing panoramic picture). A bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Return by train to Ollantaytambo. Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Level of difficulty: normal (easy)

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

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Day 8: Cuzco (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home or to an on-going destination.