Overnight.

An early morning flight brings you to the Inca capital of Cusco where Quechua-speaking descendents of the Incas move back and forth in the busy plazas and markets. Colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the arrival of the Conquistadors. The church walls have fallen many times throughout the years, but the Inca walls remain.

The morning is yours to explore Cusco's narrow streets and bustling markets. In the afternoon, tour Cusco's traditional markets, talking to the women selling natural medicines and charms for curing heartache and other afflictions. Visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions. (If visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form.

Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. Travelers can go on a city tour of the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of SUVs). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.

Depart Cusco early this morning and drive north toward Capuliyoc. As you leave the city behind, cross into Antamapma, where you can see Mt. Salkantay and Humantay. Leave the high meadows and the impressive peaks of Mt. Veronica, Chicon and Pitusiray come into view.  The road descends into the town of Limatambo, time permitting visit the Inca site of Tarawasi located in the outskirts. The road continues to the Apurimac River and crosses an impressive gorge. 

Pass the village of Curawasi to the trailhead at Capuliyoc at 9550 feet (2911 m) to meet the pack animals and horseman to begin the trek. Start hiking along the edge of Capuliyoc mountain to get get  the first views of the Apurimac canyon. A few hours later arrive to Chiquiska at 6210 feet (1893 m) for lunch. After lunch continue hiking along rushing waters of the Apurimac River until making camp at Playa Rosalina for the night.

Distance: 6.7 miles (10.8 km)
Approximate hiking time: 6 hrs
Highest elevation crossed: 9550 feet (2,911 m) | Camp Elevation: 4849 feet (1478 m)

After breakfast,  cross the suspension bridge and continue uphill towards Marampata 9550 feet (2911 m). Stop for a delicious lunch at a beautiful mountain meadow with amazing views of the Andes Mountains. Rested and fed from lunch ascend up a steep trail with spectacular views of the canyon land vegetation on both sides of the Apurimac canyon. The trail begins to level a bit as you approach the hanging valley where the site of Choquequirao is found. Camp near the ruins tonight and ready yourself to explore the isolated Inca site and the surrounding cloud forest.

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.6 km)
Approximate hiking time: 8 hours
Highest elevation crossed: 9550 feet (2,911 m) | Camp Elevation: 9401feet (2,866 m)

Today explore the ruins of Choquequirao with your guide, located about a mile from camp. Explore the different sectors of Choquequirao 10,059 feet (3066 m)  which scattered on both sides of the spur of Apu Corihuayrachina. Due to the size and complexity of the ruins, plenty of time is given to explore all the wonders Choquequirao has to offer. Before departing the ruins complex enjoy lunch nearby. Keep your eye open for the Andean condor, often seen here.

After a full day visiting Choquequirao make your way down to the campsite of Santa Rosa Baja 6801 feet (2073 m) for dinner and a chance to share storiea about the days archeological explorations.

Distance: 4.9 miles (8 km)
Approximate Hiking Time: 4 hours
Highest Elevation Crossed: 10,059 feet (3066 m) | Camp Elevation: 6801 feet (2073 m)

After a hearty breakfast at camp, descend through the Apurimac Valley. Take your time in this steep descent to the bottom of the river valley exposing some impressive and unforgettable views. Continue on to Chiquiska 6210 feet (1893 m) for a rest and delicious lunch.
After lunch, trek onward to Cocasama 7644 feet (2330 m), a small village full of typical Andean houses. Enjoy the last night of the trek with some amazing views of the night sky.

Distance: 5 miles (8.6 km)
Approximate hiking time: 8 hours
Highest elevation crossed: 7480 feet  (2,280 m) | Camp Elevation: 7480 feet  (2,280 m)

After breakfast early in the morning in Cocasama begin the last day of  the trek. On the way back to Capuliyoc stop a the lookout point for some final spectacular views of the mountains you got to know so well. In Capuliyoc meet your shuttle here for the return ride to Cusco.  After the drive to Cusco, your guide will help you settle into your hotel for a good night's rest and a hot shower!
 
Distance: 2.9 miles (4.8 km) 
Approximate hiking time: 3 hours
Highest elevation crossed: 9550 feet (2,911 m)

Explore the Sacred Valley and test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac, or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras and its pre-Columbian salt mines (still in use today with salt being collected in traditional fashion) as well as the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops. Eventually, make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo.

In the morning, visit the ruins and town of Ollantaytambo. During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo served as a royal estate and later a refuge after the Spanish conquered Cuzco in 1537. The ruins feature expansive terraces and well-preserved architecture, and the town is still laid out as it was during the Incan empire, allowing its visitors to glimpse the history that still exists within its boundaries.

Follow the Urubamba River as it tumbles its way towards the Amazon and the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Ancient canals still bring water from the high mountains to the baths used by Inca priests. As visitors, you're welcomed to respectfully dip your hands in the cool water. After your tour of Machu Picchu, return to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes) to soak in the hot springs and dine on local trout fillets.

Today is your chance to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu and to listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants before the hikers from the Inca Trail arrive. You can choose to book a permit to climb the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu, hike to the Sun Gate which overlooks the ruins or take a walk through the lush cloudforest to the Temple of the Moon. In the afternoon, return by train to Cusco with your guide. (Let us know if you would like help arranging entrance fees or hiking permits for today – these are not included and sell out in advance!)