Rise with the sun and enjoy a lavish breakfast before tackling the most challenging day of the Inca Trail. Start with a 1.5-hour climb to Ayapata Ravine (3,328 m / 10,918 ft.), passing through lush forest and alongside a clear stream. Enjoy a delicious lunch stop at Llulluchapampa (3,760 m / 12,335 ft.), where you’ll be treated to an authentic Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast that dates back to pre-Inca times. This tender and flavorful meal, infused with the rich earthiness of the land and a gourmet twist, will be prepared by our expert culinary team.
Then, take on a 2.5-hour ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft.), where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. Arriving at our Pacaymayo campsite (3,500 m / 11,482 ft.), enjoy a hot shower, a restorative massage, and spa treatments, before a sumptuous dinner. While you feast, our knowledgeable guide will share captivating legends passed down through generations, bringing to life the ancient beliefs of Inca Gods, mountain spirits, and the powerful forces of Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Technical Information:

• Wake-up time: 5:30 am
• Trek starting time: 7:00 am
• Arrival at campsite: 17:00 pm (5:00 pm)
• Minimum Altitude: Ayapata site – 3,328 meters / 10,918 feet
• Maximum Altitude: Dead Woman’s Pass – 4,215 meters / 13,829 feet
• Distance Covered: 9 kilometers / 5.6 miles (approximately 6-7 hours of walking)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner.

Accommodation:

• Glamping Accommodations

Inca Legacy: Ruins and Cloud Forests
Start your day with a peaceful yoga session in the Andes, followed by an energizing breakfast. Hike an hour to the Runkurakay ruins, then ascend to Runkurakay Pass (3,950 m / 12,959 ft.), passing a scenic lake and the Sayacmarca and Chaquicocha ruins. Enjoy a gourmet lunch surrounded by lush greenery.
Immerse yourself in the cloud forest’s vibrant orchids, bromeliads, and colorful birds. At the Phuyupatamarca campsite, unwind with a hot shower, massage, and spa treatment before a special cooking demonstration with our talented chef. You’ll learn about his methods and use of fresh, local ingredients, to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes, deepening your connection to the Andean culture. Later, stargaze under a clear Andean sky, with your guide highlighting constellations, planets, and cosmic wonders (stargazing experience must be requested when booking to ensure availability of the specialized guide).
Technical Information:

• Wake-up time: 5:00 am
• Trek starting time: 8:00 am
• Arrival at campsite: 16:30 pm (4:30 pm)
• Minimum Altitude: Chaquicocha Site – 3,535 meters / 11,597 feet
• Maximum Altitude: Runkurakay Pass – 3,950 meters / 12,959 feet
• Distance Covered: 9 kilometers / 5.6 miles (approximately 5.5 hours walking)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner.

Accommodation:

• Glamping Accommodations

Start with an early breakfast before the final stretch to Machu Picchu. Following the ancient Inca steps, we’ll pass through the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, where vibrant orchids dot the landscape with bursts of color. As we ascend, we approach the sacred Sun Gate (Intipunku), offering stunning views of the cloud forest and intricate Inca terraces as we navigate tunnels carved into the mountainside. At last, we reach the awe-inspiring Sun Gate (2,750 m / 9,020 ft.), where you’ll witness your first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu. The sight of the ancient citadel, framed by towering peaks, is an emotional and truly unforgettable moment.

After a 45-minute descent to the citadel, explore with your guide, capture photos, and enjoy a gourmet lunch in Aguas Calientes. Conclude with a luxurious ride on the Hiram Bingham Train back to Cusco, where you will be escorted to your hotel by a friendly staff member. (Note: accommodation in Cusco is not included, but available upon request).
Technical Information:

• Wake-up time: 4:00 am
• Arrival to Machu Picchu: 11:30 am
• Arrival to Cusco: 22:00 pm (10:00 pm)
• Maximum Altitude: Intipunku (Sun Gate) – 2,750 meters / 9,020 feet
• Minimum Altitude: Machu Picchu – 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet
• Distance Covered: 8 kilometers / 4.9 miles (Approximately 5.5 hours of walking)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, dinner (Hiram Bingham Train only)

Accommodation:

• End of services.