The itinerary below is a sample. Hiking times are an average and will vary depending on the group. Additionally, lunch and camp sites may change to meet the needs of the group and conditions.
PRE-TREK
The day before your trip, your guide will meet you at your hotel for an in-depth briefing. This provides an opportunity to ask questions and do any last-minute shopping before leaving Cusco.
DAY 1: CUSCO-TAMBOMACHAY-HUCHUYQOSQO.
First thing in the morning we pick you up at your hotel drive a half hour to the trail head at Tambomachay where we will meet our wranglers and cook. We begin by ascending the mountain of Tambomachay, reaching the first pass after about 3 hours. Here we have a panoramic view of the city of Cusco and the surrounding mountains. After admiring the view, we continue uphill to another pass (4000m) where we can see the lakes of Yanacocha and Qoricocha. We continue for awhile before finally starting to descend to Huchuyqosqo (3000m). We camp near the site with stunning views of the Sacred Valley.
DAY 2: HUCHUYQOSQO-OLLANTAYTAMBO-AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, we spend the morning exploring the Inca site of Huchuyqosqo. We then hike about 3 hours downhill into the Sacred Valley, where we catch our private transportation Ollantaytambo, one of the best surviving Inca towns, complete with original walls, canals, and housing blocks. From Ollantaytambo, we take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a hotel.
DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES-MACHU PICCHU-CUSCO
The day begins early as we catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu in time to watch the sunrise over the ancient city and the mountains. After enjoying the views, will have a two hour tour of the Machu Picchu. Afterwards, you have different options such as more time to explore the ruins, hike up Machu Picchu Mountain, hike up Huayna Picchu, go to the Temple of the Moon and Inca Bridge, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere. In the afternoon we will return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to return to Cusco.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
For more information on trekking with Apu Andino, see Trekking with Apu Andino.