A popular alternative to the Inca Trail, and slightly easier than the Salkantay trek, this 4-day trek is guaranteed to please! It ends in Machu Picchu, as per the Inca Trail, with a day at the ruins to enjoy. And along the way, there are great opportunities to interact with the friendly, Andean locals.

Day 1: Cusco - Calca - Lares Hot Springs - Huaca Wasi: All meals

We depart early in the morning towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. When we reach Calca province, we start to ascend to the pass of Hualcapunku (4,400m); from here we can appreciate views of the magnificent snow-capped peak of Ausangate  - at 6,370m, it is the highest mountain in the Cusco region.

We then descend to Lares village (3,250m), where we can enjoy the natural hot springs ... with temperatures between 28°C and 34°C!

After lunch, we walk towards the small Andean village of Huaca Wasi (3600m), where our first campsite is located.

Day 2: Huaca Wasi - Abra Ipsay - Patacancha: All meals

Today is the toughest day on the trek: we gradually ascend to Abray Ipsay (4,400m) the highest pass on the trek. As we walk, we will be able to appreciate small, traditional communities, where Andean customs and typical dress are very much in evidence.

After lunch by Ipsaycocha Lake, we continue to our camp at Patacancha (3,700m), a village renowned for its traditional weaving.

Day 3: Patacancha - Willoq-Pumamarca - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes: All meals 

We continue with our trip though the Patacancha Valley and different, native communities: Willoq (3600m) and Pumamarca (3400m). We arrive at the ancient, archaeological remains of Ollantaytambo, one of the oldest, largest and most significant ruins in the Sacred Valley, where we take a rest. 

Late in the afternoon, we depart by train to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m), where we spend the night in a hostel. 

Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco: Breakfast

After breakfast, we enjoy the 'Lost City of the Incas', Machu Picchu. We take the bus from Aguas Calientes for our journey up to Machu Picchu ruins, where we have a guided tour.

After a full day visiting this amazing city built by the Incas, we descend by bus to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco.

Looking for some other adventurous activities: Consider our range of rafting, mountain biking and horse riding tours in the Cusco area.