We recommend two days predeparture to aclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour
The Inca road system was the most extensive and highly advanced transportation system in pre-Columbian South America. The network was based on two north-south roads, with numerous branches. The best known portion of the road system is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Main routes
The eastern route ran high in the puna and mountain valleys from Quito, Ecuador to Cusco, Peru (The capital of the Inca Empire) to Mendoza, Argentina. The western route followed the coastal plain except in coastal deserts where it hugged the foothills. More than twenty routes ran over the western mountains, while others traversed the eastern cordillera in the mountains and lowlands. Some of these roads reach heights of over 5,000 metres (16,000 ft) above sea level. The trails connected the regions of the Inca empire from the northern provincial capital in Quito, Ecuador past the modern city of Santiago, Chile in the south. The Inca road system linked together about 40,000 kilometres (25,000 mi) of roadway and provided access to over 3,000,000 square kilometres (1,200,000 sq mi) of territory.
Situated between 500 to 800 meters (1,600 to 2,600 ft) above sea level, this monumental road, which could reach 20 metres (66 ft) in width, connected populated areas, administrative centers, agricultural and mining zones as well as ceremonial centers and sacred spaces.
These roads provided easy, reliable and quick routes for the Empire's civilian and military communications, personnel movement, and logistical support. The prime users were imperial soldiers, porters and llama caravans, along with the nobility and individuals on official duty. Permission was required before others could walk along the roads, and tolls were charged at some bridges. Although the Inca roads varied greatly in scale, construction and appearance, for the most part they varied between about 1 to 4 meters (3.3 to 13 ft) in width.
Much of the system was the result of the Incas claiming exclusive right over numerous traditional routes, some of which had been built centuries earlier. Many new sections were built or upgraded substantially: through Chile's Atacama desert, and along the western margin of Lake Titicaca, serve as two examples.
The Qhapaq Ñan (English: Great Inca Road, or Main Andean Road, and meaning "the beautiful road") constituted the principal north-south highway of the Inca Empire traveling 6,000 kilometres (3,700 mi) along the spine of the Andes.
The Qhapaq Ñan unified this immense and heterogeneous empire through a well-organized political system of power. It allowed the Inca to control his Empire and to send troops as needed from the capital, Cusco.
The most important Inca road was the Camino Real, as it is known in Spanish, with a length of 5,200 kilometres (3,200 mi)). It began in Quito, Ecuador, passed through Cusco, and ended in what is now Tucumán, Argentina. The Camino Real traversed the mountain ranges of the Andes, with peak altitudes of more than 5,000 m (16,000 ft). El Camino de la Costa, the coastal trail, with a length of 4,000 kilometres (2,500 mi), ran parallel to the sea and was linked with the Camino Real by many smaller routes.
Itinerary
This one of the most spectacular trails in the area. It combines scenery, beautiful landscapes and the amazing view of the Salcantay mountain range plus much more because we visit the city of Machu Picchu and other remains from Inca times that we will find along the way.
Day one: Challacancha to Salkantay Pampa.
We begin in the city of Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire. After we pick you up we drive northeast out of Cusco into the town of Limatambo and from there then to the town of Challacancha(11000fts) for about 3 and 30 minutes, where we have lunch. After a break and getting ready of the gear and equipment plus mules, horses and the staff. We start hiking to Salcantay Pampa (alt. 12 000 ft) for about 3 hours and 7 kilometers, the site of our first camp. While walking this trail we have the chance to see wildlife and spectacular view of the Salcantay Mountain in the two different ecosystems that we will see.The first ecosystem Andean semidry forest present different species of tress like theSupaicarco(Nicotiana glauca) and some Llaullis(Bernadesia Horrida).as well we have some Golden billed Saltator(Saltator aurantiirostris) and the Rufus collared sparrow(Zonotrichia capensis) (B, L, D).
Day two: Salkantay Pampa to Huayrac Machay.
Today we start off hiking up the Salkantay pass, which has an altitude of 4600 meters and straddles the east ridge of Salcantay Mountain (6284 mt,) affording an unbelievable view of the glacial mass. We celebrate our achievement in the pass and then go down to following the Humantay river, where we have lunch, followed by another hour to 
our camp in Huayrac machay at 3650mts a free afternoon for bird watching and enjoying nature in general (opportunities to see some finches and Cacara falcons.as well some flora from this ecosystem Andean grass land area with ichus (stipa sp) and some bromelidsToday we hike for about 6 hours and cover the distance of 9 kilometers.. Dinner at camp, which bears the pictures name of Huayrac Machay (cave away from the wind). (B, L, D)
Day three: Huayrac Machay to Wiñaypocco.
After sunrise we go down into the cloud forest while first traversing passing through different ecosystems such as grass land 
and Andean semidry forest. There are numerous opportunities to sight humming birds, wrens, finches, ground peckers, Andean Cara-Caras and birds of prey. We bathe in some creeks and hot springs in the confluence of three different rivers surrounded by sublime scenery in a place called Colcapampa(2950. After the bath we have lunch near the camp.Today we hike for about 5 hours and 8 kilometres. Dinner at camp. (B, L, D).
Day four: Wiñaypocco to Lucmabamba.
This day we go down the Santa Teresa River valley in the cloud forest, always looking out for wildlife like some Tanagers and a few humming birds. As well some vegetation like the Mocomoco tree (piper elongatum) and the Aliso(alnus jorullensis) and some species 
of heliconias and probably jumping in some creeks as the climate becomes warmer. Lunch on the trail near a beautiful water fall and late afternoon arrival to camp at Lucmabamba(2100mts) where we will see an a original Inca trail that probably was used to connect the last capital of the Inca empire(Vilcabamba) with Machu picchu from one site and Choquequirao last refuge in the border of the Apurimac river. Today we will hike for about 11 kilometers and 7 hours. (B, L, D).
Day five: Patallacta to Aobamba Valley (Hidro).
This day we climb up to the city of Patacllacta(2700mts), another religious retreat of the Incas and probably an astronomical observatory. After the tour and a rare view of Machu Picchu from another nearby valley, we begin descending the little known and seldom explored Aobamba river valley. Near the point of confluence of the Aobamba and the Vilcanota we encounter the hydroelectric power plant. Here, after a well-deserved break we will climb aboard the train to Aguas Calientes, rewarded with more fantastic views of Machu Picchu from the bottom of the canyon. The train slowly makes its way following the gorge of the Vilcanota (Urubamba River) and soon arrives at the town (about 9 kilometers) where we will enjoy hot springs and a nice dinner. Today we hike for about 4 hours and cover the distance of 6 kilometers. (B, L,D).
Day six: Machu Picchu.
Its an early start in order to enjoy sunrise (depends of the weather) from Machu Picchu (2450mts)with few people. After we will begin our tour of the remains for 2 hours. After that we go to relax in the site or we can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu picchu Mountain(about 2 and 30 minutes) or hike part of the original trail to the spot known as Intipunku (sun gate).After a late lunch we will come back to Cusco by train (B,L,D). Hotel Cusco.
Included
Sleeping bag.
Tents and mattresses (all seasons).
Meals.
Lodge.
Hotels.
Equipment and gear.
Transportation.
Bus.
Horses handlers.
Train.
Tours.
Admission Tickets.
Guides (cultural and natural).
First aid.
Radio communication.
What to bring
This is a list designed to advise you what equipment is appropriate to bring according to the weather conditions predominating at the time of your trip:
Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).
Sun Block; Insect Repellent.
Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).
Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket) though not necessary during the months of July and August.
A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.
One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).
Sandals for River use (Teva types).
Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season).
Reading material.
Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).
Bathing Suit.
Water Bottle (I liter capacity).
Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.
A bandana for neck protection.
A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).
Camera and plenty of film.
Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).
At least one short sleeve shirt and one or two long sleeve shirts (dark colors, depending on the place and destiny chosen).
And your regular medium to high altitude outer trekking clothes (Anorak-Wind Breaker, Pile or Down Jacket, Wool Hat, Gloves).
Any questions, consults and information, contact us at:
Mail: info@cuscomachupicchu.com
Phone: (0051 - 84) - 984764938 
