Trekking
Avventura
Culture
Archeology
Tutte le escursioni in giornata e i trekking sono disponibili esclusivamente come personalizzazione dei programmi “Idee di viaggio” e NON vengono venduti singolarmente.
All treks are available exclusively as customizations of ‘Travel Ideas’ itineraries and are NOT sold individually.
Todos los trekkings están disponibles exclusivamente como personalización de los itinerarios ‘Ideas de viaje’ y NO se venden por separado.
Surely the most impressive and unforgettable way to get to Machu Picchu: on foot, using the same path traveled by the Incas more than half a millennium ago. You will walk the beautiful path made of stones, stairs and tunnels through roads that lead from the gorge of the river Urubamba (2350 m) to the peaks of the Andes (4200 m). The 43km trail is interrupted by impressive Inca citadels that dominate the landscape … book at least 6 months in advance, there are only 500 seats a day!
At dawn, we will pick you up with our private transport directly from your hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo. We will accompany you to Piscacucho (2,700 m), a community located at kilometer 82 of the Cusco – Machu Picchu railway, which marks the starting point of the Inca Trail. We will begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left bank. Following the trail, we will arrive at Miskay (2,800 m) before ascending to a viewpoint where we can admire the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2,650 m) from above. We will then continue our trek along the Kusichaca River valley, gradually ascending for about five hours until reaching the community of Wayllabamba (3,000 m), where we will set up our first campsite. Along the way, we will be captivated by the valley’s rich flora and fauna while enjoying spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range and the majestic peak of Mount Veronica, which dominates the landscape from an elevation of 5,832 m.
Total distance: 12 km
Estimated time: 5–6 hours
Maximum altitude: 3,000 m
Campsite altitude: 3,000 m
We will wake up around 6:00 AM and, after an energizing breakfast, begin the most challenging part of our trek: a steep, steady ascent of approximately 9 km. During the climb, we will watch the landscape transform dramatically from the Sierra to the Puna, a high-altitude zone characterized by sparse, wild vegetation. Along the trail leading to the first pass, Abra Warmiwañusqa (the famous Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,200 m), we will be able to admire llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, the resilient grass typical of Andean peaks. We will cross the habitat of numerous bird species, such as hummingbirds and sparrows, and with a bit of luck, we may even spot the rare Andean spectacled bear. To best handle the day, we recommend keeping candies, chocolates, and coca leaves in your daypack—essential allies for maintaining stable sugar levels and combating the effects of altitude sickness. Immediately after crossing the pass, we will descend into the Pacaymayo Valley (3,600 m), where we will set up our campsite for the night after approximately 7 hours of hiking.
Total distance: 11 km
Estimated time: 6–7 hours
Maximum altitude: 4,200 m
Campsite altitude: 3,500 m
Together, we will tackle the longest but undeniably most breathtaking day of the trek, filled with numerous archaeological sites that render this trail unique in the world. From our campsite at Pacaymayo, we will ascend to the second pass, Abra Runkurakay (3,970 m). Along the climb, we will visit the eponymous complex—a singular oval structure that served as an observation tower over the valley. After crossing the pass, we will descend toward Yanacocha (the Black Lagoon) to reach the ruins of Sayacmarca (3,624 m). We will explore this splendid semicircular complex, taking in its narrow alleys, liturgical fountains, and remarkably intact irrigation channels. We will then continue toward the third pass, Phuyupatamarca (3,700 m). Just steps from the summit, we will discover Phuyupatamarca itself, one of the best-preserved Inca sites, whose name translates to “City in the Clouds.” Here, we can observe intricate fountains and impressive buildings while taking in spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. Finally, we will hike down the stone staircase leading to Wiñay Wayna (2,700 m)—another incredible agricultural center featuring terraced fields and religious sectors—near which we will set up our final campsite. We will wrap up the day with a restorative dinner, ready for the excitement of our final day.
Total distance: 16 km
Estimated time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude: 3,900 m
Campsite altitude: 2,650 m
On this fourth and final day, we will wake up at 04:00 AM to depart Wiñay Wayna an hour later and head toward Inti Punku, the “Sun Gate.” We will hike for about an hour along a flat stone trail nestled in the jungle; from this privileged viewpoint, weather permitting, we will finally watch the sun rise over the ruins of Machu Picchu.
From the Sun Gate, we will descend to the checkpoint where we will register and drop off our backpacks. Next, we will enter Machu Picchu, the “Lost City,” famous for its imposing ruins and breathtaking views of the Urubamba Valley 400 meters below. A UNESCO World Heritage site and a New Seven Wonders of the World, this sanctuary will reveal all its magic to us. We will take a guided tour of approximately two and a half hours to delve into the history of this sacred place. For the most adventurous, there will also be the option to climb Huayna Picchu peak. In the afternoon, we will take the train to Ollantaytambo (or Poroy) followed by a shared bus transfer with other tourists to Cusco.
Total distance: 5 km
Estimated time: 2–3 hours
Group tour.
English speaking guide.
Flexible tour start: you can depart from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
To integrate this experience into your itinerary, you will need to extend your trip by three days.
