We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30am to drive through the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas in our private van. We will continue driving to Yanahuara-Pucara community (3300m / 10,826ft), the starting point of the trek. We will walk up through the Mantanay Valley toward Misky Uno (3650m / 11,975ft), enjoying spectacular views of the mountains, native vegetation of polylepis and streams fed by lakes and waterfalls along the way. We will stop for a delicious cooked meal beside one of the streams. As we continue walking, we will enjoy views of llamas and alpacas grazing along the trail. The scenery is typical of the high Andes. After ascending by the first beautiful lake, Yuraq Cocha, we will reach another lake, Auroray Cocha (4480m / 14,698ft), where our camp will be set for the night.

Trekking distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Campsite altitude: 4150 m / 14,698 ft

After breakfast, we will walk gradually up to the top of Huayruruyoc pass (4600m / 15,091ft). From the pass we will have magnificent views of the lake and surrounding mountains. We will continue our way down, walking by another beautiful lake where we can observe several species of birds until we arrive at Patacancha community (3650m / 11,975ft) where we will have lunch and stay for the night. Patacancha is the home of native Quechua speaking families who are dedicated to agriculture and pasturing llamas and alpacas as our ancestors did. After lunch we will immerse ourselves in the culture and daily life of the families and learn about their traditional weaving techniques.

Trekking distance: 7 Km / 7.45 miles
Campsite altitude: 3650 m / 11,975 ft

After an early breakfast, we will take our private transportation to the train station at Ollantaytambo to travel on the train to Km 104, the starting point of the hike. We will walk gradually upward for about 4 hours to the Inca site Wiñay Huyna (2650m / 8694ft). This is an impressive archaeological site that includes an agricultural center with numerous terraces, urban and religious sectors. On the way up, we will have magnificent views of the Urubamba river valley and Inca sites. After exploring Wiñay Huyna, we will continue to the Sun Gate (2720m / 8923ft) where we will have the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu and have some time to enjoy the mysterious Inca city at sunset. Then we will descend to Machu Picchu and down to Aguas Calientes for dinner & to spend the night.

Trekking distance: 10 Km / 6.21 miles
Aguas Calientes: 2040 m / 6692 ft

After an early breakfast in the hotel, we will take one of the first buses back to Machu Picchu for the sunrise. We will take you to the classic spot for post card pictures. This vantage point offers terrific views of the whole complex and then we will have a three hour guided tour of the site. During the tour, you will learn about our ancestors and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. Later, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Then our private transportation will take you to your hotel in Cusco.

Total distance by bus: 6 Km / 3.73 miles
Machu Picchu altitude: 2400 m / 7874 ft