After an early breakfast, you’ll begin a three-hour ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trek. From here, the views of the glacier are simply breathtaking. Descend toward Huayracmachay for lunch, then continue through lush valleys to Chaullay (2,900 m) for the night.

Today’s hike takes you through the Santa Teresa Valley, surrounded by waterfalls, rivers, and tropical fruit and coffee plantations. After lunch in La Playa, continue to Lucmabamba (2,000 m). In the afternoon, visit small local coffee farms and learn about traditional Andean coffee production. Rest in camp surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

 After breakfast, you’ll hike up an ancient section of the Inca Trail to Llactapata, an archaeological site that offers your first distant view of Machu Picchu. Then descend to Hidroeléctrica for lunch before walking along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu. Overnight at a comfortable hotel and prepare for the grand finale.

 Start early and take the bus to Machu Picchu, where your guide will lead a 2-hour tour through the temples, terraces, and plazas of the lost city. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking required). Later, take the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco, arriving in the evening.