5 Days
Daily Tour
16 people
English, Espanol, Portuguese
We'll have a big breakfast after getting up early in the morning and before we start our hike. We will start our three-hour climb to Inca Chiriaska Pass (5,100 meters) from Salkantay Pampa (3,900 meters). The Quechua word "Chiriaska," which means "to get cold," gives this pass its name. It has great views of the Salkantay Glacier peaks, but it can be cold. We'll stop for a short time to take in the scenery, then we'll have a hot drink before continuing our hike.
We will go downhill for 3.5 hours to Sisaypata (4,400 meters), where we will have lunch and enjoy the view of the Paltayoc peaks. After lunch, we'll keep going down for three more hours until we reach our campsite at Canal Inca (3,700 meters).
We'll go to the Inca archaeological site of Paucarcancha (2,800 meters) after breakfast and then continue our hike. We will hike a part of the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (2,720 meters) on this day. The views of the valleys and mountains around us will take our breath away as we walk. We'll also visit Llactapata, an old Inca village with houses, water channels, and terraced farmland that goes down the side of the mountain.
We'll walk for another hour from Llactapata to our lunch spot, and then we'll walk for another two hours to Km 82 (2,700 meters), where we'll meet our private car. We'll go to Ollantaytambo (2,792 meters) for a great dinner and a night at a nice hotel.
We'll pick you up at 7:00 AM and take you to the train station from your hotel. We'll get to Km 104 (2,200 meters) in about an hour, where our hike will start. We'll cross a bridge over the Urubamba River, which is important to Incan life. In Quechua, the river is called Willkamayuc, which means "Sacred River." We will stop for a short time at the checkpoint to show our IDs. Then we will hike for 15 minutes through the semi-tropical forest to the Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy archaeological sites.
Next, we'll climb up stone steps and enjoy beautiful views of the Sacred Valley, waterfalls, and orchids. We will get to Wiñaywayna (2,650 meters) after three hours of hiking. The name means "Forever Young." There are more than 20 buildings on this site, such as the Temple of the Rainbow (or Temple of Fertility). We will spend an hour looking around Wiñaywayna.
The second part of our trip takes us through the Andes, over stone steps, and to rest areas for two hours until we reach Inti Punku (2,720 meters), or the Gate of the Sun, which gives us a view of Machu Picchu (2,490 meters) from all sides. In half an hour, we'll go down to Machu Picchu, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Lastly, we'll take a 25-minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes (2,160 meters), where you'll spend the night in a nice hotel. You can relax at the nearby hot springs or have fun at the town's busy bars and restaurants. We'll also have a nice dinner at a cozy restaurant with an à la carte menu.
We will start our tour of Machu Picchu early in the morning on this day. After breakfast, we'll take a 30-minute bus ride from the train station to the Machu Picchu Citadel, which is 2,490 meters high. We'll go on a two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu's main attractions, such as the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and the Sacred Plaza. You will have some free time to look around on your own after the tour. You can hike to either the Inca Bridge (2,500 meters) or the Sun Gate (2,720 meters). You can also climb Huayna Picchu (2,693 meters) for an extra $70 per person if you want to.
We'll go down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (2,160 meters) at the right time. There, you can have lunch at one of the many restaurants. We'll take the train back to Ollantaytambo (2,792 meters) in the afternoon. Please be at the station 30 minutes before your train leaves. A representative from our company will take you to your hotel in Cusco (3,400 meters) once we get to the Ollantaytambo station. It will take about an hour and a half by private transportation.
The trek is moderate to challenging, with significant elevation changes. It requires a good level of fitness and stamina. Prior trekking experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sun protection, a water bottle, personal medications, and a camera. Don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag and trekking poles if you have them.
Internet and mobile signal are limited on the trek. Wi-Fi is usually available in Aguas Calientes, but not on the trail. Plan accordingly and inform your loved ones about limited connectivity.
We provide first-aid kits, oxygen for emergencies, and experienced guides. Safety briefings are conducted, and guides are trained to handle various situations.
Rain is possible, so pack appropriate rain gear. The trek operates in various weather conditions, but we prioritize safety and comfort. Your guide will make adjustments as needed.
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