Conquering High Passes and Following the Royal Inca RoadCusco → Mollepata → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake → Sky CampDay 01
The adventure begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, driving through the picturesque Sacred Valley to the trailhead near Challacancha via Mollepata. Upon arrival, you will commence the trek, quickly immersing yourself in the Andean landscape. The first great challenge is the ascent to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200m / 13,780 ft), a sacred turquoise gem fed by a glacial melt, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
After descending from the lake, the hike continues through the valley, setting the stage for the week ahead. This initial section serves as a vital acclimatization period, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the high-altitude environment. Lunch is served en route, providing nourishment while surrounded by towering mountains.
The day concludes in Soraypampa, where you will settle into the exclusive Sky Camp accommodation. Here, under a panoramic glass dome, you can reflect on the day's successes and prepare for the highest pass, ensuring a restful and unique night's sleep before the most challenging day of the trek.

Soraypampa → Salkantay Pass → PampajaponesaDay 02
Today is the most demanding day as you ascend to the imposing Salkantay Pass (4,635m / 15,200 ft), the highest point of the Salkantay route. The early morning hike is rewarded with spectacular, panoramic vistas of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay peaks, offering a profound sense of achievement at the roof of the world. Take time to absorb the glacial scenery and leave a small offering to the 'Apu' (mountain spirit).
Following the breathtaking views, a long and steady descent begins along the mountain slopes. The trek transitions from a cold, arid landscape to the warmer, more humid climate of the cloud forest transition zone. This dramatic shift showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Peruvian Andes within a single day.
The afternoon hike continues through diverse terrain until reaching the camp in Pampajaponesa. You will find your tents set up by the support team, allowing you to relax and enjoy a well-deserved hot meal prepared by the trekking chef. After dinner, the guide will brief the group on the next day’s route through the more remote valleys.

Pampajaponesa → Incachiriaska Pass → PaucarcanchaDay 03
The morning sees the group trekking towards the Incachiriaska Pass, another beautiful, lesser-known high point, where you will continue to admire the expansive and untamed Andean scenery. This section of the trail is significantly quieter, offering a truly remote and spiritual connection with the mountains as you move deeper into the wilderness.
Following the second pass, the trail begins its long descent into the lower valleys, passing through the small community of Yanacaca. You will notice ancient features, including sections of an old Inca Canal, signifying your approach to the classic route. This descent is gradual but lengthy, requiring steady footing and careful navigation.
The day’s trek concludes at the strategic campsite of Paucarcancha. After settling in, there will be an opportunity to visit the nearby archaeological site, a quiet set of ruins that predate the official Inca Trail entrance, giving a first taste of the ancient history that lies ahead. The evening is spent resting, anticipating the upcoming junction with the Classic Inca Trail.

Paucarcancha → Wayllabamba → Ayapata (Inca Trail Start)Day 04
The day begins with a focused visit to the Paucarcancha archaeological site, exploring the ruins before formally leaving the Salkantay trail. The key moment of the day is crossing the threshold at Wayllabamba to officially join the world-famous Classic Inca Trail. Here, the team changes, welcoming the dedicated porters who will now assist on the restricted route.
As you enter the officially protected Inca Trail section, the environment changes drastically, plunging into the lush, humid cloud forest. The trail becomes more refined, built with the famous Inca stonework, as you follow the ancient highway. The scenery transforms with dense vegetation and a warmer climate, marking the switch from raw nature to ancient architecture.
The trek proceeds through the valley until reaching the campsite at Ayapata. This is the starting point for the most challenging portion of the Inca Trail tomorrow. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing on the ascent to Dead Woman's Pass, ensuring all trekkers are prepared with an early night and proper hydration.

Ayapata → Dead Woman’s Pass → ChaquicochaDay 05
Today is arguably the most challenging and rewarding day of the Inca Trail, featuring a demanding ascent to the infamous Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m / 13,828 ft), the highest point of the Classic route. The early morning climb is strenuous, but the reward is the spectacular vista from the top, providing a massive sense of accomplishment.
Following a brief rest and photos, a steep descent begins towards the next valley. The trail then ascends again, crossing the second pass and leading to the significant Inca ruins of Runkuraqay (a circular watchtower) and the sprawling Sayacmarca (an impressive fortress). These stops offer insight into the advanced civil engineering of the Inca Empire.
The day concludes at the picturesque campsite of Chaquicocha (Dry Lake), often regarded as having some of the best sunset views on the trail. After a long, arduous day, the support team provides a high-quality dinner and a chance to reflect on conquering the highest passes of the entire expedition.

Chaquicocha → Phuyupatamarca → Wiñay WaynaDay 06
This is often considered the most beautiful day of the trek, involving less ascent but more exploration of incredible Inca stonework. The trail, referred to as the 'Inca Flat,' winds through the cloud forest, providing continuous panoramic views of the valleys below and the distant Urubamba River. Along the way, you will visit the spectacular ruins of Phuyupatamarca ('Town in the Clouds').
The afternoon continues with a further descent to the magnificent agricultural terraces of Intipata, followed by the final stretch to the last campsite. This section of the trail is dense with flora, including orchids and bromeliads, highlighting the cloud forest's biodiversity.
The last night of camping is spent at Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young'), a stunning site adjacent to its namesake ruins, one of the most beautiful on the Inca Trail. A celebratory dinner with the entire trekking team—guides, porters, and chefs—is held, providing an opportunity to thank them for their essential support.

Wiñay Wayna → Inti Punku → Machu Picchu → CuscoDay 07
The final day starts very early with a quick breakfast before heading to the checkpoint, ensuring you are among the first to continue the short, final trek. The goal is to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) just as dawn breaks, providing the iconic, magical first view of the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel bathed in the morning light.
After taking in the majestic panorama, the final descent leads directly into the heart of the city, where you will commence a comprehensive two-hour guided tour of the lost city of the Incas. You will explore the main temples, plazas, and religious sectors, learning about the site's historical and architectural significance.
Following the guided experience and time for personal reflection and photos, you will take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. From there, you will board the Expedition or Voyager train to Ollantaytambo, where your private transport will be waiting to ensure a comfortable and direct transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
