Arriving in the former Inca capital of Southern Peru, we are met by our guide or a KE representative who will arrange the transfer to the group’s hotel. As we are now at an altitude of 3200 metres we spend most of today taking it easy in order to acclimatise to the rarefied air. Depending on arrival time, we have the afternoon to relax and explore at our leisure and we may want to sample the local altitude remedy, coca tea.

We have a full day in Cusco to explore and acclimatise to the altitude. We have the option of taking a relaxing walking tour of the city. Every small street or alley-way that we enter and every corner that we turn, brings another surprise, in the form of superbly constructed Incaic walls or the rather more architecturally extravagant Spanish Colonial churches and palaces. The city, once capital of the extensive Inca Empire, has seen many changes since Pizarro took control of the city in 1535. The highlight of this tour is our visit to the impressive Inca fortress citadel of Sacsayhuaman, which is set high above Cusco. The afternoon is free for further independent exploration. In the evening, we can relax in one of the excellent restaurants close to the main square - the Plaza de Armas.

After an early breakfast at our hotel, we will set off on the scenic drive westwards from Cusco. We pass to the south of impressive Andean peaks such as Huayanay and Salcantay and have the chance to visit the Inca ruins at Tarawasi. We also stop off at Sahuite, where there is an incredible boulder, which was carved by the Incas into the form of animals, plants, houses and streets. Turning off the main highway onto a dirt road, we arrive at the beautiful village of Cachora (2900m). From here we take the dirt road high above the Apurimac Canyon to Capuliyoc where we meet our muleteer team and have lunch. In the afternoon we’ll begin our trek by hiking down into the Apurimac Canyon to our first campsite at Chiquiska at 1875m. The path is straightforward with a few switchbacks and downhill all the way, and there are fantastic views of the surrounding snow peaks and Choquequirao in the far distance.

Our arrieros load the group's gear onto mules and after breakfast we set off towards Choquequirao, descending further into the Apurimac Canyon for the first hour on a switchback trail. The temperature increases as we lose height and close to the river we find ourselves amongst lush vegetation; trees, cacti and colourful flowers. We reach Playa Rosalinda in the bottom of the valley (1475m) and cross the small bridge over the mighty Apurimac. We are then faced with a steep climb up the other side of the canyon. The trail climbs upwards, again with sections of switchbacks, through lush vegetation and cloud forest up to Marampata (2930m) where we will stop for lunch after the long trek. The views to snowy peaks and across the canyon are a stunning diversion from the uphill walking. After lunch we traverse the undulating path to the campsite situated below the ruins at Choquequirao (2860m).

It is a short walk to the site (45 mins), which is on a prominent spur between two tributaries of the Apurimac and situated at around 3000m above sea level. This is a spectacular spot, with views of snow-covered peaks to the north and east and southwards across the vastness of the Apurimac Gorge to the small town of Huanipaca. The Inca ruins here are extensive and only partly cleared of vegetation. In fact, it is anticipated that Choquequirao will be just as impressive as Machu Picchu when its full glories are revealed. Excavation of the site continues to unearth new archaeological surprises, some totally unique to this site. Amongst the ruins that have been unearthed are an enormous curving bank of fine terracing, a chain of ritual baths and a central plaza surrounded by ceremonial and high status residential architecture. In the morning we visit the main plaza, the unique llama terraces and the Usnu (altar) before returning to our campsite by an alternative route for lunch. In the afternoon there is the option to visit the most recently cleared section of the Choquequirao site at Pacchayoq, or "House of the Cascades" close to a waterfall below our campsite. The terraces here are thought to have been used for agriculture, whereas the llama terraces are likely to have had a more ceremonial purpose.

Today we ascend back to Choquequirao for another quick look at the ruin site. Arriving early in the morning, it’s possible we will have the site to ourselves and we can enjoy further exploration of the ruins. From the main plaza, we strike uphill, initially following an Inca aqueduct, to the Choquequirao Pass (3340m). There are great views from this point including down into the Rio Blanco valley, our next challenge. From here it’s a steep descent to the Inca terraces at Pincha Unuyoc, the “Water Shrine” where we set up camp either on or close to the terraces. We’ll take a late lunch at camp and enjoy some time to relax or explore this lovely Inca site in the late afternoon.

Today we begin by descending further into the deep valley of the Rio Blanco (shown on the IGN map as the Rio Victoria). We descend for almost 600 metres to the Rio Blanco, crossing the river on a rudimentary bridge in the rocky bottom of the canyon. After a short break here we will begin the tough 1200m climb through cloud forest and bamboo to the small campsite at Maizal (3000m). This is another steep pull uphill, but with glorious vegetation and views to enjoy on the way and there will be some time to relax at camp in the late afternoon.

A superb day's trekking as we climb to cross the Abra San Juan (4150m) and have spectacular views of the peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, including Sacsarayoc, Pumasillo and Choquetecarpo. Climbing up to the pass, we see in the distance another recently discovered Inca ruin, Corihuayrachina and the equally interesting old silver mines of Mina Victoria, thought to have been worked for over 1000 years. Descending to the north into the Rio Yanama Valley, we follow a high trail which traverses steep slopes and provides another excellent opportunity to spot condors. We camp at the charming Andean village of Yanama (3500m).

A stunning days trekking up the Yanama Valley and bearing right towards the 4660m Totora Pass. Again we follow ancient Inca trails as we wind upwards steadily. From the pass spectacular views of the snow capped Sacsayraoc peak dominate, and once we’ve crossed the pass, the largest peak in the area, Salkantay comes into view. We descend from the pass on alternating sections of trail and dirt road until we arrive at Hornopampa. From here it’s a short walk on to the village community of Totora (3400m).

Today offers an incredible range of changing scenery as we descend almost 2000m from the high altitude trails down into the semi-tropical environment of the valleys below. We follow the Rio Santa Teresa for approximately 6 - 7 hours passing numerous waterfalls on the way. The variety of birdlife, the butterflies and differing vegetation make the trek down to Lucmabamba through the cloud forest quite special and continually interesting. We make camp on the outskirts of the village (2100m).

Our final day’s trekking on this outstanding Andean journey. Through the lush vegetation of coffee and tropical fruit plantations we are soon climbing through pristine cloud forest and join another ancient Inca trail leading to Llactapata, an Inca site that has only recently been excavated. We will also have a truly amazing view of Machu Picchu as we approach from the back of the Inca citadel, a sight very view visitors to the area are afforded. We then descend into the Urubamba Valley from where we will enjoy the spectacular train journey on the railway track which parallels the Urubamba river gorge to reach the bustling tourist town of Aguas Calientes. Here we check into our hotel and enjoy a hot shower in the afternoon before heading out to one of the excellent restaurants nearby.

Today we visit Machu Picchu, the site that was lost to the jungle but rediscovered in 1911 by the Yale academic, Hiram Bingham. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop the citadel is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba River. The bus transfer up to the site takes around 20 minutes and saves us from the relentlessly steep climb. A local guide will give us an interpretive tour of Machu Picchu and we will have ample time to soak up the mystical atmosphere of this incredible site. After the tour of the main buildings and structures with our expert guide, we can walk to the Inca Bridge, discover hidden corners of the ruins, or just soak up the atmosphere of one of the most famous places on earth. We return back down to Aguas Calientes in time to catch an afternoon train back to Cusco. We check into our hotel and have time to enjoy a final evening in the city.

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Transfers to the airport are provided. Why not extend your holiday in Peru to include a visit to the Amazon Rainforest, an excursion to Lake Titicaca or a trip to Colca Canyon to watch condors. We can also arrange flights to Ecuador and cruises around the Galapagos Islands. Contact our office for further details.