Trekking

INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU (4 Days)

The four day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is definitely the most famous trekking route in Peru. During this hike we will enjoy amazing views of a contrast of different landscapes, going from the meager pastures of the high mountain passes, to the rich vegetation of the cloud forest. Meanwhile our guide will explain us all about the different Inca ruins scattered throughout the trail. Our final reward comes on the fourth day, when we arrive to the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.

Day 1 - Cusco – Llulluchapampa

Max. Elevation: 3850m / 12630f
Min. Elevation: 2600m / 8530f
Difficult level: 3 - 4
Average distance: 17km
Estimated time: 8 hours

Our bus picks us up very early to take us in a two and a half hours drive to Piscacucho, the starting point of our trek. We start our way following the left margin of the Urubamba River. At a certain point we leave the river’s trace, and start following the Kusichaca creek towards Wayllabamba village (3100m/10170f), where we may stop for lunch. From this point we start the steep ascent towards Llulluchapampa (3850m/12630f), our campsite. During today’s hike we enjoy spectacular views of the impressive snow peaked mountains accompanying our way.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camping

Day 2 - Llulluchapampa – Chaquicocha

Max. Elevation: 4200m / 12630f
Min. Elevation: 3500m / 11480f
Difficult level: 3
Average distance: 12km
Estimated time: 6 - 7 hours

After a nutritious breakfast we start walking to continue with the ascent on our way to the first mountain pass, the Warmiwuañusca Abra or Dead Woman’s Pass (4200m/13780f). Along this climb we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3500m/11480f). From here we will climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3950m/12960f). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After the pass we descend to Chaquicocha (3680m/), tonight’s campsite.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camping

Day 3 - Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna

Max. Elevation: 3670m / 12040f
Min. Elevation: 2700m / 8860f
Difficult level: 2 - 3
Average distance: 10km
Estimated time: 5 - 6 hours

Today’s hike is special because of the large amount of important archaeological sites we visit. As we walk, the vegetation starts to change turning into cloud-forest. We arrive at the Phuyupatamarca pass (3670m/12040f) and straight after, to the archaeological complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best preserved archaeological sites along the Trail, and is located on the highest point of a mountain, making honor to its name, ¨town over the clouds¨. From here we start our long descent towards our last campsite, Wiñaywayna (2700m/8860f). The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camping

Day 4 - Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu

Max. Elevation: 2700m / 8860f
Min. Elevation: 2400m / 7875f
Difficult level: 2
Average distance: 4km
Estimated time: 3 hours

This morning, the wake up call is at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to The Sun Gate. The spectacular site of Inti Punku is the spot where we have our first glimpse of the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From here we descend towards Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. After the tour we have free time to walk around, climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain, visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes, where we take the train to the city of Cusco.

Meals: B

Included

• Transfer from your hotel to the Km 82 (starting point of the trail).
• Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fees
• Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks
• One mattress per person
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Kitchen tent
• English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
• Meals listed in the itinerary
• Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
• One hot shower ticket per person at Wiñaywayna
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Backpacker or Vistadome service, upon request)
• Transfer from the train station to the hotel in Cusco

Not included:

• Sleeping bag
• Extra porter to carry personal gear (available on request)
• Tips

We recommend you to bring

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, ideally trekking shoes
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleece and sweaters
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold
• Sun block
• Insect repellent
• Toilet paper
• Snacks will be provided, but if you are used to special energy snacks we recommend to bring them with you
• Water bottle and sterilizing tablets
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs)
• Cash in soles and US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
• Original passport

Optional services to be hired

• An extra porter to carry your personal items. A porter can carry up to 18 Kg, which should be enough for 2 people.

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SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU (2 DAYS)

This short version of the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 13-km hike, joining the classical four day route at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, continuing through the famous Intipunku or Sun Gate, and finally devoting the second day to a full day visit of the world famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Day 1 - Cusco - Aguas Calientes

Max. Elevation: 2700m / 8860f
Min. Elevation: 2250m / 7380f
Difficult level: 3
Average distance: 13km
Estimated time: 6-7 hours

Our bus picks us up very early in the morning and takes us to the station to board the 6am train that takes us to Chachabamba (Km 104), where we arrive at around 10:00am. After visiting the archaeological complex, located very close to the control point, we start hiking on an 8 km ascending trail, which after four hours takes us to the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna (2650m/8695f). On our way up we have magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley. After the visit to Wiñaywayna, we keep on walking towards the Intipunku (Sun Gate). This takes an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may contemplate the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. The rest of the way is a downhill trail leading us to Machu Picchu. We take the bus to Aguas Calientes where we check in our hotel.

Meals: L, D
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Available upon request)

Day 2 - Aguas Calientes - Cusco

We wake up early and take our bus to Machu Picchu for our complete guided tour of the Inca citadel. The visit takes about two hours, after which we have free time to walk around, climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain, or visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.

Meals: B

Included

• Transfer from your hotel to the San Pedro train station
• Train ticket from Cusco to the starting point of the trail and from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco
• Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fee (valid for 2 days)
• English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)
• Meals described in the program
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins down to the Aguas Calientes town for the first day, and round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes, on the second day.
• Transfer from the train station to the hotel in Cusco

Not included

• Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu (to be arranged upon request)
• Lunch and dinner on the last day
• Tips: Tipping is optional in any case

We recommend you to bring

• A daypack to carry your personal items (camera, sun block, jacket, …)
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes
• Flashlight and batteries
• Camera, films and batteries
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• Insect repellent
• Handkerchiefs
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water
• Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Cash in soles and/or US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
• Original passport
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

Additional services to be hired

• Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu

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LARES VALLEY TREK (3 DAYS)

This less-known hike departs from the Sacred Valley of the Incas to enter a route where amazing mountain scenery, glacier lagoons, valley cloud-forest and authentic textile Quechua communities are combined to finally reach the village of Lares, where you can end the trek by relaxing in its famous hot springs. A unique hike to get in touch with Andean people and learn about their traditions and life-style. Social help is appreciated.

Day 1 - Cusco - Cancha Cancha

Max. Elevation: 3800 m/ 12467f
Min. Elevation: 2950m/9676ft
Difficulty level: 3
Average hiking distance: 8km
Estimated hiking time: 5 hours

We leave Cusco at 7.00am in a private transport and drive for 2h towards Huarán, the starting point of our trek. On this first day, we walk for approximately 5h following an uphill path that starts in a valley with lush vegetation and that will take us to our first campsite in Cancha Cancha, a small farming community in the middle of a spectacular mountain scenery. We will stop for lunch along the way. Once we get to Cancha Cancha, we set our camp and get to know the local people and their way of living.

Meals: L, D
Accommodation: Camping

Day 2 - Cancha Cancha - Queuñaqocha Lagoon

Max. Elevation: 4400m/14432ft
Min. Elevation: 3902m/12798ft
Difficulty level: 4
Average hiking distance: 14km
Estimated hiking time: 7 hours

We leave our camp after breakfast to start walking along an ascending path that will lead us to the first mountain pass of the trek, the Abra Pachacutec (4400m/14432ft/3h), from which we can enjoy awesome views of glacier lagoons and the surrounding valleys. Along the hike, we may also have spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains in the area, such as Colquecruz, Minas and Sirijuani. We will have lunch after the pass, to then descend to Quiswarani, a small peasant and textile community, from where we continue following an uphill path until we reach the beautiful lagoon of Queuñaqocha, where we set up our second camp.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camping

Day 3 – Queuñaqocha Lagoon to Lares and Cusco

Max. Elevation: 4100m/13448ft
Min. Elevation: 3100m/10170ft
Difficulty level: 3
Average hiking distance: 9km
Estimated hiking time: 5 hours

Today we continue our hike towards the second mountain pass, the Abra Willkiccasa (4100m/13448ft/2h), offering impressive views of both sides of the pass, especially of the Colquecruz and Pitusiray mountains. The trail continues along changing puna, lakes and agricultural areas with roaming deer until we arrive in Cuncani 3h later, another small peasant community from where we follow our hike down a fertile valley with more vegetation, crops and agricultural communities. Along the trail we may see native flowers such as begonias and wild orchids. After an approximated 2h walk we arrive in Lares, capital of the district with the same name, a large village whose principal attraction are its pleasant hot springs, where we can enjoy a dip. After lunch, our private transport will take us back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time around 8.00pm.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Camping

* Departure and arrival times are approximated
** Campsites are subject to change according to our guide’s criteria and the group progress
*** A one-day extension to Machupicchu after the trek, is available at an extra cost

Included

• Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Huarán, starting point of the trek
• Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field
• One foamy sleeping pad per person
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Kitchen tent
• Toilet tent
• English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
• Chef and cooking equipment
• Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
• 1 emergency horse every 6 persons
• Accommodation for all our staff
• Meals (02B, 03L, 02D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian menu is available at no extra cost
• Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
• Lares hot springs entrance fee
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Private transport from Lares to Cusco, including transfer to your hotel in Cusco

Not included

• Breakfast on the first day
• Dinner on the last day
• Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish

We recommend that you bring

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
• Sleeping bag (please inform our Reservations Department if you wish to book this extra service at the moment of your booking)
• Sleeping pad: will be provided by us but is to be carried by you
• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
• Handkerchiefs
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you wish to take a bath in the hot springs)
• Cash in soles and/or US$
• Optional: walking sticks or poles

Optional services to be hired

• An extra horse to carry your personal items: A horse can carry up to 20 kg
• Sleeping bag rent: Our sleeping bags are –18ºC-comfort (0ºF) and mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips
• Therm-a-rest inflatable sleeping pad rent

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