You will be collected from you hotel at 7am and privately transported to Mollepata. You leave Cusco at 7.00 am in a private transportation and drive to Mollepata. The drive there lasts three hours and you pass through a number of interesting sites en route. The first stop on the way is in the town of Limatambo (2100m/6888ft), an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire. Here you will visit the archaeological remains of Tarawasi. On display here is an Inca Usno, a place where ceremonies for Pachamama (Mother Earth) were conducted. You will leave Limatambo and drive up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River before reaching Mollepata (2800m/9184ft), where you meet your groups horsemen and horses. From this point you will start the ascent on foot towards Cruzpata (3100m/10168ft). The path there flourishes with a wide variety of flora and fauna and passes along the Apurimac River Canyon – one of the deepest in the world. Upon arrival in Cruzpata you will set up your first camp and put you feet up to rest after a long day’s hike.

After an early campfire breakfast you will depart in the direction of Soraypampa. You depart early after breakfast in the direction of Soraypampa. The first few hours on the days trail lead one through tiny scattered Andean villages, lush Peruvian flora, and past spectacular views of Humantay Peak (5902m/19359ft). After roughly six hours of walking you arrive at your campsite in Soraypampa (3500m/11480ft). In this secluded place you make camp for the night and before the sun sets you will be able to take in the amazing view of Apu Salcantay (6271m/20569ft). ( B, L, D)

After waking up early to the sight of a sunrise over Apu Salcantay and the sounds of birds chattering, you will be able to enjoy a quick breakfast before setting off once again. You continue upon the trail and head upwards for a few hours before reaching the Incachiriasca pass (4850m/15908ft). This is the highest section of the entire route and from its dizzying edges one is given phenomenal views out and over Mount Salcantay. Following your descent you reach a secluded spot called Sisaypampa where you stop for lunch. It’s a relatively flat area and has great views over Salcantay’s neighboring valleys. From time to time Condors make an appearance although this is guaranteed. Following lunch you continue towards the Pampacahuana community which located next to an original Inca canal. Here you set up your third camp and can spend the night relaxing around a campfire and enjoying some food. ( B, L, D)

You will leave camp after breakfast. The day begins with a downhill walk along the shores of the Pampacahuana River as you follow its course towards the Wayllabamba community (3000m/9840ft). On the way down you will visit the Incaracay archaeological complex (Paucarcancha) which is made up of rectangular constructions, plazas, retaining walls and terraces. It’s a great place to rest and have a look around before continuing on to Wayllabamba which takes about four hours. Here you stop for lunch. This is also the point in the trek where your path joins that of the Classic Inca Trail. As horses are not allowed on the Inca Trail – your calvary return home the way they came and you head on following the ancient Inca route.

In the afternoon you set off once more, leaving Wayllabamba and heading towards the Warmihuañusca mountain pass (Dead Woman’s pass). Before you reach it however you stop at Llulluchampa where camp is made for the night. After a grueling day’s trek – one is often quite thankful they do not have to continue over the daunting pass and can rest for the night knowing full well that their energy will have returned the following day. (Meals – B, L, D)

Today you continue your hike up the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail (the Incachariasca pass is much higher) - the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (4200m/13776ft). It takes about two hours to cross and once over you rapidly begin your descent into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft). From here you have to climb up a second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up you stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served as a watchtower. After going over the pass you descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest before arriving at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular structures, enclosures, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. A mere 20 minutes further on is Chaquicocha where you will set up camp. Chaquicocha offers gratifying views of the neighboring mountain ranges at sunrise and sunset which set both your mind and heart to rest. ( B, L, D )

After an early rise and early breakfast you will continue up towards the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Its an easy climb and on the way you pass through an ancient Inca tunnel and over a number of amazing Inca pathways – all a testament to the skills and ingenuity of the pre-Columbian empire. At the top of the pass lies a complex of the same name. Interestingly enough, Phuyupatamarca means “Town over the clouds”. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. You continue your trek down the long descending stone steps that lead to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft); an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which your camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, you will be treated to a special farewell dinner at your camp.( B, L, D)

On the final day of the trail you will rise at 4 am to leave Wiñaywayna for an hour’s walk to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This early morning hike is along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. You reach Inkitputu just as the sun begins to rise over the sacred site of Machu Picchu. From the Sun Gate you descend into Machu Picchu entering the lost citadel through the ‘House of the Guardians’.  You will then descend to the control point where you will be registered and where you can leave your backpacks. A complete guided tour of the Inca citadel commences and takes approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around explore. You can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain and experience spectacular views over Machu Picchu and the valleys and mountains that surround it, or you can visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, you will be transported to the town of Aguas Calientes where you can relax and swim in the town’s hot springs. In the late afternoon you board the train back to the city of Cusco arriving after nightfall. You may however decide to spend an additional evening in the small town to explore more of the ruins the following day. (Meals – B)