Machu Picchu & Andes Retreat Experience

Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise as the first light spills over the mountain peaks, setting a peaceful tone for the day ahead. After breakfast, you’ll continue along one of the most picturesque sections of the trek, with Rainbow Mountain and surrounding snow-capped summits creating a dramatic backdrop. The trail gradually leads you to the highest point of the day at 4,925 m (16,158 ft), where expansive views reward your effort.

After lunch, the route descends through striking Andean scenery, with glimpses of the impressive Humantay Glacier along the way. You’ll be walking along a historic segment of the ancient Qhapac Ñan network, once part of the vast Inca road system that connected the empire.

By the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Ancascocha Lagoon (4,354 m / 14,284 ft), a serene alpine lake that gives this trek its name. Your campsite is set in a scenic valley overlooking the lagoon-an unforgettable place to relax and take in the surrounding beauty.

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.46 miles

Lowest Altitude: 4,354 masl / 14,284 ft

Highest Altitude: 4,925 masl / 16,158 ft

Start the morning gently with a hot cup of tea or coffee, followed by breakfast overlooking the striking blue waters of Ancascocha Lagoon. The day opens with a deeply meaningful experience as you descend to the lake for a sacred ceremony using glacial water.

After this moment of connection, continue your descent through the Ancascocha Valley, where encounters with local families and their alpaca herds may naturally occur along the way. The scenery gradually transforms as you enter a lush cloud forest filled with orchids and diverse Andean flora.

Crossing the Ancascocha River, you’ll reach the village of Camicancha, where a final mountain lunch is served and you bid farewell to your trekking crew. From here, a private transfer takes you to Ollantaytambo, a charming town in the Sacred Valley, where you board the train to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, settle into your hotel, enjoy a hot shower, and take time to rest. If you still feel like exploring, you may walk around town or relax in the local hot springs. In the evening, you’ll gather for dinner at a high-quality restaurant.

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.46 miles

Highest Altitude: 4,354 masl / 14,284 ft

The final day begins with an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes before boarding the shuttle bus for a 25-minute ascent to Machu Picchu. Arriving around 6:00 am, you’ll enter the citadel in the soft morning light, the most peaceful time before the main crowds arrive.

A guided exploration of approximately 3 hours will bring the ancient city to life as you walk through its key sectors, including residential areas, the astronomical observatory with its famous sun alignment features, the Temple of the Condor, burial areas, and stone quarry sites. If you have an additional permit for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you may continue your hike around 9:00 am for a more demanding but rewarding ascent.

After the visit, you’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and some time to rest. Later in the afternoon, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, where a private vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Arrival is expected between 6:00 and 8:00 pm, marking the end of your journey.