Ahobamba Trek to Machu Picchu

We leave Cusco at 4:30 am for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to the Collyor trailhead, where we'll start at 4,800 meters. About one hour into the day we go over Incachiriaska Pass at 4,900 meters, descend a valley, and eat lunch. After lunch, we'll hike up and over Palkay Pass. From Palkay Pass, we descend directly into the Ahobamba valley, passing remnants of colonial Spanish mining outposts. After about 7 hours of walking, we'll arrive at Homestead 1, where we stay the night. Groups who are moving well have the option of pushing on to the Mountaineer's House instead—this will be evaluated on an individual group basis.

A short walking day down the upper valley, passing another homestead on the way to the Mountaineer's House. The rest of the day is open to you: an hour to hike to the waterfall above the cabin or a visit to Inca ruins across the river only a 15-minute walk away. You can also choose to relax around the Mountaineer's House and enjoy the natural beauty of the valley.

This is the longest descent of the trek, dropping close to 1,900 meters through bamboo-covered cloud forest as the valley narrows. We will cross three bridges and finish the day at a working coffee farm and sleep in a room in their guest house.

A final descent to the Hidroeléctrica station at 1,776 meters, the lowest point of the trek, where we join the standard trail and follow the train track into Aguas Calientes. Tonight you'll sleep in a hotel and explore the area before going to Machu Picchu the next day.

You'll have a guided visit to Machu Picchu on the circuit you chose when booking. After visiting the site, you'll return to Aguas Calientes to gather your belongings and board the train back to Cusco.