Overview
Machu Picchu Trek
Our Machu Picchu trek is a challenging 14-day expedition through the Peruvian Andes, following a remote route via Choquequirao before reaching Machu Picchu. You’ll spend nine days trekking, camp for much of the route and cross two high mountain passes at 4,150m and 4,668m.
Unlike the classic Inca Trail, this itinerary takes you through the far less visited archaeological site of Choquequirao before continuing towards Machu Picchu. It is designed for fit trekkers looking for a longer, more remote and physically demanding Peru adventure.
We take time to visit a coffee farm, where we pick coffee cherries and learn about traditional coffee growing methods, and enjoy the warm waters of a natural hot spring under the stars that evening.
You’ll be immersed in ancient Inca and modern Peruvian culture, with a free day the end of the trek which you can spend relaxing in Cusco. Alternatively, you can take an incredible day trip to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.
Every Earth’s Edge Machu Picchu departure travels in a small group with a highly experienced local guiding team and dedicated expedition doctor.
Machu Picchu Expedition Costs & What’s Included
The total cost of trekking Machu Picchu is shown above. Just pay a €199 deposit to secure your spot. A part-payment of €1000 is due six months prior to departure. You can pay the remaining balance in instalments or in full. All fees must be paid three months prior to departure. Your fees include the following:
- Pre-departure training weekend in Wicklow
- An Earth’s Edge softshell jacket and a buff for you to keep
- A highly experienced local mountain guide
- Dedicated expedition doctor
- Full support team including guides, cooks and mules
- All accommodation based on twin sharing in Wajaqui Ecolodge, in hotels in Cusco, and Aguas Calientes, and camping elsewhere
- Use of state of the art tents and Thermarests
- All meals and drinking water (except in Cusco and Aguas Calientes where accommodation is based on B&B)
- A celebratory dinner at the end of the expedition
- All planned group transportation throughout the expedition, including airport transfers
- Entry ticket to the Machu Picchu site with a fully guided tour of the ruins
- Entry ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain
- All group gear, including a fully stocked med kit, tents and cooking equipment
Flights
We’ll share recommended flight timings that line up with our complimentary group transfers approximately 10 months pre-departure.
Please consult us before booking alternative flights to ensure you arrive in time for the expedition briefing on the first day. It’s essential that you do not miss this meeting.
Read our Machu Picchu blogs
Are you looking for even more information on this expedition? We have lots of extra insight into our Machu Picchu trips on the blog.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Cusco (3,400m)
↓
Arrive in Cusco. Relax or explore the city. Full expedition brief in the afternoon.
Day 2
Acclimatisation hike in Cusco (3,700m), 5 hrs trekking. Transfer to Wajaqui Ecolodge (3,330m).
↓
Guided hike around Cusco to take in the sights. Transfer to Wajaqui Ecolodge (3,330m) for a traditional lunch and relax for the afternoon.
Day 3
Wajaqui Ecolodge to Cachora to Playa Rosalina (1,460m), 6 hrs trekking.
↓
We depart Wajaqui Ecolodge in the early morning and drive to reach our trailhead at Cachora (2850m). We trek to our campsite at Playa Rosalina, sitting on the banks of the roaring Apurimac River.
Day 4
Playa Rosalina to Choquequirao (3,000m), 10 hrs trekking.
↓
In the morning we have a tough climb from the Apurimac River to reach Marampata, which offers stunning views of Choquequirao. From there we follow an undulating trail cut into the mountain side to reach our campsite below Choquequirao.
Day 5
Choquequirao to Pinchiunuyocc (2,400m), 4 hrs trekking.
↓
We climb for less than an hour to reach Choquequirao, taking in Hauqaypata (main plaza), Urin (upper square), the priest's house, Ushno (ceremonial platform) and the vast network of irrigation channels. In the afternoon we continue our trek to Pinchiunuyocc.
Day 6
Pinchiunuyocc to Maizal (3,200m), 7 hrs trekking.
↓
We first descend to the Rio Blanco and then have another tough climb through cloud forest to reach Maizal.
Day 7
Maizal to Yanama (3,850m), 9 hrs trekking.
↓
Today’s trail takes us over Victoria Pass (4,150m) which offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of Humantay (5,700m) and Salkantay (6,271m).
Day 8
Yanama to Totora (3,500m), 10 hrs trekking.
↓
Another stunning day as we reach the highest point on our journey, the Yanama Pass (4,668m) where we might be lucky enough to spot some condor.
Day 9
Totora to Santa Teresa (1,550m), 7 hrs trekking.
↓
Today is a special day on our adventure as we visit a coffee farm and bathe in hot springs in the evening!
Day 10
Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (2,040m), 4 hrs trekking.
↓
After driving to Hydroelectric station we enjoy a beautiful walk alongside the train tracks through the thick forest.
Day 11
Machu Picchu Day, 5-7 hrs trekking.
↓
Visit Machu Picchu very early in the morning and enjoy a 2 hour guided tour of the ruins followed by a hike up the steep steps of Machu Picchu Mountain (3,080m). Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and enjoy the afternoon to relax.
Day 12
Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
↓
Take the train back to Cusco in the morning. Time to do some last minute shopping in the Cusco markets before a celebratory dinner in the evening.
Day 13
Free day in Cusco or Rainbow Mountain day tour.
↓
Enjoy a free day in Cusco to explore at your leisure or take a day trip to Rainbow Mountain (5,036m) and the Red Valley (5,200m).
Facts
Hailed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu is truly spectacular. This pre-Colombian city was once inhabited by the Ancient Incas in Peru and is now known as one of the most unique archaeological gems of South America. Wildlife is thriving within the Machu Picchu estate. However, some species are on the brink of extinction including; The Long-tailed weasel, Pampas cat, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Peruvian Dwarf Brocket, Neotropical Otter, Spectacled Bear and the Andean Condor. The first Westerner credited with unveiling Machu Picchu to the outside world was Hiram Bingham, a notable historian of Yale University in 1911. Unlike Inca cities and fortresses that were located in lower grounds, only the city of Machu Picchu was left uncovered during the Spanish invasion in the 16th century. At the ruins themselves, there are rules of admittance. One of the lesser-known is that you may not enter dressed in the traditional costume of another country!
Best time to trek Machu Picchu
Despite the high altitude, it doesn't snow in Machu Picchu. It does, however, experience two seasons; dry and rainy! We visit Machu Picchu during the dry season, which is usually between May and October. Our tours generally operate between July and October. It is warmer during the rainy season, but the best chance of seeing the city unobstructed by clouds is during the dry season. Read our blog for more on the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
What you need to trek Machu Picchu
We have an extensive packing list on what you should bring with you when trekking Machu Picchu. You can view our Machu Picchu packing list here.
How to prepare for your Machu Picchu trek
We have classified Machu Picchu as a level 5 expedition. We expect participants to have a very good level of fitness. The group moves at a comfortable pace and nobody is ever left behind. Nevertheless, it is your responsibility to contact us if you have any concerns regarding your level of fitness, health or ability to complete the trek. We strongly recommend that you read our Machu Picchu information pack, which gives you advice on how to prepare for this epic adventure.
Certified B-Corp
Certified B-CorpEarth's Edge is a certified B-Corp. In fact, we are the highest scoring B-Corp in Ireland. We are passionate about sustainable travel, bettering the lives of the people connected with the company and minimising our environmental impact.
