Machu Picchu Trek & Cuzco Adventure 10D/9N

Welcome to Cusco! We'll transfer you from the airport to your accommodation. Settle in and then head out and explore the city.

Arrive in Cuzco
Today, you'll arrive in Cusco, the historic heartland and former capital of the Incan Empire. Our driver will welcome you at the airport and transfer you across to your hotel. Cusco is a favorite destination of many visitors to Peru. As you wander the streets and side alleys of the city, you will witness the perfect tapering Inca stonework that provided the foundations for many of Cusco's colonial and modern buildings. The city itself is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Inca Empire for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today, Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Take the time to acclimatize to the city's 3450-metre high (11,150 ft) altitude and explore the many Baroque churches and ancient temples that dot the city.

Take an adventurous 4x4 quad bike tour to see some of the Sacred Valley's most interesting sites. Continue your ride to the "Salineras", salt mines for a quick visit to see how local people make a living off of the salt that is produced here.

ATV Quad Bike Adventure to Maras and Moray (B)
Take an adventurous 4x4 quad bike tour to see some of the Sacred Valley's most interesting sites. Feel the adrenaline of having total control of a 4x4 quad bike as you drive along dirt roads in the mountains, splashing through mud puddles, passing fields and villages and enjoying the fresh crisp Andean air. You will be picked up from your accommodation and head to Cruz Pata, a tiny village where the quad-bike adventure will begin. After a safety briefing, you will rev your engines and start off through the countryside to Moray, our first stop of the day. Look out over ancient Inca circular crop terraces and be amazed at the engineering developments of the ancient Inca. Connect with Mother Earth, (La Pachamama) and learn how the Andean culture lives in harmony with the nature that surrounds them. You will receive some explanations and then you will get free time to walk around. Continue your ride to the "Salineras", salt mines for a quick visit to see how local people make a living off of the salt that is produced here. Get free time to shop for souvenirs if you like. Hop back on your 4x4 quadbike once again and make the return trip to Cruz Pata where you will return your motorbike and equipment and then take a return transfer back to Cuzco.

Today you will embark on a rafting and zipline adventure!

Rafting and Zip-Line Adventure (B/L)
Today you will be picked-up at your accommodation in Cuzco between 8:30 - 9:00am (The van will pick up passengers from several different hotels in Cuzco, so your pick-up time may vary. Please be ready and waiting in the lobby). Then take a half-hour drive to reach Oropesa, a tiny Andean town famous for its homemade bread. Here we will make a stop to pick-up some fresh bread for lunch before driving to the rafting starting point, where the adventure begins. You will get geared up and receive a safety briefing from your professional rafting guide. Head out into the water on the Vilcanota River, one of Peru's most important rivers for whitewater rafting. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes you will enjoy this super fun class III, III+ and IV rapids with new friends! After hours of thrilling adventure on the Vilcanota River, you will reach camp where you can change into dry clothes and have lunch. Then, at the same camp, feel the rush going down 2 fun ziplines. Relax on the drive back to Cuzco after an active day. You will be dropped off at the city centre.

Today, you'll visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and receive a good insight of the Inca history. Visit the ruins of Pisac, wander through the local market, and head to Ollantaytambo to visit the ruins. You'll also attend a trek briefing.

Visit to Sacred Valley of the Incas (B)
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel to start with a visit of the Sacred Valley. On the way you will stop at a point known as El Mirador, from where you will be able to see the whole Sacred Valley and receive a good insight of the Inca history. The Sacred Valley was undoubtedly a key area of settlement to the Incas; its combination of agreeable climate and fertile plains bestow an unusual abundance for the high Andes. Here the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation channels. Our driver and guide will suggest the best points for pictures. Later on, you will drive towards the ruins of Pisac. At the ruins you will see and learn about different aspects of Inca culture. You can see a great fine art of stone works and impressive agricultural terraces all over the place. Then, we visit the town of Pisac and wander through the local market, known for its multi-coloured textiles, local foods, and indigenous clothing - a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs as well as take some great photos. In the afternoon, you will drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. When you arrive in Ollantaytambo you will see it is a magnificent example of Incan urban planning. It is one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. Once you get there you will visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, an important Inca construction built during the Inca's heydays. This is an extraordinary Inca place where besides the ruins you may also see an amazing rock formation representing the Inca god Wiracocha. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel in Cuzco. In the afternoon, you will have a mandatory briefing on your trek. At this meeting, you will receive detailed information on the route, a list of what to bring, confirm your pick-up service and be able to ask questions.

Today, you'll start your trek along the famous Inca Trail journey will begin. Tonight, you'll stay in Wayllabamba camp.

Ollantaytambo and trek to Wayllabamba Camp (L/D)
Accommodation pick-up is between 05:00-06:00hrs. Please make all of the necessary preparations one day prior to the trek. You will be taken by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will have an hour to eat breakfast on your own and purchase last-minute snacks, water and walking sticks. Then you will hop back on the bus to Piscacucho (KM 82) where the famous Inca Trail journey will begin. Bring your original passport, student card (if applicable) for the first Inca Trail checkpoint. Your guide will have your tickets for you. Hike along rolling hills in the Vilcanota River Valley passing by several small archaeological sites along the way. Lunch will be prepared half-way and you will have time to relax before reaching Wayllabamba camp (2,980m).
Trekking: 10 kilometers / 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate trek along a rolling path gradually ascending from Piscacucho KM 82 (2,570m) through the Urubamba river valley for 10 KM to reach Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m). NOTE: You will have a guide during the trek and on the Machu Picchu tour. However, during your bus and train transfers you will not be accompanied by a guide.

After an early breakfast, you will start off on the most challenging day along the trail, with a vertical hike to reach Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m followed by a hike down stone steps to reach Pacaymayo camp.

Trek to Pacaymayo Camp via Dead Woman's Pass (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast around 6:00hrs you will start off on the most challenging day along the trail, with a vertical hike of 6 km (approx. 5 hours) to reach Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m followed by a 3 km hike down stone steps to reach Pacaymayo camp at 3,600m (approx. 2 hours). Take your time and rest as much as you need, as you will ascend more than 1,200 meters over the course of the morning. Just after you cross Dead Woman's Pass you will be rewarded with spectacular views of nearby snow-capped mountain peaks and roaring waterfalls. Stroll slowly down to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) to enjoy the scenery. Arrive in time for lunch and a well-deserved nap. Then you will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the camp before dinner and an early bedtime.
Trekking: 10 kilometers / 7 hours
Difficulty: Difficult trekking day starting at Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) with a constant and demanding ascent of 6.4 KM to Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m), an elevation gain of 1,200 vertical meters. Descend another 2.4 KM along a stone staircase to reach Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m), a decrease in elevation of 800 vertical meters.

Today you'll trek to Winayhuayna Camp via Runquracay Pass set above a river valley in a high jungle climate.

Trek to Winayhuayna Camp via Runquracay Pass (B/L/D)
Start with a one-hour hike uphill to visit the Pacaymayo archaeological site. Continue one hour to Runquracay Pass (3,950m) where you can summit the mountain for incredible views of surrounding peaks. Visit 2 more archaeological sites called Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca with your guide and have lunch along the way. By late afternoon you will reach Winayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m) set above a river valley in a high jungle climate. After dinner, say a big thank you to your porters and guides!
Trekking: 15 kilometers / 9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate ups and downs along ancient Inca stairways for 15 KM from Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) crossing over Runquracay Pass (3,950m) ending at Winayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) with breaks at scenic archaeological sites along the way.

Today, you'll hike to reach the Sun Gate to watch the sunrise. Take a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu and enjoy free time to explore on your own. Return to Aguas Calientes and catch a train to Ollantaytambo, then a bus to Cusco.

Explore Machu Picchu and Return to Cuzco (B)
Wake up between 3:30 and 4:30hrs and have breakfast. Get on the trail early and head to the Winaywayna checkpoint, joining the lineup to wait for the gate to open at 5:30 am. Once the gate opens, hike about an hour to reach the Sun Gate. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a clear day! Catch the first glimpses of light over the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then continue down the final length of the trail for 40 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu archaeological complex. Visit this magical site on a 2-hour guided tour and learn about the history of this incredible Inca citadel. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure. If you're feeling adventurous, take an optional trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked in advance). Return to Aguas Calientes from where you will catch a train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus back to Cusco, arriving back by 8:30pm. You will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way back to the accommodation of your choice.
Trekking: 7 kilometers / 2 hours
Difficulty: Follow an easy, flat and narrow 7 KM path from Winayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) to the Sun Gate (2,720m) and finally descend into the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (2,400m)

Today, visit the huge "Inca Ceremonial Center of Sacsayhuaman" and other important Inca sites known as "Qenqo" and "Tambomachay".

Visit to temple of Sacsayhuaman (B)
In the morning, you will visit the huge "Inca Ceremonial Center of Sacsayhuaman". This enormous structure overlooks the city of Cusco. Its constructions are amazing, with huge rocks perfectly fitted. It is said that it took over 10,000 workers 50 years to build it. The origin of the temple of Sacsayhuaman is still today unknown. The archaeologist attributed its construction to the Period of the Inca Pachacutec. Later, you continue visiting another important Inca site known as "Qenqo". This is a place with subterranean passages and carved stone channels in a zigzag pattern. In its inner part there is a carved stone table where it is said the Incas mummified their dead. Afterwards you will do a short visit to the archaeological Inca sites of "Tambomachay" a temple dedicated to the God of Water and "PucaPucara". After these visits, you will return to Cusco. Enjoy the afternoon free.

Today, we'll transfer you back to the airport to take your flight back to Lima, followed by your international departure flight.

Transfer to Airport (B)
At the appropriate time, our driver will pick you up at the hotel's foyer and will transfer you to the airport to take your flight out.