Machu Picchu trek itinerary

Day 1 | Depart 19 August 2011
We depart London in the afternoon on an overnight flight to Peru.

Day 2 | Cusco
We arrive into Lima in the early morning and connect with a short domestic flight to the breathtaking southern city of Cusco (3300m). We transfer to our centrally located hotel and have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy one of the most celebrated cities in South America. We re-group in the evening for a welcome meal and briefing on the days ahead.

Day 3 | Cusco acclimatisation
Today we have an acclimatisation walk above Cusco to the ruins of Saksayhuaman allowing our bodies time to adapt to the altitude. This afternoon we return to our hotel in Cusco where we relax in preparation for an early start.

Day 4 | Quisuarani
18km 8hrs trekking
Departing Cusco early, we travel by vehicle via Calca and high into the Andes. We start the acclimatisation hike up an ancient Inca trail, through a narrow canyon passing ancient Inca burial tombs. After a steady climb to the head of the valley, we have a short transfer before trekking the final distance to the small community of Quisuarani where we set camp.

Day 5 | Huaca Huasi
10km 8hrs trekking
Today we have a shorter trek as we climb to the highest point on our challenge the spectacular pass of Abre Huillquijasa at 4,445m descending through the beautiful Laguna’s of Queullacocha to the small Andean community of Cuncani 3800m.

Day 6 | Patacancha
10km 8hrs trekking
Now fully acclimatized and rested, we set off for our final challenge to climb over a 4,100m pass and descend towards the sacred valley of the Incas. Taking it very slowly, we stop beside beautiful lakes and hope to arrive at the pass just after lunch for spectacular views of the snowy mount Veronica. We then descend along an old mule trail to the village of Patacancha where we set up camp on the local football pitch.

Day 7 | Ollantaytambo
8km 5hrs trekking
We take a short ride in the bus to Huilloc, home of many of the traditional porters for the Inca Trail; traditional dress is always worn and Quechua is spoken. This is our last chance to barter for fine Andean weavings. We trek up a short sharp climb bringing us to the impressive and rarely visited ruins of Pumamarca. From here, we follow an ancient Inca trail along the many terraces of the Huilloc valley before descending through eucalyptus forests to end in the staging town of Ollantaytambo. From here we take a train through along the Urubamba valley floor to the town of Aguas Calientes where we arrive early evening.

Day 8 | Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today is a very special day and a treat from beginning to end. We wake early to take one of the first buses up the short winding trail from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. We are fortunate to enjoy the historic ruins in the early morning quiet as the mist lifts to reveal one of the world’s true wonders. After an extensive guided tour of the ruins we descend back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before transferring back to Cusco by train for a free evening.

Day 9 | Cusco
Today is set aside for sightseeing at our own pace. Cusco is a fabulous city with a wealth of things to explore. In the evening we have a gala dinner to celebrate our achievement.

Day 10 | Return home
We take an internal flight to Lima and connect with our international flight back home.

Day 11 | Arrive home
28 August