This tour offers an alternative option to treks on the Inca Trail. Over the course of 5 days and 4 nights, you’ll hike across beautiful mountainous environments as you make your way towards the crown jewel of Peruvian archeology—Machu Picchu.

The night before this tour leaves you’ll meet up with your guides to discuss the trip. They’ll answer any questions that you may have and tell you what to expect on the hike.

The following morning, you’ll take a bus from Cusco to Mollepata, which takes a total of 3.5 hours and includes a stop at the site of Tarawasi in Limatambo. You’ll then continue on to the village of Mollepata, which sits an elevation of 9,240 feet (2,800 m), and eventually reach Soraypampa above the village. From here you’ll hike to Salkantaypampa, elevation 12,540 feet (3,800 m). You’ll camp here.

On the second morning, you’ll walk for one hour up switchbacks to the high pass of El Paso, elevation 13,800 feet (4,1,81 m). During this portion of the hike, you might be able to see an Andean chinchilla. You’ll then walk downhill through plains and cloud forests before reaching Colpapampa. Colpapampa, elevation 11,300 feet (3,424 m), is a small village that borders hot springs. Soaking in the springs is an awesome way to relax after a day on the trails. You’ll camp in Colpapampa this night.

The third morning you’ll head to La Playa, passing the waterfalls of Tinajayoc along the way. This is an agricultural area—coffee, citrus fruits, and avocados all grow here. From La Playa you’ll take a bus to Santa Teresa and spend the night here.

On the fourth morning, you’ll walk to a hydroelectric plant and then take the train to Aguas Calientes. You’ll stay in a hotel here.

On the fifth and final day, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. This is one of the most incredible places in Peru, and the culmination of this trip. Have your camera ready—you’re definitely going to want it.

After touring Machu Picchu you’ll take a train back to Cusco, which is where the tour ends.