Machu Picchu
Take on Machu Picchu and explore the ultimate Inca trail with Focus Ireland!
Focus Ireland have teamed up with the tour operator, Earth’s Edge, to bring you on the trip of a lifetime to Machu Picchu.
Each year Earth’s Edge takes over 400 people to climb the world’s tallest mountains. Established in 2007, Earth’s Edge are an Irish owned company who specialises in high altitude trekking and mountaineering. They are the only company in the world who send both an international doctor and guide on all their trips while keeping group sizes sustainably small.
To find out more about Earth’s Edge click here.
Trek Details
This 16 day itinerary is the ultimate Inca trail experience. Nine days of trekking through the Peruvian Andes makes for the perfect backdrop for this once in a lifetime experience. Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world and was once inhabited by the ancient Incas. The views from Machu Picchu are some of the best in the world!
When you book with Earth’s Edge, everything is included in the cost, including flights to and from Ireland, accommodation, food, National Park fees, local VAT and a training weekend. All you have to do is raise the funds for Focus Ireland!
Trek Itinerary & Information
We require you to raise a minimum of €2,500 for Focus Ireland. Use the form below to register with us and we will send you a fundraising pack with lots of great ideas on how you can raise the funds easily.
All the costs for the Machu Picchu trek are paid directly to Earth’s Edge. They require a €399 deposit to secure your place on the trek. You can pay the balance off in full or in installments via the Earth’s Edge website.
For costs, upcoming departure dates and to book your trip, visit the Earth’s Edge Machu Picchu page by clicking here.
Machu Picchu Itinerary
Day 1: Dublin to Lima.
Depart Dublin for Lima. Overnight hotel.
Day 2: Lima to Cusco (3,400m)
Fly from Lima to Cusco. Acclimatisation & sightseeing day. Overnight hotel.
Day 3: Acclimatisation Day in Cusco (3,700m), 5 hrs trekking
Guided hike around Cusco to take in the sights. Overnight hotel.
Day 4: Cusco to Cachora to Playa Rosalina (1,640m), 6 hrs trekking.
Drive from Cusco to the trail head at Cachora and then trek to Chiquisca. We get our first distant views of Choquequirao today. Overnight camp.
Day 5: Playa Rosaline to Choquequirao (3,000m), 10 hrs trekking.
In the morning we have a tough climb from the Apurimac River to reach the stunning site of Choquequirao. We have a relaxed afternoon and enjoy a stunning sunset in the evening. Overnight camp.
Day 6: Choquequirao to Pinchiunuyocc (2,400m), 4 hrs trekking.
We spend the morning exploring Choquequirao taking in Hauqaypata (main plaza), Urin (upper square), the priests house, Ushno (ceremonial platform) and the vast network of irrigation channels. In the afternoon we continue our trek to Pinchiunuyocc. Overnight camp.
Day 7: Pinchiunuyocc to Maizal (3,000m), 7 hrs trekking.
We first descend to the Rio Blanco and then have another tough climb through cloud forest to reach Maizal. Overnight camp.
Day 8: Maizal to Yanama (3,850m), 7 hrs trekking.
Today’s trail takes us over Victoria Pass (4,150m) which offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of Humantay (5,700m) and Salkantay (6,271m). Overnight camp.
Day 9: Yanama to Totora (3,500m), 10 hrs trekking.
Another stunning day as we reach the highest point on our journey, the Yanama Pass (4,668m) where we might be lucky enough to spot some condor. Overnight camp.
Day 10: Totora to Santa Teresa (1,550m), 7 hrs trekking.
Today is a special day on our adventure as we visit a coffee farm and bathe in hot springs in the evening! Overnight camp.
Day 11: Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (2,040m), 4 hrs trekking.
After driving to Hydroelectric station we enjoy a beautiful walk alongside the train tracks through thick forest. Overnight hotel.
Day 12: Machu Picchu Day, 5-7 hrs trekking.
Visit Machu Picchu very early in the morning, enjoy a guided tour of the ruins followed by a hike up the steep steps of Machu Picchu Mountain. Take some time to explore by yourself before we head back to Aguas Calientes. Overnight hotel.
Day 13: Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Take the train back to Cusco in the morning. Time to do some last minute shopping in the Cusco markets before a celebratory dinner in the evening. Overnight hotel.
Day 14: Free day in Cusco or Rainbow Mountain day tour.
Enjoy a free day in Cusco to explore at your leisure or take a day trip to Rainbow Mountain. Overnight hotel.
Day 15: Cusco to Lima.
Fly Cusco to Lima. Depart Lima in the evening for Dublin. Overnight flight.
Day 16: Lima to Dublin
Register your interest
If you are interested in taking on the challenge of Machu Picchu, register your interest by filling out the form below. If you have any questions, you can get in touch by emailing us at events@focusireland.ie or calling us on 01-8815900.