Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 AM and begin venturing to the remote trailhead at Huancacalle which will take about 7 hours. Along the way we pass through several small villages before arriving to Huancacalle (3,123m/10,233 ft.) by noon. Here we’ll meet our horsemen, load up the horses, and they will take our bags to camp. About an hour later we will enjoy a lovely lunch prepared by our trekking chef. After, we hike an hour to the last capital of the Incas, Vitcos. Here we will take a informative tour and learn how and why the Incas fled from Cusco to this site specifically and other fascinating histories Vitcos holds. We then continue another hour to the religious site of Ñusta Hispana (The White Rock) with beautiful Inca carvings. The surrounding areas here have many ruins to explore. We will have an extensive tour of the area learning of the rich history and significance all these sites hold. Then we continue on to our campsite at Pillaupata (3,630m/ 11,909 ft.) which is along a portion of the original Inca trail. We set up camp and share a nourishing warm meal and relax to prepare for the next day’s adventures!

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
• Accommodations: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 3,630 m/11,909 ft.
• Distance to walk: 6 Km/3,7 miles
• Approximate walking time: 3 to 4  hours
• Difficulty: Easy

Your day will begin with warm cup of tea in your tent and magnificent views just as soon as you zip open your door! We will share breakfast and pack up to head out on a part of the original Inca trail. We begin with a moderate 5 hour climb through the breaktaking Andes traveling through lush vegetation and wildlife until we reach the Hasuntina pass (4,500m/14,763ft). Here we rest soak in the view spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and crystal clear rushing rivers and have a lunch. Then we descend for three hours following the beautifully preserved Inca trail to our next camp at the quaint village of Racahaca (3,570m / 11,712 ft.). Here we will eat a lovely dinner prepared by our trekking chef and admire our stunning surroundings.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
• Accommodations: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 4,500m/14,763ft
• Distance to walk: 12 Km/7,4 miles
• Approximate walking time: 7 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

Once again we wake you with a warm cup of tea and nourishing breakfast to prepare for the day. Today we accomplish hiking over three passes (4,500 m/14,763 ft.).  From Mojon pass, we will have the first views of the magical Machu Picchu and the Urubamba mountain range. Of course, we will stop and take advantage of these perfect photo opportunities.  This climb will take us extremely close to the snow peaked mountains of Pumasillo (6,012 m/19,724 ft.) and Sacsarayoc (6,026 m /19,770 ft.), the entire day you will be in awe of the breathtaking 360 views. Today is by far is the most physically demanding day, however the majestic mountains and scenery will carry you all the way to our home for the night at Mutuypata (3,200 m/10,498 ft.) At our camp we feast amidst the mountains and relax and rejuvenate for the next day.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
• Accommodations: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 4,500 m/14,763 ft.
• Distance to walk: 14 Km/8,7 miles
• Approximate walking time: 9 to 10 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

Today we welcome the day with fresh mountain air, stunning views, and of course, a delicious breakfast. We begin with a short hour downhill hike to the beautiful Yanatile village passing through coffee and fruit plantations. From here, we take a car for approximately 3 hours to the train station in Hidroelectrica. We take the train through the beautiful high jungle all the way to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Once to Aguas Calientes we will check in at the lovely and comfortable hotel you will be staying at. You will have time to explore, whether it is  browsing the artisan markets, taking a dip in the hot springs, or enjoying the powerful river that flows through the town. Once you rest and relax, we will have dinner at the finest restaurant in town.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
• Accommodations: Hotel
• Maximum altitude: 3,200 m/10,498 ft.
• Distance to walk: 10 Km/6.2 miles
• Approximate walking time: 5 to 6  hours
• Difficulty: Easy

Today is the day we explore the sacred city of Machu Picchu! First, you will eat breakfast at the hotel and then head to the bus station. We take the 5:30 a.m. bus through the winding scenic mountains just in time to see the picture perfect Machu Picchu sunrise. Once we arrive, we will begin a 2 hour guided tour with our well informed local tour guide. This fascinating tour will bring Machu Picchu alive. You will visit the numerous significant sites of the citadel, all while learning of Inca culture and history. After the tour you will have time to explore this magical wonder of the world on your own or if you have elected, at 10 AM you will begin to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain. (If tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain are sold out you will receive a ticket to hike Machu Picchu Mountain instead. The ticket price for Huayna Picchu Mountain is included in the price of your trek.) Huayna Picchu gives you an alternate perspective of Machu Picchu as you sit high up on the mountain peering down at the the sacred city. It is an extensive hike, approximately a  45 minutes climb up Inca built stairs. However, once there you will be stunned and have an opportunity to snap some spectacular photos. We will then drive back down to Aguas Calientes by bus and will board the Expedition train to Poroy Station in beautiful Ollantaytambo. A Peru Path team member will be awaiting your arrival and take you back to your hotel in Cusco by private van, arriving between 7:30 and 9 pm (depending on your train ticket).

• Meals: Breakfast
• Maximum altitude: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft