Machu Picchu Trail Running Expedition

Our running adventure begins with a transfer from Cusco Airport to the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The Sacred Valley is known for its pleasant temperate climate and its lower altitude compared to Cusco, making it an ideal location to begin acclimatizing to the Peruvian Andes. Our first run will take us through the heart of the Sacred Valley on a semi-flat route. Starting in Yucay, we’ll follow the valley along the Vilcanota River, passing traditional farmlands, historic republican-era Haciendas, and stunning landscapes. The run will conclude in the charming town of Huayllabamba, providing an excellent opportunity to soak in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.

We will ascend to the heights of the Sacred Valley to follow an ancient Inca Trail that connects the breathtaking viewpoint of Qoricocha Lagoon (Golden Lagoon) with the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo, covering a 9.4-mile route. Along this journey, we will witness the extraordinary Inca engineering used to build roads and bridges, while taking in stunning panoramic views of the valley. The terrain for the day will be diverse: starting with a smooth and steady section, transitioning into a segment with high staircases, and ending with a fast, steep descent. This route is ideal for gradual acclimatization to high altitude, providing a controlled introduction to the unique challenges of running in the Andean heights. It ensures a solid foundation for confidently and successfully tackling the Andean Race.

In the afertnoon tour of the Inca Citadel of Pisac (optional)

After breakfast and packing our bags, we will travel to the heights of the Sacred Valley, heading to the village of Wakahuasi at 13,699 feet, where the Andean Race will begin. Once we settle into our lodge and pick up our race kits, we will have the rest of the day free to rest, prepare for the race, and enjoy the amenities of the lodge. In the afternoon, we will have a technical briefing to help us get ready for the challenges of the Andean Race ahead.

It's Race Day! Confident from our controlled acclimatization and familiar with the terrain of the Sacred Valley, we are ready to face the challenge of the Andean Race. The race route is stunning, starting at 13,699 feet with a 2.3-mile flat section. We will then ascend for 2 miles to the highest point of the race, Abra Huacawasi, at 14,720 feet. After reaching the summit, we will descend for 15 miles towards Ollantaytambo. This segment is incredibly beautiful, with nature and wildlife blending seamlessly with ancient Inca terraces and archaeological sites, offering breathtaking views at every step. Once the race is over, we will attend the awards ceremony and the After Race event. In the evening, we will gather around the fire at our hotel to share our experiences from the race.

After the excitement of the race, we will enjoy an exploration day. We will visit the Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress, walk through the cobbled streets of the vibrant Inca town that has remained full of life to this day, and savor the best coffee in the Sacred Valley. In the afternoon, for those passionate about discovering new flavors, we will visit the Valley Brewery.

One We return to the mountains with a challenging route that will take us to one of the Sacred Valley's hidden gems: Inti Punku (Gate of the Sun). This archaeological site was used by the Incas as a high-altitude observatory to track astronomical events like solstices and equinoxes. Famous for its breathtaking views of the majestic Veronica Peak and the entire Valley.

Our journey will begin in the town of Cachiccata, where we’ll face a demanding 3.8-mile climb with an elevation gain of 3,255 feet. The trail is non-technical and wide, though the sustained gradient makes the ascent quite challenging. Once we reach the summit and marvel at the stunning views from Inti Punku, we will retrace our steps back to the town of Ollantaytambo.

In the afternoon, we have an optional tour to visit the Maras Salt Mines and the archaeological site of Moray, known for its impressive circular terraces.

We return to the mountains with a panoramic route that will take us through the Ollantaytambo mountains, offering fantastic views of the valley, the Vilcanota River, and the trains heading toward Machu Picchu. Our adventure will begin at the Inca Bridge, where we’ll tackle a sustained ascent to the Pyramid Viewpoint, a place where we can appreciate a different perspective of the Ollantaytambo Fortress. We will continue our journey towards the town of Cachicata. The total ascent will be 3.2 miles with an elevation gain of 1,401 feet. Once we reach the summit, we’ll descend along a non-technical trail until we reach the Cachicata Bridge.

In the afternoon, we have an optional tour to visit the Maras Salt Mines and the archaeological site of Moray, known for its impressive circular terraces.

We The most important day of our expedition has arrived! Running to Machu Picchu along the ancient Inca Trails is simply a magical experience.

We will begin our day by taking the train that connects Cusco and Machu Picchu. After an hour of scenic travel, we will disembark at the foot of the mountain to start our journey. The route includes a sustained ascent of 5.4 miles with an elevation gain of 2,100 feet. Along the way, we’ll immerse ourselves in a stunning natural environment, crossing the Andes and entering the rainforest. At the summit, we will pass through the iconic Sun Gate, where we will be rewarded with our first breathtaking view of the Machu Picchu citadel.

After a 1-mile descent, we’ll reach the ancient city, where we’ll have the rest of the day to explore its fascinating ruins. In the afternoon, we will take a 40-minute transfer to the town of Machu Picchu, where we’ll board the train back to Cusco.

Last day of our Trail Running Expedition. We will wake up in Cusco and make the most of the day to explore this beautiful city, where Inca, Spanish, and Republican cultures intertwine in its streets and buildings.

 We will visit the Temple of the Sun, the artisan district of San Blas, and stroll around the main square (Wakaipacha), surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and craft breweries.

 After lunch, we will prepare for our transfer to the airport to catch our flight back to Lima.