Trek to Machu Picchu Past Snowcapped Mountains and Ancient Incan Ruins

Called one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the ruins of Machu Picchu lie on the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains in southern Peru, about 2,430 meters above sea level. Built for the Incan emperor Pachacuti around the 15th century, the complex is a masterpiece of Incan architecture, marked by giant walls, terraces, and stairways carved into the granite mountainside. A backdrop of mountainous tropical forests makes the site astoundingly beautiful, especially at sunrise. On the eight-day hike from Group IST, you’ll get an up-close look at the rugged Salcantay Mountains, tropical foliage, and a low-lying cloud forest as you scale the eastern Andes toward Machu Picchu. The package includes round-trip airfare from JFK, hotel and campsite accommodations, and all meals along the trail.

Days 1–2:

After arriving in Cusco, you’ll transfer to the Agustos Cusco Hotel, where you can rest up for the big hike. For dinner, check the hotel restaurant or head into town to try authentic Peruvian dishes.

Day 3:

An early-morning departure puts you on the road toward Mollepata, a village in the eastern Andes about 60 miles (94 km) from Cusco. On the way, you’ll stop at Tarawasi, an archeological site built of interlocking granite stones that may have served as a spot for Incan rituals. Then it’s on to Challacancha to pick up horses and horse handlers before beginning the climb toward Machu Picchu. This evening, the group sets up camp at Soroy Cocha, a spot 4,200 meters above sea level with stunning views of the snowcapped Salcantay mountains.

Day 4:

In the morning, you’ll climb another 325 meters to the Salcantay mountain pass before descending into the cloud forest, a zone of high heat and humidity that develops a persistent, low-lying cloud cover. Along the way, you’ll see chinchillas and Andean condors in their natural habitat, as well as the remains of an ancient Incan pathway. Collpapampa is the day’s final destination. That evening, spend some time relaxing in its natural hot springs.

Day 5–6:

On day 5, the group follows the banks of the Santa Teresa River, winding downhill past passionfruit and coffee plantations as well as the Coripacchi waterfalls. Before arriving at your third campsite, you’ll hike past the village of Sahuayaco, home to fewer than 20 families. The next day, a 2.5-hour climb brings you to El Mirador, where you’ll have exceptional views of Machu Picchu and the Salcantay mountains. Hike through lush bamboo forests and past more coffee plantations toward the Aobamba River, where you’ll catch a train to the Santuario Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Days 7–8:

Early the next morning, you’ll take a bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ruins. Lunch is a buffet-style spread at the El Mapi restaurant. In the afternoon, take some time to explore the ruins on your own before returning to the Agustos Cusco Hotel by train and bus. You’ll begin day 8 with a buffet breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight home.

Recommended Packing List

• Hiking boots (preferably ones you have worn before)
• Long pants
• One T-shirt per day
• Rain jacket, warm jacket, wool gloves, bandanna, wool socks, wool cap
• Camera and flashlight
• Canteen or Nalgene bottle
• Insect repellent and sunblock
• Prescription medications
Snacks