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10 - Day experience

Black Diamond Trek to Machu Picchu

An advanced-level trekking journey from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco all the way to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu.

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!

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY 2023

ITINERARY

DAY 0 CUSCO

Meet your MLP guide and fellow travelers for a general trip briefing and Q&A.

  • Approximately 45 minutes.
DAY 1 PIURAY

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
DAY 2 HUCHUYQOSQO

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
DAY 3 PISAQ

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
DAY 4 CANCHA CANCHA

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
DAY 5 QUISWARANI

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
DAY 6 HUACAHUASI

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
DAY 7 JAUKANI

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
DAY 8 OLLANTAYTAMBO

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
DAY 9 THE SUN GATE

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
DAY 10 MACHU PICCHU

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

Accommodations

During the Black Diamond Trek, your accommodations will include a combination of premium camping installations, top-notch MLP-affiliate hotels, and MLP lodges with all of the comforts of home and exceptional service for which we are known.

HUACAHUASI LODGE

  • Dramatic views of Huacahuasi from the vibrant great room at the Huacahuasi Lodge
  • Huacahuasi Lodge Inspiring Vistas
  • Arriving at the Huacahuasi Lodge
  • Heading out of the Huacahuasi Lodge for a day of trekking and exploration in Lares
  • Magnificent views of Huacahuasi during tea time at the Huacahuasi Lodge
  • Spectacular views from our double guest rooms at the Huacahuasi Lodge
  • Rejuvenation of the spirit -- private outdoor mountain jacuzzi at Huacahuasi
  • Enjoying fine Andean cuisine at Lamay Lodge
  • Our co-op partners from the local Huacahuasi community take great pride in their role as lodge personnel
  • A visit to the Huacahuasi Lodge from ladies of the local community

Our Huacahuasi Lodge, an imposing structure built on the mountainside adjacent to its namesake village, was designed to showcase dramatic views of the valley and beyond with its soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows (12,599’/3,840m). Each luxury guest room is equipped with a private outdoor jacuzzi for you to relax while you take in dramatic sunsets and star-filled evening skies.

RATE 2023/2024

$5,500

For New Reservations Only
DOWNLOAD TERMS & CONDITIONS 2023/2024

DETAILS :

● 10D/9N round-trip itinerary from Cusco
● Rates are per person based on shared accommodations
● Requested single room: 50% supplemental cost added to the standard rate
● Single traveler willing to share: No additional charge at MLP Lodges. A supplementary charge will apply at our affiliate hotels in the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes
● A non-refundable deposit of US$500 per person is required to confirm a reservation
● We recommend arriving in Cusco 1-2 days prior to your departure date for altitude acclimatization

SERVICES INCLUDES :

●Transportation services during the programmed itinerary.
●All lodging.
●All meals except for breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 10
●Service of a bilingual guide (Spanish/English) during all program days. Tours of archaeological sites are led in English.
●Entrance fees and permits to points of interest and archeological sites.
●Guided visit to Machu Picchu.
●All Meals and beverages including soft drinks and a house selection of beer, wine, and spirits at MLP lodges only
●All gratuities for the staff at all MLP lodges and in the field.*  Gratuities for the guides are not included and are at your discretion.  In general, we suggest $10 – $20/day (per person) for lead guides and $5 – $15/day (per person) for assistant guides.

*Note: Gratuities for the staff at affiliate hotels are not included.

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