What Makes This Adventure Special:

This itinerary is unlike any out there. In working closely with the local communities, we designed a specialty trek capturing the beauty and solitude of the Andes. Camping in the Misquiyaco, Pampaccahua, and Chamana communities allows us the chance to support their efforts in protecting their Meso Andean Relic Cloud Forest.

Your travels include:

Be a trailblazer with us as we explore this brand new trail created and discover in collaboration with the Misquiyaco, Pampaccahua, and Chamana communities.
Visit the Chincheros Weavers in the Sacred Valley, Explore the one of the earliest agricultural experimental “labs” on the planet, Moray, and meander through the residentially owned salt “mine” with 3000 bright white and multicolored salt pans
Experience the humbling beauty and awe-inspiring vastness of the Andes on a 4 day luxury camping trek
Explore Machu Picchu with our highly-educated guide

Be prepared for a moderate to intense hiking experience that will open your eyes to the magic and awe-instilling power of the Andes mountains as they soak into your spirit and rejuvenate and invigorate your mind and body.

Plus:
+ Knowledgeable guides with decades of experience and personal connections with locals
+ Daily mindfulness activities and intentional conversation
+ 2 experienced Root tour leaders
+ 3 month pre-trip physical and mental preparation guide
+ 2 pre-trip Zoom calls
+ Post-trip integration guide
+ 2 post-trip Zoom calls
+ Talk to a real human when booking and planning your trip!

Contact us to learn more

Detailed Itinerary

(Click “+” To learn more)

Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Rest and relaxation are encouraged today as the city sits at an elevation of 11,000' and most of us will be feeling the effects of the altitude. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Cusco and dinner on your own.
Accommodations: Antigua Casona San Blas
Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.
After breakfast, we’ll explore the ancient city of Cusco. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Koricancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center.
A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers an afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight: Antigua Casona San Blas
Meals: B | L | D
After breakfast, we will drive the Urubamba, or Sacred Valley, to visit the Chincheros Weavers where we will learn traditional practices of all stages of weaving, from the yarn making and dying process to the actual weaving of the yarn. Next we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
We’ll then make our way to Moray, where you will have the privilege of exploring one of the earliest agricultural experimental “labs” on the planet. It is believed that the beautiful and elegantly constructed descending circular terraces were used to support a variety of microclimates, encouraging the growth of specific crops attuned to each climate. The temperature difference between the uppermost and lowest levels can vary by as much as 15°C (59 °F). Plants that thrive at the deepest level of over 30 meters (98 ft) are different species from those that thrive at the uppermost levels. To think that indigenous Peruvians used experimental techniques to nurture diverse food crops centuries before modern greenhouse techniques were invented, is truly impressive!
Shortly there after we’ll arrive in Maras, famously known for its spectacular mountainside salt ponds. Here residents “mine” with 3000 bright white and multicolored salt pans, which are divided among local families. You will be able to observe the salt pans from a viewpoint and taste the famous Maras salt, known for its beneficial health properties. You’ll get a glimpse into a lifestyle very different from your own, as you learn about the techniques used to extract this mineral-rich condiment. Purchasing a bag of precious salt will help support this community in maintaining their centuries-old traditional way of life.
In the afternoon, we´ll return to Cusco for dinner and stay overnight.
Accommodations: Antigua Casona San Blas
Meals: B | L
Leaving Cusco by bus and heading north to the village of Huarocondo, we’ll descend into the gorge of Pachar, towards the Urubamba River, 2900 m (9514 ft).
Here we’ll encounter the starting point of our trek: the footbridge of Parpishu. Now the trail starts ascending slowly, leaving the valley behind and below us, and continues to Watuq ́asa Pass (3800 m / 12,467 ft ) where we will find an Inca wall and an ancient storage/administrative building, or tambo.
This site is known as Qosqoqáwarina (Viewpoint of Cusco), and we will be taken by the surrounding panoramic views as we enjoy a hearty lunch.
We will then continue along a trail that descends to the left, ending in a tranquil valley with a flowing stream running through it.
Here, we’ll find the community of Chilipahua (3840 m / 12,598ft), where we will camp for the night.
Trekking time: ~6 hours
Trekking distance: ~7 miles
Accommodations: Camping
Meals: L | D
We depart from our campsite and head northwest, slowly ascending through moist highlands to Quencomayo, an icy cold stream that flows from the pass of Chi Chusqasa (4500 m / 14,763ft ).
After crossing the pass, we’ll descend to the Silque River gully, before reaching the area known as Ancascocha (3900 m / 12,795 ft ), where we will camp within sight of the spectacular Huayanay Glacier.
Trekking time: ~7 hours
Trekking distance: 6.8 miles
Accommodations: Camping
Meals: B | L | D
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll start our day’s journey hiking alongside the torrential Silque River, towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
This trail is known for its abundance of Huakani, or Masdevallia Orchids. If we’re here when they are flowering, we will delight in the sight of their brilliant, deep pink to magenta blooms.
After crossing many little footbridges, we will reach the community of Camicancha (2800 m / 9186ft ), where we’ll camp in a place known for its volcanic rock, within sight of spectacular snow-capped Huacayhuilque, also known as ̈La Veronica ̈.
Trekking time: ~5 hours
Trekking distance: 7.5 miles
Accommodations: Camping
Meals: B | L | D
After breakfast, we will meet our private transportation and head to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll board the train.
The train will chug alongside the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley; we’ll see a noticeable change in our surroundings as we enter the verdant and misty cloud forest of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
We’ll disembark and cross a hanging bridge that spans the mighty river, and visit the ruins of Chachabamba, which is believed to have been a spiritual center dedicated to water deities.
Now it’s a 3-hour ascent to a second important spiritual center, Wiñay Wayna. These ruins are built into a steep slope on the way up to the Sun Gate. Afer we explore for a bit, we’ll cut across the ridge above Machu Picchu to reach Inti Punku, Gate of the Sun.
This is a dramatic moment, as we look down on the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins spread out far below, gaining a glimpse into a mystical, forgotten world.
We’ll spend the night in a hotel in the village of Machu Picchu.
Dinner will be on your own.
Trekking time: ~6 hours
Trekking distance: 7.3 miles
Accommodations: El Mapi
Meals: B | L
After an early breakfast, a quick, half-hour bus ride brings us up the road to the gates of Machu Picchu where we’ll enjoy a guided three-hour tour of this ancient hilltop citadel.
Exploring the various sectors and entering some of the houses and temples will bring these iconic ruins to life for us. As we immerse in this mystical place, we’ll feel that we’ve entered a dream of ancient times.
Wandering among these ancient manmade structures blended seamlessly into natural surroundings, will leave us with a sense of wonder and reverence, and gift us with memories to savor for years to come.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the village where a train will take us back to Ollantaytambo. On-board entertainment, snacks, and hot and cold refreshments are available.
We'll arrive in the Ollantaytambo train station, where we will be picked up and driven back to the city of Cusco.
Accommodations: Casa San Blas Boutique
Meals: B | L
Today you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals: B

FAQs

We provide a full service experience. Included in your trip cost:
+Transportation
+Professional bilingual guide
+Hotel in Machu Picchu Village
+Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Village and from Machu Picchu Village to Cusco
+Bus ticket Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu Village (round trip)
+Double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads
+Guided tour in Machu Picchu
+Lunch in Machu Picchu Village on day 5
+All meals during trek
+Non-alcoholic drinks
+Kitchen and dining tents
+Cook and field staff
+Horses and drivers
+Entrance tickets
+Solar energy lamps
+Eco toilets
+Adequate garbage disposal
+First aid kit and oxygen tank
+Meals as detailed
+Daily mindfulness activities
+2 pre-trip calls
+2 post trip calls
+Access to our Director of Traveler Experience who can help answer all your questions logistical, emotional, or otherwise!
+Tips/Gratuities
+6 Week Post-Trip Meditation Series to help integrate your experience
+ 3 month pre-trip preparation series
+Lifetime access to the Root Community
Airfare, travel insurance, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and anything not detailed in the itinerary.
The average temperature in September is usually in the upper 60’s F during the day and 40’s F and below during the night. September is the last month of the dry season heading into the wet season, so there is a slightly elevated chance of rain. Most days however, you’ll be soaking up the warmth of the sun!
You’ll need to make sure you are in Cusco, Peru any time on September 14, 2024.
Please depart from Cusco, Peru any time on September 22, 2024.
We classify this trip a level 5 out of 5. This means that prior hiking experience is required. Expect long hikes, significant elevation gain and variable terrain.
We definitely recommend preparing physically for this trip and will provide a basic training plan when you sign up.
Check above in the detailed itinerary with daily mileage, approximate walking time, and elevation gain.
Sleeping accommodations are a combination of hotel stays and camping as detailed in the itinerary. All camping is double occupancy. For hotel accommodations there is a pricing option for single occupancy.
Our superior guides and support staff will provide a camping experience like no other. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will feel supported in all areas. Our porters carry your bags to the campsite ahead of you, ensuring your campsite is set and ready for your arrival. Our spacious 3-person tents for 2 people and thick camping mattresses ensure you have a comfy sleep.
Each evening and morning you will enjoy a basin of hot water outside your tent to clean up and feel refreshed. We great you each morning with your choice of tea or coffee in your tent before you meet us in our dining tent equipped with tables and chairs for a hot breakfast. We also provide a private tent with a transportable toilet ensuring we leave no trace!
This is a trekking trip, however it is not a backpacking trip so you will not be carrying a large pack. Porters transport your luggage to each new overnight accommodation. You will carry a day pack (recommended with hydration bladder) to hold your needed gear from the day (sunscreen, water, camera, extra layers, etc.) for the day hikes.
Yes! Most dietary requests can be arranged in advance.
There will be of course access to electricity and some wifi on the nights you’ll be staying in hotels. However please be prepared to have minimal to no electricity and wifi service while trekking. If you need a charge we recommend bringing a charging block.
Should an emergency occur we do have methods of communication via satellite phone.
During the camping portion of this adventure there is no access to showers. However we do provide a private tent with a transportable toilet. Additionally, our guides will brief you on “leave no trace behind” principles for elimination on trails and outdoors.
You can find a packing list here. We will also go through gear questions in more detail in our two pre-trip calls.
It is recommended that you do practice hikes, walks, or strength and cardio conditioning to prepare for this trip. Three months before the start of your trip you will receive a pre-trip preparation series that includes a training plan.
Please email info@rootadventures.com or schedule a call. We would love to hear from you!