Day 1 | Cusco – Pisac – Huaran – Cancha Cancha
We depart Cusco early in the morning, heading into the Sacred Valley toward Pisac at 3,350m, where the journey begins with a guided visit of this important Inca site.
The Experience
Explore vast agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and one of the largest Inca cemeteries in the Andes with over 3,000 tombs built into the cliff. Your guide explains how Pisac protected the entrance to the Sacred Valley.
After a short stop in Calca for final supplies and coffee, we drive to Huaran at 2,900m, where we meet our local horsemen team from Cancha Cancha. Our horses carry all camping equipment, food and gear.
The trail follows a gradual ascent along a clear river valley toward Cancha Cancha, offering a smooth and quiet introduction to the route. No other trekkers, only potato fields, eucalyptus trees and views of the Sawasiray glacier.
Arriving at the community, you will experience one of the most traditional villages in the Andes: 70 families, isolated, self-sustaining with no road access, deeply connected to ancestral customs where Quechua is still the first language.
The Night
Settle into camp at 3,900m with hot tea and dinner in our dining tent. If available, visit a local family in their home to learn about daily life, weaving with natural dyes, and farming at high altitude.
- Distance: Approx. 9 km / 4 hours hiking
- Camp Altitude: 3,900 m
- Difficulty: Moderate – gentle ascent for acclimatization
Day 2 | Cancha Cancha – Pachacutec Pass – Quiswarani
Today is the most demanding and the most scenic day of the trek.
The Experience
We begin with a steady ascent toward Pachacutec Pass at 4,500 m, the highest point of the route. Take it slow, your guide sets the pace.
Along the climb, the landscape opens into views of glaciers Pitusiray and Sawasiray, turquoise alpine lakes like Azulcocha, and roaming alpaca herds, creating one of the most iconic Andean scenes. This is why Lares is a photographer’s favorite.
At the summit, the scale of the mountains becomes fully apparent. We build a small Apacheta stone tower for good luck and enjoy the 360-degree silence.
From here, we descend along a quieter trail toward Quiswarani, passing waterfalls, queuña forests and remote highland settlements where traditional red ponchos and Quechua language remain part of daily life.
The Stay
Camp near the community at 3,700m, surrounded by mountains and flowing water. Perfect night for stars.
- Distance: Approx. 12 km / 6-7 hours hiking
- Max Altitude: 4,500 m at Pachacutec Pass
- Difficulty: Challenging – high altitude ascent
Day 3 | Quiswarani – Cuncani – Lares Hot Springs – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Today combines trekking with cultural encounters and a transition back toward the Sacred Valley.
The Experience
We begin with a gradual ascent to Willqaqasa Pass at 4,200 m, where panoramic views reveal glacial lakes and surrounding snow peaks.
Descending from the pass, the trail leads through open puna landscapes and agricultural zones toward Cuncani at 3,800m, where interaction with local families and children weaving along the trail is often possible. A real cultural exchange, not a staged show.
From here, we meet our private transport and descend into warmer valleys toward Lares.
The Recovery
Arrive at the Lares Hot Springs at 3,250m, where natural thermal pools at 34C to 40C offer the perfect way to relax your legs after two days of trekking. Entrance included, plus lunch at local restaurant.
After lunch, we continue by vehicle to Ollantaytambo at 2,792m, where we board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes at 2,040m. Check into your hotel for a hot shower and proper bed before Machu Picchu.
- Distance: Approx. 15 km / 5 hours hiking + 2 hours transport + 1.5 hours train
- Max Altitude: 4,200 m at Willqaqasa Pass
- Activity: Trekking + cultural visits + hot springs + train
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 4 | Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Our final day begins early with a bus ride up to Machu Picchu at 2,430m.
The Experience
As the morning clouds lift, the Inca citadel appears among the jungle-covered peaks, the final reward of the journey.
Enjoy a 2-hour private guided exploration, visiting temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces like Temple of the Sun and Room of Three Windows, while understanding the engineering and vision behind the Inca civilization.
After the tour, you will have time to explore independently, take photos or simply sit and take in the atmosphere.
The Return
In the afternoon, bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own, then take the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport to Cusco. Arrival around 7:30 PM at your hotel.
- Activity: Guided cultural visit – Circuit 2 included
- Guided Tour: Approx. 2 hours private
- Return to Cusco: Evening arrival 7:00-7:30 PM
