After breakfast the trek proceeds deeper into the canyon. The first hour of hiking leads to the Playa Rosalina Bridge which crosses the Apurimac River (1,550 m / 5,085 ft).

From this point an ascent begins through the Santa Rosa area lasting approximately four hours and concluding at Maranpata (2,925 m / 9,595 ft). Lunch is scheduled here.

This location provides the first visual confirmation of the Choquequirao archaeological site. The surrounding ecosystem is a habitat for various species including rare butterflies deer spectacled bears and Andean condors. From Maranpata it is a further two-hour hike to the Choquequirao complex (3,050 m / 10,007 ft). The campsite will be set up in close proximity to the ruins. In the evening an initial introductory tour of the site will be conducted before we call it a day.

• Maximum Altitude: 3,100 m (10,168 ft)
• Minimum Altitude: 1,550 m (5,085 ft)
• Average Altitude: Approximately 2,325 m (7,628 ft)
• Distance Traveled: 11 km
• Predominant Climate: Warm and Cold
• Sites to Visit: Playa Rosalina, Santa Rosa, Maranpata Choquequirao

Following breakfast the route departs from the Choquequirao complex and ascends for three hours toward the Choquequirao Pass (3,300 m / 10,890 ft). From the pass a descent begins towards Rio Blanco (1,900 m / 6,270 ft) marking the entrance into a cloud forest environment. This segment of the trek offers opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna specific to this biome.

The guide will provide explanations of the various species and their characteristics. A stop will be made at Pinchiunuyoc (2,487 m / 8,160 ft) a site of Inca agricultural terraces where a guided tour will be provided. The descent continues from here into a tropical forest where numerous coca plantations are present.

The climate transitions from the cold highlands to a warm tropical zone where lunch will be served. After lunch a three-hour climb leads to the small village of Maizal (3,000 m / 9,900 ft). The campsite is located next to a viewpoint offering clear views of the sunset.

• Maximum Altitude: 3,300 m (10,890 ft)
• Minimum Altitude: 1,900 m (6,270 ft)
• Average Altitude: Approximately 2,600 m (8,530 ft)
• Distance Traveled: 5 km
• Predominant Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
• Sites to Visit: Choquequirao Pass, Rio Blanco Pinchiunuyoc Maizal

After breakfast the day’s hike is an uphill ascent towards Victoria Pass (4,150 m / 13,695 ft). After approximately four hours of climbing the trail reaches the Victoria Mines an abandoned silver mine from the colonial period. At Victoria Pass it is often possible to observe Andean condors in flight.

The pass also provides views of Humantay Mountain and Salkantay Peak. From the pass the route descends to Yanama village (3,800 m / 12,540 ft) which is the location for the overnight camp. The change in elevation is significant making this a strenuous section.

• Maximum Altitude: 4,150 m (13,695 ft)
• Minimum Altitude: 3,000 m (9,900 ft)
• Average Altitude: Approximately 3,575 m (11,729 ft)
• Distance Traveled: 10 km
• Predominant Climate: Warm with mosquitoes transitioning to cold
• Sites to Visit: Victoria Mines Victoria Pass, Yanama

Following breakfast the trek proceeds towards the highest point of the entire route Yanama Pass (4,668 m / 15,315 ft). The trail passes through several Andean farms.

This day is considered one of the most physically challenging segments of the trek. The summit of the pass offers expansive views of snow-covered Andean peaks and is another potential location for observing condors. Nearing the pass you will see many small piles of stones.

This is a traditional Andean ritual known as ‘Apacheta’ an offering made to thank the Apus or mountain deities for safe passage. From the pass a long descent leads to Totora Pampa. The campsite for the night will be near the village of Totora (3,630 m / 11,979 ft).

• Maximum Altitude: 4,668 m (15,315 ft)
• Minimum Altitude: 3,630 m (11,979 ft)
• Average Altitude: Approximately 4,149 m (13,612 ft)
• Distance Traveled: 10 km
• Predominant Climate: Cold transitioning to warm with mosquitoes
• Sites to Visit: Yanama Pass Apacheta cairns, Totora Pampa

This is a day of varied terrain. After breakfast the hike follows the course of the Totora River descending gradually into a highland jungle environment. A noticeable change in climate to warmer temperatures occurs here.

This tropical area contains many farms cultivating tropical fruits and the guide will provide a tour of some of these plantations.

The descent continues to the village of Collpapampa (2,850 m / 9,348 ft) where lunch will be served. Following lunch the trail continues its descent towards the Santa Teresa valley area. This part of the trek features views of coffee plantations. The final destination for the day is the campsite near Wiñaypoco Mountain (2,680 m / 8,793 ft).

• Maximum Altitude: 3,630 m (11,979 ft)
• Minimum Altitude: 2,680 m (8,793 ft)
• Average Altitude: Approximately 3,155 m (10,351 ft)
• Distance Traveled: 10 km
• Predominant Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
• Sites to Visit: Totora River valley Collpapampa Wiñaypoco

After breakfast the trek continues towards the Aobamba River. The route passes additional coffee plantations and bamboo groves. This section of the trail is designed to get off the beaten path and is less frequently used. The region is known for its strawberry and passion fruit cultivation.

The trail reaches La Playa (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) where lunch is scheduled. Afterwards the trek proceeds to the village of Lucmabamba (2,250 m / 7,382 ft). This area is notable for its avocado and other fruit plantations. The overnight camp will be established here.

• Maximum Altitude: 2,680 m (8,793 ft)
• Minimum Altitude: 2,100 m (6,890 ft)
• Average Altitude: Approximately 2,390 m (7,841 ft)
• Distance Traveled: 5 km
• Predominant Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
• Sites to Visit: Aobamba River valley, La Playa Lucmabamba

Following breakfast a gradual uphill hike begins towards the archaeological site of Llactapata (2,650 m / 8,694 ft) a journey of about five hours. Lunch will be served upon arrival. From this vantage point both Machu Picchu and Salkantay peak are visible.

The guide will provide a tour of the Llactapata ruins which are part of the larger Inca trail network and offer a unique perspective of Machu Picchu. From Llactapata a descent begins to the Hidroeléctrica plant (2,050 m / 6,726 ft). The final part of the day’s trek follows the railway lines to Aguas Calientes (2,042 m / 6,700 ft).

This is the same route used by Hiram Bingham during his 1911 expedition. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes you will be checked into a hotel with a private bathroom.

• Maximum Altitude: 2,650 m (8,694 ft)
• Minimum Altitude: 2,042 m (6,700 ft)
• Average Altitude: Approximately 2,346 m (7,697 ft)
• Distance Traveled: Information not specified in source text.
• Predominant Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
• Sites to Visit: Llactapata Hidroeléctrica Aguas Calientes

An early start is required. At approximately 4:30 AM the final ascent to the Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) citadel begins. This can be done by hiking or by taking a bus for an additional fee of $12 each way. A comprehensive guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel is provided visiting the most important structures.

After the guided portion you will have independent time to explore the site. An option is to walk to the Sun Gate a round trip of about two hours which provides a classic view of the citadel typically seen by those who complete the Inca Trail. Following the visit you will descend back to Aguas Calientes.

At a pre-arranged time you will board a train to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft). A representative will meet you there to arrange the final vehicle transfer back to Cusco.

• Maximum Altitude: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
• Minimum Altitude: 2,042 m (6,700 ft)
• Average Altitude: Approximately 2,236 m (7,336 ft)
• Distance Traveled: 3 km (hiking portion)
• Predominant Climate: Warm
• Sites to Visit: Machu Picchu Sun Gate (optional), Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo