The day starts very early, with hotel pickup in Cusco around 4:00–4:30 AM. We will head towards Mollepata, passing through towns like Anta and Limatambo, enjoying views of the valleys and Andes. After about 2 hours, we will stop for breakfast at a local restaurant in Mollepata, then continue another hour to Challacancha, the start of the trek, where you will have time to get organized. The first section is a gradual 1.5 hour uphill trek, perfect for acclimatization, until arriving at Soraypampa to stay at the Glass Cabañas, where a freshly prepared lunch will be served. In the afternoon, a 1.5 hour hike to Humantay Lagoon awaits, starting easy and becoming steeper near the lagoon. Enjoy the turquoise waters and glacier at 5,960 m, take photos, and soak in the scenery. Return to Soraypampa around 4:00 PM. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore. In the evening, join a Peruvian cooking class, enjoy dinner, and spend your first night at the Glass Cabañas under the stars.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Breakfast is at 5:30 AM at the Glass Cabañas. After a hot breakfast and refilling water bottles, we start the hike to Salkantay Pass. The trek begins with a moderate uphill on a defined trail. After 2 hours, we reach Salkantay Pampa (4,100 m / 13,450 ft) to rest and enjoy glacier views. Then we climb about an hour on a steep zigzag path to Soyrococha, beneath Salkantay peak, where our chef serves a freshly prepared lunch. After lunch and refilling water, we continue for about an hour to reach Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the trek’s highest point. Here we honor Pachamama and admire the snow-capped peaks and the Andes’ majesty. We descend for 2.5 hours to the green valley. Our destination is Wayracmachay camp (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where we settle in the Glass Domes. Evening includes dinner and a cozy night under the starry sky.

480 min

This day brings a dramatic change of scenery as we leave the high Andes and enter the lush high jungle, full of warm breezes, tropical vegetation, and wildlife. We start early with tea delivered to your room and breakfast, then pack snacks and fill water bottles before beginning the hike. The trail is mostly downhill. After about 2 hours, we reach Rayanpata, where the jungle begins, with warm air and tropical scents. A short break allows time to hydrate and enjoy the forest sounds. We continue 2 more hours to Colpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft) for a jungle-inspired lunch prepared by our cook. After lunch, we hike approximately 4 more hours along narrow jungle paths, seeing waterfalls, orchids, and coffee fields, until arriving at Loreta, home to the unique Hobbit House. This eco-lodge has hot showers, soft bedding, and a magical forest environment — the perfect place to rest and enjoy the jungle sounds at the end of the day.

480 min

Today is dedicated to culture, history, and nature as we follow the original Inca paths and glimpse Machu Picchu from a rare viewpoint. Breakfast is at the Hobbit House in Loreta under a lush canopy of trees, followed by a 30-minute drive to Lucmabamba to begin the hike. The uphill trek along a well-preserved Inca Trail takes about 4 hours, through forests of coffee, bananas, and avocados, with ancient stonework. We reach Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,861 ft), an archaeological site with panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Your guide provides a short tour. Then we descend 1.5 hours to Hidroelectrica for a freshly prepared lunch—the last with the trekking crew, a chance to tip or thank them. From Hidroelectrica, a 3-hour walk along the railway tracks through Machu Picchu canyon lets you spot orchids, butterflies, and possibly the Andean cock-of-the-rock, monkeys, or spectacled bears. Arrival at Aguas Calientes, check-in, hot shower, and rest for exploring Machu Picchu the next day.

420 min

Your trekking team will wake you early with a hot drink to help you start the day. Afterward, get ready for today’s adventure and enjoy your final breakfast prepared by your trekking chef. The day's hike begins with a scenic 2-hour downhill trek, offering breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, leading you to the Hidroelectrica Station. One of the highlights of this area is the towering 300-meter natural waterfall, which provides electricity to the Cusco region. From Hidroelectrica Station, you'll continue to the famous Intiwatana (sun-dial rock). Historically, this Inca stone aligned with the sundial rock at Machu Picchu during the winter solstice, marking the start of a new agricultural season for the Incas. After visiting Intiwatana, you'll follow a pleasant walking path along the train tracks. Finally, you'll arrive in Aguas Calientes, where you can head to your hotel for a much-needed hot shower. In the evening, you’ll enjoy your final dinner with your trekking chef.

360 min