Black Diamond Trek

The Black Diamond Trek is a ten-day adventure designed for experienced and physically prepared travelers seeking a more challenging route to Machu Picchu.

The journey follows remote Andean trails, visits lesser-known archaeological sites and combines demanding hikes with cultural encounters, outdoor activities and entry to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Accommodation includes a combination of premium camps, Mountain Lodges of Peru properties and selected partner hotels.

The Black Diamond Trek is one of Mountain Lodges of Peru’s most physically demanding experiences.

Several days include challenging hikes of approximately six to eight hours across high-altitude terrain. Guests should be comfortable hiking for consecutive days over steep, uneven and remote trails.

Previous trekking experience and a strong level of cardiovascular fitness are highly recommended. We suggest preparing several months before departure with hiking, hill walking, stair climbing and endurance training.

Yes. The Black Diamond Trek combines remote camping with stays at comfortable mountain lodges and partner hotels.

Guests camp at Piuray Lake, Cancha Cancha and Quiswarani, allowing them to explore areas that cannot be reached through a fully lodge-based itinerary. Other nights are spent at Lamay Lodge, Huacahuasi Lodge and selected hotels in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.

Your main luggage and camping equipment are transported between locations, so you will only carry your daypack while hiking.

We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before departure to begin acclimatizing. The itinerary also includes a gentle acclimatization tour on Day 0 before the pre-departure briefing.

The journey crosses remote high-altitude terrain and includes several consecutive days of demanding hiking. During your first days in Cusco, drink plenty of water, eat light meals, avoid excessive alcohol and limit strenuous activity.

Your guides are experienced in recognizing altitude-related symptoms and will monitor your wellbeing throughout the journey.

Ground transportation and the meals specified in the itinerary are included from the beginning of the journey until your return to Cusco.

Airport transfers and accommodations in Cusco before and after the program are not automatically included but may be arranged through your Travel Specialist.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and most dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Guests should inform their Travel Specialist of any allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions before arriving in Peru.

Ground transportation and the meals specified in the itinerary are included from the beginning of the journey until your return to Cusco.

Airport transfers and accommodations in Cusco before and after the program are not automatically included but may be arranged through your Travel Specialist.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and most dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Guests should inform their Travel Specialist of any allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions before arriving in Peru.

You will carry only a daypack containing your water, waterproof layers, sun protection, camera and personal essentials.

We recommend bringing a duffel bag for your belongings, but if you do not have one, we will provide one for you to borrow.

Your main luggage will be transported between camps, lodges and hotels throughout the journey. For the Machu Picchu portion of the journey, train regulations permit a maximum of 10 kg or 22 lb of luggage per guest. Additional luggage can be stored securely at your hotel in Cusco.