DAY 1: CUSCO TO ACCHAHUATA TO QUELLHUACCOCHA CAMP
We leave the Hotel at 5:00 am. We will take private transportation with our trekking and culinary crew and drive for three hours until our starting point: the community of Acchahuata at 3700 meters above sea level, where your guide will introduce you to your Horseman. From this point, we will start our ascent gradually for three hours until lunch spot. After lunch, we continue up and down for two hours to reach the Summit Qellhuaccocha pass 4200m. After, you will descend for 45 minutes to our first campsite Quelhuaccocha.
Today’s hike is one of the most beautiful and peaceful, with outstanding views on both sides of the trail with many South American Camels, Llamas, and Alpacas.
Altitude 3700mtrs to 4100mtrs. Distance 10 km. Trekking time is 6 to 7 hours.
DAY 2: QUELLHUACCOCHA TO CHOQUECCANCHA CAMP
Quellhuaccocha and Mulaccocha is a sacred lagoon in this part of the Andes exceptional place very well respected by local people in the area. Highly recommended for families and people looking to hike in quietness to do meditation, Andean ceremonies, and yoga retreats. After doing any of this activity, we will depart from our campsite gradually up and down for three hours until the viewpoints overlooking the Lares area and the valley.
After enjoying our free time, we will descend for lunch and continue our descent for three hours until our basecamp Choquecancha. It is a local community with unique costumes and full of traditions. This community is built on the foundation of the Inca construction and is recognized as the best weavers in the Cusco Region.
The altitude of our camp is 3500 meters above sea level. Altitude 4100mtrs to 3500mtrs, distance 12 km, trekking time 6 to 7 hours.
DAY 3: CHOQUECCANCHA , DRIVE TO OLLANTAYTAMBO TO AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN
This morning, our guide will introduce you to local ladies from this community. You are going to learn the Quechua language or (Inca Language). You will also learn about the daily life of this local community, the handmade weaving process of textiles, blankets, bags, table runners, etc.
You can buy as a souvenir any of their handmade work that can be very well appreciated by these local families, the best way to retribute and economic support to this local community in the Andes of Peru. Learn more about Social responsibility.
If you like to do more hiking, our guide will take you on the beautiful Inca Trail for 4 to 5 hours. After a morning full of lessons, we will take transportation to the Hot springs, where you will have the opportunity to go inside relaxing hot pools, then we will have lunch.
We will continue driving towards Ollantaytambo, where we will take the train for 1:45hrs until Aguas Calientes town, where you will spend a night in the Hotel.
DAY 4: EXPLORE TO MACHUPICCHU, AFTERNOON BACK TO CUSCO
After Breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your Hotel for a short bus journey to the entrance of Machu Picchu; you will explore this magical Inca city and enjoy learning about it was built and discovered for 3 hours. You will then have free time to wander around, and if you get a Ticket for Wayna Picchu, you can climb.
Note. There are just 400 visitors allowed per day. You must book the entrance with us in advance to ensure your permit. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes. Depending on the space, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and private transportation back to your Hotel Cusco.
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.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
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.
