Today’s trek is a nice, gentle warm-up before we take on Dead Woman’s Pass tomorrow – the highest point of our whole adventure.

Tonight, we’ll bed down at Llulluchapampa Camp, right at the base of that big climb. This strategic stopover lets us split the toughest section into two days, making that mountain seem a little less daunting.

As we make our way to Llulluchapampa, we’ll take a detour to visit the rarely-seen Inca fort of Tarahuasi – an off-the-beaten-path treat.

We’ll be treated to some jaw-dropping scenery, from lush forests to soaring peaks. Who knows, we might even catch a glimpse of some white-tailed deer frolicking amid all the amazing plants and birdlife.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Distance Covered: 9 km/5.5 miles
• Approximate Walking Time: 5 hours
• Lowest elevation: 2,950 m/9,676 ft
• Highest elevation: 3,800 m/12,460 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

Time to dig deep! We’ve got two high passes to conquer today.

Llulluchapampa Camp put us right at the base of the first big one – Dead Woman’s Pass.

After kicking that challenge’s butt, we’ll press on over Runcuraccay Pass. And the reward? An easy, flat-out gorgeous hike surrounded by towering, snow-capped peaks that’ll take your breath away.

In between passes, we’ll explore two mind-blowing Inca sites – Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca.

Tonight, we’ll be bunking down at Phuyupatamarca Camp where we’ll get our first tantalizing peek at the iconic Machu Picchu Mountain off in the distance.

The big finale is just around the corner!

• Meals:  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Distance Covered: 15 km/9.5 miles
• Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours
• Lowest elevation: 3,680 m/12,073 ft
• Highest elevation: 4,215 m/13,825 ft
• Difficulty: Challenging

Today we’ll visit the epic sites of Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Wiñay Wayna before finally – finally! – making our way towards the one and only Machu Picchu.

In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at the Sun Gate for that iconic first glimpse that’ll drop your jaw right to the floor. From there, it’s downhill to the cute little town of Aguas Calientes where we’ll check into a cozy three-star hotel.

Be sure to take advantage of the local hot springs before dinner – the perfect way to soothe those hard-working muscles.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Accommodations: Bed and breakfast
• Distance Covered: 11 km/7 miles
• Approximate Walking Time: 5 hours
• Lowest elevation: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
• Highest elevation: 3,680 m/12,073 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

On our final day, we’ll rise and shine early to witness the sublime Machu Picchu sunrise – a scene you’ll never forget.

Once the ruins have been bathed in that golden morning light, the real exploring will happen, beginning with a two-hour guided tour.

(And for those of you adrenaline junkies who booked it, there’s also the chance to scale the heights of Huayna Picchu Mountain).

Once we’ve had our fill of Machu Picchu majesty, it’s back to Aguas Calientes. From there, we’ll take a scenic train ride to Poroy or Ollantaytambo followed by a private van back to Cusco. and get you settled comfortably at your hotel – the perfect ending to this epic Inca Trail adventure!

Throughout our five days trekking, you’ll have expert guides, hardworking porters and staff, top-notch meals, cozy camping and lodging, comprehensive site tours, and all the group fees covered including Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Minimum altitude: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
• Maximum altitude: 2,440 m/8,052 ft