Set course to the village of Lares where we will start hiking. During this journey, we will make a stop in the village of Calca. After lunch, we will start our hike towards the first campsite in Huacawasi.

Transfer to Lares via Calca, and hike to Huacawasi (L/D)
At approximately 6:00 hrs, you will be picked up from your hotel to set course to the village of Lares where we will start hiking. During this journey, we will make a stop in the village of Calca, where you will be able to visit the local market and buy breakfast or other supplies for your trek. (Your guide might advise you to buy some bread to hand out to the children you will meet during the trek.)
When arriving at Lares we will visit the hot springs (optional) where you will be able to enjoy the hot water while our cooks prepare a scrumptious lunch.
After lunch, we will start our hike towards the first campsite in Huacawasi (3850m). During 4 hours you will walk gradually uphill so that you get a good training for the next day when we will reach the highest point of the trek. The first night, we will spend the night at the house of our horsemen who are joining us on the trip. Upon arrival your tents will be ready, and you will receive popcorn, sweets and some hot tea before having dinner.
Transport time: 4 hours
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day Climate : Warm
Night Climate : Cold.

After a nutritious breakfast, we will start hiking towards the highest point, the pass of Ipsy Qocha. After reaching the highest point, we will descend 30 minutes, and we will get to the beautiful lagoon Ipsy Qocha. Then, we will walk down to Patacancha town to take our transportation to Ollantaytambo.

Trek to the pass of Ipsy Qocha, Patacancha, and transfer to Ollantaytambo (B/L/D)
After a nutritious breakfast, we will start hiking towards the highest point, the pass of Ipsy Qocha at 4400m/14435 feet. The hike will take about 3 hours and will be very steep uphill. During this trek you will be able to enjoy views of enormous mountains, llamas and alpacas, a patchwork of agricultural lands and breathtaking views (be aware that we will reach great heights and the weather can be very cold). After reaching the highest point, we will descend 30 minutes, and we will get to the beautiful lagoon Ipsy Qocha where we are going to have lunch.
Then, we will walk down for 2 hours, and we will get to Patacancha town. From there we will take our transportation to Ollantaytambo where we are going to enjoy our dinner and spent the night
Hiking time: 6 hours
Transport time: 30 minutes
Day Climate : Warm
Night Climate : Cold

Our journey starts early in the morning, taking a tourist train to Km 104. After our arrival, the Royal Inca Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba. Thereafter, we will reach Winayhuayna, the most important archeological site besides Machu Picchu. After that, our trail continues towards the Sun Gate "Inti Punku". Finish the day taking the bus to Aguas Calientes.

Hike to Chachabambas, Winayhuayna and Sun Gate (B/L/D)
Our journey starts early in the morning at 6am after breakfast. From here, you will take a tourist train to Km 104 where the Royal Inca Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba (2270m/7448f). Here we will learn about the previous function of this archeological site.
Thereafter, we will reach Winayhuayna (2650m/8694f), the most important archeological site besides Machu Picchu. After that, our trail continues towards the Sun Gate "Inti Punku", a nice viewpoint from which we can enjoy the nightfall on Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f). Since we have to continue our walk to Machu Picchu and from here we'll take the bus to get to our hotel in Aguas Calientes, we will only spend a little time in the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the first day.
Transport time: 30 minutes

We will leave our hotel towards Machu Picchu after breakfast, to explore the site and discover the variety of buildings, or climb Huayna Picchu for an amazing panorama picture. Then, a bus will take you down to Aguas Calientes. We will leave to Cuzco in the afternoon.

Explore Machu Picchu (B)
We will leave our hotel towards Machu Picchu after breakfast at about 5:30 am by bus. We are leaving that early because at this time the setting is less crowded and the morning is a good time to enjoy the calmness and the ancient spirit of the best-known archaeological site on the continent.
After our arrival at the citadel around 6:00 am, our guide will give us detailed information about Machu Picchu and the history and culture of the Inca. Thereafter, you will have enough free time to enjoy and explore the site on your own, and discover the variety of buildings, or climb Huayna Picchu for an amazing panorama picture. A bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you have the possibility to join the town's hot springs (20 Soles). To finish the trip, we will depart back to Cuzco in the afternoon.
Day Climate : warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 2 hours
Total distance: 4 hours