Exploring Highland Culture & Sacred SummitsCusco → Lares Hot Springs → QuiswaraniDay 01
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup at 5:00 AM, whisking you away into the Sacred Valley to visit the vibrant Calca local market. We then ascend to the famous Lares Hot Springs, where you will enjoy a relaxing soak in medicinal thermal waters to prepare your muscles for the trek, followed by a nutritious lunch to fuel the start of the hike.
The afternoon hike involves a steady ascent toward the Pacchayoc Waterfall and eventually the Willkikasa Pass at 4,400m, offering spectacular views of the Andes. We trek through high-altitude landscapes where alpaca herds graze freely, immersing you immediately in the raw beauty of the region.
We descend into our first campsite at the community of Quiswarani, surrounded by native peaks and silence found only in the mountains. You will enjoy a freshly prepared dinner by our chef and settle in for your first night under the brilliant Andean stars.

Quiswarani → Pachacutec Pass → Cancha CanchaDay 02
Today marks the most challenging and rewarding section of the trek, beginning with a steep ascent past the stunning turquoise waters of Qoyalay Lake. We aim for the highest point of the entire route, the Pachacutec Pass at 4,700m, where you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of imposing glaciers and ruggud mountain terrain.
After celebrating the summit, we begin our descent into the isolated valley of Cancha Cancha, a unique community that lives without modern technology. This descent offers a change in scenery, moving from rocky high-altitude terrain to softer, greener valleys dotted with thatched-roof stone houses.
We will camp in Cancha Cancha, allowing time to interact with local families and learn about their ancestral weaving traditions. You will witness a sustainable lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries before enjoying a hearty dinner and rest.

Cancha Cancha → Maras Salt Mines → Aguas CalientesDay 03
The final leg of hiking takes us downhill from the highlands into the lush greenery of the Sacred Valley, traversing native Polylepis forests and fertile farmlands until we reach the village of Huaran. Here, our private transport awaits to take us on a fascinating cultural detour to the ancient Maras Salt Mines to see the thousands of salt pools harvested by locals.
Following the visit to Maras, we drive to Ollantaytambo station to board the scenic tourist train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride offers a relaxing transition from the rugged trek to the tropical cloud forest surrounding Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, you will check into a comfortable hotel with a private bathroom and hot water—a welcome luxury after days of camping. The evening is yours to relax, explore the town, and prepare for the grand finale at Machu Picchu the next morning.

Machu Picchu → CuscoDay 04
We rise before dawn to board one of the first buses up to the citadel, aiming to catch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Your expert guide will lead you on a comprehensive tour of the temples, terraces, and sacred sectors, explaining the history and engineering marvels of the Incas that make this site a World Wonder.
After the guided tour, you will have time to soak in the magical atmosphere and take your final photos of the Lost City. We then descend back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and some free time to browse the markets.
Finally, we board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting. We drive you back to Cusco, dropping you off at your hotel door with a heart full of memories and the satisfaction of having completed a remarkable journey.