A four-day trek along one of the oldest Inca routes to Machu Picchu. 

 We depart early from Cusco city for the Inca Trail. After driving along the high,
barren puna, we descend into the twisted Urubamba Valley and drive to our
trailhead where we distribute loads among porters. We then hike to the small
village of Huayllabamba where the local people still practice subsistence
farming. 

 After hiking over the Warmiwanusga Pass we descend several thousand feet
before hiking up to the ruins of Runquracay where we camp. This is a
difficult day with about 4,000 feet of elevation gain. 

 We will pass numerous ruins and walk through lush cloud forests along
cobblestone pathways made by the Incas. We make camp at the ancient ruins of
Winay Wayna. This is a fabulous day with good walking, interesting ruins,
great views of the Veronica Range, the massive peak of Salcantay, and the
wild rapids of the Urubamba River.

 After an early start, we hike to Machu Picchu, fortress city of the ancient
Incas. Here we discover sundials, follow the ingenious water system of the
city, and marvel at the Inca stonemasonry. After exploring the ruins we
catch the afternoon train back to Cusco. This is one of the world's classic
train rides and a great way to end our adventure.