Departing from either Cuzco or the Sacred Valley, you'll meet your bilingual guide and drive towards the Pampa de Anta, with great views in the distance of Salkantay and the Cordillera Vilcabamba. We'll descend to the Limatambo Valley, which is a tributary of the Apurimac river. From here, we'll visit the ruins of Tarawasi, famous for its long asymmetric Inca stone wall. Shortly afterwards, we'll begin the start of our trek at the community of Tomacaya (3410m/11,190ft).

Your first day will be mostly uphill with the ecosystem changing from a warm and bushy valley that produces fruit and vegetables, to the overnight campsite at Tinko. Located in the high meadows amid sheep, llamas and alpacas, you're surrounded by snow clad mountains at an altitude of 13,630ft. (Distance 11.4 kms, Trekking: 5 hours)

(Accommodations & Meals, Camp)

We'll have an early departure for the morning trek towards the Pass of Cruzqasa at 4580m (15,025ft). Trek through high pampas to the pass with a slow descent towards the Pampaccahua Valley, traversing a high valley to our campsite for the night with spectacular views towards Apu Salkantay.

Depending on the group and the guides' judgment, we may take a more strenuous, alternative route via Tocto Pass (4830m/15,850ft) which involves a steep ascent through a canyon valley. Here a group of condors normally fly from their nest at Rumipunku (Stone mountain) to Moyo-Moyo as they search for the warmth of the sun and food.

At the pass we have a spectacular view of Salkantay mountain. A gentle trek along the Sisaypampa river, on the border of the Machu Picchu National Park takes us to where our picnic lunch awaits. We'll proceed to our campsite for the night: Mirador de Pampacahuana (the Balcony) at 4000m (13,125ft). (Distance 14.2 kms, Trekking: 8 hours)

(Accommodations & Meals, Camp)

Wake up to views of the snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and La Veronica and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Today's trek is mostly downhill towards the Sacred Valley with a stop at Paucarcancha for lunch. At the confluence of the Q'esca and the Sisaypampa rivers is Paucarcancha, an important Inca tambo (structures utilized for storage and temporary housing).

In the afternoon, we will arrive at our campsite in Chamana (2630m/8,630ft), in front of Llactapata (yakta-pahta), an important archaeological complex of ancient agricultural terraces and strategic storage point for corn. Relax at the campsite before the final day of trekking. (Distance: 14 kms. Trekking: 7 hours)

(Accommodations & Meals, Camp)

After a relaxed breakfast and enjoying the sounds of nature, we visit Llactapata; an important landmark on the Inca Trail, located at the confluence of the Cusichaca and Urubamba rivers. We'll resume our hike behind the Vilcanota river towards Piscaycucho (2750m/9020ft), where we'll stop to have our picnic lunch.

After lunch, we'll shortly arrive at the train station for an afternoon train to Machu Picchu, providing a scenic ride along the Urubamba Valley. Arriving at the Aguas Calientes train station (2580m/8465ft), we'll have a short walk to our hotel. Dinner will be on your own this evening. (Distance: 8.5kms, Trekking: 3 hours)

*OPTIONAL, DAY 4* — From Chamana campsite, cross the Urubamba River bridge for an early pick up at Qoriwayrachina by train to Chachabamba, KM104, the start of the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Hike slowly uphill for about 5 hours passing Wiñay Wayna ruins before reaching Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) for a spectacular view over the magical citadel of Machu Picchu.

(Breakfast & Lunch, Camp; Accommodations, Machu Picchu)

As the sun rises over the magical citadel of Machu Picchu, soak up the spectacular view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your day is dedicated to explore these extraordinary Inca remains. We'll explore the different sectors, as your guide explains the importance of each area, as well as a detailed insight into Inca history.

The tour takes approximately 3 hours, and will be followed by lunch at either the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge or in Aguas Calientes village. Later, an afternoon train will take you to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, along with a transfer to your Cuzco hotel to relax, reminisce, and unwind before your next Avanti Destination!

(Breakfast & Lunch, Machu Picchu)