Day 1 – Welcome

Pick up is at at Cusco Airport, where you are transported to Explora Valle Sagrado. At the lodge, you will meet fellow travelers, your guide, and the Expedition Leader. Enjoy an introductory talk about this exciting journey. (For greater comfort, arrive at the lodge a day earlier). 

Enjoy lunch at the lodge with your group, featuring a specially crafted menu by Virgilio Martínez, one of the world’s renowned chefs. 

Afternoon: Your first exploration begins with an overland journey to Chinchero. Here, embark on the inaugural hike through picturesque crop fields, offering stunning views of the pampas, the Urquillos valley, and the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. During the exploration, visit the archaeological site of Machu Kolka. 

• Accommodation: Explora Valle Sagrado
• Hike of the day: 4,6 kms/2,8 mi | Altitude: 3,933 masl/12,979 feet |Elevation gain: 235 m/776 f

Day 2: Immersing in History

Day 3: Misquiyaco Reserve

In the morning, depart from the lodge by van, traversing the Anta pampa, a fertile plateau to observe local agricultural practices. At the Misquiyaco Private Conservation Area, we meet our camp staff and muleteers before commencing the trek through the Sacred Mountains of the Incas. The hike initiates in a relict Mesoandean forest, gradually ascending beyond the tree line. After a lunch stop, continue across high grasslands until we reach our first camp, where a warm dinner awaits. 

Day 4 – Salkantay and Humantay Mountains

Commence the day with a hearty breakfast at the dining tent before embarking along the edges and slopes of the Vilcabamba mountain range. The trek provides breathtaking vistas of the majestic Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, with the distant Ausangate visible on the horizon. Descending gradually into the valleys, pause for lunch before continuing to the Willke Valley, where our camp will be set up for the group, complete with a cozy dining tent. You may request to have a leg massage at this stagy of your journey (two are included throughout your hiking days). 

After dinner, our guide will host a stargazing session, sharing stories and insights about the Andean worldview and its connection to the cosmos. 

• Hike of the day: 12 km/7.2 mi | Altitude: 4,664 masl/15,391 feet| Elevation gain: 913 m/3,013 feet
• Accommodation: Comfortable Tented Camp.

Day 5 – Salkantay Mountain and Huayanay Glacier

Stunning views of Salkantay Mountain greet us in the morning. Enjoy breakfast before embarking on our hike. Along the way, traverse valleys where we might witness local grazing activities, stopping for lunch and rest. As we continue, the Huayanay Glacier gradually comes into view. Our third camp, Inkarakay, awaits at the base of this majestic mountain. Here, you may take the opportunity for another hot shower and indulge in a leg massage. Later, our chef will prepare a healthy dinner to conclude this day.

• Hike of the day: 11.5 km/6.9 mi | Altitude: 4,683 masl/15,454 feet | Elevation gain: 987 m/3,257 ft
• Accommodation: Comfortable Tented Camp.

Day 6 – Descending to the valley

After breakfast at the foot of Huayanay Mountain, embark on our journey towards Kamicancha. As we descend in altitude, the landscape will gradually transform. Along the way, pause at the picturesque lagoon and pass through a small settlement where we can observe agricultural and grazing activities. Continuing through the valley, enjoy incredible views of Nevado Verónica in the distance.

Upon reaching Kamicancha, our staff and camps will welcome us with a buffet lunch featuring local fare. Here, take the opportunity to relax in the afternoon and enjoy the river.

• Hike of the day: 18 km/10.8 mi | Altitude: 509 masl/1,680 feet| Elevation gain: 4,625 m/15,263 feet
• Accommodation: Comfortable Tented Camp.

Day 7 – Towards Machu Picchu

After breakfast at the camp, depart by van to Ollantaytambo, and board a train to reach km 104. Disembark from the train and hike along an ancient Inca path towards Machu Picchu. Along the way, visit the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. Continuing our walk along slopes adorned with dense vegetation and various species of orchids, reach Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate. This iconic entrance greets us as we approach the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu.

After exploring a portion of the site, descend to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo),  and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night at a comfortable hotel.

• Hike of the day: 10.5 km/6.3 mi | Altitude: 2,721 masl/8,979 feet | Elevation gain: 1,570 m/5,181 feet
• Accommodation: Comfortable Tented Camp.

Day 8 – Machu Picchu Sanctuary

After breakfast, travel by van to another area of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Led by our expert guide, explore and learn about the fascinating history of this site, with opportunities to relax and enjoy this amazing place. Huayna Picchu is also an option for those seeking another adventure during the day.

Later, descend to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) to take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then return to Explora Valle Sagrado for our final farewell dinner.

• Hike of the day: 3.5 km/2.1 mi | Altitude: 2.500 masl/8.250 feet
• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)

Day 9 -Returning Home

Check-out is at 10:00 AM and we will transport you back to Cusco Airport.