On the first day, we will pick you up at 5:00 am from your Cusco hotel and will drive 4 hours to the start of the hike. We will stop to stretch our legs in Mollepata and then will continue to the starting point of the trail, called Soraypampa at 3,883 meters or 12,740 feet. If it is a clear day, we will already be able to see the majestic Humantay and Salkantay Mountains before us. We will first have the option to hike up to Humantay Lake which takes about 2 hours, and total we will hike about 10 km (6 miles) to our campsite. Once we reach the turquoise lake, we will get to enjoy its clear beautiful waters and have a snack. Then we will continue hiking for about 1 hour to our lunch spot called Salkantay Pampa. After enjoying a hearty lunch and resting for a bit, we will hike for about 2 more hours to our campsite, making our way slowly uphill Our campsite is called Soyrococha and is located at 4,400 meters or 14,435 feet and is one of the highest campsites in the Cusco region. Here, it is essential to have warm clothing, thermals, and a sleeping bag good for at least -20°C (-4°F) since the temperature can reach below freezing and sometimes it can snow.

On the second day, we will hike for a total distance of 16 km (10 miles) and will get to see a variety of ecological zones. We will start by hiking uphill for about 40 minutes until we reach the Salkantay Pass at 4,635 meters or 15,200 feet. Here, we will stand right below the towering Salkantay Mountain which is the highest peak in the area at 6,264 meters or 20,551 feet. If we are lucky we might see condors or other animals such as the viscacha which is related to the chinchilla. We will then descend for 3 hours to our lunch site located at Rayanniyoc. On the way, we will be able to see the changing geography, as we start in the grassy highlands and end in the green cloud forest. After lunch, we will continue descending for 2 hours and will enter the tropical cloud forest where we can see wild orchids and other native flowers, as well as hummingbirds. We will continue our descent through the bamboo groves, until we arrive at the village of Collpapampa which sits at 2,855 meters (9,366 feet), and here we will have dinner and camp for the evening.

On this day we will hike for a total of 16 km (10 miles) and will get to enjoy a cultural afternoon with a local farming family. After breakfast, we will continue down the valley for about 6 hours into a forest that contains bamboo groves and great bird watching opportunities. Flocks of colorful tropical birds roam the forest and warm water cascades down nearby cliffs. The trail here gradually descends, and on the way our guide will point out the various flora and fauna in the area. We will reach our campsite located at the small village of Lucmabamba which is at 2,008 meters (6,588 feet), and here we will also have lunch. In the afternoon, we will do some farming activities that will depend on the time of year but may include collecting and roasting coffee beans, picking avocados, oranges, passion fruit, and also we may be able to harvest some honey.

On the fourth day, we will hike for 8 km or 5 miles and will need to get up early. From Lucmabamba to our lunch site we will hike for about 5-6 hours. We will start ascending through the lush rainforest for about 2 and a half to 3 hours to the Llaqtapata Pass which is at 2,700 meters or 8,910 feet. Then we will then descend for 15 minutes and arrive at the archaeological site of Llaqtapata where we will stop and have some snacks. This site provides our first view of Machu Picchu from the other side of the valley, and we will learn about how Llaqtapata was an important astronomical center. After resting, we will begin our descent for 2 and a half to 3 hours down the mountain and will stop to eat our box lunches along the way. We will hike down until we reach the hydroelectric station, where we will say goodbye to our chef. We will get our duffle bags and go to the train station to take the train to Aguas Calientes which takes about 45 minutes. At Aguas Calientes we will check into our hotel and then will have some free time before meeting for dinner at a local restaurant.

After having an early breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your guide and take the 25-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. You will have a 3-hour tour with your guide where you will see and learn about important sites that include temples, plazas, terraces, and canals. Please note that certain temples are open only at specific times. After your tour, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, and in the afternoon you will take the train back to Cusco where we will pick you up from the train station and drop you off at your hotel.