If the day is clear, you'll wake up to the imposing view of Colque Cruz , a majestic mountain capped by a glacier, which provides water to the community. You follow the path next to an icy stream that will take us towards the pass. The ascent is challenging. You'll have some hours of demanding but rewarding uphill, on rocky trails passing through incredible landscapes punctuated by high altitude lagoons. As we get closer to the pass, the trail becomes steeper and rockier. On reaching the summit a stunning view of the Pampas of Anta awaits us, followed by a descent that will be most agreeable after such a long climb. The descent is steep but beautiful, crossing a small forest of ‘Polylepis’, the endemic and endangered trees of the high Andes. Just after the forest and with an incredible view of the valley below we will stop for lunch. After which the drop continues until we reach our camp, a tranquil paradise, surrounded by trees and crossed by a small river. Tonight, if we find some dead wood, you'll enjoy a campfire. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning will be our last on the trail and after breakfast, there will be a chance to take photos with our porters, cooks and field staff. All those who made this trip possible. From here the walk becomes easier down to the piscigranja (fish farm). We will feel the climate changing, becoming warmer and more alive, with more variety in vegetation as hummingbirds accompany us on our journey. After a few short hours, we will meet the private transportation that will take us to Ollantaytambo station. Then from Ollantaytambo it's either onwards to Machu Picchu or a drive/train back to Cusco late on in the last evening, which caps a great few days. 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