Chillca / Llactapata

At 6 in the morning our private van picks passengers up from their hotels. We drive down through the Sacred Valley to Chilca. Here we meet the porters, the Quechua-speaking natives of this rugged country. Tonight we camp at Llactapata, an important fort along the Urubamba River. 

Llactapata / Llullucha

After a healthy breakfast we climb up away from the river, heading straight for Salkantay, a snow-capped mountain that reaches 20,600 feet high and the most imposing peak in this region. At Huayllabamba the streambed forks, and we turn away from Salkantay to the SW and head NW along the trail. We camp at Llulluchapampa, part way up to the high pass of Warmiwauscca.

Llullucha / Phuyupatamarca

Today the first part of the trek takes us over the Warmiwauska pass at the height of 13,500 feet. At its heights, the amazing stone trail is better preserved than when it passes through lower lands. As we descend, we leave the tundra vegetation and enter the elfin forest of bonsai trees covered by a profusion of creepers and orchids. We pass the important ruins of Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca and camp at Phuyupatamarca, the city above the clouds, from which there are spectacular views of snow covered mountain ranges.

Phuyupatamarca / Machupicchu (Machu Picchu)

Passing through the Intipuncu (gates of the sun), we arrive in Machupicchu, the lost city of the Incas. We will visit the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes and enjoy a relaxing bath at the local hot springs and later we will take  a confortable Hotel.

Machu Picchu / Cuzco

We will rise early in the morning. After breakfast we will take a bus up to visit the lost city of Machupicchu. An optional hike for the more dynamic people in the group would be to hike up to Huaynapicchu, the pyramid-shaped peak that overlooks Machupicchu. We will take the late afternoon train back to Cuzco(Cusco).