We leave the UK on our flight to Cusco.
Cusco (3,300m) We arrive in Cusco where we are met by our local guides and then we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to acclimatise to the high altitude and explore this fascinating city, hidden deep in the Andes Mountains.
Acclimatisation Trek to Inca sites. Today it is essential that we take some exercise to adjust to the high altitude. We have a fairly early breakfast before transferring to Tambo Machay, the Inca ruins high above Cusco. We trek down to Sacsayhuaman, then return to Cusco. A full trek briefing will be held before our challenge tomorrow – The Inca Trail! Trekking distance - approx. 8km
Cusco - km82 (2,650m) to Wayllabamba (3,000m) Following breakfast, we transfer to km82 where we register at the checkpoint for our Inca Trail permits. We follow the Urubamba River before the trail becomes more undulating and reaches the Patallacta lookout, from where we will have the impressive view down to the Inca town of Patallacta. We then continue to the Kusichaca Valley, to Wayllabamba, which is our first campsite. Trekking distance - approx. 11km
Wayllabamba (3,000m) to Pacaymayo (3,600m) Our most challenging day as we climb steadily from 3,000m to 4,200m, to Warmihuañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’. On the way we will see impressive cloud forest, beautiful lichens, bromeliads, orchids, birds, also the Huayanay glacier and part of the Vilcabamba mountain range. From this point we descend into Pacaymayo Valley, our campsite for the night. Trekking distance - approx. 8km
Pacaymayo (3,600m) to Wiñayhuayna (2,700m) This is another tough day when we conquer the two remaining mountain passes. Once we reach the second pass at Runkurakay (3,950m), the trail heads downhill until we reach Sayacmarka, another archeological site. On the way to the third pass, Phuyupatamarka (3,600m), we’ll pass through our first Inca tunnel. Continuing down the original Inca stairway and passing through another Inca tunnel, we descend to Wiñayhuayna, our last campsite on the way to Machu Picchu. Trekking distance - approx. 18km
Wiñayhuayna (2,700m) to the Sun Gate (2,850) and Machu Picchu (2,400m) We wake early in order to reach the Sun Gate for the optimum view of Machu Picchu in the morning. There is one last steep push on Inca steps until we catch our first glimpse of the famous lost city of the Incas. We then descend to explore the fascinating buildings and ruins that make this city in the clouds so special. There will be some free time for exploration! We catch the bus down to Aguas Calientes then board our train back to Cusco. Trekking distance - approx. 6km
Day in Cusco There is so much to see in Cusco that we spend the day doing just that! In the evening, we all get together for our celebratory meal and to reflect on our achievements.
Return flight to UK Following our early breakfast, we transfer to Cusco Airport for our flights back to the UK.
Arrive back in the UK.
The cost of this trek includes the fuel surcharge, airport tax and all trekking permits. All meals, accommodation and flights are also included; you will receive a free place on our Yorkshire 3 peaks challenge as part of your training and will receive some trek branded Overgate merchandise!