This is a great alternative trek that was created for the over busy and sold out Inca Trail. This trip allows you to enjoy the outdoors and cultural aspects plus takes you to Machu Picchu with out having the Inca Trail permit.

Day 1 - Cuzco - Mollepata - Salkantaypampa
Early morning ( 4:30 a.m. )you will depart by private car and guide from Cuzco to Mollepata, which is located southwest of Cuzco (3 1/2 hours). On the way we will visit Tarawasi in Limatambo, then continue to Mollepata (9,240 ft) at 7:00 a.m. On our arrival we continue by car to Soraypampa, arriving there at 8:30 a.m. from where we'll begin our hike to Salkantaypampa (9,900 ft), where our fisrt night of camp is set. ( CB/L/D )

Day 2 - Salkantaypampa - Qollapapampa
After breakfast we will depart camp ( 7:00 am ) and hike approximatly 1 hour towards El Paso, (13,800 ft-The High Pass), then we will make our decent to Qollpapampa (11,300 ft). Qollpapampa is a small village that has some small hot springs. Here we can take in the time and enjoy these natuarl springs before heading to our campsite for the night. ( B/L/D )

Day 3 - Qollapapampa - La Playa � Santa Teresa
Again a early breakfast and depart our campsite passing the waterfalls of Tinajayoc. After these, we'll continue walking down to La Playa (7,590 ft), where we�ll have warm weather to enjoy. From la Playa we'll take our bus to the town of Santa Teresa and our campsite. heading to our campsite. ( B/L/D )

Day 4 � Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric Plant - Aguas Calientes
After breakfast the gear will be packed and the we will depart the area hiking from Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric Plant located in a valley heading towards Aguas Calientes. There are also a few small archaeological sites in the area that we can visit before catching the local train to Aguas Calientes ( 8 km ). On our arrival into Aguas Calientes ( 5:00 p.m. ) we will transfer to a *local hotel for our overnight. ( B/L )

Day 5 � Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Early departure ( sun rise ) by tourist bus up the incredible winding road that leads to the fabled site of Machu Picchu. Thousands of people from around the world frequent this magnificent ancient site to pay homage and grasp the spectacular views of Machu Picchu�s 7,800 ft. plateau. Upon your arrival ( 10:15 a.m. ) your guide will explain the history and the myths that surround this archaeological wonder. After your tour, you will have time for lunch at a nearby hotel or explore on your own before being transferred by bus to the base of Machu Picchu and the town of Aguas Calientes where you will board the Vistadome train at 3:00 p.m. for your return to Cuzco. After your arrival into the Cuzco, ( 6:45 -7:00 p.m.) our staff will meet and transfer you to the preferred hotel.