A 7am awakening finds you cloaked in jungle mist. After a hearty breakfast, your day begins with a short but intense climb to begin your section of an authentic Inca Trail. As you climb up and down cliffs above a breathtaking valley, your guide will transport you back to the time of the Incas, revealing what little we know of this amazing ancient culture. The trail descends to Quellomayo where the group will stop for lunch and have time to relax in hammocks. Keep an eye out for natural fruit, especially the burst of flavor that is maracuyá (passion fruit). After lunch, the hike continues along the rising Urubamba River, crossing it at one point on a cart and pulley (safe but exciting!). Your day of hiking (around 10 miles) concludes with a visit to the pristine hot springs of Santa Teresa. Immerse yourself in the warm water and let the pains of the way disappear. Dinner and a comfortable lodge in Santa Theresa complete the day.

A choice awaits at the beginning of the third day: continue walking or choose to fly through the air 150 meters above the ground over rivers and jungle! The zip line option includes transportation to the zip line facility and 5 zip lines. Are you brave enough to lie down in the prone monkey position? Or spread your wings and dive headfirst into Superman's amazing pose. Be sure to book your zip line in advance to ensure the safest, highest, and fastest zip lines (there are several other lower-quality zip lines out there). The group will re-form at the Hydroelectric station for lunch before continuing the walk. Another three hours of walking along the train tracks and the raging river brings you to the tourist town of Aguas Calientes. Travelers have the option of visiting the local hot springs or relaxing and exploring the city before dinner. Make sure you get up early to be awake for the ascent to the jewel of the tour: Machu Picchu!

OPTIONAL ZIP LINE TOUR IN SANTA TERESA, US$30

Your ascent to Machu Picchu begins before the sun rises. Ascend step by step for about an hour up the Inca stairway to the ancient lost stronghold of Machu Picchu. A 2-hour guided tour reveals mysteries and raises questions about how the Incas lived and how they were able to accomplish such marvelous feats of engineering. After the tour, you have the option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for an even more incredible view of the ruins and the surrounding Andean cliffs. Take your time exploring the wonderful ruins and get the perfect picture before descending back to Aguas Calientes. Your return time to Cusco will depend on the return train or transportation option you select.

Huayna Picchu is the mountain located at the northwest end of the ruins and Machu Picchu Mountain is located at the southwest end. Huayna Picchu is steeper, but more popular and has some interesting archeological ruins at the top. Machu Picchu Mountain is a longer, less steep and less crowded hike and offers great views of Machu Picchu.

Check out this amazing link to see the views from Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Huayanpicchu has an extra cost of $20 dollars depending on the spaces. (We must book in advance)
Machupicchu mountain $20.
Students: $20 discount (Student Card from your University)