DAY 0 1: CUSCO / LARES / HUACAHUASI
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6am and travel by bus for approximately 2 hours to Calca, where we stop to buy personal supplies and bread for children we will meet during our trek. From here we drive 3 hours further to Lares (3100m), where we soak in the hot springs and have lunch. We meet with our horsemen and mules and begin the trek. After 4 to 5 hours of walking we arrive at our first campsite at Huacahuasi (3850m).
Total distance: 12 kilometers
Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m.a.s.l (12,467 feet)
Campsite altitude: 3,800 m.a.s.l (12,467 feet)
DAY 02:HUACAHUASI / PATACANCHA
After having breakfast we commence the most challenging day of the trek hiking over the Ipsaycocha Pass at 4350m. Then we descend for a half a hour towards the breathtaking Lake Ipsaycocha where we will have lunch. After lunch, we continue for nearly three hours mostly downhill, arriving at the town of Patacancha where we will set up camp. Along the route the scenery is stunning – there are glacial lakes, waterfalls and snow-peaked mountains. This area is also rich in birdlife and there is the possibility of seeing Andean ibis, Andean geese, flamingoes and more.
Total distance: 20 kilometers
Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,458 m.a.s.l (14,625 feet)
Campsite altitude: 3,700 m.a.s.l (12,138 feet)
DAY 03: PATACANCHA / OLLANTAYTAMBO / AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, we begin making our way to Ollantaytambo and pass through villages such as Huilloc and Pallacta, where we witness traditional Andean weaving by local women. We will also pass by the Inca sites of Huanacaure and Hatunayaorko. After having lunch in Ollantaytambo, we make our way to the train station and take the train to Aguas Calientes (2040m) where we will stay the night in a hotel.
Total distance: 12 kilometers
Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,200m.a.s.l (13,779 feet)
Campsite altitude: 3860m.a.s.l (12663 feet)
DAY 04: MACHUPICCHU / CUSCO
We get up very early today to get the first bus up the mountain to Machu Picchu. After a walking tour of the ruins provided by the guide there will be free time to explore Machu Picchu independently. We need to be back in Aguas Calientes by around 2.30pm to catch the train back to Cusco.
