• Meet at your hotel early in the morning and travel to the community of Huaran.

• In Huaran, meet the muleteers and begin the ascent to Cancha Cancha, which is a small farming community situated in the middle of beautiful high altitude scenery.

• Camp for the night in Cancha Cancha. Inform if you prefer a homestay on this night with a local family.

Duration: 5 hours

• After breakfast, depart from Cancha Cancha and begin the 2.5-hour long steep climb to the Pachacuteq Pass. This is the first pass of the trek and provides breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped Mt. Pitusiray and Pachacuteq Lake.

• From the pass, continue for approximately 1 hour over a narrow ridge to encounter a splendid valley with glacial lakes. Observe the snowy peaks of Colquecruz, Minas, and Sirijuani.

• After lunch, begin the hike toward the community of Quiswarani, where you may have the opportunity to learn about local weaving traditions.

• From there, head for the campsite near beautiful Queuñaqocha Lagoon.

Duration: 7 hours

• Heading west up a small valley, arrive at a lake at the head of the valley and start a steep zig-zag climb up a narrow trail to the top of the second pass known as Abra Huillquijasa (4200 meters/ 13776 feet), about 3 hours’ from Quisuarani village. Below are incredible sapphire blue lakes.

• Eat lunch beside these lakes and continuing on for about an hour to the village of Concani (3750 meters/ 12300 feet). 

• From Concani, descend approx 2 hours to Lares’ famed hot springs, where you take a well-deserved soak and set up a campsite for the night.

Duration: 6 hours

• After the time given to relax at Lares, meet by the car and start the ride from Lares to the town of Ollantaytambo.

• Catch the train to Aguas Calientes, the final destination. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you will be transferred to your hotel and later have a celebratory dinner.

Duration: No trekking today

Itinerary notes: This route has homestay options on all, some or one night. Please enquire for details!

• After an early breakfast, leave the luggage at the hotel and depart for Machu Picchu. 

• Bus trip takes about 20 minutes, and you have the option of hiking up as well (1.5 hours). The goal is to get to Machu Picchu as early as possible because at this time the site is less crowded and you have the best chance to enjoy its beauty, mystery, and magic in peace.

• Take a guided tour for about 2.5 hours, and then, have free time to explore the site on your own.

• Climb Huayna Picchu and get the best views of Machu Picchu from above, or you may choose to visit the Temple of the Moon, which is located behind Huayna Picchu. 

• After a late lunch, board the return train toward Cusco.

Duration: Depends on client preferences and pace.