We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 AM and drive for about 2 hours via Anta, Ancahuasi and Limatambo to Mollepata (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), where we stop for breakfast and last snacks. Another hour's drive brings us to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the trek. A 1½-hour hike leads up to the turquoise Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), fed by the hanging glaciers of Humantay Mountain (5,480 m / 17,979 ft). After enjoying the views, we return to Soraypampa for lunch and then hike for about 2 hours to our first campsite at Salkantaypampa (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Today you cover 9 km (5.6 miles) in 5–6 hours of hiking.

We rise early and hike for 4–5 hours past Pampa Japonesa to the highlight of the trek, the Inkachiriaska Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft). On the way, the majestic Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) reveals its full presence. After a break at the pass with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, we descend for about an hour to our lunch spot. Another 2 hours bring us to our campsite at Canal Inka or Pampacahuana (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Today you cover 12 km (7.5 miles) in 7–8 hours of hiking and reach the highest point of the trek.

A pleasant hike down the Pampacahuana Valley leads along a narrow trail for about 2 hours to the Inca site of Inkarakay or Paucarcancha, where you learn about the history of this remarkable place. Another hour brings us to the village of Wayllabamba (3,100 m / 10,171 ft), where our route joins the Classic Inca Trail. Here we say goodbye to our horsemen and horses, who are not allowed on the Inca Trail, and meet our porters, who carry the equipment for the rest of the trek. Today you cover 9 km (5.6 miles) in 5–6 hours of hiking.

After breakfast, a 1-hour climb brings us to Tres Piedras, the Three Stones, and into the cloud forest. After about 2 hours, we emerge above the tree line at Llulluchapampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) for a break with tea, coffee and sandwiches. A 1½-hour climb over vast grassland leads to the highest point of the Inca Trail, Warmihuñusca or Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft). After celebrating this achievement, we descend for about 2 hours to our campsite in Pacaymayo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). Today you cover 12 km (7.5 miles) in 6–7 hours of hiking.

A 40-minute hike brings us to Runkurakay with views of the Pacaymayo Valley, and another 45 minutes to the second pass, Abra Runkurakay (3,950 m / 12,959 ft). The descent leads through magnificent cloud forest with orchids, hanging moss and ferns, past Conchamarka to Sayacmarka (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) and on to Chaquicocha (3,550 m / 11,647 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, a paved stone path and an Inca tunnel carved into the rock lead to the Phuyupatamarka pass (3,680 m / 12,073 ft), with views of Salkantay and Machu Picchu Mountain. From there, we descend to our last campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). Today you cover 16 km (9.9 miles) in 8–9 hours of hiking.

We wake you at 4:00 AM for breakfast and start hiking at 5:30 AM. After about an hour, we reach the Sun Gate, Inti Punku (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), where Machu Picchu reveals itself for the first time. Another 40 minutes bring us to the classic viewpoint above the citadel (2,400 m / 7,874 ft). After storing our backpacks at the main entrance, your guide leads you on a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu. Around noon, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport brings you back to your hotel in Cusco. Today you cover 6 km (3.7 miles) in 3–4 hours of hiking.