6-Day Hidden Valleys and Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu

Note: The evening before the trek, you will have a briefing with your guide.

From Cusco, we drive toward Limatambo, past the Tika Tika Pass where we will a􏰀ain our first views of majestic Mount Salkantay and Humantay on the horizon, before crossing the Anta plateau. Driving past breathtaking panoramas of this vibrant agricultural region with views of rugged snowcapped peaks in the background, we will arrive at the ruins of Tarawasi. A􏰁er a visit to this important Inca ceremonial center, with its long asymmetrical stone walls, we will continue our drive toward the trailhead at the village of Tomacaya, where we'll begin our trek.

This day's hiking is all uphill. As we are approaching the heights, we'll observe how the ecosystem changes with the altitude, starting in a relatively warm, sheltered valley where crops of fruits and vegetables thrive, then onto higher plateaus where native potatoes are grown. Finally, as we reach our campsite, we'll observe herds of sheep and camelids grazing the high meadows.

Sleep surrounded by a stream and side valleys in our campsite at Tinco (4154 masl / 13,628 fasl).

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping on Trek

Leaving Tinco, we will head up the valley and take the le􏰁ward trail to begin a long uphill climb toward the pass. As the day warms up during our climb, we may see some Andean bird species, including endangered Andean Condors, as they soar majestically above the mountains. A􏰁er 3-4 hours of steady climbing, we'll arrive at the Tocto Pass (4900 masl / 16,072 fasl) where we'll marvel at the incredible and dramatic views of the south face of Mt. Salkantay, while enjoying the special feeling of solitude that comes with knowing there are few other humans in the vicinity. We begin our descent along the Pampacahuana Valley toward our campsite at Mirador Pampacahuana at 3902 masl (12,801 fasl) all the while accompanied by amazing mountain views. On a clear day, we can see both the eastern face of Mt. Salkantay up the valley to our le􏰁, and Mt. Veronica down the valley to our right.

Sleep surrounded by mountains and stars in our Pampacahuana campsite (3902 masl / 12,801 fasl)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping on Trek

We'll take our leave of imposing Mt. Salkantay and continue our hike downhill along an ancient Inca canal flowing down the center of the Pampacahuana Valley, passing through a landscape do􏰀ed with small farm se􏰀lements. At the end of the valley, we'll once more begin to observe a greater variety of vegetation as we descend past the tree line before arriving in Paucarcancha, a remote Inca site at the confluence of the Pampacahuana and Q'esca valleys, where we'll optionally stop for lunch. (We may, instead, have lunch on reaching Chamana, which is a couple of hours down the road.) The choice depends on the pace of the group and whether everyone is hungry yet - today ́s itinerary is flexible!

A􏰁er a short visit to explore the Inca stone walls and remnants of ancient houses at the site, we'll continue our journey downhill and join the first stretch of the famed Inca Trail, descending toward Chamana.

Chamana is located just outside the Llactapata ruins, and we will have a chance to explore these ruins a􏰁er enjoying a hearty lunch (if we were not yet hungry in Paucarca ncha). These ruins were once an important rest stop for the Inca on the way to Machu Picchu, and this site will also be our private "rest stop" for the evening. We are the only company that uses this campsite, and we have equipped it with a hot shower for you to cleanse and refresh a􏰁er the strenuous activity of the previous few days.

Campsite at Chamana (2585 masl / 8480 fasl)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping on Trek

At this point, we will be on the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. A􏰁er visiting the ruins of Huayna Q'ente, with its amazing Inca terraces and impressive landscaping, we will leave the National Sanctuary through the town of Qoriwairachina and head towards Piscacucho, where the main entrance to the Inca Trail is located. The trail will take us alongside the Vilcanota River and through several more ancient archaeological sites. In fact, this is the same path that Hiram Bingham used when he was first led to Machu Picchu by local people living here in 1911. From here, we'll travel by car to Ollantaytambo, and check in to our hotel. Dinner on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we meet our guide and walk to the train station for the Expedition train to km 104. Your guided hike will take you to Winay Wayna (lunch stop) and on to Inti Punku (sun gate), where you will see Machu Picchu for the first time. A short walk to the ruins and take the shuttle to Aguas Calientes. Overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Dinner on your own.

(BL)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

The day is spent at Machu Picchu: Early shuttle, entrance and guided tour of the ruins. You may climb Huayna Picchu at 10 a.m. (ticket to climb is not included in the price, and must be ordered at least 60 days in advance). You will return to Aguas Calientes for the late afternoon Expedition train returning to Cusco. Transfer to your hotel.

(BL)

Meals included: Breakfast