Pick-up from the hotel at a very early hour followed by a transfer to Piskacucho, the starting point the Inca trail, with a stop en route at Ollantaytambo for 15 or 20 minutes. On arrival in Piskacucho, begin the hike to our camp in Wayllabamba. Lunch is served along the way. At about the halfway point is the first archaeological site of the trail, Llaqtapata ('High Town' in Quechua) which was a produce warehouse complex during Inca times. Continue to Wayllabamba at 3,000 metres above sea level, which is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by wooded peaks. Dinner is served in the camp. Overnight in the camp tent on a full-board basis. 

Today is the longest and the most impressive route due to the four archaeological complexes and the cloud forest you encounter along the way. There is an initial ascent of 360 metres but from here on in, it’s all downhill, with the night spent in camp at 2,700 metres. The first stop of note is at Runkurakay (‘Oval Fortress’) which was an Inca checkpoint. Continue the hike in the shadow of snowcapped peaks towards Sayacmarca (‘Inaccessible Town’) stopping to explore the ruins of this mysterious Inca outpost. Head back on the trail, heading to Chaquikocha, where we stop for a reinvigorating lunch. At about this point, the vegetation becomes more tropical. Stop at the Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarka (‘Town in the clouds’) and then traipse through a ‘cloud forest’ towards the camp at Wiñay Wayna (‘Forever Young’). Overnight in the camp tent on a full-board basis.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day at leisure. Optional activity: Cusco city tour. Overnight at selected hotel in Cusco. Breakfast included.