Discover a journey rich in history and rarely experienced on this nine-day Peruvian expedition, crossing the Vilcabamba mountain range and the Sacred Valley of the Incas before a breathtaking finale at one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. Push your limits on this demanding adventure, fully supported by Explora's expert guides and our experienced mountain team, then enjoy restful, distinctive accommodations in tented camps pitched in remote locations and at the multi-award-winning Explora Valle Sagrado.
Day 1 – Arrival in Cuzco
We will welcome you at Cusco airport and take you to Explora. On arrival at the lodge, you will meet your fellow travelers, your guide and the Expedition Leader. Enjoy a briefing on this exciting experience. (For added comfort, we recommend arriving at the lodge the day before.)
Have lunch with your group and sample a menu specially designed by Virgilio Martínez, one of the world's most renowned chefs.
Afternoon: We begin our exploration with an excursion to Chinchero. You will walk across agricultural fields with sweeping views over the plains, the Urquillos valley and the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, we will visit the Machu Kolka archaeological site.
Accommodation: Explora Valle Sagrado
Today's hike: 4.6 km | Altitude: 3,933 m | Elevation gain: 235 m.
Day 2 – Immersion in history
A day full of exploration awaits us. We will walk along an ancient Inca trail to Wata, a ceremonial center dating from before the Inca era. From the mountaintop, Wata offers a spectacular view over the cordillera.
Afternoon: We will gather to check our gear and go over the details of the next stage of the expedition.
Accommodation: Explora Valle Sagrado
Today's hike: 9.7 km | Altitude: 3,820 m | Elevation gain: 536 m.
Day 3 – Misquiyaco Reserve
In the morning, we leave the lodge by van across the Anta plain, a fertile highland plateau where we will observe local farming practices. In the Misquiyaco Private Conservation Area, we will meet our camp crew and mule handlers before starting the trek into the Sacred Mountains of the Incas.
The hike begins in a meso-Andean forest and climbs gradually above the treeline. After lunch, we continue across high pastures to our first campsite, where a hot dinner will be waiting.
Accommodation: Comfortable camp
Today's hike: 7.7 km | Altitude: 4,297 m | Elevation gain: 1,139 m.
Day 4 – Salkantay and Humantay mountains
Start the day with a nutritious breakfast under the dining tent before tackling the hike along the ridges and slopes of the Vilcabamba cordillera. This route offers sweeping views of the majestic Salkantay and Humantay mountains, with Ausangate visible on the horizon. We will gradually descend toward the valleys, stopping for lunch before continuing on to the Willke valley, where our camp is set up, complete with a comfortable dining tent.
You may request a leg massage at this stage of the expedition (two massages are included during the trekking days). After dinner, our guide will lead a stargazing session, sharing stories and perspectives on the Andean connection to the cosmos.
Accommodation: Comfortable camp
Today's hike: 12.1 km | Altitude: 4,664 m | Elevation gain: 913 m.
Day 5 – Salkantay mountain and Huayanay glacier
Impressive views of Salkantay mountain will greet us in the morning. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before we start our hike. Along the way, we will cross valleys where we can observe local pastoral activities. After a lunch break, we will continue until the Huayanay glacier begins to come into view. Our third camp, Inkarakay, awaits us at the foot of this majestic mountain.
Here, you will have the chance to enjoy another hot shower and a leg massage. Later, our chef will prepare a delicious dinner to close out the day.
Accommodation: Comfortable camp
Today's hike: 11.5 km | Altitude: 4,683 m | Elevation gain: 987 m.
Day 6 – Descent into the valley
After breakfast at the foot of Huayanay mountain, we begin our descent toward Kamicancha. As we lose altitude, the landscape gradually changes. Along the way, we will stop by a picturesque lake and pass through a small village where we can observe farming and pastoral activities.
On arrival at Kamicancha, our staff and camp will welcome us with a buffet lunch of local specialties. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax and take in the river.
Accommodation: Comfortable camp
Today's hike: 18.1 km | Altitude: 4,625 m | Elevation loss: 509 m.
Day 7 – On the way to Machu Picchu
After breakfast at camp, we leave by van for Ollantaytambo, where we will board a train to km 104. From there, we begin a hike along an ancient Inca trail toward Machu Picchu. Along the way, we will visit the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.
Walking across slopes covered in dense vegetation and various orchid species, we will reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, which offers the first view of the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu. After exploring part of the site, we will descend to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where we will have dinner at a restaurant and spend the night at the selected hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
Today's hike: 12.9 km | Altitude: 2,717 m | Elevation gain: 861 m.
Day 8 – Machu Picchu Sanctuary
After breakfast, we will travel by van to another area of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Guided by our expert, we will explore the fascinating history of this place and take in the surroundings. For the more adventurous, it is possible to climb Huayna Picchu.
Later, we will return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, then head back to Explora Valle Sagrado for our farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Explora Valle Sagrado
Today's hike: 3.0 km | Altitude: 2,900 m | Elevation gain: 50 m.
Day 9 – Cuzco /...
Check-out is at 10:00 am. We will arrange your transfer to Cusco airport for your return flight.
