Sacred Mountains Expedition The Unknown In c a T r a i l t o M a c h u P i c c h u
Sa c re d M o u n ta i ns E x p e dition
Join Our Expedition to Peru’s Sacred Mountains Discover a richly storied and rarely experienced journey on this nine-day Expedition, canvassing the Vilcabamba mountain range and the Sacred Valley of the Incas before an awe-inspiring finale in one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. Push your limits on this challenging adventure featuring ascents in a mountainous region, led every step of the way by Explora’s expert guides and experienced mountain team. Balance active, fully supported days with restful accommodations that include luxury tented camps, Las Qolqas Hotel, and Explora’s award-winning Valle Sagrado lodge. Your Expedition also includes
OVERVIEW 9 Days | Limited to 8 Travelers From USD $8,640 per person, double occupancy | Solo traveler pricing available upon request Price includes accommodations, meals and all transfers This Expedition requires an advanced level of physical fitness with Explorations and ascents in a mountainous region.
every meal as well as two complimentary recovery massages during tented camp stays. Private expeditions are available. Please inquire for
DEPARTURE DATES
more details at reserveexpeditions@explora.com To secure your entry to the Machu Picchu sanctuary,
See all 2026 and 2027 departure dates here.
we recommend booking at least four months in advance. Your passport will be required at the time of reservation. Learn more at explora.com or call +56 2 2395 2800.
The World’s Leading Expedition Company for seven consecutive years.
Committed to the highest standards for social and environmental performance.
Sa c re d M o u n ta i ns E x p e dition
Itinerary at a Glance
South America
Beginning and ending at Explora Valle Sagrado lodge, embark on a nomadic adventure and rarely trekked route that includes the cloud forests of Misquiyaco Private Conservation Area, ancient Inca trails and the
Peru
snow-capped Salkantay. Explore the majestic Andes
Cusco
and the communities that call them home, culminating with a rewarding finish through the iconic Intipunku Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. Your expedition features hikes ranging from two miles (3.5 km) to 9.4 miles (15.1 km), with elevation gains of up to 5,150 feet (1,570 meters) and altitudes of up to 15,324 ft a.s.l. (4,671 m a.s.l.).
PROVINCIA
Santuario Histórico de
DE
CUSCO
Machu Picchu Town
Machu Picchu
Huiñay Huayna
Verónica
N W
Lloclla
Patallacta
E
Chamana Camp
S
Paucarcancha
Ollantaytambo
Huayanay
Pampacahuana Camp Salkantay Humantay Misquiyaco Reserve
Explora Valle Sagrado Machu Qolqa
Moyoc
Acopia Camp
Wata Huaypo Lagoon
Puray Lagoon
explora.com
CUSCO
Sa c re d M o u n ta i ns E x p e dition
Day 1: The Adventure Begins Arrive in Cusco and transfer to Explora Valle Sagrado, your home base in Peru’s Sacred Valley. After settling in, meet your Expedition Leader and guide team for an introductory briefing on the journey ahead, followed by lunch at the lodge, featuring local flavors. Later, travel overland to Chinchero for your first exploration, including a gentle walk to the archaeological site of Machu Kolka, through cultivated fields and wide valley viewpoints before returning to the lodge. Accommodation: Explora Valle Sagrado Distance
Max. altitude
Elevation gain
4.6 km 2.9 mi
3,933 m a.s.l. 12,979 ft a.s.l.
236 m 776 ft
Day 2: Journey to Ancient Wata Set out for a full day on the ancient Inca Qhapaq Ñan trail, exploring sections of the road network that once connected the Andes. The route leads to Wata, where pre-Incan and Incan remains sit high above the valley, offering a strong first sense of the region’s history and scale. Return to Explora Valle Sagrado in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Explora Valle Sagrado
Distance
Max. altitude
Elevation gain
11.5 km 7.1 mi
3,820 m a.s.l. 12,532 ft a.s.l.
808 m 2,650 ft
explora.com
Sa c re d M o u n ta i ns E x p e dition
Day 3: Shepherds’ Route between Lamay and Pisac This day is designed for acclimatization before the expedition moves into mountain camps. The route follows old shepherd trails around lagoons that sustain nearby rural communities, with gentle slopes and shifting Andean scenery. Back at Explora Valle Sagrado, the afternoon focuses on practical preparation—reviewing equipment, packing strategy, and what to expect as the journey transitions to campsupported trekking. Accommodation: Explora Valle Sagrado Distance
Max. altitude
Elevation gain
10.3 km 6.6 mi
4,396 m a.s.l. 14,422 ft a.s.l.
432 m 1,417 ft
Day 4: Misquiyaco Private Conservation Area Leaving Explora Valle Sagrado, the drive climbs into the highlands as the valley opens into broad plateaus and farming settlements. Entry into the Misquiyaco Private Conservation Area signals a quieter, more protected landscape with Explora access. After meeting the camp team and mule team, trekking begins through relict Mesoandean forest and gradually rises above the tree line. A trail-side lunch breaks the day before arriving at the first tented camp, prepared for your arrival. Accommodation: Private Tented Camp Distance
Max. altitude
Elevation gain
7.7 km 4.8 mi
4,297 m a.s.l. 14,097 ft a.s.l.
1,207 m 3,959 ft explora.com
Sa c re d M o u n ta i ns E x p e dition
Day 5: Sacred Salkantay Mountain The route moves deeper into the Vilcabamba range, with Apu Salkantay ahead—snow-capped and revered locally as a mountain guardian. Walking is steady and fully supported, with time for pauses, warm drinks, and wide views as ridgelines and valleys expand around you. The sense of remoteness grows with each hour on the trail. The day ends at Pampacahuana camp, where a hot meal, comfortable tents, and a calm mountain evening help you recover well. Accommodation: Private Tented Camp Distance
Max. altitude
Elevation gain
13 km 8 mi
4,671 m a.s.l. 15,324 ft a.s.l.
819 m 2,687 ft
Day 6: Descent Toward the Vilcanota River and the Sacred Valley A long descent follows a scenic valley toward the Vilcanota River, gradually returning to greener contours. Along the way, remnants of Inca agricultural terraces appear, quiet evidence of mountain farming and ingenuity. By late afternoon, Chamana camp offers a calm Andean setting to settle in and enjoy dinner with the guide team before a well-earned rest. Accommodation: Private Tented Camp Distance
Max. altitude
Elevation gain
15.2 km 9.4 mi
3,883 m a.s.l. 12,739 ft a.s.l.
215 m 705 ft explora.com
Sa c re d M o u n ta i ns E x p e dition
Day 7: Journey to Ollantaytambo and Andean Traditions A morning walk through Andean scenery leads to our vehicle and a short drive to Ollantaytambo. We visit the Temple of the Sun, taking in its terraces and stonework, then continue through narrow cobblestone streets to the main square. Pause to observe daily life, markets, local crafts, and gatherings. A traditional pachamanca lunch awaits at our lodge outside the village, followed by a free afternoon to rest. Accommodation: Las Qolqas Hotel, Ollantaytambo Distance
Max. altitude
Elevation gain
6.4 km 4 mi
2,703 m a.s.l. 8,868 ft a.s.l.
367 m 1,204 ft
Day 8-9: Inca Trail to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu After breakfast, we take the Vistadome train to the Inca Trail trailhead. The hike ascends through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, admired for its steep terraces and finely crafted stonework, then continues to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, for a memorable on-foot arrival at Machu Picchu. After exploring the sanctuary, we descend to Machu Picchu Pueblo, return by train to Ollantaytambo, and transfer to Explora Valle Sagrado for a farewell dinner. The next morning, you depart by 10:00 AM for your flight from Cusco Airport. Accommodation: Explora Valle Sagrado Distance
Max. altitude
Elevation gain
10.5 km 6.5 mi
2,721 m a.s.l. 8,927 ft a.s.l.
1,570 m 5,150 ft explora.com
Accommodations Explora Valle Sagrado
Private Tented Camp
Las Qolqas Hotel, Ollantaytambo
explora.com
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For more information or to book your Expedition, contact Explora at reserveexpeditions@explora.com or +56 2 2395 2800. Check our terms and conditions here.