The first day is relatively easy (a warm-up along Incan flat terrain) and we will have great views of the site of an Incan Fortress ('Huillca Raccay'), the vast and incredible Incan site of Llactapata (officially called 'Patallacta'), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle, the Andes and the beautiful snow-capped peak of 'W'akay Willca' (5860m/19225ft), known in books as Veronica.

Our first campsite (Ayapata) will be an hour and a half up the small village of Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night are around 5ºC (depending on the month).

Our first campsite (Ayapata) will be an hour and a half up the small village of Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night are around 5ºC (depending on the month).

After waking up at 5:30am (or 5:00am depending on your guide) and breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass at 4200m/13779ft). On this day, a real sense of achievement is felt upon reaching the top!

After a rest here, we begin the descent to our lunch stop which is located at Pacaymayu (3550m/11646ft). On the way up to the pass, we will be able to see lots of hummingbirds and other birds. We will have the time to appreciate an incredible variety of native plants and trees such as the ´Polylepis´ or Q'ueuña trees which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3650/11972m!!

Runkuracay

After lunch, begins the second two hour steep climb to Runkuraqay pass (almost 4000 meters), we arrive at our campsite by 5 pm. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC during the nights.

This is the most impressive day (in our opinion) so just keep thinking of that on the ascent on day 2! We wake up for breakfast at 6am and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of 'Phuyupatamarca'(means 'Town in the Clouds') and reach the third highest point along the trail (3680m). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular! The Incan site of Phuyupatamarca, is located a few minutes' walk from the third pass and after visiting this site, we continue walking (3000 steps) through the cloud forest and the impressive agricultural Incan site of 'Intipata' until we arrive at our third campsite,

Winay Wayna

Wiñay Wayna (2680m/8792ft). Today, we will walk about 4 to 5 hours and have arrive at camp by lunch time. A short distance from this campsite is located the Incan site of the same name, 'Wiñay Wayna' ('Forever Young'). Even if you are tired after your day's trek, don't miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail. Temperatures during the night are around 12º C .

Machu Picchu

We leave the last campsite at about 5:30am on the final day (breakfast is around 3:30-4:00am). It is an early start in order to get to 'Inti Punku' ('Sun gate') (2730m/8792ft) before sunrise. This is the place where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft) with the sun rising over it! After some time here, we will walk down the last part of the trail to a spot where you can take the classic picture postcard shot of this ancient city. Finally, we visit Machu Picchu itself! Walking tour (2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves.

Aguas Calientes

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) for lunch and check in at the hotel. After a nap, if there is still some energy, we will enjoy and relax at the hot springs!

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo train station