Archivo del Autor

Itinerary:

Our adventure begins at 4:30 a.m., picking our travelers up, at their respective hotels, aboard our tourism transportation vehicle. Then, around 5:00 a.m., we´ll start our southbound excursion, on an asphalted road, with our first stopover in the District of Combapata, where we´ll enjoy a continental breakfast, at a local restaurant.

Then, we´ll go on, to the Combapata Vantage Point, passing by the District of Yanaoca and, after another hour on the road, we´ll get to the District of Qewe, where the impressive 28-meter (91 ft.) long Incan Hanging Bridge of Qeswachaka is located.

In Quechua, the word ‘qeswa’ means ‘braided straw (ichu) rope’, and ‘chaka’ is ‘bridge’, and the ancestral custom, to rebuild that bridge, every year, takes three days, from the first Sunday of June on. Meanwhile the members of those communities perform that ritual act, the ‘Chakaruac’, or ‘Bridge Engineer’; that is, the most experienced man, in this type of work, is in charge of supervising it.

So, by means of the ‘minka’ (mutual help, among communities), the community members who use the bridge, voluntarily rebuild it, given that it is the only means of road communication among these people, and that it unites them, in a close interdependance relationship.

The braiding of the straw (ichu) ropes is especially performed by these communities´ women, and that process lasts 4 days, before starting the rebuilding of the bridge.

After that visit, we´ll return to Combapata, to have lunch and in the afternoon, we´ll walk to a vantage point, to contemplate the Pampamarca and Asnaccocha lagoons. Then, hiking towards another vantage point, we´ll appreciate the beauty of the Acopio and Pomacanchi lagoons, meanwhile we observe the area´s flora and fauna. Finally, we´ll board our vehicle, and will return to Cusco, concluding this tour near the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), around 5:00 p.m.

Included:

• Pick-up at your hotel.
• Group tourism transportation vehicle.
• Bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
• Continental breakfast.
• Lunch.
• First-aid kit.

Not included:

• Tips for the guide and driver.
• Entrance ticket to the Qeswachaka Bridge area.
• Snacks and cold or hot drinks.

What to bring:

• Daypack.
• Sports or mountain hiking sneakers (tennis shoes).
• Sunblock lotion and mosquito repellent.
• Wide-brim hat and sunglasses.
• Water and snacks.
• Cash money, in Nuevos Soles (PEN).
• Photo/video camera.

DAY 1: CUSCO – CACHORA – CHIQUISKA

ACTIVITIES: Hike, in the Apurímac Canyon, from Cachora to the campsite, in Chiquiska.

DAY 2: CHIQUISKA – MARANPATA

ACTIVITIES: Downhill hike to Playa Rosalina, and uphill to Maranpata, guided visit of Choquequirao, and camping in Maranpata.

DAY 3: MARANPATA – COCAMASANA

ACTIVITIES: Down and uphill hike, from Maranpata to the campsite, in Cocamasana.

DAY 4: COCAMASANA – CAPULIYOC – CUSCO

ACTIVITIES: Uphill hike, from Cocamasana to Capuliyoc.

DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISKA (10 km. – 6.3 miles / 5h.)

Very early, we´ll pick you up at your hotel, aboard our transportation vehicle, and will leave the city of Cusco, as a group, on a 4-hour trip to the locality of Capuliyoc, and the trek´s starting point, where our support staff will be waiting for us, with mules and horses, to load the camping and kitchen equipment, as well as our luggage.

On the way, we´ll contemplate the spectacular Apurímac Canyon, with its impressive depth and, in some occasions, we might sight the flight of a condor; the world´s largest flying bird. Today, we´ll go by the small human settlements of La Colmena (2,870 m.a.s.l. – 9,416 ft.), Cocamasana (2,330 m.a.s.l. – 7,644 ft.) and the Capuliyoc Vantage Point (2,285 m.a.s.l. – 7,496 ft.). Then, we´ll walk, downhill, to our campsite, in Chiquiska (1,950 m.a.s.l. – 6,397 ft.).

DAY 2: CHIQUISKA – MARANPATA (13 km. – 8 miles / 8 hours)

Early in the morning, and after breakfast, we´ll proceed with our hike, descending to the place called ‘Playa Rosalina’, to then ascend to our campsite, in Maranpata. After lunch, we´ll head towards the Incan Architectural Complex of Choquequirao, to visit that majestic llaqta.

There, we´ll explore houses, benched terraces and other sectors of that Incan city that are still in cleansing and excavation process. Then, around 3:00 p.m., and depending on the weather, we´ll have the opportunity to observe great condors, in full flight.

DAY 3: MARANPATA – CHIQUISKA – COCAMASANA (Return: 15 km. – 9.5 miles / 6 hours)

After an early breakfast, we´ll leave Choquequirao, and will descend back to Chiquiska, observing, once again, the Apurímac Canyon, with its exuberant vegetation, as we walk, downhill, from an altitude of 3,033 meters (9,950 ft.), to 1,950 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l. – 6,397 ft.), with lunch in Chiquiska. Afterwards, we´ll go on hiking to Cocamasana, where we´ll have dinner, and will spend the night, at the campsite.

DAY 4: COCAMASANA – CAPULIYOC – CUSCO (8 km. – 5.2 miles / 5 hours)

Early (5:00 a.m.), and after breakfast, we´ll walk, uphill, from Cocamasana to Capuliyoc. Once again, on our way, we´ll have the chance to contemplate the majestic snowcapped Mount Padrayoc that towers over the Apurímac Canyon. Then, aboard our transportation vehicle will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we´ll arrive around 5:00 p.m.

*Campsites are subject to changes, in accordance to the guide´s criteria, and size of the group.

Included:

• Transportation: Cusco – Cachora – Cusco
• Professional guide.
• Burden horses, to carry the food, and kitchen and camping gear, as well as 5 kilos (11 pds.) of luggage, per participant.
• Cook and kitchen equipment.
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners.
• Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, etc.).
• Entrance ticket to the Archaeological Complex of Choquequirao.

Not included:

• Sleeping bag.
• First breakfast.
• Last lunch.
• Tips for the support staff.
• Other personal expenses.

Recommendations:

• A medium-size backpack, with a full change of clothes, for each day of the trip.
• Rain gear, such as waterproof jacket and pants, if available.
• Water-resistant hiking boots recommended.
• Personal hygiene kit and towel.
• Flashlight, with extra batteries.
• Photo/video camera, with extra batteries.
• Light binoculars.
• Wide-brim hat, or cap, to protect yourself from the sun, rain and cold.
• Wool bonnet, scarf and gloves.
• Thermic clothes, for cold nights.
• Sunglasses.
• Sunblock lotion and insect repellent.
• Throw-away handkerchiefs and napkins, and toilet paper.
• Plastic bags, to keep garbage.
• Snacks: Crackers, energy bars, dried fruit, muesli, water, etc.
• Water purifying tablets, in case you wish to collect water, from streams or rivers, on the way.
• Small and medium-size towels
• Swimming suit (optional).
• Extra cash, in Nuevos Soles (PEN).
• Optional: Hiking sticks, with rubber tips.

Itinerary:

DAY 1: CUSCO – MÁLAGA MOUNTAIN PASS – HUAMANMARCA – SANTA MARÍA

Between 7:20 and 7:40 a.m., we´ll pick you up, in front of your hotel, to leave Cusco, as a group, aboard our vehicle, and head towards the Incas´ Sacred Valley. On the way, we´ll have chances to contemplate beautiful landscapes, and enjoy views of numerous cultural attractions. Nearby Ollantaytambo, we´ll stop, for about 15 to 20 minutes, to buy something to eat, use the restrooms, etc.

Afterwards, we´ll go on, uphill, to the Abra Málaga (Mountain pass), at an altitude of 4,316 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l. – 14,160 ft.) and about 10 minutes, after the pass, we´ll start a long descent, of 2 to 3 hours (43 km. – 26 miles), on mountain bikes, to the high jungle, passing by villages, fruit tree plantations, rivers and streams, and ending that activity in Huamanmarca. From there, we´ll go on, aboard our vehicle, to the locality of Santa María.

*During the descent, we´ll count on the support of our private vehicle which will offer the necessary safety to the group, all the way to Santa María (1,200 m.a.s.l. – 3,937 ft.), where we´ll have dinner, and will spend the night, at a local inn.

Optional: River rafting, for about 2 hours.

DAY 2: SANTA MARÍA – QUELLOMAYO – COCALMAYO – SANTA TERESA

Today, we´ll get-up early, to share a delicious breakfast, and then, start hiking, along the river bank, followed by a one and a half hour-ascent, on the mountain slope, to this hiking day´s highest point, from which we´ll contemplate a beautiful valley, and the canyon´s other slope.

We´ll do part of that hike, on an original Incan trail, to reach the village of Quellomayo, where we´ll have lunch. After a rest, we´ll resume the hike, crossing the river, by means of an ‘oroya’, and will walk in the direction of Cocalmayo´s thermo-medicinal baths, ending the day´s hike in Santa Teresa, where we´ll have dinner, and will spend the night at a local inn.

DAY 3:  SANTA TERESA – HIDROELÉCTRICA – MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO

After a savory breakfast, we´ll walk to the Hidroeléctrica Railway Station, where we´ll have lunch. Afterwards, we´ll hike about 3 hours (11 km. – 6.15 miles), along the railroad tracks, to reach the pedestrian village of Machupicchu Pueblo (ex Aguas Calientes).

Optional: Zip line, for about 2 hours. In this case, we´ll only walk from Hidroeléctrica to Machupicchu Pueblo.

In Machupicchu Pueblo, we´ll settle at a hostel, with private bathroom and hot shower, in each room, before going on a stroll around the village, refresh at the local thermal baths, have dinner at one of the numerous restaurants, and enjoy a good night of repairing rest.

DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU – MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

At 4:00 a.m., we´ll walk, for about an hour and a half, uphill, with frontal flashlights, along zigzaging stone stairways, on the mountain slope, to the Incan City of Machu Picchu.

That way, we´ll have the opportunity to witness the dawn and sunrise, before entering the archaeological park, where our guide will give us a guided visit, of about 2 hours, commenting about its history and most important architectural compounds.

Afterwards, we´ll have some free time, to explore the site, on our own, take pictures, and/or visit other places, inside, or in the immediate surroundings of Machu Picchu.

Included:

• Pick-up at your hotel.
• Group tourism vehicle, from Cusco to the Abra Málaga, and from Huamanmarca to Santa María.
• Front suspension mountain bikes, full-face helmet, gloves, elbow and spine protectors, and safety vest.
• 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts.
• 2 nights at local inns, with basic services, without hot shower.
• 1 night at a hostel, in Machupicchu Pueblo, with private bathroom and hot shower.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Professional guide.
• Train, from Machupicchu to Ollantaytambo.
• Bus, from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, or pick-up, in Hidroeléctrica, and return to Cusco, by road.
• First-aid kit.

Not included:

• First breakfast, and last lunch.
• Entrance tickets to the thermal baths, in Cocalmayo, and Machupicchu Pueblo.
• Wayfare, to cross the river, on the ‘oroya’.
• Transportation to the thermal baths, from Santa Teresa to Cocalmayo.
• Bus up to Machu Picchu, and down, to Machupicchu Pueblo.
• Optional activities: Zip line and river rafting.
• Mineral water and other personal expenses, during the trip.
• Tips for the guide and driver.
• Hike up Mount Machu Picchu or Wayna Picchu.
• Towel and/or swimsuit rental.

NOTE: To book the return train ticket, contact us at the moment of booking, so that we might secure and confirm your train schedule´s availability.

What to bring:

• Medium-size backpack.
• Canteen, to carry water.
• Snacks.
• 1 full change of clothes, per hiking day.
• Personal hygiene kit.
• Mountain hiking shoes.
• Wide-brim hat, sunglasses and sunblock lotion.
• Rain gear.
• Insect repellent.
• Hiking sticks, with rubber tips.
• Photo/video, with extra batteries.
• Flashlight, with extra batteries.
• Light binoculars.
• Extra cash, in Nuevos Soles (PEN).

DAY 1: CUSCO – LARES´ THERMAL BATHS – WACAWASI

ACTIVITIES: Trip aboard a vehicle, from Cusco to Lares, Thermo-medicinal Baths of Lares, and hike to Wacawasi.

DAY 2: WACAWASI – MISKI UNUYUC

ACTIVITIES: Hike (5 to 6 hours), Wacawasi Mountain Pass, observation of fauna and flora, Lake Auroray, and camping in Miski Unuyuc.

DAY 3: MISKI UNUYUC – YANAHUARA – OLLANTAYTAMBO to MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO

ACTIVITIES: Hike (3 to 4 hours), Yanahuara Valley, and train trip, from Ollantaytambo to Machupicchu Pueblo.

DAY 4: MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

ACTIVITIES: Guided visit of Machu Picchu, and train trip to Ollantaytambo.

DAY 1: CUSCO – LARES´ THERMO-MEDICINAL BATHS – WACAWASI (4 to 5 hours)

At 6:00 a.m., we´ll pick you up at your respective hotels, to transfer you, aboard a vehicle, to the village of Lares. On the way, we´ll cross a mountain pass, at an altitude of 4,265 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l. – 13,992 ft.). From there, we´ll contemplate the imposing mounts Pitusiray and Sawasiray that still conserve their glaciers, on their peaks.

After traveling during 4 hours, aboard our transportation, we´ll get to Lares´ Thermo-medicinal Baths, where our support staff will be waiting, with mules and horses, to carry our luggage, together with the camping and kitchen equipment.

Meanwhile the Chef is preparing a delicious lunch, we´ll have a chance to take a dip in the thermal baths, known, worldwide, for their healing properties of a variety of illnesses, aches and pains.

After lunch, we´ll start hiking, at an altitude of 3,207 m.a.s.l. (10,251 ft.), to Wacawasi, where we´ll be camping, and will reach 3,800 m.a.s.l. (12,467 ft.). During our hike, we´ll observe a broad diversity of animals and birds, like, for example, lamas, alpacas, hummingbirds, eagles, etc.

DAY 2: WACAWASI – MISKI UNUYUC (5 to 6 hours)

Today, we´ll get-up early, to have breakfast, at the campsite, and then, we´ll go on walking, more motivated than ever, given that we´ll have to face a difficult trail that will reward us with the natural wonders it offers us, on a very special ecological level, on which some farmers, descendants of the Incas, still work the land, the way their ancestors used to, and produce a good variety of crops.

Besides, we´ll have chances to observe animals and birds, such as the highland ibis, ‘wallatas’ (Andean geese), vizacachas, the Andean cara cara, etc. After about four hours of hiking, we´ll get to the Wacawasi Mountain Pass, at 4,600 m.a.s.l. (15,091 ft.).

Then, we´ll descend to Lake Auroray, where we´ll have lunch and, right after, we´ll hike, downhill, to our campsite, in Miski Unuyuc, at 3,800 m.a.sl. (12,467 ft.), where we´ll have dinner, and will spend the night.

DAY 3: MISKI UNUYUC – YANAHUARA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO

(3 to 4-hour hike)

In the morning, we´ll wake-up with the sound of birds, to go on our trek to the Yanahuara Valley. On the way, we´ll contemplate splendid landscapes, and will pause, to have lunch. Afterwards, we´ll continue, on a bus, from Yanahuara to Ollantaytambo´s railway station, where we´ll board a train, for a 2-hour ride to Machupicchu Pueblo (ex Aguas Calientes).

In Machupicchu Pueblo, the other members of your group and yourself will have dinner at a restaurant, where your guide will give you all the information on the visit to Machu Picchu, the following day. Then, you´ll spend the night, at a hostel, with private bathroom and hot shower.

OBSERVATION: it is possible to do the Lares Trek, without visiting Machu Picchu, and to return to Cusco, from Yanahuara.

DAY 4: MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

For the visit of Machu Picchu, there are two shifts: The first is from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and, the second, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. However, we´ll go up to Machu Picchu, in the first shift, to enjoy the sunrise, followed by a guided visit, of about 2 hours, in the archaeological complex.

NOTE: If you are interested in going up Mount Wayna Picchu, get in touch with us, at the moment of booking the program, so that we might inform you whether there are available spaces, on the date of your visit to the Incan City.

After having gone down to Machupicchu Pueblo, on a tourism bus, you´ll have lunch and, in the afternoon, you´ll board the train bound to Ollantaytambo, where the staff, in charge of your transfer, will be waiting for you, to take you back to Cusco.

Included:

• Transportation, from Cusco to Lares.
• Professional guide, cook and support staff, to take the camping gear, loaded on mules, together with 5 kg (11 pds.) of luggage, per participant.
• The camping equipment.
• Regular food, or indicate if you want a vegetarian option (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners).
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Train, from Ollantaytambo, to Machupicchu Pueblo.
• Train, from Machupicchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo.
• Transfer, from Ollantaytambo´s railway station, to Cusco.

Not included:

• Entrance ticket to the Lares´ Thermo-medicinal Baths.
• Sleeping bag.
• Personal insurance.
• Tips and personal expenses.

Information:

Departure and arrival schedules are subject to variations.

Campsites are subject to changes, in accordance with the guide´s criteria, and the group´s evaluation.

The programs can be designed and organized for special interest groups, groups of friends, couples, on Honey Moon, or groups and families.

NOTE: If you want to do a high season last minute booking, and there is no availability for the return train, we can organize your return, by bus, from the Hidroeléctrica Railway Station, to Cusco.

If you want to go up to the Summit of Mount Wayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain, contact us, upon booking the program, and we´ll inform you about space availability, for that activity.

What we need, when you make a booking:

• Your full name, as it is written on your passport.
• Your passport number.
• We request a 40% Visa deposit, on the program´s total value.

What to bring:

• A light medium-size backpack.
• 4 full changes of clothes.
• Rain gear, or plastic poncho (you can buy one, in Cusco, for USD$ 1.00).
• Mountain hiking shoes.
• Personal hygiene kit and towel.
• Wide-brim hat and sunglasses.
• Sandals, or another pair of light shoes, to walk around the campgrounds.
• Jacket, t-shirts, polar, chullo (Andean wool bonnet that covers your ears), gloves and scarf.
• Thermic clothes, for cold nights.
• Sleeping bag that stands low temperatures.
• Flashlight, with extra batteries.
• Photo/video camera, with extra batteries.
• Light binoculars.
• Sunblock lotion, mosquito repellent, recommended with 20% DEET, although there is no risk of malaria.
• Toilet paper, in a plastic bag.
• Snacks: Crackers, energy bars, fresh and/or dried fruit, etc.
• Canteen, to carry water along.
• Personal medication.
• Swimsuit and towel.
• Extra cash, in Nuevos Soles (PEN), for personal expenses, drinks and souvenirs.
• Original passport.
• Hiking sticks, with rubber tips.

DAY 1: CUSCO – CHINCHERO – SACRED VALLEY – OLLANTAYTAMBO

ACTIVITIES: Transfer, from Cusco to Chinchero, and confection demonstration of traditional woven textiles, guided visit of Moray´s Incan Agricultural Laboratory, guided visit of Maras´ Salt Mines, and guided visit of Ollantaytambo´s Incan Architectural Complex.

DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – INCA TRAIL – MACHU PICCHU – MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO

ACTIVITIES: Train trip to Km. 104, hike on the Inca Trail, and guided visits of Incan architectural complexes, all the way to the Inti Punku, arrival in the Incan City of Machu Picchu, and ride, on a tourism bus, down to Machupicchu Pueblo.

DAY 3: MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

ACTIVITIES: Guided visit of Machu Picchu, lunch in Machupicchu Pueblo, and train trip to Ollantaytambo.

DAY 1: CUSCO – CHINCHERO – SACRED VALLEY – OLLANTAYTAMBO

In this program, we´ll get to know the most beautiful sites, on Cusco´s High Plateau and in the Incas´ Sacred Valley.

The picturesque District of Chinchero is located 28 kilometers (17.7 miles) from the city of Cusco. There, we´ll appreciate traditional textile confection works, directly from the hands of its famous women weavers who will give us a demonstration of ancient Incan techniques, still used today, for the elaboration, by hand, of fine woven fabrics, such as the alpaca wool´s dyeing and threading, as well as of the use of the loom, and of the meanings of the designs represented in their works.

After a short stopover, at Chinchero´s Textile Center, we´ll visit its archaeological center and colonial church, in which we´ll be able to appreciate biblical and historical scenes, on mural paintings and canvases, with saints, that made the natives´ evangelization process easier.

Then, we´ll visit the Salt Mines, also known as the ‘Salineras’ of Maras, with around 3,800 shallow pools, fed by a salt water spring, from which families of local inhabitants periodically extract pinkish-grey mineral salt they sell to prestigious hotels and restaurants, given that, due to its high nutritional content, it is in great demand, for the preparation of the most exquisite dishes.

The third site we´ll visit is Moray´s Incan Agricultural Laboratory composed of huge circular and concentric benched terraces that look like amphitheaters developed inside natural depressions, in the ground of Cusco´s High Plateau.

According to scientific studies, in the area, in Incan times, these benched terraces worked as a great agricultural laboratory, with different microclimates.

Afterwards, we´ll have lunch at a nearby restaurant and, in the afternoon, we´ll visit the Fortified Llaqta (Incan multifunctional urban center) of Ollantaytambo that used to be an administrative, military, religious and agricultural center. Finally, we´ll have dinner, and will spend the night at a hostel, in the area.

DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – INCA TRAIL – MACHU PICCHU – MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO

After breakfast, at the hotel, we´ll board the 6:40 a.m. train and, after an hour and a half, we´ll get to Km. 104, where our 11-kilometer (6-mile) hike starts, on the Inca Trail to the Inti Punku (Sun God´s Gate). From there, we´ll be able to take our first pictures of the Incan City of Machu Picchu, and of Mount Wayna Picchu.

All along the trek, we´ll explore the Incan architectural complexes of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, as well as a great waterfall, the subtropical cloud forest, bamboo trees, bromeliads, begonias, orchids, etc. In addition, we´ll observe the Incan architectural complexes of Choquesuysuy and Intipata, in the distance.

Finally, we´ll conclude the hike, in the Incan City of Machu Picchu, to take a bus that will take us down to Machupicchu Pueblo, where we´ll have dinner, and will spend the night at a hostel, with private bathroom and hot shower.

DAY 3: MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

After having enjoyed a delicious breakfast, we´ll board a tourism bus, up to Machu Picchu. There, our guide will show us the Incan City´s main architectural compounds, such as the Temple of the Sun, Royal Tomb, Priest´s House, the Inca´s Residence, the Quarry, the Three Windows´ Temple, the Inti Huatana, the Sacred Rock, the Astronomical Mirrors´ Room and the Condor´s Temple, among other attractions, on the site.

Once the visit over, you´ll take a bus, down to Machupicchu Pueblo, to have lunch and, in the afternoon, you´ll board the train that will take you to Ollantaytambo, where our support staff will transfer you to your hotel, in Cusco, aboard our tourism transportation vehicle.

Inlcuded:

• English and Spanish speaking professional guide.
• Partial Tourist Pass for the Sacred Valley.
• Entrance ticket to Maras´ Salt Mines.
• 1 night at a hostel, in Ollantaytambo.
• 1 buffet-lunch, in the Sacred Valley.
• 6:40 a.m. Inca Rail train, from Ollantaytambo to Km. 104.
• Entrance ticket to the Km. 104 Inca Trail.
• 1 box-lunch, on the Inca Trail.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Bus down to Machupicchu Pueblo, and up to Machu Picchu.
• Local guide, in Machu Picchu.
• 2:30 p.m. Inca Rail train, from Machupicchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo.
• Transfer, from Ollantaytambo´s railway station to the city of Cusco.
• 1 night at a hostel, in Machupicchu Pueblo.

Not included:

• Entrance ticket to Wayna Picchu and Mount Machu Picchu. Coordinate space availability at the moment of booking.
• Tips and personal expenses.
• INDIVIDUAL PRICE: USD$ 600.00

What to bring:

• Hiking shoes.
• Sunblock lotion, hat or cap, and sunglasses.
• 1 full change of clothes per hiking day.
• Personal hygiene kit and towel.
• Original passport or identification document.
• Canteen, to carry water along.
• Impermeable clothes, rain poncho or cape.
• Hiking sticks, with rubber tips.
• Photo/video camera, with extra batteries.
• Light binoculars.
• Flashlight, with extra batteries.
• Extra cash, in Nuevos Soles (PEN).

DAY 1: CUSCO – SANTA MARÍA – SANTA TERESA

• ACTIVITIES: Transfer aboard a vehicle, to the Abra Málaga, and descent on mountain bikes.

DAY 2: SANTA TERESA – MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO

• ACTIVITIES: Hike (3 hours), from Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica, and hike (3 hours and a half) to Machupicchu Pueblo.
• Optional activities: Zipline and/or river rafting.

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

• ACTIVITIES: Uphill hike to machu Picchu, and guided visit,  with free time in the Incan City, lunch in Machupicchu Pueblo, and train trip to Ollantaytambo.

DAY 1: CUSCO – SANTA MARÍA – SANTA TERESA

We´ll pick you up at your hotel, between 7:20 and 7:40 a.m., to leave the city of Cusco, and go, aboard a group transportation vehicle, to the Incas´ Sacred Valley, where we´ll have the chance to admire beautiful and picturesque natural and cultural attractions. On the way, we´ll do a 15 to 20-minute stopover, nearby Ollantaytambo, to buy something to eat, use the restrooms, etc.

Then, we´ll go on our way, to the Abra Málaga (4,316 m.a.s.l. – 14,160 ft.) and, after about 10 minutes, beyond the mountain pass, we´ll start the 2 to 3-hour descent*, on mountain bikes, to the High Jungle, passing by small villages, fruit tree plantations, rivers and streams, to conclude this activity in Huamanmarca.

Afterwards, we´ll go on, aboard our vehicle, to the village of Santa María. There, a local transportation vehicle will transfer us to the locality of Santa Teresa (1 hour), where we´ll spend our first night at a local inn.

*During the descent, we´ll benefit from the support of our private vehicle that will offer safety to the group. Upon arrival in the village of Santa Teresa, we´ll have dinner, and will spend the night at a local inn.

Optional: River rafting, during an average of 2 hours.

DAY 2: SANTA TERESA – MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO

After breakfast, we´ll start the hike, for around 3 hours, to the Hidroeléctrica Railway Station, where we´ll have lunch. Then, we´ll go on hiking, to Machupicchu Pueblo (ex Aguas Calientes), for about three hours and a half, along the railroad tracks.

Optional: Zipline (3 hours).

Dinner and overnight stay, at a hostel, in Machupicchu Pueblo.

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

At 4:00 a.m., we´ll get ready, to hike up, for about an hour and a half, to Machu Picchu, to contemplate dawn, in the Archaeological Park. Then, we´ll enjoy a two and a half hour visit, during which the guide will show us the Incan City´s most important architectural compounds. Afterwards, we´ll have some free time, to take pictures, and visit other places, in Machu Picchu.

Once back in Machupicchu Pueblo and, after lunch, we´ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then, a tourism bus, to the city of Cusco.

Included:

• Pick-up at your hotel.
• Tourism transportation vehicle: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Santa María.
• Transfer: Santa María – Santa Teresa.
• Front suspension mountain bikes, helmets, gloves, knee and elbow protectors, and safety jacket.
• 2 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts.
• 1 night at a local inn, with basic service (Without hot shower).
• 1 night at a hostel, with private bathroom and hot water (Last night).
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Professional guide.
• Train: Machupicchu Pueblo – Ollantaytambo.
• Bus: Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
• First-aid kit.

Not included:

• The first breakfast, and last lunch.
• Mineral water, during the trip.
• Snacks: S/. 5.00 per day.
• Zipline: USD$ 20.00.
• River rafting: USD$ 20.00.
• Wayna Picchu: USD$ 30.00.
• Mount Machu Picchu: USD$ 25.00.
• Entrance ticket to the thermal baths, in Machupicchu Pueblo: S/. 20.00 (Nuevos Soles – PEN).
• Towel rental: S/. 3.00 a day.
• Two-way bus, in Machupicchu Pueblo: USD$ 24.00.
• Bus up or down: USD$ 12.00.
• Tips and other personal expenses.

What to bring:

• Medium-size backpack.
• 1 full change of clothes, per day of hiking.
• Personal hygiene kit and towel.
• Mountain hiking shoes.
• Wide-brim hat, sunglasses and sunblock lotion.
• Rain gear.
• Insect repellent.
• Hiking sticks, with rubber tips.
• Photo/video camera, with extra batteries.
• Light binoculars.
• Flashlight, with extra batteries.
• Extra cash, in Nuevos Soles (PEN).

At 6:00 a.m., we´ll pick you up at your hotel and, after traveling, for about three hours and a half, on board our tourism vehicle, we´ll get to Palcoyoc, where we´ll have breakfast, and will start  the hike.

Each step of the way, you´ll have opportunities to take beautiful pictures of the peculiar range of colors that, with the magical touch of the first sunrays, irriadiate from those mountains, and can especially be appreciated in the great hill, similar to a dorsal spine, with variations of orange to violet tonalities.

This rock formation, of so many colors, is product of a complex geological history that includes marine, lake and river sediments, from the Pre-Cambrian Period, elevated by tectonic movements, meanwhile its more recent surface deposits would date back to the Quartenary Era.

These rock formations present the following colors:

• Pink: Conglomerates of red clay and sand (3 to 4 million years).
• Whitish: Composition of lime rock (about 400 million years).
• Whitish: Calcareous Stone (about 400 million years).
• Greenish-brown and purple: Composed of lead, rich in calcium carbonate (80 to 90 million years).
• Red: Clay with iron oxide, from the Upper Tertiary Era (about 3 to 4 million years).
• Green: Slate stone, with copper oxide (about 600 million years).
• Earth colored greenish brown: Composed of rock, with manganese, of the Quaternary Era (1 to 2 million years).
• Mustard yellow: Calcareous sands, with sulfur (80 to 90 million years).

From Cusco, we offer a 1-day circuit that includes the two-way trip, aboard a group tourism transportation vehicle, and a 2-hour hike. So, in order to appreciate the Seven-Colored Mountain, in its full splendor, book your space at our agency, and live that unforgettable experience.

Once the 2-hour hike over, we´ll have lunch in Palcoyoc and, in the afternoon, we´ll return to Cusco, ending the tour just a few blocks from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), at 6:00 p.m.

Included:

• Group tourism transportation vehicle.
• Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
• First-aid kit and oxygen.
• Coca leaf tea.
• Breakfast in Palcoyoc.
• Lunch (vegetarian option).

Not included:

• Entrance ticket to the mountain: S/. 10.00.
• Hiking equipment: Hiking shoes, rain poncho, wool gloves, bonnet and scarf.
• Hiking sticks.
• Sunblock lotion and sunglasses.
• Cold and/or hot drinks.
• Tips and personal expenses.

What to bring:

• Daypack.
• Mineral water and snacks.
• Clothes for warm weather, rain and cold, in successive layers.
• Wool bonnet, scarf and gloves, sunglasse and sunblock lotion.
• Mountain hiking shoes or sneakers (tennis shoes).
• Photo/video camera and extra batteries.
• Light binoculars.
• Hiking sticks.

Between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., we´ll pick you up at your hotel, to travel, aboard a group tourism transportation unit, along the Southern Valley, following the asphalted road to Puno. After two hours and a half, we´ll get to the District of Cusipata (3,310 m.a.s.l. – 10,859 ft.), in the Province of Quispicanchis, where we´ll have breakfast.

Then, we´ll go on, aboard our vehicle, along a dirt road, passing by several farming communities, like Japura and Hanchipata, to get to the Community of Pampachiri (4,600 m.a.s.l. – 15,091 ft.), where the road ends. There, we´ll start hiking, for about 5 km. (3.2 miles), to the Vinicunca Mountain Pass (5,020 m.a.s.l. – 16,469 ft.).

That horsepath goes gradually up to the pass, in a one and a half-hour hike, during which we´ll have the opportunity of observing alpacas and lamas and, at the top, we´ll be able to see the the famous mountain range and its colors.

At the pass, we´ll have some free time to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views Mother Nature offers us, with the Colorful Mountain that looks like a rainbow, with pink, whitish, red, green, greenish-brown, brown and mustard-yellow tonalities.

Included:

• Group tourism transportation unit: Mercedes Benz.
• Professional mountain guide.
• Breakfast and lunch.
• Hiking sticks.
• First-aid kit and oxygen.

Not included:

• Entrance fee to the Rainbow Mountain.
• Horses.
• Water, snacks, personal medicine, etc.
• Tips and personal expenses.

What to bring:

• Daypack.
• Mineral water and snacks.
• Clothes for warm weather, rain and cold, in successive layers.
• Wool bonnet, scarf and gloves, sunglasse and sunblock lotion.
• Mountain hiking shoes or sneakers (tennis shoes).
• Photo/video camera and extra batteries.
• Light binoculars.
• Hiking sticks.

Between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., we´ll pick you up at your hotel, aboard our 19-passenger vehicle, and will travel, as a group, on an asphalted road, between Cusco and Abancay. At the Mollepata bifurcation, we´ll head towards Soraypampa, where we´ll start the hike, at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l. – 12,795 ft.). After a short rest, we´ll start walking, uphill, towards the Humantay Lagoon, located about 4,180 m.a.s.l. (13,779 f.a.s.l.).

After the ascent, of about 1 hour and 20 minutes, we´ll have chances to appreciate a wonderful landscape, with the beautiful lagoon and spectacular glaciers, on the horizon. Then, our guide will give us a short explanation, we´ll take souvenir pictures, and will have some free time, to enjoy the site. Finally, we´ll return to the city of Cusco, arriving there at 5:00 p.m.

Included:

• 19-passenger Sprinter Mercedes Benz transportation vehicle.
• Professional mountain guide.
• Breakfast and lunch.
• Oxigen and first-aid kit.
• Entrance ticket to the Humantay Lagoon´s area.

Not included:

• Tips.
• Other personal expenses.

What to bring:

• Daypack.
• Mineral water and snacks.
• Clothes for warm weather, rain and cold, in successive layers.
• Wool bonnet, scarf and gloves, sunglasses and sunblock lotion.
• Mountain hiking shoes or sneakers (tennis shoes).
• Photo/video camera and extra batteries.
• Light binoculars.
• Hiking sticks.