A popular alternative to the Inca Trail, and slightly easier than the Salkantay trek; this 4-day trek is guaranteed to please! It ends in Machu Picchu, as per the Inca Trail, with a day at the ruins to enjoy. Along the way, there are great opportunities to interact with the friendly, Andean locals.
Day 1: Cusco - Calca - Lares Hot Springs - Huaca Wasi:
We depart early in the morning heading towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. When we reach Calca province, we start to ascend to the pass of Hualcapunku (4,400m); from here we can appreciate views of the magnificent, snow-capped peak of Ausangate - at 6,370m, it is the highest mountain in the Cusco region.
We then descend to Lares village (3,250m), where we can enjoy the natural hot springs...with temperatures between 28°C and 34°C!
After lunch, we walk towards the small Andean village of Huaca Wasi (3600m), where our first campsite is located.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Huaca Wasi - Abra Ipsay - Patacancha:
Today is the toughest day on the trek: we gradually ascend to Abray Ipsay (4,400m) the highest pass on the trek. As we walk, we will be able to appreciate small, traditional communities, where Andean customs and typical dress are very much in evidence.
After lunch by Ipsaycocha Lake, we continue to our camp at Patacancha (3,700m), a village renowned for its traditional weaving.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Patacancha - Willoq-Pumamarca - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes:
We continue with our trip though the Patacancha Valley and different, native communities: Willoq (3600m) and Pumamarca (3400m). We arrive at the ancient, archaeological remains of Ollantaytambo, one of the oldest, largest and most significant ruins in the Sacred Valley, where we take a rest.
Late in the afternoon, we depart by train to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m), where we spend the night in a hostel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco:
After breakfast, we enjoy the 'Lost City of the Incas', Machu Picchu. We take the bus from Aguas Calientes for our journey up to Machu Picchu ruins to enjoy a guided tour.
After a full day visiting this amazing city built by the Incas, we descend by bus to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast
END OF OUR SERVICESLooking for some other adventurous activities: Consider our range of rafting, mountain biking and horse riding tours in the Cusco area.
| Accommodation |
2 nights' camping while on trek 1 night's pre-tour hotel accommodation 1 night's hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes |
| Inclusions | Private bus:Cusco - Lares. Entrance fees. Bilingual tour guides. High-quality camping equipment (2-person dome tents and mattresses). Cooking equipment. All meals while on trek. Dining tent. Kitchen tent. Toilet tent. 1st Aid Kit. Train tickets: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Cusco. Bus tickets: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes. |
| Difficulty Rating | 4 (High altitude) |
| Sustainability |
Carbon Offsets available in the shopping cart Renewable energy used at hotel Local foods used on tour Local, English-speaking guides used (most University educated) |
| Single Surcharge | Contact info@chimuadventures.com for details. |
| Notes |
Porters can be hired to carry personal items at an extra charge. Sleeping bags NOT included but can be hired in Cusco. Extra nights' accommodation in Cusco can easily be arranged |
| Price dependent on: | Availability |









