We transfer you from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Piscaycucho. Start hiking for about 5 hours through a little visited section of the trail.

We will stop at Q’oriwayrachina for lunch and then cross the Urubamba River at Q’ente, with an option to visit Wayna Q’ente and Llaqtapata archaeological sites, in whose vicinity we will camp amidst Inca terracing. (Time: 5-6 hours, Distance: 11km).

Overnight Camping

Continue up the Cusichaca Valley passing houses of settlers to finally reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here the trail ascends steeply to a large Pampa below the first pass, where we camp.

Here we have a breathtaking view of Mt.  Huayanay.  Along the trail up this narrow hanging valley we begin to see a cloud forest that harbors the Queñua tree (polilepis), a rare forest to be found in the Andes.  

Camp will be set up at Llulluchapampa.  (Time: 6 hours.  Distance: 9Kms).

A steady ascent on an Inca Trail up to the Warmiwañusqa pass at 4,200m (13,692ft) affords a magnificent view of our ascent and the trail ahead of us.  We descend on a restored Inca Trail down to the Pacaymayo River to then ascend again to the ruins of Runkuraqay and the second pass at 4,050m (13,200ft).  

From here we walk down to the site at Sayacmarca at 3,850m (12,551ft) on the original Inca Trail, passing a dry lake and the first signs of the cloud forest.  A beautiful location overlooking the Aobamba Valley, it affords a respite for a leisurely walk through its imposing structures.  Continue along the ridge through amazing landscapes, viewing Mt. Salkantay from the western side and Mt. Pumasillo, a silhouette to the north on the horizon.  

Walking through a rolling flag stoned trail we arrive at Phuyupatamarca (the village on the edge of the clouds) in whose vicinity we camp. (Trekking: 7-8 hours, Distance 14kms)

An early departure today, we will have us trekking along a buttress and passing Phuyupatamarca ruins, the flag stoned trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna located below the ridge on the same water course as the previous site, it has well restored Inca Ruins.  

After a two hour walk through a cloud forest covered Inca Trail, we arrive to Machu Picchu the way the Incas used to come,   watching the magnificent citadel at our feet from Intipunku, the door of the sun.

Bus ride to the Village of Machu Picchu for an overnight at a local hotel, dinner on your own.

Overnight hotel.

The whole day can be dedicated to explore these extraordinary Inca remains. Lunch included.  

Take a mid-afternoon train back to Cusco. (transfer to hotel or airport are not included), and fly back home or extend your trip to Cusco, or other parts of Peru.