Escape the crowds on this challenging, unusual trek through Peru’s mountainous region. This varied trek is constantly moving up and down the climatic zones, leading you up steep paths through dense cloud forest, over spectacular scenic passes and along ancient Inca paths to the Vilcabamba’s best kept secret: the lost Inca city of Choquequirao. Machu Picchu may draw the crowds, but Choquequirao will awe you in its secluded splendour. If you like being off the beaten path, are intrigued by rich history and crave dramatic landscapes dominated by lofty, snow-capped peaks, this is the trek for you.
  • Quiet trekking trails (without the permit and other restrictions that are imposed on the Inca Trail)
  • Time to explore historic Cuzco
  • Guided tours of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
  • Diversity of scenery; from cloud forests and canyons to high passes and 6000m peaks of the Vilcabamba Range
  • Choquequirao - larger than, and one of the best-preserved Inca ruins after Machu Picchu
  • Quiet trekking trails (without the permit and other restrictions that are imposed on the Inca Trail)Choquequirao - larger than, and one of the best-preserved Inca ruins after Machu PicchuDiversity of scenery; from cloud forests and canyons to high passes and 6000m peaks of the Vilcabamba RangeGuided tours of Machu Picchu and the Sacred ValleyTime to explore historic Cuzco
  • — Quiet trekking trails (without the permit and other restrictions that are imposed on the Inca Trail) — Choquequirao - larger than, and one of the best-preserved Inca ruins after Machu Picchu — Diversity of scenery; from cloud forests and canyons to high passes and 6000m peaks of the Vilcabamba Range — Guided tours of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley — Time to explore historic Cuzco

We use three-star hotels on this Andean trip, which feature an excellent blend of quality and comfort and are within an easy walk of the attractions in Cuzco, Aguas Calientes and the Sacred Valley. On trek, we have full-service camping with full porterage by mules, meaning our camp staff put up and take down the tents, cook, and do all the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack for the day and enjoy your time trekking through the Vilcabamba range.



Cuzco: MamaSara (nights 1, 2 and 12)







Just a few blocks from the historic centre, MamaSara is well located for our adventures in the one-time Inca capital of Cuzco. The design of the rooms pays homage to the city with locally sourced furniture and artwork, while the restaurant serves Peruvian Andean cuisine.



Choquequirao Inca Trail: Full-service camping (nights 3-9)







For seven nights, we sleep and dine in good-quality four-season tents. We also have a toilet tent set up both in camp and during lunch stops. Boiled and filtered drinking water is provided in the mornings, at lunch and dinner so we can refill our water bottles. Additionally, a bowl of warm water is provided each morning and evening for washing. Camp staff set up and break down the tents, while our trusty mules transport all camp equipment necessary.



Aguas Calientes: Inti Punku Machu Picchu (night 10)







The Inti Punku is centrally located in Aguas Calientes, a small town alongside the Urubamba River. This comfortable hotel offers clean, contemporary rooms with private baths and hot water, making it a perfect place to relax and take in this unique setting far below the ruins of Machu Picchu.



Ollantaytambo: Tunupa Lodge (night 11)







Tunupa Lodge is located in Ollantaytambo, a small town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It has comfortable and cosy rooms, plus a bar and restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine, plus a variety of drinks. The hotel also has a lovely garden and is a great place to relax and reflect on your amazing trek to Machu Picchu.