An Amazing Adventure Awaits
Seeking off-the-beaten path trails and the ultimate hiking challenge? Join us on this unique 10-day, 75-mile trek that takes you from the heart of Cusco to Machu Picchu along less-traveled mountain paths, and through traditional villages and remote archaeological sites. Along the way we mix luxury camping & mountain lodges, with the support of experienced guides and staff. Don’t miss the trek of a lifetime!
ITINERARY
Meet your MLP guide and fellow travelers for a general trip briefing and Q&A.
Approximately 45 minutes.
Hike from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco to Piuray Lake. Explore the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site and enjoy a picnic lunch at Senqa Mountain en route to the Piuray campsite.
Overnight: Premium camping at Piuray Lake
Distance: 8 miles/13 km
Highest elevation: 14,600’/4,450m
Approximate hiking time: 8 hours
Difficulty level: 7
Early-morning kayak excursion across Piuray Lake* to begin the hike to Huchuyqosqo. After a picnic lunch and exploration of the Huchuyqosqo archaeological site, end the day with a downhill hike to Lamay Lodge in the Sacred Valley. Trip briefing and dinner at the lodge.
*Optional: Morning bike ride to Huchuyqosqo instead of the kayak excursion.
Overnight: Lamay Lodge
Distance: 9 miles/14.5km
Elevation: 3,800m - 4,450m - 2950m
Approximate hiking time: 8 hours
Difficulty level: 8
Short early-morning drive from Lamay Lodge to Ayarcancha, followed by a hike over a high mountain pass to the Pisaq archaeological site. After a guided exploration of the site, continue hiking to the Pisaq town center to meet your MLP vehicle for the drive back to Lamay Lodge. Upon arrival, the lodge staff will be waiting with a traditional Pachamanca dinner.
Overnight: Lamay Lodge
Distance: 7.1 miles/11.4 km
Highest elevation: 14,183’/4,450m
Approximate hiking time: 7 hours
Difficulty level: 6
After an early breakfast, depart Lamay Lodge for a short drive to the town of Huaran in the Sacred Valley. From there, begin an all-day hike to the remote village of Cancha Cancha along a traditional Inca trail. Trip briefing and dinner around the campfire.
Overnight: Premium camping at Cancha Cancha
Distance: 5.4 miles/9 km
Elevation: 3,000 - 3,960m
Approximate hiking time: 6.5 hours
Difficulty level: 9
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the Cancha Cancha campsite in preparation for the morning hike up to the Pachacuteq Pass. After a picnic lunch at the pass, continue hiking down to the remote village of Quiswarani. Trip briefing and dinner around the campfire.
Overnight: Premium camping at Quiswarani
Distance: 8 miles/13.5 km
Elevation: 14,895’/4,540m
Approximate hiking time: 6 hours
Difficulty level: 9
After breakfast, set out on a morning hike to the Sonqococha Lagoon, followed by a picnic lunch before continuing on to Quelquena. After a brief rest, embark on the final hike of the day to Huacahuasi Lodge.
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge
Distance: 7.9 miles/12.7 km
Elevation: 14,625’/4,458m
Approximate hiking time: 8.5 hours
Difficulty level: 10
Start the day with a visit to a remote village, celebrated for their exquisite traditional Andean textiles, to begin a morning hike to Jaukani. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic lunch before driving back to Huacahuasi.
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge
Distance: 5.6 miles/9 km
Elevation: 11,614’/3,540m
Approximate hiking time: 5 hours
Difficulty level: 7
The day begins with breakfast at dawn and an early departure on a morning hike from Huacahuasi to Patacancha. Upon arrival, your MLP driver will be waiting to take you on a short scenic drive from Patacancha to Pumamarka for a picnic lunch and guided exploration of the Pumamarka archaeological site. The day ends with a hike along spectacular Inca terraces to Ollantaytambo, the oldest ‘living city’ in South America. Trip briefing and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: El Albergue.
Distance: 8 miles/20 km
Elevation: 3,900m - 4,600m - 3,805m - 2,800m
Approximate hiking time: 8 hours
Difficulty level: 9
After breakfast, catch an early-morning train from Ollantaytambo to the KM 104 marker along the rail route. After crossing the Chachabamba Bridge, you will begin a full-day hike along the classic Inca Trail through Winay Wayna to the celebrated Sun Gate entrance of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, descend along the perimeter of the citadel to catch the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes. at the base of Machu Picchu.
Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Distance: 7.5 miles/12 km
Highest elevation: 8,858’/2,700m
Approximate hiking time: 6 hours
Difficulty level: 9
Breakfast at dawn followed by an early-morning guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. After the tour, hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain*, and then return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before catching an afternoon train to Ollantaytambo to meet your MLP vehicle for the sunset drive back to Cusco.
*Note: Tickets for Huayna Picchu Mt. (8,924’ / 2,720m) may be available subject to additional cost. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, you may opt for a hike up Machu Picchu Mt. (10,112 / 3,082m), located next to the Machu Picchu Citadel on the southern side. Please consult with your MLP Travel Specialist for detailed information.
Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km
Highest elevation: 9,120’/2,780m
Approximate hiking time: 3.5 hours
Difficulty level: 7