HIGHLIGHTS: Cusco - Inca Trail - Yuncachimpa - Pacaymayo - Winaywayna - Machu Picchu

This is our shortest trip in Peru. Our trek into the Peruvian Andes leaves from Cusco, one time capital of the Inca civilisatilon. Depending on permit availability we will use either the 'Classic' or the more remote 'Lares' trail, following ancient Inca pathways and climbing to over 4000 metres in height. Our ultimate goal is the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu, missed by the Spanish Conquistadors and only discovered by the American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. At the end of our trek we can enjoy a soak in the hot springs at the tiny village of Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco where our adventure comes to an end.

Day 1 Cusco. Our trip starts today in Cusco, but with no activities planned you may arrive at any time. There is a pre - departure meeting with your trek leader in the early evening to go over all the arrangements of your Inca Trail trek. Please check the notice board in the foyer of your joining hotel for the exact time of this meeting and any other messages regarding your trip. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to the briefing.

Day 2 - 5 We trek the 'Classic' and the 'Lares' routes, both of which culminate in a visit to the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu. Although we normally trek the 'Classic' route, it is restricted by the number of trekkers permitted on the trail each day and unless you have booked early, it may be difficult or impossible for us to secure the necessary group permits (especially during the peak season). It is also closed during the month of February for cleaning and rejuvenation. If we are unable to confirm your permit for the 'Classic' route we will use the 'Lares' trail. This is an exceptional alternative. Venturing further off the beaten path, this trek winds its way through remote rural villages and provides stunning views across the Andes. Along the way you can mingle with local families, llama herders and weavers, renowned for their brightly - coloured hats and ponchos. The trek is of similar altitude and degree of difficulty as the 'Classic' route and also culminates in a visit to the village of Aguas Calientes and the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, recently voted one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World'. The following description refers to the 'Classic' route. Please refer below to the ' Variation' section of this Trip Note for details of the 'Lares' route.

Day 2 Inca Trail to Yuncachimpa. We leave Cusco by bus and travel over the mountain range and down into the Urubamba Valley to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo. Built on a steep mountainside this grand citadel served as both a temple and fortress and is one of the few sites where the Incas were able to defeat the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Their success was however short lived, with the Spaniards returning with force to claim victory. Here we have time to gaze upon the massive Inca fortifications before continuing to KiLometre 82 - the starting point of our trek. Today is a relatively easy hike past the ancient hilltop fort of Huillca Raccay and the beautiful archaeological site of Llactapata. Along the way there are stunning views of snow - capped Veronica Peak (5860m). Our first camp is just past the village of Wayllabamba at 3000 metres.

Day 3 Inca Trail to Pacaymayo. Today is the most difficult part of the trek as we climb to Warminwanusca, or 'Dead Woman's Pass' (4200m). This is the first of three Andean high passes we traverse and the highest point on the Inca trail. Stopping to catch our breath we take in the superb panorama of the Vilcanota and Vilcabama mountain ranges, the ruins of Runkuracay ahead and Rio Pacamayo (Sunrise River) in the valley below. Here the trail changes from dirt to steps and stone pathways. Although not difficult we still need to make a steep descent to the valley below and our camp at Pacamayo (3600m). Located in a basin beneath the cliff tops, the campsite faces down the valley with a view over the cloud forest.

Day 4 Inca Trail to Winaywayna. We climb up to the unusual, round ruins of Runkuracay which is believed to have been an Inca tambo or post house. Forging on we continue to climb the Inca staircase and sighting the small mountain lake of Cochapata on the way to our second pass at 4000m, from where we are rewarded with spectacular views of Pumasillo (6245m) and the entire snow - capped Vilcabamba range. From here it is a steep descent to our third pass and the ruins of Sayacmarca, where we enter the beautiful cloud forest full of orchids, ferns, flowers and hanging moss. The scenery will blow you away Butterflies flutter across the trail and the air is pure and clean as we head to the breathtaking Winaywayna, (2450m).

Day 5 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (5 KM) - Cusco. The final leg of the trek to Machu Picchu is the most spectacular of all. We arrive at sunrise at Inti Punku, the Gateway of the Sun, where through a rectangular doorway we experience a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After taking a short path down, it's time for us to explore The secrets of the Incas are slowly revealed to us on a guided tour. We depart by catching a bus down to the hot springs at Aguas Calientes and returning to Cusco on a late - afternoon train.

Day 6 Cusco. Your adventure in the heartland of the ancient Incas comes to an end today after breakfast.