DAY 1: CUSCO, QUESIUNO, RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TO SORIMANICCOCHA
Our journey begins bright and early, departing from Cusco around 8:00 am. With the excitement in the air, we’ll hop into our private transport, heading to our trek’s starting point at Quesiuno, accompanied by our dedicated trekking crew.
As we settle down for lunch and savor the flavors, our expert horsemen will get busy prepping our camping gear. Post-lunch, we’ll embark on a three-hour steady climb, with our sights set on Vininkunca, known as the Rainbow Mountain, towering at a lofty 5000 meters.
But that’s not all! We’ll also explore the mesmerizing Red Valley, a vast expanse blanketed with striking red sand soil. It is a magnificent vantage point, offering panoramic views of the snow-draped Apu Ausangate glacier.
After capturing memories and marveling at the picturesque Rainbow Mountain, our journey continues. A trek of around 1:45 hours will bring us to our resting spot for the night – the Sorimaniccocha camp, cozily situated at 4700 meters.
Altitude: 3400 m/10800ft. Surimaniccocha 4700 m/14000ft, Distance: 12 km. Time: 6 hrs.
DAY 2: SURIMANI CCOCHA TO AUSANGATE CCOCHA
Waking up to the cool mountain air, we’ll kickstart our day with an energizing breakfast. Our journey begins with an hour-long ascent to the Warmysaya Pass, which stands majestically at 5000 meters. Atop this pass, brace yourself for the captivating sight of the Apu Ausangate mountain, a gem of the Andean range.
Once we’ve soaked in the panoramic views and taken a breather, our trek continues, descending for two hours into the lush Ananta Valley. We’ll set our sights on the Pukaccocha Pass, scaling a challenging elevation of 5900 meters over the next three hours.
Reaching the summit of Pukaccocha Pass rewards us with unparalleled views. We’ll marvel at the pristine glacier lagoons – Pukaccocha and Ccomerccocha, shimmering under the Andean sun.
Throughout the day, expect delightful encounters with herds of llamas and alpacas. These trails we tread are also frequented by local herdsmen, trading and communicating with agricultural communities.
After these serene encounters, our descent will take us to the tranquil Pucaccocha lagoon, our chosen spot for a well-deserved lunch. With our energies rejuvenated, we’ll trek for another three hours, reaching our base camp for the night – Ausangate Ccocha, nestled at an altitude of 4600 meters.
Altitude: 4700 m. Ausangate Ccocha 4600 m, Distance: 14 km, Time: 8 to 9 hours.
DAY 3: AUSANGATE CCOCHA, PALOMANI TO ZORAPAMPA CAMP
Greeting the morning with a delectable breakfast, we gear up for the day’s challenges. The first task on our list is a three-hour climb leading us to Palomino Pass, the pinnacle of our trek, standing tall at 5200 meters.
From this vantage point, the sights are nothing short of spectacular. Your eyes will meet the vast expanse of the Cordillera Vilcanota, a majestic mountain range stretching from Bolivia’s Potosi. It’s the perfect moment to capture memories with your camera, as the landscapes will be etched in your heart forever.
Once we’ve filled the mountainous splendor, we’ll descend, finding ourselves in the verdant embrace of the Pampacancha valley. This lush valley, dotted with glacial moraines, rests at 4500 meters. Here, amidst the tranquillity, we’ll pause for lunch, rejuvenating ourselves for the journey ahead.
Post-lunch, our trek continues with a two-hour gradual ascent, guiding us to our base camp for the night, Zorapampa, nestled at 4600 meters.
But today’s journey isn’t just about altitudes and terrains. As we traverse the path, we’ll pass by quaint Quechua-speaking communities, offering a slice of local life. The sight of farmers tending to their potato fields and herding their camelids, including Llamas and Alpacas, adds a touch of authenticity to our trek, reminding us of the rich culture embedded in these mountains.
Altitude: 4600 m. Zopampa camp 4600 m, Distance: 16 km, Time: 7 to 8 hrs.
DAY 4: ZORAPAMPA, CCAMPA PASS TO PACCHANTA
Starting the day with a hearty breakfast, we embark on a steady four-hour climb to the impressive Qampa Pass, standing tall at 5100 meters. As we make our way, we’ll pass charming farmhouses, giving us glimpses of the region’s camelid residents – Llamas, Alpacas, and the rare Vicuñas.
The morning’s trek promises not just diverse fauna but panoramic vistas as well. From this altitude, the Pacchanta Valley unfolds before your eyes on a clear day. And if the skies are generous, you might even catch a distant glimpse of the renowned Salkantay mountain.
Rejuvenating with a downhill trek of two hours, we’ll pause for a refreshing lunch at Ninaparayoc. With hunger satiated, we prepare for the next leg of our journey – a three-hour descent that leads us to the heart of the Pacchanta community.
But what truly sets this afternoon trek apart is its unparalleled beauty. You’ll witness the other side of Apu Ausangate, an often overlooked view. Adding to the spectacle, we traverse past seven glacier lagoons. With its distinct hue, each lagoon holds sacred significance for the local inhabitants, enveloped in an aura of reverence and mystery.
Altitude: 4600 m. Pacchanta 4000 m, Distance: 20 km, Time: 8 to 9 hrs.
DAY 5: PACCHANTA TO AGUAS CALIENTES
As we inch closer to the marvel that is Machu Picchu, today offers a much-needed break for relaxation and cultural immersion.
Starting the day with a hearty breakfast, we’ll board our private transport for a scenic five-hour journey to Ollantaytambo.
Midway, we’ll make a delightful pitstop at a local eatery. Here’s your chance to savor Peru’s culinary gems – the traditional Roasted Guinea Pig or the irresistibly crunchy Chicharrones (Deep Fried Pork).
Our drive continues with a brief stop at Cusco, allowing us to drop off our duffel bags at the hotel. Post this, our route takes us to the Ollantaytambo train station. Boarding the train from here, prepare for a picturesque 1 hour and 45-minute journey to Aguas Calientes.
This isn’t merely a train ride. It’s a transition from the rugged high mountains to the lush embrace of the tropical forest, often regarded by many Ausangate trekkers as one of the most pleasurable train trips.
Our day concludes in the cozy comfort of a hotel in Aguas Calientes, letting you rejuvenate for the much-awaited exploration of Machu Picchu. So, get some rest, for tomorrow promises wonders!
Altitude: 4000 m to Aguas Calientes 2000 m, driving time: 5hrs.
DAY 6: EXPLORE DAY MACHUPICCHU AFTERNOON BACK TO CUSCO
Rise and shine! After a hearty breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel, leading the way to a brief bus ride that takes you straight to the gates of the mystical Machu Picchu.
Today’s adventure delves deep into the wonders of this ancient Inca city. For the next three hours, immerse yourself in stories of how this architectural marvel was conceived, constructed, and rediscovered.
If you’re among the fortunate ones to have secured a ticket for Wayna Picchu, brace yourself for an exhilarating climb that promises unparalleled views of the Inca citadel. A word of caution, though – with a cap of just 400 visitors a day, this experience is exclusive. If this climb is on your bucket list, ensure you book your entrance well in advance with us.
As the sun begins its descent, we’ll rendezvous in the vibrant town of Aguas Calientes. Our journey back to Cusco commences with a train ride, heading either to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, depending on availability.
The day culminates with private transport ensuring you’re comfortably settled back in your Cusco hotel.
BRIEFING
The night before your trek, we will go to your Hotel at a coordinated Time with you for your briefing. We will provide you with a duffel bag that will stay with your porters while you hike. This duffel bag should not exceed 7 kg or 14 pounds and does need to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
PERMITS
As soon we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits, depending on availability. These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They cannot be changed once they are confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSE TOUR GUIDE
All of our guides who are part of Private Machu Picchu hold a degree in tourism. They studied at Cusco National University. They are passionate about sharing our Peruvian History, culture, gastronomy, and others, they are fluent in English speaking, and many of them speak our local language (Quechua). Furthermore, they will make sure of your safety and lifelong memories.
PORTERS
We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your campsite. There is no extra fee for this.
TRANSPORTATION
You will have transportation included in this trek from Cusco Hotel or Sacred Valley to Km. 82 starting point and return to your hotel from the train station could be from Ollantaytambo or Poroy.
We include the Vistadome train from Aguas Calientes. You may want to upgrade to the first-class train, Hiram Bingham.
We include the bust ticket from Machu Picchu citadel to Aguas Calientes town.
EQUIPMENT
We provide you with very nice four-season EUREKA TENTS. That is shared by two people. You will also have a dining and cooking tents.
FOOD
We provide you with an experienced chef who is an expert in cooking in the mountains, respecting the food restriction of our clients. Please let us know in advance before your departure. The first-day breakfast and the last-day lunch are not included. Other than that, we provide you with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for the hike.
WATER
Essential and is required to bring your own water bottle for the trek. We will provide you from the first lunch filtered, boiled, cooled down water to refill your water bottle at every campsite or lunch spot.
FIRST AID
Every tour guide who is part of Private Machu Picchu receives training in first aid from the high mountain specialists we do every February. Your tour guide will have a first aid kit for basic medical situations. Also, in all of our treks, we provide oxygen for emergencies. In the worst cases, our staff will get you off the trail and assist you in getting to the clinic if needed.
TAXES AND FEES
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price.
OPTIONAL SERVICES TO BE HIRED
An extra hotel night in Aguas Calientes can be booked for you at an additional cost depending on the Hotel you choose. Please note that the additional entrance fee cost is not included if you wish to revisit Machu Picchu the following day.
Massage sessions: us$50 per 1-hour session. Our massage therapists have the highest recognition in Cusco.
In the captivating Cusco Region, you’ll encounter two distinct seasons: the rainy and dry seasons. From November to April, rain showers prevail, with the heaviest downpours occurring between January and March. The dry season, spanning May to October, brings colder temperatures, with nighttime lows dipping below freezing.
When trekking along the Inca Trail, anticipate temperatures ranging from 15-20°C on sunny days to 10-28°C on cloudy days. The nights can be cooler during the first two campsites, with temperatures hovering around 5-15°C. At lower altitudes, such as Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu, the temperatures are generally warmer, though bringing warm clothing for the evenings is still advisable.
Each season offers its own advantages and drawbacks for exploring Cusco and Machu Picchu. The dry season tends to be crowded at all sites, especially the Inca Trail, where securing your permit at least six months in advance is crucial.
The rainy season, on the other hand, can be a delightful time for cultural tours or for those planning a trek-free vacation, as Cusco and Machu Picchu see fewer visitors.
Cusco City Altitude: 3400 meters | Cusco Population: 1,300,000
MACHU PICCHU TICKETS
Under the new regulations set by the Peruvian government, Machu Picchu entrance tickets are available for purchase from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm.
WAYNA PICCHU TICKETS
As per the new regulations, Wayna Picchu tickets are sold between 7:00 am and 10:00-11:00 am. The hike to Wayna Picchu takes approximately 45 minutes uphill and 30 minutes downhill. Please note that it’s not recommended for individuals with vertigo.
Note: It’s crucial to book your entrance tickets in advance to ensure access to these sites.
MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN TICKETS
The hike up Machu Picchu Mountain takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, with a 1-hour descent. Tickets are available for two-time slots: 6:00-7:00 am and 8:00-9:00 am. While it may take longer, the breathtaking vistas make it worth the effort.
STRIKES
Strikes pose a significant challenge in South America, including Peru, and can impact our tour treks. Road blockades and disrupted train services are common occurrences. We strongly advise booking at least two weeks in advance to mitigate potential disruptions. In the worst-case scenario, Private Machu Picchu will promptly inform you and assist in canceling or rescheduling tours and treks. Your well-being and safety are our utmost priorities.
ARRIVAL AT CUSCO
Cusco has a domestic airport primarily serving flights within the country. Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima is the main hub for international travel.
LATAM Airlines is the largest airline operating in Peru, offering connections worldwide. It is known for its minimal cancellations due to weather conditions in Cusco. The flight time from Lima to Cusco is approximately one hour. Additionally, our extension tours allow you to arrange connecting flights to Puno, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado Jungle, Iquitos, or other destinations in northern Peru.
For those seeking an alternative, a bus option from Lima to Cusco takes approximately 22 hours.
WHAT WE RECOMMEND TO BRING
- Backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
- Strong footwear and waterproof trekking boots are recommended.
- Sandals or jogging shoes for higher comfort while at camp.
- Warm clothes, including jackets and fleece. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
- Sun block or sun cream.
- Hydrating cream for face and body.
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% deet – no malaria risk has been reported.
- Toilet paper and tissues.
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, dried fruits, etc. Please note that we provide a snack, and our meal service is complete and well-supplied. This recommendation applies to all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it’s not included in our selection.
- Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed on the Inca trail. Plastic water containers or camelback or metal ones are recommended.
- Optionally water sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route; otherwise, we provide filtered, boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problems so far.
- Small towel.
- Swimsuit (If you have an extra day in Aguas Calientes town, you can go to the hot springs).
- Cash in soles or in Dollars.
- Original Passport, travel insurance, and any important health document you may have to follow any restrictions.
- Original international student identity card (In case you have applied for a student discount).
- Optional, walking sticks or hiking poles (rubber covers necessary to avoid damaging the Inca Trail). If not, we have some here for rent.
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST FOR TREKS
- Passport.
- Valid student card in case you booked as a student.
- Immigration stamp.
- 25L or 30L day pack.
- Water bottle or camelback with 2L of storage.
- Footwear, waterproof hiking boots.
- 4 or 5 hiking t-shirts, three hiking pants considering one nice outfit for Machu Picchu, five sets of undergarments, four pairs of socks, one fleece and down jacket for cold nights, a set of rain gears jacket, pants, a sun hat, wool hat, headlamp, warm waterproof gloves, shoes for camp, quick-dry small towel.
- Battery charger. There is no place to plug in while trekking.
- Sunscreen, face moisturizer, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrush and paste, toilet paper, personal medication, band-aids, moleskin, and others.
- Camera, phone, music player.
