Cusco Macchupichu

Best time: All Year(Except february)
Timing: 4 days Tours
Grade: Moderate

Day 1 Travelers are collected early from their hotels (4-5am) and travel by bus, through the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, for the 3½ hour scenic trip to kilometer 82 (the start of the trail).

Hikers cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail to the right as it climbs steeply up from the river. After passing through a small village, the ruins of the Inca hillfort of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the mouth of the river Cusichaca ('happy bridge'). It is a simple descent down to the Cusichaca river.

[Note most tour operators now commence the trek at Km82 as this is as far as it is possible to go when traveling by bus along the Vilcanota valley. If traveling by train from Cusco you can get off a little further along the valley at Km88. There is, in fact, very little difference to the total length of the trail whether you start at Km82 or Km88 since the trails join approximately midway between the two.]

For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the village of Wayllabamba (3,000m). The name in Quechua means 'grassy plain'. Most tour groups spend the first night here although there are prettier campsites a little further on.

Day 2 (11km): Climbing up from Wayllabamba for about 3 hours through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the treeline and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). It is another 1½ hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. During this part of the trail hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail.

The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacamayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here.

Day 3 (16km): From Pacamayo it takes about an hour to  climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below. Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so take care. This section of the trail, up till the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you'll arrive at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins.

You have to backtrack a little to  rejoin the trail as it passes Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca, which was probably a tambo for weary travelers on their way to Machu Picchu.

From then on the path descends into magnificent cloudforest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way.

The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,271m) and Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water.

Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins (the far end from the baths) you descend a thousand or so steps. Be careful with your knees which will feel the strain by the end of the day. 

After about an hour of walking through cloudforest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Wiñay Wayna, although it probably won't be for another 2 hours until you arrive.

The Trekkers Hostal certainly isn't considered one of Peru's best-looking hotels. It is also usually crowded and cramped, but it is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu, hence it's always full. There is, however, a restaurant where you can purchase food, drinks and even a well deserved beer, as well as hot showers ($1.5) and toilets. Most people camp here but there are dormitory beds available in the hostal (book in advance) or you can sleep of the floor for a dollar.

A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostal to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu.

Day 4 (6km): The trail from the hostal to Machu Picchu is clearly marked and takes about 1½ hours. Most people attempt to wake up at 4.30am so that they can leave Wiñay Wayna by 5.30am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by 6am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7am. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloudforest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you in all its glory - a fantastic sight for all. 

For a complete detail contact us to info@peruviantreks.com

Best time: All year
Timing: 5 days Trek
Grade: Moderate

Salcantay peak is the highest peak of the Cordillera Vilcabamba (6,264m/20,574ft), part of the Peruvian Andes. It is located in the Cusco Region, about 60 km (40 mi) west-northwest of the city of Cusco. It is the 38th highest peak in the Andes, and the twelfth highest in Peru. However, as a range highpoint in deeply incised terrain, it is the second most topographically prominent peak in the country, after Huascarán.

Many Inca trails lace the fabled Cordillera Vilcabamba, the steep green mountains that surround Machu Picchu. Our special route follows a traditional but seldom traveled Inca trail leading up from the Urubamba River past remote ruins, then higher still into breathtaking alpine reaches where we have some of the most glorious views and campsites in the Andes all to ourselves.

TREK ITINERARY

Day 01: Cusco - Soraypampa
We will leave Cusco at 5:00 a.m in our own private bus, and drive to Mollepata. Along the four and a half hour drive, we can see the town of Limatambo (2100 masl), an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire. We will leave Limatambo and drive up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac river, to reach Mollepata (2800 masl) where we will have our breakfast. Hereafter we arrange the equipment on horses. After our breakfast we will start the ascent on foot towards Cruzpata (3100 masl) along a slight climb where we will appreciate various plants, native birds, the Apurimac river canyon (which is one of the deepest in Peru), and a communitarian irrigation canal. In Cruzpata we will have our lunch, we will depart at around 1:30 p.m in the direction of Soraypampa along a climbing trail with many level variations and along which we will see little groups of houses, flora, small wild birds and spectacular views of the Humantay snow peak (5902 masl). After approximately 4 hours of walking, we will arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3900 masl). From here we can appreciate the majestic Apu Salcantay.

Day 02: Soraypampa - Collpapampa.
After an early breakfast we start trekking from Soraypampa approx 7:30 a.m we continue our hike hiking the peruvian highland, for 3 hours to start our ascent of the Apacheta pass 4,650 mts. initiating a slight climb that crosses through puna (dry, high area with little vegetation). From this point we can appreciate the spectacular views of the Mountain Salkantay, a stunning snow capped mountain (6,264 m) the second highest peak in Cuzco’s region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines. At our lunch spot after a five-hour walk, from the Apacheta Pass dowhill to lunch in Huayracpunku, and then a further 2-3 hours downhill walk to Camp in Chaullay.

Day 03: Collpapampa - La Playa
Wake up with a lovely mountain scenery and a good morning tea. We will start the trek 07:00 AM. 3 hours easy hiking to Uscamayuc, where we will be introduced to a high Jungle niche called "Ceja de Selva", we will see different kind of plants, fruits, flowers, birds ect. here coca and banana crops can be observed, time to shower in a waterfall, take amazing pictures, with luck we can observe the famous Peruvian National Bird "Gallito de las Rocas" stop at Wiñaypoq’o for lunch and free time to rest. At the end of the day we will see passion fruit fields. The hike will last approximately 9 hours; the campsite is at the community named "La Playa "(2400 masl).

Day 04: La Playa - Aguas Calientes(06.30 hours aprox. Time of hike)
From La Playa we take a local transportation for approximately 20 minutes to Lucma ( or just hike if not local transport is available), from here we start our climb of about 03 hours to Llactapata ( newly discovery Inca Site ) which is famous for a “great condor view of Machu Picchu”, then we enjoy our picnic box lunch then we hike down hill for about 2.30 hours to the Hydroelectric Station by 3:00 pm. Aprox. We will take the local train to Aguas Calientes which will lasted 45 minutes,
You may also wish to pay a visit to the town's famous thermal springs which feel great after finishing the trail. Entrance to the springs is a small fee of $US 3.00. Allow 3 hours to really enjoy them, which is open Until 9.00 p.m. In the evening we have dinner at a nice Restaurant, Accommodation in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 05: Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco.
We are going up to the Archeological site of Machupicchu and we will explore the ruins today at leisure and enjoy the ancient city in the tranquil morning hours, where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. After the explanation of the guide you can climb up the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or we can visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the City of Cusco, where we arrive according to scgedule train ticket that is displayed in the briefing time.

Contact info@peruviantreks.com for more information and prices for this Cusco trek

Best time: All Year
Timing: 4 Days Tours
Grade: Easy

The 4 days Cusco Machu picchu tour allow you to visit many interesting places such us museums, archeolicalsites of Tipon, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The tour is followed up by visiting the famous Machu Picchu which is considered one of the world`s wonder.

The city of Cusco extends throughout the Huatanay river valley. Its climate is generally dry and temperate. It has two defined seasons: the dry season lasts from April to October and sunshine is abundant with an average temperature of 13° celsius.

The wet season lasts from November to March with an average temperature of 12°. The major nearby Inca sites are Pachacuti's presumed winter home, Machu Picchu, which can be reached on foot by a Inca trail or by train; the "fortress" at Ollantaytambo; and the "fortress" of Sacsayhuaman.

TOUR ITINERARY
Day 01: Lima – City Tour Cusco
Arrival, reception at Velasco Astete Airport and transfer to your Hotel Lodging, free morning to get acclimatized
At 1.30pm in the afternoon, City Tour in Cusco walking to the Cathedral which it’s interior and exterior frontage is renacentist style. Inside, you will find beautiful cedar wood statues, like the chorus and the pulpit, as well as the paintings of the Cusco School, and some objects made on silver. You will also visit Koricancha or sun temple; nowadays is the Santo Domingo Church. Then you will go to the four surrounding ruins like the Sacsayhuaman fortress, Q’enqo, Puca-Pucará and Tambomachay.

Day 02: Tipon, Pisac & Ollantaytambo
You will be picked up at 8:00 am. Full day excursion to the Urubamba Valley. We start visiting the very interesting Inca´s village Tipon, a city of beautiful royal rooms and great water fountains. The incas reached an impressive development in their architecture, especially in their hydraulic constructions. Every archaeological complex featured well-built canals which channelled the water perfectly. This was why the lack of water was no a problem. In fact, some of the canals are still used to provide the inhabitants of the area with water.

Then we will continue with our tour to our next Very interesting Inca`s Building Pisac, a picturesque town of creole and colonial aspect and its lndian market and craft air.  Pisac is an important archaeological centre that encompasses the mystical Incan constructions, in contrast to the natural richness of the Urubamba Valley. According to the traditional Incan architecture, the cities were built based on figurative designs of animals. Pisac was partridge-shaped, as we can tell from its name. In the afternoon we will visit to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, an architectural group that in the days of the Tahuantinsuyo empire was a gigantic agricultural, administrative, social, religious and military complex. We will then take our train to Aguas Calientes.

Day 03: Machupicchu – Cusco
Early wake up (by 05:30a.m), breakfast and after leaving our Luggage in safe storage at the Hotel, we will take the early tourist bus up to Machu Picchu.  Usually we arrive at Machu Picchu around 6: 50 a.m so that we can enjoy the peace & relative solitude and magic of Machu Picchu before the tourist trains arrive from Cusco.  We have a guided tour with an English speaking guide of about 2 ½ hours. The rest of the day you have free to enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing site. You can climb up Huayna Picchi Mountain for spectacular views over the entire Machu Picchu site (about 1 hour 40 mins round trip) or visit the Temple of the Moon.
After your tour you will then have free time to explore the ruins at your leisure. You will be issued with a transfer ticket and you can catch the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes where you’ll have a nice lunch.

Most trains depart Aguas Calientes between 3:30pm and 5:20pm (depends on train schedules) and the return train journey will take approx 4½ hours, arriving in Cusco sometime between 7:30 – 9:30pm. Lunch Included

Day 04: Cusco - Lima
Breakfast, at required time, transfer from hotel to the airport to your departure to Lima or (Arequipa, Puno or Puerto Maldonado-Tambopata)

Contact: info@peruviantreks.com for more information and pricing on these Peru treks and hikes

Best time: All Year
Timing: 5 days Trek and Tour
Grade: Moderate

A great hike from Huaran to Cancha Cancha – Quishuarani - Cuncani Lares Town(Hot Sprint) – Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes Town and final day includes a full day tour of Machu Picchu Inka city.

Leaving from the Sacred Valley, on the first day we walk on an original Inca Trail, enjoying a variety of native flora and fauna, including indigenous plants used for natural dyes.

The next day we begin a steep ascent towards Pachacutec pass (4,697 m /15,406 ft), surrounded by views of the beautiful lakes of Azulcocha and Suerococha. From the pass, we follow a trail that slowly descends, with a permanent view of Colque Cruz, Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Sirihuani and Chicon snow capped mountains. On the third day we see the Chicon glacier and the 7 lakes with huallatas, (Andean geese) ducks and other water fowl, and enjoy the medicinal waters of Lares hot springs, an amazing trip.

TREK ITINERARY

Day 01: Cusco / Cancha Cancha Community

We'll pick you up from your Hotel at 6:00am the we leave Cusco by car, on the route to Pisaq until arriving at Huaran creek (2,950 m/9,676 ft). Here we start to hike up a small side valley that narrows gradually while ascending on an original Inca Trail, enjoying a variety of native flora and fauna. After a 3 hour hike, we arrive at Cancha Cancha (4,000m / 13,192 ft.), where we will be received with some typical food and have the opportunity to share an insight into the traditional lifestyle and culture of this Andean community.

Day 02: Cancha Cancha / Quiswarani
After breakfast we start slowly uphill until reaching Accopata, an extension of Cancha Cancha Community, where shepherds live in typical stone and ichu (straw) roof huts. There we begin a steep ascent towards Pachacutec pass (4,697 m /15,406 ft), surrounded by views of the beautiful lakes of Azulcocha and Suerococha. From the pass, we follow a trail that slowly descends, with a permanent view of Colque Cruz, Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Sirihuani and Chicon snow capped mountains. We traverse Collaycocha Lake (4,200 m. / 16,000 ft.), reaching a waterfall approaching the Community of Quiswarani (3,902 m. / 12,798 ft.), where we camp enjoying traditional food and spending our time with children and women weavers.

Day 03: Quiswarani / Cuncani

As we leave our campsite, towards to the Huillquijasa pass (4,457 m. / 14,618 ft.) we will see the Chicon and Colque Cruz glaciers and the 7 lakes full of huallatas (Andean geese), ducks and other water fowl. Over the high point we continue downhill until we reach the community of Cuncani (3,886 m/12,746 ft.), a picturesque village, similar to the previous campsite. This was the last refuge of the Royal Panakas, an Inca sect. After our picnic lunch continue past a narrow valley, full of spectacular giant stones, to reach the Trapiche Valley floor.In the afternoon we will continue on the trail along changing puna, lakes and agricultural areas with roaming deer until we arrive in Cuncani 3h later, where we will have supper and camp.

Day 04: Cuncani / Lares / Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes

We leave Cuncani at 8.00am to walk down a fertile valley with typical vegetation, crops and agricultural communities. Along the trail we will see native flowers such as begonias and wild orchids. After an approximately 2h walk we will arrive in Lares (3261 m / 10,696 ft.), 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 having lunch, we will board a private car that will take us back to Ollantaytambo. From here on we can take a 3 hours car ride to Ollantaytambo for the extension trip to visit Machu Picchu. We take the train around 4:00pm to Aguas Calientes.

Day 05: Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Early wake Up (by 05: 30a.m.), Breakfast and after to leave our Luggage at the Hotel, we will take the early Tourist bus Up to Machu Picchu, of Course with a guide English speaking, Usually we use to get Machu Picchu by 6: 50 a.m., so from this time we will be able to visit Machu Picchu of course at this time Machu Picchu is pretty empty and we will have the best chance to enjoy the beauty and the magic of Machu Picchu, because at this time is quiet. A guided tour of about 2:30 hours, and then you will have "happy hour time", to explore by yourself the whole site for about 3 hours and there is time as well to climb Huayna Picchu mountain and get the best view over Machu Picchu it takes 1: 40 minutes round trip time, or option to go to the temple of the moon which is located behind Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Contact: info@peruviantreks.com for more information and pricing on these Peru treks and hikes