-
- Duration: 3 days/2 nights
- Distance trekked: 25km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Crowds: None, except at Machu Picchu
-
The itinerary below is a sample. Hiking times are an average and will vary depending on the group. Additionally, lunch and camp sites may change to meet the needs of the group and conditions.
Pre-Trek
The day before your trip, your guide will meet you at your hotel for an in-depth briefing. This provides an opportunity to ask questions and do any last-minute shopping before leaving Cusco.
Day 1: Cusco-Tambomachay-Huchuyqosqo.
First thing in the morning we pick you up at your hotel drive a half hour to the trail head at Tambomachay where we will meet our wranglers and cook. We begin by ascending the mountain of Tambomachay, reaching the first pass after about 3 hours. Here we have a panoramic view of the city of Cusco and the surrounding mountains. After admiring the view, we continue uphill to another pass (4000m) where we can see the lakes of Yanacocha and Qoricocha. We continue for awhile before finally starting to descend to Huchuyqosqo (3000m). We camp near the site with stunning views of the Sacred Valley.
Day 2: Huchuyqosqo-Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we spend the morning exploring the Inca site of Huchuyqosqo. We then hike about 3 hours downhill into the Sacred Valley, where we catch our private transportation Ollantaytambo, one of the best surviving Inca towns, complete with original walls, canals, and housing blocks. From Ollantaytambo, we take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a hotel.
Day 3: Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Cusco
The day begins early as we catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu in time to watch the sunrise over the ancient city and the mountains. After enjoying the views, will have a two hour tour of the Machu Picchu. Afterwards, you have different options such as more time to explore the ruins, hike up Machu Picchu Mountain, hike up Huayna Picchu, go to the Temple of the Moon and Inca Bridge, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere. In the afternoon we will return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to return to Cusco.
Practical Information
For more information on trekking with Apu Andino, see Trekking with Apu Andino.
-
What’s Included
- Licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua, plus an assistant guide for large groups
- Support staff including professional cooks and wranglers for the mules and horses
- Horses and mules to carry group gear as well as a large duffel, provided at the briefing, for personal items
- All meals on trek, which incorporate traditional Peruvian dishes as well as modern fusion cuisine and special dietary needs
- Drinking water and snacks
- Dining tent with table, stools, and all dining implements, toilet tent, and kitchen tent
- Sleeping tents, foam pads, and Thermarest. Three-person tents are provided for single occupancy and four-person tents for double occupancy to allow plenty of room for personal gear.
- One riding horse for emergencies. Additional riding horses can be provided for an additional charge.
- First aid kit, including oxygen
- Pre-trek briefing
- All group entrance fees, including Huchuyqosqo and Machu Picchu
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- All transfers, including private van from your hotel in Cusco to trailhead, train to Aguas Calientes, bus to and from Machu Picchu, and train and private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco
What’s Not Included
- Personal hiking gear including backpacks, trekking poles, and sleeping bags. Poles and sleeping bags may be hired.
- Tips for guides, cooks, and wranglers.
- Entrance to hot springs or other entertainments in Aguas Calientes; optional climb to Huayna Picchu
- Personal riding horse. Additional horses may be hired according to the needs of the individual and group.
-
It is advised that trekkers acclimate by spending a few days at Cusco (3400m) or similar before attempting the trek. Additionally, weather and trail conditions can vary. Temperatures range from warm and humid to below freezing. Trekkers should be prepared for changes to the itinerary and to meet unexpected challenges with an open-mind and sense of adventure. Climbing Huayna Picchu is an excellent addition to a trip to Machu Picchu.
It offers superlative views, but is a steep climb that can take about three hours. Entrance to Huayna Picchu is limited and at scheduled times; visitors must sign up for a spot in advance. If you would like to consider doing the climb, it is important to book it in advance.
It is also possible to complete this trek in 2d/1n without the trip to Machu Picchu, and transportation can be arranged from the end of the trail back to Cusco or on to a location in the Sacred Valley.
-
Price
US$670.00 per person
Discounts
- Student Discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$20.00
- Under 15 years will pay as student: US$20.00
- Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00
Group Bookings
Bookings of 4 people or more will get a US$20.00 discount per person or a free Day Apu Training Hike*.
*More details will be available if you are interested in talking advantage of this offer.
Rentals
- Hiking poles – US$15.00
- Sleeping bag – US$18.00
- Sleeping bag Deluxe Package (+ Pillow & Liners) US$25.00
- Private Tent – US$30.00
Upgrades
- Vistadome Train (RoundTrip) – US$75.00
- Single Accommodation* – US$43.00
Details
- Black Diamond Hiking Poles.
- Sleeping bags according to route requirement.
- We use 3* hotels in Aguas Calientes, if you dont want to share a room (double or triple), select Single Accommodation in add ons when Booking.
- If you are a lover of nature and landscapes, the Vistadome train is your best choice. Panoramic windows in the walls and roofs of cars make the connection to the outside is experienced in a very vivid way.
