Tonight we have a group briefing and dinner. This is a chance to get to know your guides and fellow guests and an opportunity to address equipment and other questions.

Cusco was “the navel of the world,” the Incas said. We will walk through a variety of urban archaeology sites as well as visit the most important temples and landmarks in and around the city. Today's tour will serve as both historic orientation and an important acclimatization to altitude.

This morning we travel a short distance to the upper reaches of Cusco. Our vehicle will drop us at the head of a valley where we'll start a gradual descent. As we wind our way down this moderate terrain, we will start to notice the remains of ancient Peruvian aqueducts. We continue following these ingenius canal systems to the ruins of the village of Inkilltambo. Here we will get a chance to look at a fairly extensive ruins just outside of Cusco and is an excellent example of how Incan archeological sites can be found around any corner in Peru!

We have an early start as it is a 4-hr drive from Cusco to Kairahuire, our starting point. On the way we will stop for breakfast in a local restaurant then continue our drive through the back roads up into the valleys that lead us up into the Ausangate range. Our adventure begins at Kairahuire at 15,400ft where we slowly make our way up to Rainbow Mountain. This popular destination is known for its painted slopes and it's no wonder it draws tourists from all over. Take in the beauty from where our trail crests the mountain slope at our first landing spot at roughly 16,000ft, or test your your stamina by climbing another 500ft to the highest vantage point - either way you will know you have officially arrived in the Ausangate region! Next we continue down for a recuperative hot lunch in our dining tent; after which we tackle your first major pass at 16,400ft. Reaching the top the pass we glimpse beautiful Wasaqucho mountain (17,831ft) directly across from our vantage point. We also get the pleasure of our own private Rainbow Mountain hidden just beyond the pass; here we can enjoy the rich multi-colored slopes, markedly devoid of the crowds. From here we descend another 1.5- 2hrs to our camp nestled comfortably in the valley. We meet our camp crew, having already set things up and ready for tea time and snacks before a four course dinner. Tonight we sleep nestled in a valley and glimpse the beautiful starts and Milky Way overhead.

Today we rise for breakfast and visit our hosts: Margarita and Marco are indigeneous to the area, have farmed and raised their kids here and speak only the local language of Quechua so your guide will translate. Next, we will round up our llamas and head for the first of our two passes today. After about 1.5hrs we come to the top of the most dramatic pass of our trek- the Pacuqocha Pass. Here you will realize the genius in choosing to hike in this direction, for as we reach the crest of this pass the massive glaciated slopes of Ausangate Mountain erupt suddenly before us. From our vantage point at 16,200ft they appear within touching distance. Here one is reminded of how truly small we are on this earth. Continuing downhill we meander the slopes dotted with llama and have a late snack by one of many moraines at the base of Ausangate. Leaving the lake at around 15,300ft, our final push for the day is a moderate uphill to our second pass of the day at 15,700ft. From here the descent is somewhat sharp to the most idealic camp spot of our trek at Ausangate Cocha- an expanse of meadow along the sides of the beautiful Ausangate lake.

We start early to maximize the day and hope for good weather from our surrounding mountain gods for our highest pass of the trek. This morning we will gain 2,000ft as we wind our way along the countour of the southern side of Ausangate. Depending on our pace, we will make it to the top of this massive pass in about 2 hours. If the weather cooperates, we will have time to relax up top and ruminate on our accomplishments thus far as the expanse of glaciated mountains unfolds around us. Afterwards, we descend very gradually, continu- ally following the slopes of Ausangate and curving around the southern slopes. After a wonderful hot lunch at Huchuy Finaya we will continue onwards to camp. The best discovery of the day is the amazing emergence of a whole new glacier-covered mountain expanse that unfolds before us. Tonight we camp nestled on three sides by multple peaks above 20,000ft.

Today we follow the Hampa Valley, nestled just between Ausangate and our newly discovered mountains. We set out from camp hip-hopping amongst mountain meadows that, depending on the time of year, can be near fully absorbed in mountain run-off. Some of these grassy bogs contain streams that are deeper than they first appear and occassionally we can spot some mountain trout hiding beneath. The valley is also a great place to spot wildlife, so look out for vizcacha, vicuñas and bobcats. Our ascent is much more gradual and full of hopeful moments as the rises and falls play with our anticipation. However, we ultimately overcome more than one false pass and make it to the top of the final high pass of the trek. Views of the mountains from ths pass are unbelievable as they seem to explode from the valley floor. We continue winding our way up and around to the north, ultimately descending into a plethora of mountain lakes and, finally, the northern side of Ausangate- we now have a view of the complete opposite side of the mountain. Taking advantage of this perspective we stop for a comprehensive hot lunch then continue on to Ninaparayoq and Azul Cocha (Blue Lake), passing some natural spring lakes along the way. Tonight we stay, yet again, at the base of Ausangate but with a whole new viewpoint.

We have a relaxed start to our day as most of our hike is downhill and is a short distance. We will climb only 100 feet out of camp to get to a great vantage point where we reach a forest of rock stacking. Add a rock of your own and say goodbye to beautiful Ausangate as you won't see it from this perspective again. We will make a short descent into the village of Pacchanta and head straight for the the well-deserve pot of gold at the end of this rainbow trek: the hot springs. Soak in the spring-fed baths with the mountains towering in the distance while you await your final celebratory meal: a pit-barbeque- very traditional in the mountains- known as a Pachamanca. After lunch we will transfer via private vehicle to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Here you will board a train to Aguas Calientes, the small town at the base of Machu Picchu where you will have a long- awaited shower and restful sleep in a bed before visiting the famed Machu Picchu in the morning

At dawn, you begin your journey to Machu Picchu with a short and rollicking uphill bus ride. Then, it happens: you walk into the life-changing experience of seeing this lost city for the first time. Sit in awe at the expanse of ruins in this mystical, improbable setting. An expert guide walks you through principal sites, placing the whole in context, but there's also time for solo examination, exploration and contemplation. As you enter the “Sanctuary” (as locals refer to it), the morning sun rises over the iconic Sun Gate and washes the structures and terraces with resplendent light. Prepare to be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watch- tower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among many others. Take a moment to quietly sit and listen to the wind...or to meditate and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. Your imagination will soar as you contemplate the history of Machu Picchu and its mysterious origins. Some may even choose a hike to Huayna Picchu or subject themselves to one final phsycal feat by climbing Machu Picchu Mountain. Either way, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation which will linger even as you journey back to civilization. Departure by train and vehicle to Cusco; overnight at hotel prior to departure.

Head home!