On leaving Huacahuasi the route weaves through more local 'poblados', with glimpses of the Apu Pitusiray Nevada always in the background. Potatoes being cooked using traditional methods out in the open countryside. Herds of Llamas graze the slopes with valley girls shepherding them high on the mountainsides. Quechua is the native language in these parts of the Andes. Passing 4,800m the descent then weaves via Ipsaycocha lake, winding down the valley below heading towards Patacchanta . Crop fields here are being harvested by local families. Pathways carved into the hillsides show the way down to Pataccancha where dinner will be prepared. From here, it's onwards to Machu Picchu . Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At the end of the trek, we finish near to a town called Ollantaytambo , at this point there are a couple of options. 1. You can either spend the night in Ollantaytambo, enjoy this lively little town & the ruins here, then have a leisurely morning the following day, followed by a 1.5hr train journey to Aguas Calientes. Then you arrive by around mid-afternoon in time for the afternoon session tour of Machu Picchu . This is a more tranquil & serene time to explore the citadel as it is less crowded. There are 2 entrance times for Machu Picchu - 7am & 12pm You can also include hikes to Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu mountain 2. Head straight to Aguas Calientes directly after the trek. Most take this option if they want to head up to Machu Picchu as early as possible to see the fabled sunrise. This option makes the last day of the trek a long one & the following day also, but both options are available, it really depends how you'd like to do it. Built as a seasonal residence for the Inca family, Machu Picchu was rarely home to more than 800 people, and during the royals' absence, a mere 100 servants would remain at the site to maintain the grounds. Machu Picchu was abandoned 100 years after construction and remained largely hidden to the outside world until the early 20th century. If there's time, hike up to Machu Picchu Mountain (optional & depends on ticket availability) for a bird's eye view of the citadel. Afterward, a tour guide will show you around the site and explain the different buildings and curious corners of the building complex. Approximately one-third of the site has been reconstructed into its original structure, giving visitors a sense for the grandeur and artistry of the original citadel. After the two-hour tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes to connect to your train to Ollantaytambo and your connecting transfer to Cusco . Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch