Day 1: Cusco – Huaran – Cancha Cancha

Distance: 9km / 5.4 miles

Walking time: 4 hours

We leave Cusco early in the morning and take a bus through the Sacred Valley for approximately 1.5 hours to Huaran (2900m). Our hike begins here and follows a small river up through the mountain corridor. After walking for roughly 4.5 hours, we begin to see the glacial peaks of Cancha Cancha (4984m.) and Chicon (5530m). We’ll know that we have reached camp, when we see the thatched-roof, stone houses of the Cancha Cancha village (3900m).

Day 2: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani

Distance: 13.5km / 8 miles

Walking time: 8 hours

Shortly after beginning our trek in the morning, we reach two brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here, we can see several bird species, including Andean Ibis and geese. From the lakes, the trail climbs steeply for about 2.5 hours to the first pass, Pachacutec (4700m). Nearing the top, we enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5750m) and Chicon (5530m). An original Inka stone path will lead us along the ridge and down the opposite corridor. We will then follow a series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quiswarani, where we will camp for the night.

Day 3: Quisuarani – Lares Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Distance: 9km / 5.4 miles

Walking time: 4 hours

After a hearty breakfast with the community, we will begin our hike upward through the high puna (high sierra) to the Huillquicasa pass (4400m). From this high mountain pass, we’ll see the extensive Vilcanota range and the pastoral farmland and lagoons below. The well-marked trail zig-zags us down to greener pastures where llamas, alpacas, and sheep graze alongside flocks of Andean water birds. The rare Peruvian Viscacha, a medium-sized rodent related to the Chinchilla, can be seen bounding in and out of the rocky mountain crags. Continuing down even further, we reach the picturesque village of Cuncani (3700m) where our private transport will be waiting to take us to our lunch spot and hot, medicinal baths of Lares (3100m.) A relaxing soak in these thermal pools is an excellent way for trekkers to rest their tired bodies after such a challenging and exhilarating trek. From the village of Lares, our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Ollantaytambo where we will catch a train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, a representative will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

After spending the previous night in a comfortable hotel, we will take the earliest bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving at the entrance around 6:00 a.m. We’ll have an interesting 2-hour guided tour of the ruins and then you will have some extra time to explore the ruins at your own pace. Afterwards, we’ll head back down to Aguas Calientes where you will board a late afternoon train and then a bus to Cusco, arriving in the evening.