Today your trek to Machu Picchu begins in earnest. Start early on an ascent toward the Salkantay Pass. You will circle Humantay Peak, gradually making your way along expansive plateaus connected by enormous boulders, remnants of the Rio Blanco Valley that was once bisected by a fast-flowing river. The last and most challenging part of the ascent is conquering the mountain switchbacks that lead you to the pass, the highest point on the trek (15,213'). Pause a moment in the thin air and take in the views of the surrounding Vilcabamba Range.The journey continues with a dramatic descent through fields of large boulders and natural stone formations often shrouded in fog, followed by a very welcome hot picnic lunch. After lunch, you will have some time to rest before the final hike through the area's bucolic countryside; its rolling hills will eventually lead you through marsh-like plateaus to the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay, where you can wash away the trail dirt and relax in the Jacuzzi.

After a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, continue the descent toward the cloud forest along the banks of the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery down to the Collpapampa Valley. The warm air will begin to rise from the edge of the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Today you will see more local Andean people as the trail takes you past their homes. At approximately midday, arrive at Colpa Lodge, located on a high promontory at the confluence of three rivers. Enjoy a Pachamanca-style lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked below ground with hot stones that create a natural oven. Spend the afternoon lounging in the sun or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub while you take in the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround you.

After an early breakfast, continue downhill, hiking through the Santa Teresa River Valley along a rolling trail that winds past tropical fruit orchards and bisects several streams originating from glacier-fed waterfalls. Rest alongside the river for a hot picnic lunch, then continue hiking for one more hour before you are met by the transport vehicle for the short drive to the bottom of the Llactapata Inca Trail steps. Take a short climb up the steps to Lucma Lodge, hidden away in a wooded tropical enclave. Stop on the way for a visit to an organic coffee plantation, one of many in the area that produce some of the best organic coffees in the world. You will also begin to notice another shift in the climate; in Lucmabamba the hot air and increased humidity signal that you are even closer to the edge of the Amazon jungle.

Begin the final day of your trek by climbing 2-3 hours through the cloud forest up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps. A lush tree line creates green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggests that the river is nearby. Your first milestone today will be the top of the peak, the last one before you descend to the Aobamba River Valley that connects you to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at Llactapata Pass (8,974'), you'll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu off in the distance - a southeast view of the site that few travelers ever get to see. Continue on to Llactapata ruins, a recently rediscovered Inca fort that vegetation is starting to reclaim, before enjoying a picnic lunch at a mountain lookout point with panoramic views. Begin your final steep descent along a trail that zigzags down to the roaring Aobamba River, through lush bamboo forests, varied fruit orchards, and more coffee plantations. Celebrate as you cross the bridge over the river and take your final steps of the trek en route to the Hidroelectrica train station for a scenic, one-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu.

Discover the secrets of Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas," with a full-day visit. Your journey to the site begins with a rollicking uphill bus ride on a switchback road. Take your time exploring the vast city that was once at the heart of one of the world's most powerful empires. The landscape here is stunning, with orchids on the grounds and a massive cliff face known as Huayna Picchu towering overhead. Take a challenging climb up either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu's Old Mountain (optional and based on availability for the date) and be rewarded by breathtaking views of the citadel and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, and learn the significance of the many temples, sanctuaries, and parks on a tour of the Machu Picchu citadel's three sections: the Sacred District, the Popular District, and the District of Priests and Nobility. Return to the hotel in Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon, and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Explore more of Aguas Calientes, take an orchid tour, go back to Machu Picchu (additional fee, booked in advance), or simply relax at the hotel. After lunch, take the afternoon train back to Cusco, where you can take a stroll or do some last-minute shopping. Gather for a farewell dinner in Cusco this evening.

After breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning, depart on homeward-bound flights. If you're traveling on one of our late June departures, we recommend that you extend your stay to enjoy the pageantry of the spectacular Inti Raymi festival, a colorful celebration of the winter solstice. Call us for details.