Trek Peru - The Machu Picchu Challenge - Trek Peru

The Machu Picchu challenge itinerary.

Day One - UK to Lima
We depart the UK for our flight to Lima – Peru’s capital. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.

Day Two – Cuzco (11,000ft / 3,380m)
Following our breakfast, we transfer by bus back to Lima Airport for our 55-minute flight to the Inca Capital of Cuzco. Upon arrival, we meet our local guides then check into our second nights accommodation.

After a briefing, we then have a free afternoon to explore this fascinating city, hidden deep in the Andes Mountains. It is recommended to do some light exercise, such as taking a walk, to help us acclimatise sufficiently.

Day Three – Acclimatisation Trek – Inca Sites
Today it is essential we take some exercise to adjust to the high altitude. We have a fairly early breakfast before transferring to the fabulous Inca ruins high above Cuzco – Tambo Machay. We then trek down, having our lunch en-route, to Sacsayhuaman for a tour, and then back down to Cuzco centre.

Dinner tonight will be in either our hotel or at a local restaurant. A full trek briefing will be held at the hotel in preperation for our challenge tomorrow – The Classic Inca Trail!

Day Four - Cuzco - Wayllabamba (3,000m)
The bus will pick us up in the morning from the hotel and we will travel by road to KM 82. On the way we will see beautiful landscapes such as the Vilcabamba mountain range with one of the highest peaks, Salkantay (6,200m) and the Urubamba mountain range with its highest peak called Veronica (5,800m). We finally reach Ollantaytambo, where there will be time to do some last minute shopping for the Inca Trail; crackers, cookies, water, and walking sticks. It is one hour more of travelling, before reaching KM 82.

At KM 82 the challenge begins! First we must register at the checkpoint, and then we cross the Piscacucho bridge to connect with the Inca Trail. Here starts the first physical effort - for the first hour we follow the Urubamba river, a relatively flat section with two Inca sites to see. The trail continues undulating, for the next 20 minutes before reaching the Patallacta lookout, from here we will have an impressive view down to the Inca town of Patallacta (2,700m). We then continue trekking to Wayllabamba, which is our first campsite at 3,000m.

Trekking distance approx. 11km.

Day Five - Wayllabamba (3,000m) – Pacaymayo (3,600m)
Today is the start of the most challenging day; we climb steadily up from 3,000m to 4,200m, until reaching the first pass called “Warmihuañusca” or “Dead Woman’s Pass”. On the way we will see impressive cloud forest, beautiful Queuñales (Queuña Forest, Indigenous trees), beautiful Lichens, Bromeliads, Orchids, Birds, also The Huayanay Glacier, and part of the Vilcabamba mountain range. This trek will take approximately five to six hours from the bottom to the top but includes many breaks. On top of “Dead Woman Pass”, you are going to see the second section of the Inca Trail and the second pass called ‘Runkuraqay’.

From this point it is only one more hour of steep descent to reach the Pacaymayu Valley campsite – 3,600m. Here we will camp for the night and enjoy a hot mug of tea and another fine Inca meal prepared by our cooks!

Trekking distance approx. 11km.

Day Six - Pacaymayo (3,600m) – Winayhuayna (2,700m)
Another tough day today, but slightly easier than the previous day! Today we will see ourselves conquer the two remaining mountain passes that make up the Inca Trail. To begin with, we will ascend from 3,600m to 3,950m. We will eventually reach a beautiful Inca construction, called Runkurakay; a beautiful round building. We then push on to the top, where we can stop for a success photo. From here the Inca Trail heads down hill for one hour to reach, “Sayacmarka”, another archeological site at 3,600m.

On the way to the third mountain pass, Phuyupatamarka, we are going to pass through our first Inca tunnel – the views on this part of the trail are truly memorable and unforgettable, with lush green mountains as far as the eye can see.

Once we’ve conquered the third pass, we then descend to Wiñaywhuayna, the last campsite on the way to Machu Picchu. Continuing down the original Inca stairway for one hour, passing through another Inca tunnel, you will begin a flat section of the trail. From here, we will finally reach the last campsite in approx. two to three hours.

Trekking distance approx. 16km.

Day Seven - Winayhuayna (2,700m) – Machu Picchu (2,400m)
Today we wake very early in order to reach the sungate for one of the best views of Machu Picchu. The trek to the sungate will take approx. one hour. The first part is flat, lasting for about fifty minutes, and then the trail rises sharply. There is one final last steep push on the Inca steps to the magnificent sun gate. From here we will see our first glimpse of the lost city of Machu Picchu. We can have a well deserved rest and take in the classic view of one of the world’s greatest sights and one of the new Wonders of the World!

Finally after a short break, we descend to the ruined city of Machu Picchu. After we stop for refreshments, we start our guided tour of Machu Picchu. Following our tour, there will be some free time to explore the citadel - why not make the demanding climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu or to the Inca bridge? After our tour of Machu Picchu, we meet at the designated point in Aguas Calientes town – a bustling market town, which is hidden in the valley just below Machu Picchu.

In mid/late afternoon, we will board our train for the return to Cuzco city. We then transfer back to our hotel where we will have dinner.

Trekking distance approx. 5km.

Day Eight - Cuzco
There is so much to see and do in Cuzco, that we spend the day doing just that (and giving our legs a rest!). The day is free at your leisure to do as you wish.

In the evening, we all get together for our celebratory meal and to reflect on our achievements in aid of The Blue Cross.

Day Nine - Return flight to UK
Following our early breakfast, we transfer to Cuzco airport for our internal flight back to Lima. We then connect with our flight back to the UK, arriving the next day.

Day Ten – Arrive into UK.

*Please note that whilst we make every effort to adhere to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is subject to alteration. This is a complex itinerary and subject to change.


Home The Challenge The Blue Cross The Sponsors The Organisers Training Tips FAQS Downloads Request a Brochure Contact Us	The Machu Picchu challenge itinerary. Day One - UK to Lima We depart the UK for our flight to Lima – Peru’s capital. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel. Day Two – Cuzco (11,000ft / 3,380m) Following our breakfast, we transfer by bus back to Lima Airport for our 55-minute flight to the Inca Capital of Cuzco. Upon arrival, we meet our local guides then check into our second nights accommodation. After a briefing, we then have a free afternoon to explore this fascinating city, hidden deep in the Andes Mountains. It is recommended to do some light exercise, such as taking a walk, to help us acclimatise sufficiently. Day Three – Acclimatisation Trek – Inca Sites Today it is essential we take some exercise to adjust to the high altitude. We have a fairly early breakfast before transferring to the fabulous Inca ruins high above Cuzco – Tambo Machay. We then trek down, having our lunch en-route, to Sacsayhuaman for a tour, and then back down to Cuzco centre. Dinner tonight will be in either our hotel or at a local restaurant. A full trek briefing will be held at the hotel in preperation for our challenge tomorrow – The Classic Inca Trail! Day Four - Cuzco - Wayllabamba (3,000m) The bus will pick us up in the morning from the hotel and we will travel by road to KM 82. On the way we will see beautiful landscapes such as the Vilcabamba mountain range with one of the highest peaks, Salkantay (6,200m) and the Urubamba mountain range with its highest peak called Veronica (5,800m). We finally reach Ollantaytambo, where there will be time to do some last minute shopping for the Inca Trail; crackers, cookies, water, and walking sticks. It is one hour more of travelling, before reaching KM 82. At KM 82 the challenge begins! First we must register at the checkpoint, and then we cross the Piscacucho bridge to connect with the Inca Trail. Here starts the first physical effort - for the first hour we follow the Urubamba river, a relatively flat section with two Inca sites to see. The trail continues undulating, for the next 20 minutes before reaching the Patallacta lookout, from here we will have an impressive view down to the Inca town of Patallacta (2,700m). We then continue trekking to Wayllabamba, which is our first campsite at 3,000m. Trekking distance approx. 11km. Day Five - Wayllabamba (3,000m) – Pacaymayo (3,600m) Today is the start of the most challenging day; we climb steadily up from 3,000m to 4,200m, until reaching the first pass called “Warmihuañusca” or “Dead Woman’s Pass”. On the way we will see impressive cloud forest, beautiful Queuñales (Queuña Forest, Indigenous trees), beautiful Lichens, Bromeliads, Orchids, Birds, also The Huayanay Glacier, and part of the Vilcabamba mountain range. This trek will take approximately five to six hours from the bottom to the top but includes many breaks. On top of “Dead Woman Pass”, you are going to see the second section of the Inca Trail and the second pass called ‘Runkuraqay’. From this point it is only one more hour of steep descent to reach the Pacaymayu Valley campsite – 3,600m. Here we will camp for the night and enjoy a hot mug of tea and another fine Inca meal prepared by our cooks! Trekking distance approx. 11km. Day Six - Pacaymayo (3,600m) – Winayhuayna (2,700m) Another tough day today, but slightly easier than the previous day! Today we will see ourselves conquer the two remaining mountain passes that make up the Inca Trail. To begin with, we will ascend from 3,600m to 3,950m. We will eventually reach a beautiful Inca construction, called Runkurakay; a beautiful round building. We then push on to the top, where we can stop for a success photo. From here the Inca Trail heads down hill for one hour to reach, “Sayacmarka”, another archeological site at 3,600m. On the way to the third mountain pass, Phuyupatamarka, we are going to pass through our first Inca tunnel – the views on this part of the trail are truly memorable and unforgettable, with lush green mountains as far as the eye can see. Once we’ve conquered the third pass, we then descend to Wiñaywhuayna, the last campsite on the way to Machu Picchu. Continuing down the original Inca stairway for one hour, passing through another Inca tunnel, you will begin a flat section of the trail. From here, we will finally reach the last campsite in approx. two to three hours. Trekking distance approx. 16km. Day Seven - Winayhuayna (2,700m) – Machu Picchu (2,400m) Today we wake very early in order to reach the sungate for one of the best views of Machu Picchu. The trek to the sungate will take approx. one hour. The first part is flat, lasting for about fifty minutes, and then the trail rises sharply. There is one final last steep push on the Inca steps to the magnificent sun gate. From here we will see our first glimpse of the lost city of Machu Picchu. We can have a well deserved rest and take in the classic view of one of the world’s greatest sights and one of the new Wonders of the World! Finally after a short break, we descend to the ruined city of Machu Picchu. After we stop for refreshments, we start our guided tour of Machu Picchu. Following our tour, there will be some free time to explore the citadel - why not make the demanding climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu or to the Inca bridge? After our tour of Machu Picchu, we meet at the designated point in Aguas Calientes town – a bustling market town, which is hidden in the valley just below Machu Picchu. In mid/late afternoon, we will board our train for the return to Cuzco city. We then transfer back to our hotel where we will have dinner. Trekking distance approx. 5km. Day Eight - Cuzco There is so much to see and do in Cuzco, that we spend the day doing just that (and giving our legs a rest!). The day is free at your leisure to do as you wish. In the evening, we all get together for our celebratory meal and to reflect on our achievements in aid of The Blue Cross. Day Nine - Return flight to UK Following our early breakfast, we transfer to Cuzco airport for our internal flight back to Lima. We then connect with our flight back to the UK, arriving the next day. Day Ten – Arrive into UK. *Please note that whilst we make every effort to adhere to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is subject to alteration. This is a complex itinerary and subject to change.

This event is organised by Global Adventure Challenges Ltd on behalf of The Blue Cross - Registered charity no: 224392.