Day 1: Cusco / Chilca / Huayllabamba
Our vehicle will take us to the trail head at Chilca, en route we will visit Maras.
The salt mines at Maras consist of 3000 small pools of about five square metres each. From Chilca the trail follows the left bank of the Urubamba River, from where we will have beautiful views of snowcapped Mount Veronica (5850 m). Camp near Piscacucho.

Day 2: Llactapata / Llulluchapampa
Morning hike to Llactapata and visit the ruins. Continuing to the village of Huayllabamba the trail climbs steadily through high Andean woodland to a plain called Llulluchapampa just before the first pass, from where there are excellent views of the Huayanay mountain chain. We will camp at Llulluchapampa.

Day 3: Llulluchapampa / Phuyupatamarca
After two hours walking we will reach the pass at Warmiwañuska (4050 m/13,280 ft), before descending as far as the canyon of the Pacaymayo River. After a short rest we will descend slowly along a paved Inca road to the ruins of Runcuracay and Sayacmarca. Here we enter the cloud forest and in the afternoon the trail descends via a stone stairway to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, where we will make our camp.

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca / Machu Picchu
The trail descends down a vertiginous slope along a remarkable set of stone Inca steps for approximately three hours to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, a beautiful Inca site set in dense forest. In the afternoon we will walk for another two hours until we reach Intipunku, the Sun Gate, from where we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu below us. Note: We will normally camp at the base of the mountain, although it is also possible to make reservations in one of the many hotels in the area (not included).

Day 5: Machu Picchu
Today will be dedicated to visiting this marvellous city. In the company of our guide we will visit the temples, houses, agricultural terraces and palaces and also have some time to explore the ruins individually.

Includes:

• Transfer to the trailhead and return to Cusco from Machu Picchu by train.
• Meals: From the first lunch to last breakfast.
• English-speaking trekking guide.
• Camping services; camp cook, porters and camp assistant(s).
• All group camping equipment; double tents and Thermarest air mattress; kitchen; dining tent; toilet tent.
• All the trash produced during the trek returns to Cusco.
• First-aid kit.

Not included:

• Personal expenses: clothing and sleeping bag.

We recommend that you bring the following personal equipment:

• A good sleeping bag (we have sleeping bags for hire on request).
• Day pack for daily items and camera.
• Small duffel bag for the majority of your gear. (If you do not have one, then we will provide one for you).
• Warm jacket for the evenings, wool sweaters, long pants, light cotton shirt and T-shirts, hat with brim, wool or flannel shirt.
• Comfortable walking shoes (well broken in).
• Rain jacket or rain poncho, sun block, insect repellent.
• Canteen or plastic water bottle.
• Flashlight.
• Binoculars (for bird watching), camera and film.  

Optional:

• Swimwear and towel (for the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes).