Touch down in the heart of the Andes as you arrive in Cusco (3,400m), once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire. After meeting your local guide and transferring to your hotel, the rest of the day is kept light to help your body adjust to the altitude. Take time to wander slowly through the cobblestone streets, where Spanish colonial facades blend seamlessly with ancient Inca stonework.

You may choose to visit the vibrant San Pedro Market, where colourful textiles, exotic fruits, and Andean delicacies fill the stalls, or simply relax in the Plaza de Armas, soaking in the lively atmosphere. For those with energy, optional short excursions to nearby ruins such as Sacsayhuamán or Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) provide an inspiring glimpse into Cusco’s layered history.

In the evening, enjoy a gentle dinner—perhaps sampling a traditional dish like quinoa soup or alpaca steak—before returning to your hotel. A good night’s rest is essential, as your Tomacaya Route trek adventure begins soon.

Arrive in the Andean capital of Cusco (3,400m) and keep the day gentle to help your body adapt to altitude. After hotel check-in, stroll slowly through cobbled lanes where Inca stone foundations meet elegant colonial balconies, pausing in shaded plazas to soak up the city’s lively rhythm.

Choose easy, low-exertion experiences: browse the colourful aisles of San Pedro Market, visit the serene cloisters of Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), or sip coca tea overlooking the Plaza de Armas. Save the steeper ruins for later—today is about light exploration and rest ahead of your Tomacaya Route trek.

Today offers a superb warm-up hike into the high Andes, exploring the little-visited Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo, which translates as “Little Cusco” in Quechua. The trail begins around 3,750m and climbs gradually to a mountain pass at 4,400m before descending through the Sacred Valley. This route follows the ideal acclimatisation pattern of “hike high, sleep low”, preparing your body for the challenges ahead.

The trek unfolds across remote Andean landscapes, with dazzling views of the snow-capped Cordillera Urubamba. You pass quiet villages, shimmering lakes, and wide open plains, far removed from the busier trails of Peru. At the highest point, pause to take in the sweeping panoramas before beginning a dramatic descent through a narrow canyon, past rustic bridges and hidden streams.

The reward is the secluded ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, perched high on the mountainside and accessible only on foot. After exploring the terraces and ceremonial sites, rest in the shade of Queñua trees while enjoying a packed lunch. Continue downhill for around two more hours to Lamay (2,900m), where your vehicle will be waiting for the return transfer to Cusco.

This unforgettable trek is the perfect way to stretch your legs, adapt to the altitude, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Sacred Valley before beginning the Tomacaya Route.

Today marks the official start of your Tomacaya Route trek into the Peruvian Andes. Setting off early from Cusco, the drive carries you across the fertile Anta Plateau, where rolling green fields are framed by rugged, snow-capped peaks. Along the way, pause at the Inca ceremonial site of Tarawasi to explore its fascinating stone terraces and learn about its role in Inca rituals before continuing toward the remote village of Tomacaya.

Here the adventure truly begins. Starting in a warm valley dotted with orchards and small farms, the trail gradually climbs into highland meadows. As altitude increases, the landscapes shift dramatically—fertile valleys giving way to sweeping plateaus, the air cooler and thinner, with ever more striking views of Mount Salkantay and Mount Humantay towering on the horizon.

After 6–7 hours of trekking through varied terrain, you reach Tinko Camp (4,154m / 13,628ft), a peaceful campsite by a mountain stream beneath towering valley walls. Tents are pitched, hot food awaits, and the crisp mountain air sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Today’s trek is one of the most exhilarating stages of the Tomacaya Route. Leaving Tinko, the trail climbs steadily up the valley, following the left-hand path towards the lofty Tocto Pass. The ascent is challenging but deeply rewarding, unfolding through pristine alpine landscapes where the air is thin, the sky feels close, and silence is broken only by the wind across the ridges.

This is Andean condor country—watch the skies for these giant birds gliding effortlessly above the cliffs as the sun rises higher. After around 3–4 hours, the effort is rewarded at Tocto Pass (4,900m / 16,072ft), one of the most breathtaking points of the trek. From here, sweeping views stretch across the southern face of Mount Salkantay, its glaciers glistening in the morning light. Few places feel as wild or as untamed.

From the pass, begin a gradual descent into the Pampacahua Valley, where the trail winds past high-altitude meadows and ancient Inca pathways. Throughout, the eastern face of Salkantay dominates the skyline, an ever-present reminder of the Andes’ sheer majesty.

By late afternoon, you arrive at Canal de Inca Camp, a spectacular site nestled beneath towering peaks. Surrounded by immense Andean beauty, this remote campsite offers a truly memorable evening under the stars.

Today’s route leaves the mighty Mount Salkantay behind as you follow an ancient Inca water channel through the heart of the Pampacahuana Valley. The trail is peaceful and pastoral, passing scattered farms where locals tend to crops much as their ancestors did centuries ago. As you descend, the environment transforms: alpine meadows give way to thicker vegetation, signalling your return below the tree line.

At the confluence of the Pampacahuana and Q’esca valleys lies Paucarcanchas, a seldom-visited Inca site whose terraces and structures whisper stories of the empire’s remote outposts. After exploring, continue downhill until the path joins the first section of the legendary Inca Trail, leading you towards Chamana and onward to the ancient ruins of Llactapata.

By late afternoon, you arrive at Meskey, a tranquil settlement close to Llactapata that once served as an Incan waystation en route to Machu Picchu. Tonight it becomes your private refuge—an exclusive campsite where hot showers await, a rare luxury on the trail and a welcome comfort after several demanding days of trekking.

This morning’s journey brings you to the very edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, where history and landscape merge in dramatic fashion. Begin by exploring the impressive ruins of Huayna Q’ente, a site known for its sweeping agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside and its commanding views of the surrounding valley.

From here, continue towards the small settlement of Qoriwairachina before reaching Piscacucho, recognised as the main gateway to the Inca Trail. Along the way, the trail follows the banks of the Vilcanota River, winding past additional Inca remains that offer glimpses into the ingenuity of this ancient civilisation.

This very path was once travelled by Hiram Bingham in 1911, when local guides led him towards the hidden citadel of Machu Picchu. Walking in his footsteps is both humbling and inspiring, as you follow the same historic route that first reintroduced the world to one of its great wonders.

In the late afternoon, a short drive takes you into the heart of the Sacred Valley, where you spend the night in Ollantaytambo, a lively town with its own impressive fortress and cobblestone charm.

Today brings one of the most exciting stages of the journey—the chance to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot. Rising early, you board the train from Ollantaytambo along the Urubamba River, disembarking at the legendary marker Kilometre 104, the starting point of today’s trek.

From an altitude of 2,128m, the path climbs steadily up a series of zigzagging switchbacks. It’s a demanding ascent, but every step rewards you with greater views and the thrill of walking the final stretch of the Classic Inca Trail. Along the way, you pass fascinating Inca ruins, terraced hillsides, and dramatic valleys that prepare you for the wonders ahead.

The highlight of the day comes as you step through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,730m). Here, the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu unfold—an unforgettable moment as the citadel and its surrounding peaks emerge beneath you. Few experiences compare to seeing the lost city appear for the first time from this vantage point.

After pausing for photographs and to savour the moment, you descend past the main entrance to Machu Picchu, a tantalising glimpse of tomorrow’s full exploration. The trail continues down to Aguas Calientes, a lively town with artisan markets and a variety of restaurants, where you spend the night ahead of your Machu Picchu visit.

Please note: While we always strive to follow the itinerary, changes may occur due to park restrictions, permit availability, weather, or trail conditions. Safety and guest wellbeing remain our top priorities.

After arriving on foot yesterday, today is devoted to exploring Machu Picchu in depth. Leave Aguas Calientes by shuttle bus, winding up the switchbacks to the citadel (≈2,430m). With your expert guide, step through stone gateways, trace ritual plazas, and learn how the Incas engineered terraces, water channels, and sun-aligned temples.

You’ll have ample time—typically around three hours—for a guided visit and unhurried moments to absorb the atmosphere, photograph hidden angles, and simply let the setting sink in. Few places feel as otherworldly as this ridge of cloud forest and granite spires.

Back in town, ease tired legs in the Aguas Calientes hot springs (optional), then board the train along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo. A short walk brings you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley—perfect for reliving the day’s magic.

Please note: Entrance slots are strictly timed. Your guided visit may be scheduled for morning or afternoon depending on permit availability and operational conditions.

After breakfast, journey back through the Sacred Valley, retracing the fertile terraces and riverbanks that once sustained the Inca civilisation. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and traditional Andean villages. By early afternoon, you’ll arrive back in Cusco, where the rest of the day is free to relax at leisure.

You may choose to take a gentle walk through Cusco’s historic centre, revisiting favourite spots like San Blas with its artisan shops, or simply relax in your hotel with time to reflect on the remarkable adventure you’ve just completed. As night falls, Cusco’s lively squares and candlelit restaurants provide the perfect backdrop for a final celebration dinner.

Your Peruvian adventure draws to a close. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in Cusco. Take one last stroll through the city’s cobblestone streets, browse artisan markets for souvenirs, or simply savour a coffee in the Plaza de Armas as you reflect on the incredible journey—from remote high passes and hidden ruins to the unforgettable moment you first set eyes on Machu Picchu.

Later, you’ll be transferred to Cusco Airport for your international flight home. Though the trek has ended, the spirit of the Andes and the memories of the Tomacaya Route will stay with you forever.