Itinerary
- Day 1
Cusco to Ayapata
You'll get picked up at 4:30 a.m. and drive to Ollantaytambo for breakfast before heading to the trailhead at Piscacucho (KM 82). From there, the hiking starts through Andean landscapes where you'll pass archaeological sites including Canabamba, Wilkaracay, and Llactapata. After lunch in Tarayoc, you'll continue on to Ayapata campsite where dinner and your first night under the stars await.
- Start point
- Hauqaypata, Cusco, Cusco, Peru (Pickup from Cusco hotels 30 minutes before departure time., 04:30 - 05:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast (Delicious breakfast in Ollantaytambo), Lunch (Lunch in Tarayoc), Dinner (Warm dinner at Ayapata campsite)
- Accommodation
- Camping (Ayapata Campsite)
Included Activities
- Visit Canabamba archaeological site
- Visit Wilkaracay archaeological site
- Visit Llactapata archaeological site
- Hike from Piscacucho to Ayapata
Landmarks Ollantaytambo Piscacucho Canabamba Wilkaracay Llactapata 
- Day 2
Ayapata to Chaquiqocha
This is the toughest day on the trail. You'll start with coca tea and breakfast, then tackle the climb to Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m/13,828 ft. After lunch at Pacaymayu, you'll push on to Runkurakay archaeological site and its pass where a brief offering to Pachamama happens. The Sayaqmarka complex sits high on the mountainside with sunset views that make the effort worthwhile, and then you'll reach Chaquiqocha campsite for dinner and recovery time.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Nutritious breakfast with coca tea), Lunch (Delicious lunch at Pacaymayu), Dinner (Comforting dinner at Chaquiqocha campsite under starry sky)
- Accommodation
- Camping (Chaquiqocha Campsite)
Included Activities
- Ascend to Dead Woman's Pass
- Visit Runkurakay archaeological site
- Cross Runkurakay Pass
- Visit Sayaqmarka complex
- Hike from Ayapata to Chaquiqocha
Landmarks Dead Woman's Pass Pacaymayu Runkurakay Runkurakay Pass Sayaqmarka Vilcabamba range 
- Day 3
Chaquiqocha to Wiñay Wayna
After breakfast at 6:30 a.m., you'll hike about 1.5 hours to Phuyupatamarka, which sits above the clouds with incredible views in all directions. The descent takes roughly 2.5 hours along ancient paths down to Intipata, an old agricultural area with terraces overlooking the Sacred Valley and Urubamba River. You'll reach Wiñay Wayna campsite near the impressive archaeological complex, and after lunch you'll explore the site with your guide. The day ends with a farewell celebration alongside the porters and cooking team before an early rest ahead of tomorrow's sunrise.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Delicious breakfast at 6:30 a.m.), Lunch (Lunch at Wiñay Wayna campsite), Dinner (Dinner at Wiñay Wayna campsite)
- Accommodation
- Camping (Wiñay Wayna Campsite)
Included Activities
- Hike to Phuyupatamarka
- Hike to Intipata
- Visit Wiñay Wayna archaeological site
- Explore Wiñay Wayna complex with guide
- Farewell celebration with porter and cooking team
Landmarks Phuyupatamarka Intipata Wiñay Wayna Sacred Valley of the Incas Urubamba River 
- Day 4
Wiñay Wayna to Cusco
You'll wake at 3:30 a.m. for breakfast, then hike about an hour to the Sun Gate for the sunrise view of Machu Picchu, which is the centerpiece of the entire trek. You'll descend into the citadel for panoramic views and that iconic postcard photo everyone wants. If you've pre-booked, climbing Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu gives even more perspective. After that, you'll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then hop on the train back to Ollantaytambo where a ride takes you to Cusco.
- End point
- Hauqaypata, Cusco, Cusco, Peru (Drop-off at Cusco City hotels)
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast before 3:30 a.m. departure), Lunch (Buffet lunch in Aguas Calientes)
Included Activities
- Hike to Sun Gate
- Sunrise viewing at Machu Picchu
- Explore Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary
- Descent from Machu Picchu to citadel
Optional Activities
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: Approximately 2-hour hike (round trip). Additional cost: $60 per person.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: Approximately 3-hour hike (round trip). Additional cost: USD 60 per person.
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: Approximately 2-hour hike (round trip). Additional cost: USD 50 per person.
Landmarks Sun Gate Machu Picchu Huayna Picchu Huchuy Picchu Aguas Calientes 
