Hiking, trekking and exploring in the Andes, the land of the Incas…
Dear Trekker,
If you are interested in the Inca Trail for any Dates before Nov 4 2009 then you have already missed out on permits. This may at first seem totally devastating but there are some Alternative treks to Machu Picchu which do not require the same permits and so can be confirmed at times only a few days in advance if there is still room. However the situation for afternoon train returns after the trek maybe an issue for very late bookings in high season so don`t leave your decision too late.
Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu:
- 5 Day Salkantay Trek
- 4 Day Lares Trek
- 4 Day Choquequiraw Trek
- 3 Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
- 4 Day Ancascocha Paucarcancha Trek
- 5 Day Choquequiraw Trek
- 8 Day Choquequiraw Trek
- 8 Day Vilcabamba Espiritupampa Trek
* To check our Confirmed Departures and Availability : http://www.sastravelperu.com/contact/reservas.html
Please have a read and let me know if you have any queries
Sincerely,
Rob / David Quintana
SAS Travel – Cusco PERÙ info@sastravelperu.com / office@sastravelperu.com
How do the Alternative Treks compare to the Inca Trail and each other?
 There is really nothing exactly like the original Inca Trail mostly because of the route that takes you directly into the ruins themselves. With any alternative route that you may take, you will always end up having to take a train to Aguas Calientes and then a bus up to the site, unless of course, you choose to walk up. Also, along the Inca Trail, there are various other ruins and archeological sites to see; where as the alternative tours do not have that.
On the other hand, some people still prefer the alternative routes to the Inca Trail mostly because of the intimate nature of the alternative routes and wonderful scenery. Whereas the Inca Trail at times is overcrowded with long lines and huge campsites of hundreds and hundreds of people, the alternative routes on the other hand are more personal with far fewer passengers on a daily basis. Each of the trails has its own personality really, so it is more about finding the trek that is the best match for you. A SAS Representative should be able to help you decide which one that it is.
Which of the treks is best suited for me?
SALKANTAY - LLAQTAPATA TREK + MACHUPICCHU 5 DAYS
PROGRAM: Salkantay – Llaqtapata Trek to Machupicchu 5 Day / 4 Nights
- Distance: 50 km
- Duration: 5 Days
- When to go: Best from April to October
- Altitude : 2,800 masl to 4,600 masl
-
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.
-
Modality: Trekking, Archaeological and Cultural
-
Location: Mountain range Vilcabamba - Cusco
- Day Temperature: 15 ºC to 25 ºC / Night temperature : 4ºC to - 7º C
-
Note: 2-3 day acclimatization required.
 Mount Salkantay Trek – This is a great alternative for the Inca Trail trek, better suited for more adventuresome trekkers who are able to handle a little more altitude and distance. This trek takes you up and along Mount Salkantay, the second largest mountain in the Cusco region. On the first night, you'll camp within clear sight of the snow capped peak of Salkantay mountain. The second day will be the longest day of the tour, and while you work a bit harder to get there, the views at the top are even more rewarding. The walk to reach the famous Apacheta Pass at 4,600 masl (the Inca Trail's 'Dead Woman’s Pass' is only 4,200 metres) is not strenuous neither very steep, afterward it is mainly descent into a more tropical area passing Andenes and Chaullay on the far side of the mountain. We`ll take the forty five minute train ride from the famous Hydro Electric Dam and then spend the rest of the 4th evening relaxing in the town and hotsprings of Aguas Calientes. In the morning you take the bus (or walk if desired) up to Machu Picchu for your guided tour.
 1st DAY CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SAYLLAPATA - SORAYPAMPA - SALKANTAYPAMPA.
06.00 am. Departure by our private transport to Mollepata town at 2,850 mts. A beautiful 3 hour scenic journey through Izcuchaca and Limatambo, with a stop for breakfast and panoramic views of the “Mountain of Salkantay” in the Cordillera of Vilcanota. We can see spectacular views of the chains of snow capped Vilcabamba, the colorful village of Mollepata and the lush Apurimac River Valley. At this point due to the dirty and rocky road conditions we transfer into another truck or minibus. After passing Cruzpata 3200 mts, then Challacancha, we arrive to our trailhead in Sayllapata at 3,600 masl where we meet our Arrieros “horsemen“ and trekking staff (Cook and Assistants). We commence treking with a gradual climb of 250 meters for about 2 and a half hours through a pristine Andean valley landscape before arriving to Soraypampa. There after visiting a spectacular glacial lake we have lunch. We continue after lunch with a gentle climb for approximately 2 and a half to 3 hours through more unspoiled Andean valley to Salkantaypampa. This first Camp is located at 3,950 masl.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Camping facilities.
Walking distance aproximately 12 km. 5-6 hours
2nd DAY SALKANTAYPAMPA - COLLPAPAMPA.
 After an early breakfast we start trekking a moderate climb from approx 07:00am for 3 hours to reach the Apacheta Pass at 4,590 masl. From this point we can appreciate spectacular views of Cusco's second highest peak, the stunning snow capped Mount Salkantay (6,264 mts) and also the snow capped mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines. In the Apacheta Pass you can leave a piece of rock carried from the bottom as a present from you to the Apacheta. (In Inca times the walkers used to leave at the top their shoes, clothes, jewels or simply a piece of rock as an offering.) There is an option to take a nice walk from the Pass for 40 minutes to see an amazing lake of Soraycocha located just off the trail.
We continue 2 hrs downhill to lunch in Huayracmachay, and then, depending on the group ability, weather and walking conditions, the guide will decide whether to camp 2-3 hrs downhill walk in Rayan-niyoc at 3100 mts or travel a further 2km to camp at Collpapampa 2920 mts for experienced trekkers. Very nice camping near a natural hot spring pools.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Camping facilities.
Walking distance aproximately 16 Km to Rayan-niyoc, 7-8 hours for average walkers or 20 km to Chaullay for experienced hikers who can walk to here in 8 hours
 3rd DAY COLLPAPAMPA - LLUSCAMAYO - LA PLAYA.
We start the trek 07:00am with 3 hours easy hiking from Collpapampa, where we will be introduced to a high Jungle zone called Ceja de Selva. Here we will see different kinds of plants, fruits, flowers, birds ectetera plus coca and banana crops can be observed. You will have time to shower in a waterfall, take amazing pictures, and with luck we can observe the famous Peruvian National Bird "Gallito de las Rocas". We stop at Lluscamayo 2,400m for lunch and free time to rest before the 3 hour walk to our last campsite in La Playa 2,350 masl. A small village is located here with electricity and a shop Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Camping facilities. Walking distance from Rayan-niyoc aproximately 16 Km / 8-9 hours for average walkers / Walking distance from Chaullay aproximately 11 Km / 4-5 hours
4th DAY LA PLAYA - LUCMABAMBA - LLAQTAPATA - HIDROELECTRICA / AGUAS CALIENTES .
Approx 07:30 am we begin our trek to the village Lucmabamba where we see the remains of an Inka trail. We follow this rising trail, from which we will see coffee, banana and passion fruit plantations and a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. After climbing for 4 hrs to reach Llaqtapata 2,700 masl we can enjoy some free time to rest and observe the mountain of Machupicchu (Inca city) and some of this arqueological site from afar. Then 2 hours downhill to the Hydroelectric Plant at 1,870m where we have the last lunch with all of our staff. The arrieros, horses and donkey herders will prepare their return back to Soraypampa and we head to Aguas Calientes town. At 16:30pm we will take a 45 minute train journey to Aguas Calientes town 2,000 masl where a Special Dinner and finally a comfy bed in the "Hostal Viajeros" await us.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Accomodation in Hostal Viajeros.
Walking distance aproximately 12 km / 6-7 hours. * Walking poles recommended for the 2 final hours downhill. Optional evening bathe in the hotsprings 10 minutes walk from the town.
5th DAY AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO.
Early walk (approximately 1.5 hours uphill from Aquas Calientes) or bus for 25 minutes to the Citadel of Machupicchu, guided tour for 3 hours and plenty of free time for further exploring, photos and optional climb of the mountain Huayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon, or the Gate of the Sun. Generally around 1pm people walk down the steps back to Aguas Calientes for the Buffet lunch and at approx 16:00 hrs we take our return train to Ollantaytambo with bus connection arriving to Cusco city around 9:00 pm.
Breakfast, Lunch.
what is included ;
- Collection from your hotel in the morning or meeting in our departure point: Plaza Cusipata.
- Transfer in private transport to Mollepata- Cruzpata (starting point of the trek)
- 2 person Igloo tents ( large and confortable ) and a roll pad mattress
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs.
- English speaking professional guide ( 2 guides for groups over 10 people )
- Full board meals ( 3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank.
- Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent.
- Horsemen and horses ( to carry tents, food, cooking equipment)
- Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning.
- Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
- Back Packer Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollanta and private transport to Cusco.
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu, plenty time to explore on your own.
- Hostal in Aguas Calientes double or triple accommodation
- Optional climbing to Huaynapicchu check with guide for permit for this
what is not included :
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
- Personal porter 18 Kg US$90 9 Kg US$45
- The bus down from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes $7
- Upgrade Vistadome train to Cusco instead of Backpackers add US$36 each.
- Tips for your crew guides cooks, horse herders US$20-25 approx ( Every SAS`s staff receive a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip, tips are optional also are a great gesture of esteem to them )
EXTRA INFORMATION:
- Weight of Sleeping HOLLOFILL OR HOLOFIBER weigh 2 kg minus 4 degress celcius
- Weight of DOWN SLEEPING BAG 1.8 kg minus 10 degress celcius
- Mattress included weigh 800gms.
The bag and Mattress will be returned to Cusco for you on day
4 as you have hostal accommodation with bed and bedding provided
in Aguas Calientes.
Unless you hire an extra horse / porter you need to
carry your back pack, sleeping bag and the mattress
Horse to carry up to 18 Kg US$90 9 Kg US$45
Regarding horses who carry personal items. You will need to carry
with you a daypack with your Camera, water bottle, snacks,
cold weather clothing and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely
in Dry season - May to October)- but as a precaution) and anything
you will need before lunch as horses do not walk alongside
you. You will meet up with your bag at lunch and then it will
be waiting for you in your tent at campsites.
We can provide you with a big rice sack for extra luggage to
be carried by porters but you might prefer to put everything
up to 20kgs in one backpack so that you dont have 2 large backpacks
in your tent and it is easier for you to bring your stuff back
on the train etc from Aguas Calientes.
 Take EXTRA MONEY
Also for The bus down from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes $7, if you don´t want to walk down the trail so it is optional , tips for horsemen / crew, porters´, drinks snacks etc. You need to take at least 150.00 soles emergency money that you hope to come back to Cusco with!!!
RETURN FROM MACHUPICCHU (AGUAS CALIENTES to CUSCO)
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: RETURN BY BACKPACKERS TRAIN (late afternoon departure) TO CUSCO or WITH PRIVATE BUS CONNECTION FROM OLLANTAYTAMBO BOTH ARRIVING ABOUT APPROX 9.30 TO 11.00PM TO THE CUZCO PLAZA.
RECOMMENDED TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TREK : MAY TO OCTOBER from Nov to April rainfall, snow can block the pass and cancel the trek
 This trek is rated a moderate to difficult hike considering the high
altitudes and length of walking especially on the 2nd Day. You need to acclimatize
in Cusco for at least 3 days before trekking.
SUGGESTIONS OF WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:
- BACKPACK & DAYPACK :
- - 8 C SLEEPING BAG : ( Can be rented at SAS office )
- HIKING BOOTS( Runners shoes are not recommended )
- WALKING POLES
- WARM CLOTHES : LAYERS for variable temperatures specially at night.
- FLASH LIGHT :
- CAMERA AND EXTRA FILM & Batteries
- SUNPROTECTION : SUNSCREEN : SUN HAT : SUNGLASSES
- THERMALS : WOOL SOCKS : AND WOOLEN HAT FOR COLD NIGHTS:
- INSECT REPELLENT :
- RAIN PONCHO : A GOOD RAIN JACKET :
- TOILETRIES / TOILET PAPER / SMALL TOWEL
- BATHING CLOTHES for the hot springs.
- GLOVES / SCARF : Trekking Pants or similar.
- WATER BOTTLE : WATER PURIFYING TABLETS :
- PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT :
- ORIGINAL PASSPORT AND ORIGINAL ISIC STUDENT CARD IF APPLICABLE :
- EXTRA MONEY FOR SOUVENIRS, DRINKS & TIPS.
see Frequently Asked Questions!
Lares (Quishuarani) to Yanahuara to Machu Picchu Trek (4 days)
TAKE THE UNTOUCHED TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU! AVOID THE CROWDS AND EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF THE LARES TREK.
Recommended months April to Nov.
It is offered in February while the Inca trail is closed each year, but weather conditions mean you must be prepared for snow, and detours if passes are closed.
( At 6:00 or 7:00 PM Tour Orientation the night before your trekking with your group and guide. )
This trek takes us into the Lares region of the Peruvian Andes, passing green valleys, tranquil mountain lakes and high passes, with breathtaking views of snow-capped Andean peaks rising to just under 6,000 meters. Our route takes us through many small village communities that offer a rare & fascinating insight into traditional Andean life. Finally we make our way by train to Aguas Calientes and continue on to Machu-Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. We have plenty of time to explore this renowned and fascinating site, climb to Huayna Picchu, walk to Sun-Gate etc.
Distance: 46km
Duration: 4 days
When to go: Best from April to October
Altitude: 2700 masl to 4600 masl
Difficulty: Moderate
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco - Quishuarani (Lares) - Cuncani - Yanacocha 3800 masl
 Our private bus leaves Cusco at 05.30 sharp for a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through Pisac and stopping for a brief toilet break and the chance to buy any last minute snacks, water, etc in Calca, one of the towns in the valley. Departing Calca around 06:45 we head off for the scenic drive to Quishuarani (3,700m /12,150 ft) which is the starting point for the trek. Along the way you will be able to observe small Andean communities, spectacular mountain landscapes, herds of llamas and alpacas plus Campesinos (people of the local villages) in colorful costumes as is traditional with all villages around Lares major district. A box breakfast will be served en route around 9am with arrival to Quishuarani before 10am, where we will meet our arriero horses, handlers and trek staff. We commence our beautiful trek through the Andes with a gentle climb from 3700m to 4200 masl where we will arrive at the lagoon named Queuña Cocha and can observe Mount Sawasiray (5400m) and Colque Cruz (5600m). There is then a short, steeper climb to our first pass, Hualcacasa (4400m) where Mount Veronica (5700m, a sacred Apu mountain in this Valley) can often be observed in the high mountains, after which we descend for 30 minutes to reach our lunch destination beside the picturesque 'seven lagunas'. Following lunch we descend for a further 30 minutes through the community of Cuncani, then gradually ascend beautiful hillsides for 2 hours to reach our second pass, Qolqecasa (4200m). 30 minutes descent from here past lagunas and waterfalls till we arrive at Yanacocha, our campsite for the night around 4.30pm.
Walking distance approx 14km (6-7 hours)
Day 2: Yanacocha - Wakawasi - Mantanay 3900 masl
After our 6.30am breakfast we leave Yanacocha and will gradually descend for approx 2 hours until Chaqchapata (3950m). We will be able to observe potato crops, flocks of llamas and alpacas developed in this part of the Andes (part of the cameloid family) and the local communities of people who continue living in houses made of stones. Along the slope we can observe the campesinos of Chaqchapata and 30 minutes further on of Wakawasi. We then ascend for approximately 1 and a half hours to our lunch destination on the 'spongy grass' by a glacial stream, Champacocha. After our lunch rest we ascend for approximately an hour to reach the highest point of our trek, the passage of Auroracasa (4600m) where we will observe the lagoon Auroracocha. >From Auroracasa we will descend to walk near two lagoons & traverse one more pass to enter the valley of Queuñas. We will notice a wide change in scenery before arriving at our beautiful campsite in Mantanay (3900m) after approx 2 hours.
Walking distance approx 16km (7-8 hours)
 Day 3 Mantanay 3900m to Yanahuara 2700 masl
After breakfast we start our walk at 7:30 am with a much easier day ahead as we descend to lower altitude & enjoy amazing views of part of Moray Maras and Salineras, mountains and the queuñas bush valley. You will notice the sudden change of weather and environment & observe local campesinos farming different crops of corn, potatoes and local vegetables to sell later in villages in the Sacred Valley. This walk will take approx 4 hours to reach the picturesque village of Yanahuara where we enjoy the last lunch in our trek and farewell our staff, arrieros horses, handlers, cooks and assistants. A private bus will then take us for the 30 minute ride to Ollantaytambo train station where we will board the train for the 2 hour trip with our tour guide to Machupicchu town, Aguas Calientes.
Walking distance approx 12km, night and dinner in Hostel Viajeros.
Day 4 Aguas Calientes 2100 masl – Machupicchu 2400 masl – Ollantaytambo – Cusco 3400 masl.
 Early breakfast (05.00am) before taking the bus directly to Machupicchu at 06.00am. **Optional for those still able/wanting to walk!: leave 04.30am and walk up to Machupicchu arriving approx 06.00am.
In Machupicchu it is still a 15 minute walk from the drop-off point to the famous views from the South Zone of the farming terraces at the end of the Inca trail. Enjoy the early tour of Machupicchu with your guide who will unfold the mysteries of this magical site, showing you the very best of it! Your guide will spend about 2 hours relating to you interesting and amazing stories, explaining temples and special sectors. Your tour of Machupicchu should finish between 10 and 10:30am then you have free time to take your photos before the 10:30 crowds arrive. You will also have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu (minimum 90 mins - please arrange with your tour guide to get a pass for it!!), Inca bridge or Sun´s gate. We provide a Buffet lunch in Aguas Calientes after the walk down from Machupicchu. If you prefer a box lunch to have in Machupicchu you must sign up for it in the office before your trek.
INCLUDES;
- Collection from your hotel in the morning or meeting in our departure point: Plaza Cusipata.
- Transfer in private transport to Lares – Quiswarani (starting point of the trek)
- 2 person Igloo tents ( large and confortable ) and a roll pad mattress
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs.
- English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 10 people)
- Full board meals ( 3 meals per day , tea time every afternoon
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank.
- Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent.
- Horsemen and horses ( to carry tents, food, cooking equipment)
- Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning.
- Tourist Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Back Packer Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollanta and private transport to Cusco.
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu, plenty time to explore in your own.
- Hostal in Aguas Calientes double or triple accommodation
- Optional climbing to Huaynapicchu
NOT INCLUDED IS: -
- Dinner on the last day
-
Personal porter ( 9 Kg $ 40 / 18 Kg $ 80)
- The bus down from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes $7
- Upgrade Vistadome train to Cusco instead of Backpackers add $25 each.
- Tips for your crew guides cooks, horse herders $20-25 approx ( Every SAS`s staff receive a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip, tips are optional also are a great gesture of esteem to them )
EXTRA INFORMATION:
- Weight of Sleeping HOLLOFILL OR HOLOFIBER weigh 2 kg minus 4 degress celcius
- Weight of DOWN SLEEPING BAG 1.8 kg minus 10 degress celcius
- Mattress included weigh 800gms.
The bag and Matress will be returned to Cusco for you on day 3 as you have hostal accommodation with bed and bedding provided in Aguas Calientes.
Unless you hire an extra porter you need to carry your back pack, sleeping bag and the mattress.
Regarding porters who carry personal items. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your Camera, water bottle, snacks, a fleece or something warm and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as porters do not walk alongside you. You will meet up with your bag at lunch and then it will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites.
Best to put everything up to 20kgs in one backpack for the porter so that you donït have 2 large backpacks in your tent. We can provide you with a big rice sack but it is better to use a backpack so that it is easier for you to bring your stuff back on the train etc from Aguas Calientes.
Take EXTRA MONEY for The bus down from MachuPicchu to Aguas Calientes $7, if you don´t want to walk down the trail so it is optional , tips for Porters etc.
You need to Take at least 150.00 soles emergency money that you hope to come back to Cusco with!!!
Note: there are no ATM¨s in Aguas Calientes and higher commission on Travellers Checks.
HINTS FOR A FANTASTIC HIKE: ALTITUDE SICKNESS:
Itïs possible you will feel the effects of altitude on
arriving in Cusco, ( 3,400 Mts) especially if you fly from sea
level, eg LIMA. It is best to wait at least two days before setting
out on the trail, don¨t drink alcohol, smoke or take sedatives.
Drink lots of water and coca tea. Drink at least two litres per
day, especially on the second day pass. In high altitude you
breath rapidly and shallow causing you to dehydrate more quickly.
Drink extra water or coca tea to avoid this as coffee also tends
to cause dehydration. Always purify water you take from the trail
waterfalls and streams. You can purchase purification tablets
(eg Micropur) from any pharmacy. You must leave micropur tablets
in the water for at least 90 mins before drinking. Iodine only
20 mins. If you have any medical conditions, allergies or special
food requirements etc. Please write this clearly in the registration
book.
Water: We suggest you take a 1 and a ½ litre
bottle of water on the first day and then you can refill this
on the trek. We boil water each night which is available after
breakfast each morning for your water bottles. We still suggest
you take water purification tablets or filters for any unboiled
water you take directly from streams or Waterfalls etc. You can
buy bottle water from the 3rd afternoon in Ollantaytambo and
onwards.
Regarding TEMPERATURES during the day...If you are walking
in the sun it is very hot and feels like 26 degrees celcius,
but when you walk through the forest or in the shadow of a mountain
it can feel like 14 degrees almost immediately. At night it could
get to -5 degrees celcius if you are really unlucky but more
likely just freezing ! Main hint for dealing with the temperatures
is to try and keep your body temp as regular as possible by using
layering of clothes so when you feel cool put on an extra layer
before you get cold and if you start to feel warm take off a
layer before you perspire which will leave you with a chill later
if you don´t take care..
The weather from Dec through to early March is usually the
wettest on the trail.
Somedays it may be drizzly all day or you may have a burst of
rain and clear skies for the rest of the day or it could be wet
off and on all day. You need good rain gear for walking as well
as something to protect your pack. We have dining tents for all
meals so you are protected at this time.
OTHER. TIPPING OF THE PORTERS
As for all American countries, tipping is normal and it is apart
of the experience. Generally groups prepare a collective tip
at dinner on the last night which is shared out between the porters
and cook on the last morning at breakfast. Tipping of porters
who carry your personal items is separate and you are asked to
tip an extra porter directly. The recommended minimum is $15 - $18 for 18kg. or $8 - $9 for 9kg
RETURN FROM MACHUPICCHU (AGUAS CALIENTES to CUSCO)
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: RETURN BY BACKPACKERS TRAIN (late afternoon departure) TO CUSCO or WITH PRIVATE BUS CONNECTION FROM OLLANTAYTAMBO BOTH ARRIVING ABOUT APPROX 9.30 TO 11.00PM TO THE CUZCO PLAZA.
SUGGESTIONS OF WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:
- BACKPACK & DAYPACK :
- - 8 C SLEEPING BAG : ( Can be rented at SAS office )
- HIKING BOOTS ( Sneakers or Runners shoes are not recommended
)
- WALKING POLES
- WARM CLOTHES : LAYERS for variable temperatures specially
at night.
- FLASH LIGHT :
- CAMERA AND EXTRA FILM & Batteries
- SUNPROTECTION : SUNSCREEN : SUN HAT : SUNGLASSES
- THERMALS : WOOL SOCKS : AND WOOLEN HAT FOR COLD NIGHTS:
- INSECT REPELLENT :
- RAIN PONCHO : A GOOD RAIN JACKET :
- TOILETRIES / TOILET PAPER / SMALL TOWEL
- BATHING CLOTHES for the hot springs.
- GLOVES / SCARF : Trekking Pants or similar.
- WATER BOTTLE : WATER PURIFYING TABLETS :
- PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT :
- ORIGINAL PASSPORT AND ORIGINAL ISIC STUDENT CARD IF APPLICABLE
:
- EXTRA MONEY FOR SOUVENIRS, DRINKS & TIPS.
- OPTIONAL : Little presents for kids of Communities along
the trail such as school supplies, second hand clothes, etc.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 days + 1 day Machu Picchu
Daily Departures ( also see option at end to do trek without visiting Machu Picchu)
 “This trek is ideal for those passengers who really want to be far in the middle of nowhere with only nature surrounding them as they camp in an area that is scarcely seen by tourists. Huchuy Qosqo (small Cusco) is situated above the Valley of Urubamba and offers very spectacular views over the mountain range Cordillera de Vilcanota. This trek is also a great way for you to enjoy a shorter trek that still includes Machu Picchu and Inca trails (with Inca stairs that are better than the Inca Trail). You will have one night camping in the wilderness and then the very next night will be spent in our Hostal Viajeros in the beautiful pueblo, Aguas Calientes”
ITINERARY
- Distance: 21km
- Duration: 2 days trek + 1 day Machu Picchu
- When to go: Best from April to October
- Altitude: 3700 masl to 4400 masl
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 01: Tambomachay to Pumamarca
We begin our journey by departing Cusco, by car, in the direction of the Inca Site known as Tambomachay (3700 meters). >From here, we will begin trekking down the road as it curves sharply up-hill to reach a pass of near 4200 meters. We will continue to follow the trail down into the valley and towards the small community at the bottom. As we descend along the trail, you will see a beautifully green valley stretching out as far as the eye can see. The path we will see on its right slope leads to Pisac. Passing through the village and across a new bridge, the trail takes us up over the second pass (4300 meters) and into high open country. On the way, we will pass by the beautiful Lake Qoricocha (Golden Lake in Quechua). We’ll continue along this rustic trail, eventually arriving at the highest point of the trek, 4350 meter, with its stellar views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Finally, we’ll descend towards the Pucamarca community (4010 meters), where we’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Here, we’ll set up camp and enjoy our supper underneath the great starry sky.
Walking distance approx 13km Camping
 Day 02: Huchuy Qosqo - Lamay – Aguas Calientes
Just below the village of Pucamarca, the valley narrows to form a ravine where amazingly well maintained Inca staircases will lead us down to the magnificent citadel of Huchuy Qosqo. Huchuy Qosqo is perched above the Urubamba Valley, overlooking the little town of Lamay, which is a town dedicated to agriculture and raising cattle. Huchuy Qosqo was originally an administrative center like Pisac, and like Pisac, it also has Inca buildings made of stone. There is even one which has a great example of Inca style perfectly fitting stones. In the hillsides, we will also see some granaries because it was also an important agricultural center. Continuing along this now magnificent path, with Pitusiray looming above us, we will eventually pass an Inca stone and adobe gateway. This is the entrance to the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo for people who climbed up from the Urubamba Valley. We continue on down to Lamay where later in the afternoon, our private transport will drive us Ollantaytambo, where will catch the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. Upon our arrival to Aguas Calientes, we will be directed to our rooms. You will have free time for the rest of the night.
Walking distance approx 9km, night and dinner in Hostel Viajeros.
Day 03: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - Cusco
On the third day of the tour, will wake up early and catch the bus transport up to Machu Picchu. Once there, we will have our 2 hour, guided portion of our Machu Picchu experience. Afterwards, we will then enjoy an additional 2 hours of free time, to explore on your own or walk up Huayna Picchu. Upon returning to Aguas Calientes, we will share one last lunch before coming back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Our Service Includes:
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Tambomachay (starting point of the trek)
- Personal tents: 2 people per or a 4-person tent.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs.
- English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)
- Meals
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank.
- Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent.
- Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment and some passenger belongings).
- Emergency horse
- 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).
- Train to and from Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Hostal accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Not included is: - Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
YOU SHOULD 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 or sport shoes
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fruits, muesli, etc.
- Flashlight and batteries
- Toilet paper
- Camera, film and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Insect repellent, minimum recommended 20% DEET
- Sun bloc
Question: I have already visited Machu Picchu but would love to do this trek and just end in Ollantaytambo on the 2nd afternoon. Is this a possibility?
Yes absolutely. the cost of this option is less $140 for adult and less $120 for student....... and if you like we can organise accomodation in Ollantaytambo for you to enjoy this beautiful area of the Sacred Valley. cost for this is $25 per person based on double occupacy rooms with private bathroom and breakfast.
If you have any queries just let us know.
SAS Travel team. |