You will need to wake up relatively early in order to eat breakfast in time to be collected at 7 am for the two hour journey to Huarán – the start of the Lares Trail. Time on the trail for the day is roughly five hours and most of it is an easy going uphill path that leads from the lush vegetation in a small valley up to the first campsite in Cancha Cancha. This small Andean hamlet functions as a very small farming community replete with charming residents and amazing views out and over the Andes. After setting up camp you can spend some leisure time around the campsite or you can spend some time with the friendly residents of Cancha Cancha learning some of their traditions and customs. (Meals – L, D)

After a hearty campfire breakfast you leave the camp and follow the trail along an ascending path that meanders its way uphill and over the first pass on the trail, the the Abra Pachacutec (4400m/14432ft/3h). From the dizzying heights of this pass, the views out and over the surrounding snow capped peaks, the massive Pituseray and Chicon glaciers, and the surrounding valleys is breathtaking. Continuing along the trail you slowly descend and are given further stunning views over the snowcapped mountains in the region, especially Colquecruz, Minas and Sirijuani. You will stop briefly for lunch before continuing your descent towards Quiswarani, a small textile community. It is here that you will set up camp for the night. (B, L, D)

Following breakfast you will depart from Quiswarani early at around 7am. The day begins as you trail along an uphill path that passes along the beautiful Queuñaqocha lagoon. Following this you hike up and over the second pass on the trail, the Abra Willkiccasa (4100m/13448ft/2h). While taking a breather at the top of this pass you will be able to take in the once again spectacular views of the mountains Colquecruz and Pitusiray, as well as great views over both sides of the pass. After lunch you will begin your descent down the pass pausing while passing by lakes and agricultural areas. The section is resplendent with wildlife and it is not uncommon that one comes across roaming deer. The decent lasts roughly three hours before you reach Cuncani, where you continue walking through a very fertile valley with a number of interesting crops and peaceful agricultural communities. Airplants, begonias, and orchids populate the area extensively and after a further 2 hour walk you reach the village of Lares. Here the principal attraction is a group of Hot Springs. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure soaking in the steamy springs and wandering about the area. (Meals – B, L, D)

After an early rise and breakfast you will meet the horseman and horses who accompany the group on this section of the trail. Leaving camp at about 9am you will head towards Huacahuasi, (3600m/11808ft). This small village is the home to a remote Andean community and is located in the midst of a breathtaking valley. The people living in the area are still very traditional and their ancient culture shows through in their dress, lifestyle and housing construction. Before lunch you will visit one of the families living in the village in order to appreciate their unique culture, friendliness, and openness towards foreigners. Following lunch you continue on your way, slowly ascending towards the next pass called Ipsay (4450m/14596ft/3h). The pass offers impressive views of Mount Veronica and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Following a break at the top you will descend for about an hour more until reaching the beautiful Ipsayqocha Lagoon. It is here that camp is made for the night. In the evening you may relax, unwind and enjoy the spectacular scenery under a starlit sky.( B, L, D)

After breakfast you will depart from the lagoon-side camp at about 7am and follow a path downhill towards Patacancha. It takes about an hour and half to reach this sleepy Andean textile community that like many other communities on the trail retains its cultural traditions which are much the same today as they were 400 years ago. From Patacancha you continue along the trail watching the vegetation slowly change as it becomes more lush and dense. After roughly an hour you reach Huilloq which is another well preserved Andean community. The group is met here by our private transportation which delivers you through to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo you board a train for Aguas Calientes. You will be met at the train platform in the mountain town and delivered to your comfortable hotel for a well deserved rest after a long hike. (Meals – B, L, D)

You will rise early in order to make your way to the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu that lay just a short drive from the small town. Following your private guided tour of the ruins, you will break for a full course meal at the Sanctuary Lodge. You will then have the rest of your afternoon to explore the ruins and its surroundings, such as Huaynapichu and the temple of the Moon, at your leisure. In the late afternoon you return to Aguas Calientes and your train back to Cusco. (B)