Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu

• After an early breakfast, you will start with a climb along the Pumachaka River ravine up to the Chupana sector where the river begins. On the way, you start to see the the first sections of original Inca roads, that you will follow during the hike, as well as a variety of local flora. Some of the plants that you will see are used to make dyes for traditional textile weaving in this area that is still common in this area.
• You will pass through several different types of landscapes before arriving at the Pillaujasa Pass, which is not far from the impressive Jasutina pass, both offering breathtaking Andean views.
• From here, the trail begins to descend into the Racchchaka Valley, which you will follow until arriving at the campsite at Hatunpampa.
• Here you will spend the night in the shadow of the snow-capped Tuytubamba Mountain.

Distance: 11 mi (17 km)
Maximum Altitude: 13,410 ft (4,090 m)
Approximate Time: 10 hrs

• Today you will follow the trail over the Yanacocha Pass, where you will enter an amazing forest of native trees. This forest is particularly notable as it is located at over 14,000 feet (4500 meters). At the pass itself you can take in stunning views of the Yanacocha Lake, before starting towards the final high pass of the trek, the Moon Pass.
• The unique landscape of the high altitude puna will remind you that at this point you are deep within the Peruvian Andes, and many hours from civilization and human contact.
• From here, the trail begins to descend into the Mutuypata ravine, where you will stop for lunch before continuing along the Saqsarayoq River, which you will cross in order to reach your camp at Nogalpampa where you’ll spend the night.
• Enjoy dinner and a much deserved rest to get ready for your final day of trekking.

Distance: 9 mi (14 km)
Maximum Altitude: 14,765 ft (4,500 m)
Approximate Time: 8 hrs

• After breakfast at the camp, you continue along the trail as it winds downhill through dense native forests, towards the town of Yanatile.
• Here you will be transfered to the train station at the Hydroelectric Plant for the train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the world famous citadel, Machu Picchu.
• You will spend the night in a comfortable Aguas Calientes hotel before your tour of the ruins the next day.
• Have a look at our Machu Picchu Guide for more information on what see and do, as well as Machu Picchu restaurants that we recommend for tasty dining.

Distance: 8 mi (13 km)
Maximum Altitude: 9,150 ft (2,790 m)
Approximate Time: 5 hrs

• Rise early and head to the bus station for the ride up to the citadel itself, which is hidden amid cloud forests and settle between two mountain peaks.
• Once at Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a tour of the Inca city, which explorer Hiram Bingham mistakenly identified as Vilcabamba. Your guide will recount the history of Machu Picchu and lead you to its important sites.
• In the afternoon, you will take a comfortable train back to Cusco. You also have the option to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes.

*Optional: Hike up Huayna Picchu, the peak overlooking the Machu Picchu ruins. This hike is steep and takes about 3 hours round trip, but has remarkable views. Please let your Travel Advisor know if you’d like to add this to your itinerary.