Tomaccaya Hidden Valley Trek to Machu Picchu - 5D/4N
Expedition Overview
Ready to test your limits and feel the raw, living magic of the Andes? Our Hidden Valley Trek to Machu Picchu is the most authentic, least-trampled path to the lost city. Over 5 epic days and 4 wild nights, you will journey deep into remote valleys where traditional Andean life continues unchanged. You will hike alongside glacial streams, cross the towering Tocto Pass at 4,900m with unparalleled views of the majestic Mt. Salkantay, and explore forgotten Incan ruins like Paucarcancha. The route eventually connects with a less-crowded section of the Classic Inca Trail, building up to a glorious sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tomaccaya – Tinko
Wave goodbye to Cusco’s bustling streets! We pick you up early and drive into the remote Andean wilderness to the small village of Tomaccaya. After meeting our horsemen, we begin our trek. The trail follows a gentle ascent through a beautiful, unspoiled valley alongside a glacial river. We pass through small farming communities before arriving at our first remote campsite at Tinko (4,154m), surrounded by jagged peaks. • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles • Estimated Time: 6-7 hours • Starting Altitude: 3,400m / 11,154ft • Campsite Altitude: 4,154m / 13,628ft
Day 2: Tinko – Tocto Pass – Pampacahuana
Get ready to test your limits! Today is the most challenging day of the trek. We climb steeply for several hours through harsh alpine terrain until we reach the highest point of our journey: the Tocto Pass at a breathtaking 4,900m (16,076ft). Here, we are rewarded with panoramic, up-close views of the massive snow-capped peak of Salkantay. After resting and making an offering to the Apus, we begin a long descent into a different valley, camping at the scenic Mirador Pampaccahuana. • Trekking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles • Estimated Time: 8-9 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,900m / 16,076ft • Campsite Altitude: 4,000m / 13,123ft
Day 3: Pampacahuana – Paucarcancha – Chamana
We descend into a lush, green new world. The vegetation changes dramatically from sparse high-altitude grass to dense cloud forest. We hike alongside ancient, still-functioning Inca canals. In the afternoon, we explore the beautifully preserved circular Inca ruins of Paucarcancha and Llactapata. We then continue down the valley to set up camp at the peaceful site of Chamana. • Trekking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,000m / 13,123ft • Campsite Altitude: 2,900m / 9,514ft
Day 4: Chamana – KM 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Today is a relatively easy and relaxing day. We hike the final 7 kilometers along the Urubamba river to the village of Piscacucho, also known as KM 82 (the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail). We explore the nearby archaeological site of Qorihuayrachina before enjoying our final lunch prepared by our trekking chef. We then take a short vehicle ride to Ollantaytambo, where we catch the afternoon Expedition train to the town of Aguas Calientes. We check into our hotel and prepare for tomorrow's big event. • Trekking Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles • Estimated Time: 3 hours • Highest Altitude: 2,900m / 9,514ft • Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040m / 6,692ft
Day 5: Machu Picchu Exploration – Return to Cusco
The climax of our journey! We wake up before dawn to take one of the first buses up the zigzag road to Machu Picchu. Arriving early allows us to witness the sunrise over the magnificent citadel before the largest crowds arrive. Your guide will provide a comprehensive 2-hour walking tour of the site's most important temples and sectors. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore independently or hike Huayna Picchu (if permits were secured). In the afternoon, we head back down to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco. • Trekking Distance: Exploration of Machu Picchu • Estimated Time: 2-3 hours guided tour • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400m / 7,874ft
Guaranteed departure dates, official DIRCETUR entrance permits, and zero intermediary commission fees when you reserve directly with our Cusco headquarters.
✅ What is Included
- ✓Briefing before departure at your hotel
- ✓Private transportation from Cusco to the trailhead (Tomaccaya)
- ✓Professional bilingual high-altitude guide
- ✓Gourmet Chef and Assistant Cook
- ✓Horsemen and mules to carry camping equipment and food
- ✓Personal allowance of 8kg carried by the mules
- ✓Premium 4-season tents and comfortable foam sleeping mats
- ✓All meals during the trek (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)
- ✓Official entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 or 3 depending on availability)
- ✓Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- ✓One night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes
- ✓Bus tickets (round trip) to Machu Picchu
- ✓Return Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo and private van back to Cusco
- ✓First aid kit, emergency oxygen, and satellite communication
✕ Not Included
- —Sleeping bags (Available for rent, winter-rated required)
- —Trekking poles (Highly recommended, available for rent)
- —First day breakfast and last day lunch
- —Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- —Tips for the trekking team
Need Custom Itineraries or Private Dates?
Speak instantly with our experienced mountaineering coordinators in Cusco for immediate itinerary customization and permit verification.