Cusco Machu Picchu trip Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrival to Cusco

Upon your arrival to Cusco, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and get acclimated to the altitude, you can also choose to explore some of the ancient Inca Streets in the downtown.

• Cusco Hotel : No included
• Meals included: None

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas -Pisac Market – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.

We will drive toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. On the way, we will visit the weaving center of Awana Cancha where we will have free time to interact with the local craftsmen and to purchase their hand-made textiles. We will stop at the Mirador of Taray to take in the view of the Urubamba valley.

The valley has crops that dress the mountains like carpets. We will arrive in the town of Pisac to visit a fantastic local Market (optional to visit the Inca ruin of Pisac). Afterward, we will continue to the town of Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch.

After lunch we will visit Ollantaytambo, an attractive town of Incan origin with remarkable water channels and stone streets. There is an impressive ceremonial center that pays homage to the water and a fortress that guarded the access to the interior part of the valley. In the evening we will take the train to Aguas Calientes.

• Meals provided: Lunch.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes:

Day 3: Machu Picchu – Cusco.

After your breakfast at the hotel, the guide will pick you up and lead you to the bus station, we then board the bus that will take us to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Where you will have a guided tour of the Citadel, our guide will show us the Main Plaza, the Sun Temple, the Sacred Sun Dial (Intihuatana), the Royal palace, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main temple, Sacred Rock, warehouses, and all the most important places. It will be a magical experience at this wonderful and charming place. After the guided tour you will have free time to explore the area on your own. or you can take the following hiking options:

1. Climb to Wayna Picchu; suggested for the most adventurous people, Wayna Picchu is a great option to observe the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being very high and distant (we suggest you to book it in advance).
2. Walk to Sun Gate; all the visitors of Machu Picchu are allowed to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
3. Montaña Machu Picchu; it is much longer and higher than Wayna Picchu so it needs at least 3 hours of intense hike up and down to be finished it but it is definitely worth it.

In the afternoon at the schedule time you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, and then we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. The journey by train takes approximately 1:40 Hours, upon your arrival to the train station, you will transferred back to the hotel in Cusco.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Hotel in Cusco: None

Day 4:  Cusco – flight back to Lima.

In the morning, we will pick you up from the hotel and transport you to the airport in Cusco.

Included in Cusco Machu Picchu Trip:

• Transfers to:  Airport/Hotel/Airport.
• All transfers are included
• Tourist Ticket for archeological sites
• Tour of the Sacred Valley
• Lunch in Urubamba.
• Train tickets round trip in expedition class
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Two way bus tickets to Machu Picchu (consettur).
• Professional guide for the excursions.
• One night hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Transfer Ollantaytambo Station to Cusco

Not included in Cusco Machu Picchu Trip:

• Tips for driver and guide
• Entrance ticket for Wayna Picchu

Full itinerary for Sacred Valley excursion:

Day 1. – Cusco – Pisac – Ollantaytambo- Aguas Calientes

We will drive toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. On the way, we will visit the weaving center of Awana Cancha where we will have free time to interact with the local craftsmen and to purchase their hand-made textiles. We will stop at the Mirador of Taray to take in the view of the Urubamba valley.

The valley has crops that dress the mountains like carpets. We will arrive in the town of Pisac to visit a fantastic local Market (optional to visit the Inca ruin of Pisac). Afterward, we will continue to the town of Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch.

After lunch we will visit Ollantaytambo, an attractive town of Incan origin with remarkable water channels and stone streets. There is an impressive ceremonial center that pays homage to the water and a fortress that guarded the access to the interior part of the valley. In the evening we will take the train to Aguas Calientes.

• Meals provided: Lunch.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes:

Day 2.- Aguas – Calientes Machu picchu – Cusco

In the morning after breakfast, we will board one of the first buses which will take us to the magical energetic center of the Incas “Machu Picchu”. A professional tour guide will transmit us all the history of this mysterious and mystical place (Sun Temple, Royal Palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial). It will be an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, you will have some extra free time to explore the area on your own, you can also do the additional hikes around (Sun gate or Inca Bridge). At the appropriate time we will go down to Aguas Calientes and then return to Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast.

Sacred Valley excursion & Machu Picchu tour Includes:

• Pick up from the hotel
• Tourist transportation for the Sacred Valley tour
• Guided tour to the Sacred Valley.
• Lunch in Urubamba.
• Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley (cosituc)
• A night of hotel in Aguas Calientes(with breakfast, hot water & private bathroom)
• The entrance fee to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
• Train tickets expedition class round trip.
• Bus ticket up and down to Machu Picchu.
• Professional  English Speaking guide.
• Transfer back to Cusco

Sacred Valley excursion & Machu Picchu tour does not include:

• Entrance fee to Wayna Picchu Mountain or Montaña ($25.00 p/p additional )
• Entrance fee to the hot springs (20 soles per person)
• Meals not describe don the itinerary.
• snack and drinks.
• Tips (transfer, guide).

Recommended things to bring for the 2 day tour

• Water bottle, camera, sunblock, hat
• original Passport
• Raincoat or rain poncho
• Money for tips and souvenirs
• Comfortable sturdy walking shoes or runners
• A warm clothes to return to Cusco

Day 1: Cusco – Kayrabiri – Llamachinpana

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and start driving through the South Valley. The ride to the trail-head at Quesiuno (4,326 m / 14,189 ft) is approx.3 hours long. Once we arrive to the Encantuyoc Bridge, our cook will prepare a delicious breakfast.

After breakfast, our horseman will load all the gear on the horses and then we will be able to start the hike uphill. Following a lovely stream, we will be surprisingly surrounded by the herds of alpacas and llamas; this region is the home of numerous Andean people who own those beautiful animals. As we hike to the Rainbow Mountain, we will have constant view of the Ausangate Mountain. We will also hike through a small villages and interact with the local people. If we are lucky enough we will have the chance to see the Vicuñas, the Peruvian National animal.

After approx. 4 hours hike, we will arrive to the campsite of kayrabiri, close by the village of Llamachimpana. After a delicious lunch, we will have the opportunity to visit some of the families and see the real Andean life style. This region has interesting customs and traditions to learn. We then return to the camp for dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner / snacks
• Estiimate walking time: 3 to 4 hours
• Walking Distance: : 4 km / 2 ½ miles
• Level of the hike: Challenging

Day 2: Llamachimpana – Vinicunca – Kayrabiri – Cusco

We will continue with our Rainbow Mountain tour waking up with a cup of hot coca tea and the beautiful sunrise. After the delicious breakfast prepared by our chef, we will start the second day towards the Rainbow Mountain, 2 hours uphill hike will let us to arrive to our dreamed destination.

The Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft), is a spectacular geological formation, which will get us immerse into the shock of it is beauty; we will have the opportunity to explore the area and admire this amazing rainbow Mountain. We will spend approx. 30 minutes to take pictures and have snacks while we enjoy the view of the whole Ausangate mountain range.

After to enjoy and admire the Majestic Rainbow Mountain, we will walk back downhill for approx. 4 hours to the lunch place. In the afternoon we will have 3 hour return drive to Cusco, arriving to your hotel around 8pm.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch / snacks
• Estimate walking Distance: Uphill: 3.5 km / 2 miles
• Estimate walking Distance Downhill: 7 km / 4 ½ miles
• Approximate walking time: 2 hours up; 4 to 5 hours down
• Level of the hike: Difficult

 What is Included in the Rainbow Mountain travel?

• Professional English speaking tour guide
• Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in Cusco to your Hotel
• Pre-trek Briefing 1 or 2 days before your trek.
• Transportation to Quesiuno the beginning of the Rainbow Mountain travel.
• Return transportation from Quesiuno to your hotel Cusco.
• A 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
• Sleeping Mattress
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Toilet tent and portable toilet
• Professional Chef
• 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, and 1 Dinner.
• Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal
• items.
• Duffle bag for your personal gear
• Boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
• Entrance fee to the Rainbow Mountain
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• First aid kit.

What is Not Included in the Rainbow Mountain travel?

• Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
• Dinner on the Day 2
• Tips for the crew (Guide, Chef, wranglers)
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance
• for the duration of your trip.
• Transfer out from Cusco

What you need to take for Rainbow mountain travel

• Original Passport
• ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket,pants / rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable Trousers
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream
• Insect repellant
• Toiletries and hand sanitize
• Personal medication
• Camera and film
• Flash light
• Spare batteries

Day 1: Cusco – Llaqto – Raibow Mountain – Llacto – Cusco

After to pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. You will start the adventure journey to the famous Rainbow Mountain. The drive to the trail-head at Llacto (4,326 m / 14,189 ft) is approx.for 3 hours. Once we arrive to the parking place, there will be some time for breakfast.

Taking our day pack with essential items we start the hike. Following a gentle path, you will start gaining elevation. If you are lucky there will be alpacas and llamas grazing on the sides of the trail. As you get closer to Vinicunca the trail becomes steeper. But will be encouraging to see hikers on the top of the hill enjoying the majestic of the Rainbow Mountain Peru.

At the lookout for Vinicunca the elevation is 5,020 m / 16,466 ft, and this gives you the opportunity of admiring the spectacular mountain scenery. Taking our pictures from the top you will walk back down the same way you came. When you get back to the buses parking out chef will be awaiting with a hot lunch. In the afternoon you will have 3 hour return drive to Cusco and you will be drop off at your hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast / Box lunch
• Total distance to walk: 9km / 5¼ miles
• Estimate walking time: 3 to 4 hours up and down
• Difficulty of the hike: Challenging

What is included in the Rainbow Mountain trek?

• Expert mountain guide
• Pre-trek Briefing 1 or 2 days before the trek (upon request).
• 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and snacks.
• Transportation to the trail-head of the Rainbow Mountain trek
• Return transportation to Cusco hotel
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• First aid kit.
• Entrance to the Rainbow Mountain

What is not included in the Rainbow Mountain trek?

• A horse to ride
• Dinner on day 1
• Tips for the crew (driver, guide and cook)
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

What you need to bring for Rainbow Mountain trek?

• ISIC card is not accepted for a discount
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket, pants/ rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable Trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun cream
• Insect repellant
• Snacks
• Water
• Toiletries and hand sanitiser
• Personal medication
• Camera and film
• Spare betteries

Full itinerary for Vinicunca Ausangate hike

Day 1: Cusco ‐ Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis Village

At the scheduled time travelers will be picked up from their hotels in Cusco, we then start traveling in our private transportation through the South valley with direction to Urcos; where you can still buy some fresh last minute supplies for our trip. Following the road to Puerto Maldonado we will arrive to the village of Tinqui, on the way we will pass several villages and we also will enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery mixed with the Andean people.

The trek to the Rainbow Mountain Peru will start after breakfast provided by our chef, at Tinqui the horseman will pack and load on the horse all the equipment required for this 4 day trek; we will hike for about 3 hours through some local farming lands and communities; we will stop for a refueling lunch with mind blowing views of Mt Ausangate. In the afternoon we will hike for another 2 hours to arrive to Upis hot-springs (4,100 m / 13,448 ft). There we will have chance to enjoy the beautiful hot springs before dinner, and we will set up camp here.

• Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner & snacks
• Lowest point: 3,800 m / 12, 464 ft
• Highest point: 4,400 m / 14,432 ft
• Estimated distance of walking: 12 km / 7 ½ miles
• Estimated Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Upis ‐ Arapa Pass – Pukacocha lake

In the morning we will be woken up by our crew members with a cup of coca tea in our tents; after a delicious breakfast we will set up from the camp and continue our trek to the Rainbow Mountain Cusco. We will hike uphill for about 3 hours to arrive to Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft.). From this point there is a wonderful and breathtaking views of the desert hills, beautiful rock formations, astonishing views of Mt. Ausangate, Ccolque Cruz and Pukacocha itself, this portion of the trail is still part of the challenging Ausangate trek.

After to have our snacks and enjoy the stunning scenery we will walk down, on the way to our camp we will pass some other interesting lakes as: Pukacocha, Hatun Pukacocha, and Qomercocha, which makes the Ausangate trek a unique experience in the Peruvian Andes. This second night Camp is close by the foot of Mt Ausangate.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner + snacks
• Lowest Elevation: 4,100 m / 13,448 ft
• Highest Elevation: 4,850 m / 15,908 ft
• Estimated walking Distance: 12 km / 7 ½ miles
• Estimated walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Pukacocha – Ausangate Pass – Minasmoqo Pass – Surina Cocha

Our day starts again with coca tea wake up! This portion of the trek is probably the most beautiful part of our hike, today we will get to see the famous Rainbow Mountains in the distance, and also we will pass through the traditional village of Alkatauri. This area is totally isolated and there is no vegetation around, but is very amazing and interesting the techniques of the villagers to survive up here and the way how they build their homes.

In the morning we will have a hike of 1 ½ hours uphill until we arrive to the Ausangate pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft.). From this pass is visible some beautiful red color mountains and if we are lucky we will see Chinchillas and alpacas. After to enjoy all the mountain scenery from the pass, we will descend for 1 ½ hours to arrive to the traditional village of Ananta Pata (4,400 m / 14,435 ft.). where our chef awaits us with a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon we will continue with our Ausangate trek walking for 2 hours to arrive to the next pass called warmysaya. From here we will have our first sights of the Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). This pass has a lot of offerings of travelers or locals for the tall mountains and Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).The final part of this day will be down-hill hike for about one hour until we arrive to the beautiful campsite at Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft).

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner & snacks
• Lowest Elevation: 4,400 m /14,435 ft
• Highest Elevation: 5,023 m / 16,479 ft
• Estimated walking distance: 12 km/ 7 ½ miles
• Estimated walking Time: 8 – 9 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Demanding

Day 4: Surina Cocha – Rainbow Mountain – Llaqto – Cusco

After a delicious breakfast 2 hours of up-hill hike will let us to arrive to the popular Rainbow Mountain Cusco (5,020 m / 16,469 ft.). there will be plenty of time to explore and enjoy of this natural wonder, the guide will show you the best spots to take the best pictures of this incredible mountain formation called Vinicunca Peru. After to explore and enjoy this astonishing Rainbow Mountains we will walk down for 2 hours until we reach Llaqto for lunch

In the afternoon we will have 3 hours bus drive back to Cusco city, we will drop off you at the hotel around 5pm.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
• Lowest elevation: 5,020 m / 16,469 ft
• Highest elevation: 10 km /6.2 miles
• Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Included for Vinicunca Ausangate hike:

• Fluent English speaking tour guide
• Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
• Private transportation from your Cusco hotel to Tinqui (the trailhead)
• Private transportation from Quesiuno Village to your Cusco hotel
• Four person tent for each 2 persons.
• Thermarest Inflatable Mattress
• Kitchen tent
• Professional chef to prepare the meals
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Toilet tent and portable toilet
• Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
• Horse to carry 7 kg of your personal gear
• Emergency horse in case we need it
• Meals:4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners
• Hot water for washing
• Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill up the water bottles
• Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
• Admission fee for Ausanagte and Upis Hot Springs

Not Included for Vinicunca  Ausangate hike:

• Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
• Trekking poles (can be rented from us)
• Travel Insurance
• Day 4 dinner
• Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)

Recommended things to bring for Vinicunca Ausangate hike:

• Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
• Down sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
• Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
• Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
• Sunscreen SPF 35+ recommended, sun hat and sunglasses
• Head lamp
• Camera with spare batteries (batteries run down faster at high altitudes)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented in our office)
• Insect repellent
• Little gifts for the local people at Alkatauri village.

Itinerary for Moray Machupicchu tour:

Day 1 – Arrival to Cusco

Upon your arrival to Cusco, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and get acclimated to the altitude, you can also choose to explore some of the ancient Inca Streets in the downtown.

• Cusco Hotel : No included
• Meals included: None

Day 2: Tour to Chinchero, moray, Salt mines – Cusco

We will pick you up at 8:30am from your hotel and then we will 40 minute drive to Chinchero the place for the best women weavers of the region, we stop here to visit the native people. We continue our excursion with another 40 minute drive to the Inca agricultural experimental center of Moray. The site was apparently an Inca agricultural research station designed for experimenting with crops at various altitudes (many run down to depths of 100 meters). It is believed that the terraces were built over containing walls filled with fertile earth and watered by complex irrigation systems. This enabled the Incas to grow more than 250 different plant species.

On the way to the salt mine we will pass Maras a quaint little town with homes that boast out-standing Spanish doors and arches. Maras is famous for people who were spies due to its strategic location above The Sacred Valley. In the final part of the tour we will get down into The Sacred Valley of the Incas to see the phenomenal salt pans of Salinas. There are more than 3000 terraces are still in production. In the afternoon we will come back to Cusco.

• Meals included: none
• Cusco Hotel : No included

Day 3: Sacred Valley -Pisac Market – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.

We will drive toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. On the way, we will visit the weaving center of Awana Cancha where we will have free time to interact with the local craftsmen and to purchase their hand-made textiles. We will stop at the Mirador of Taray to take in the view of the Urubamba valley.  The valley has crops that dress the mountains like carpets. We will arrive in the town of Pisac to visit a fantastic local Market (optional to visit the Inca ruin of Pisac). Afterward, we will continue to the town of Urubamba to enjoy a lunch.

After lunch we will visit Ollantaytambo, an attractive town of Incan origin with remarkable water channels and stone streets. There is an impressive ceremonial center that pays homage to the water and a fortress that guarded the access to the interior part of the valley. In the evening we will take the expedition train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The journey by train takes approximately one hour and forty minutes.

• Meal provided: Lunch.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes:  no included

Day 4: Full Day Machu Picchu tour – Cusco

In the morning, our guide will come to lead you to the bus station. After a short drive you will arrive to the entrance of Machu Picchu. At your arrival, you will have a guided excursion to the citadel. The guide will show you the Main Plaza, Sun Temple, Sacred Sun Dial, Temple of the Three Windows, Main Temple and sacred Rock. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the zone on your own.

Not included in the price:

1. Climb to Wayna Picchu: The climb is for the adventurous people. Only available for early bookings.

In the afternoon, at the scheduled time we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, to catch the return train for the journey back to Ollantaytambo Station.  Upon your arrival to Ollantaytambo station you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

• Meals included: none
• Hotel in Cusco: No included

Day 5:  Cusco – flight back to Lima.

In the morning, we will pick you up from the hotel and transport you to the airport in Cusco.

Included in the 5 day  Moray Machupicchu tour:

• Transfer in and out to Cusco
• Entrance fee to Moray and Salt mine.
• Guide excursion to Chinchero, Moray and Salt mine (shred group).
• Guided Sacred Valley tour(shared group)
• Entrance fee to the sites + lunch
• Train tickets round trip from/ to Ollantaytambo (expedition class).
• Bus tickets to Machupicchu (consettur).
• Entrance fee to Machu picchu
• Guided tour to Machu Picchu (shared group)
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Not included in the 5 day Moray Machupicchu tour:

• Entrance fee to the hot-spring in Aguas Calientes
• Meals not described on the itinerary
• Hotel in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
• Bottle drinks.
• Tips for the guide and transfers.

Recommended things to bring for Moray Machupicchu tour

• Water bottle, camera, sunblock, hat
• original passport
• Raincoat or rain poncho
• Money for tips and souvenirs
• Comfortable sturdy walking shoes or runners
• A warm clothes to return to Cusco

Price per person: $350.00 US (shared service)

Day 1. – MORAY- MARAS- SALT MINE – CUSCO.

At the scheduled time we’ll pick you up from the Hotel, after 30 minutes of travelling with direction to the Sacred Valley, we will arrive to the beautiful plain of Chinchero full of potatoes fields & cereals (optional to visit the weaving centers), enjoying the scenic view of the area we will continue our drive to the town of Maras, which has nice colonial doors with its out-standing Spanish door arches unique around Cusco, a little while after we will arrive to the Inca ruins of Moray called “the Inca laboratory”, we will explore around (walking).

We leave Moray and then start our gentle hike towards Maras town, passing by many farming fields the trail lead us to the salt pans of Salineras, where travelers can observe the fascinating salt mine own by the locals, with more than 3000 pools still in production, since pre-Incan times. Finally we will walk down to Urubamba for lunch. In the afternoon our transfer will take us back to Cusco or you can continue to Ollantaytambo.

Included in Moray Day hike:

• Private transportation to the beginning point of the hike
• English Speaking tour guide
• Box lunch is included
• Entrance fees to the sites (cosituc)
• Transfer back to Cusco

Not Included in Moray Day hike:

• Drinks and snacks.
• Tips for the crew (guide and driver)
• Recommended things to bring for Moray day hike
• Water bottle, camera, sun block, hat
• Rain coat or rain poncho
• Money for tips and souvenirs
• Comfortable sturdy walking shoes or runners
• A warm clothes to return to Cusco
• Small or medium size backpack.

Machu Picchu express itinerary:

Day 1. – Cusco – Ollantaytambo- Aguas Calientes

At scheduled time you will leave Cusco and travel to train station of Ollantaytambo or you can also connect it from the Sacred Valley. The train journey from Ollantaytambo is beautiful, you will see the last part of the Sacred Valley, and following the course of Urubamba River. You will observe the hanging bridge which signals the beginning of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After ending the valley you will enter into the beautiful Urubamba canyon. Which we follow for more than one hour to reach Aguas Calientes; the town located at the bottom of Machu Picchu Mountain. At your arrival you will have transfer to the hotel and free time to visit the town or relax so you will be ready to explore Machu Picchu on the second day.

• Hotel in Aguas Calientes:
• Meals included: none

Day 2.- Aguas – Calientes Machu picchu – Cusco

In the morning after breakfast, we will board one of the first buses which will take us to the magical energetic center of the Incas “Machu Picchu”. A professional tour guide will transmit us all the history of this mysterious and mystical place (Sun Temple, Royal Palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial). It will be an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, you will have some extra free time to explore the area on your own, you can also do the additional hikes around (Sun gate or Inca Bridge). At the appropriate time we will go down to Aguas Calientes and then return to Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast.
  

Included in Machu Picchu Express:

• Transportation round trip Cusco- Ollantaytambo (perurail)
• The entrance fee to Machu picchu
• Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
• Train tickets round trip in expedition class.
• Bus ticket up and down to Machu Picchu.
• Professional  English Speaking guide.
• One night hotel with breakfast in Aguas Calientes

Not included in Machu Picchu Express:

• Entrance fee to Wayna Picchu Mountain or Montaña (30.00 USD additional per person).
• Entrance fee to the hot springs (20 soles per person)
• Meals are not included for Machu Picchu explorer.
  snack and drinks.
• Tips (transfer, guide).
• Train up-grade to Vista dome class 70.00 USD per person
• Recommended things to bring for Machu Picchu Express
• Water bottle, camera, sunblock, hat
  original Passport
• Raincoat or rain poncho
• Money for tips and souvenirs
• Comfortable sturdy walking shoes or runners
• Some change of clothes for one night
• A warm clothes to return to Cusco

Lares valley hike Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco -Urubamba- Pumahuanca – Cuyoc.

Pick up from your Hotel in Cusco. Our private van leaves Cusco at 6:00am for a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through Chinchero with a short stop in the town of Urubamba, (2,800 masl) for a toilet break and you also have chance to buy any last minute suplies, water, etc,. Departing from Urubamba you will have a further 20 minutes’ drive to the trail-head at Pumahuanca Valley, land of the famous white corn crops and the Chicha, the Inca´s favorite corn beer.

This is the place where we will meet our horses and handlers, (arrieros), and trek staff.  4 hours walk to the Inca complex of Inca–Kancha for a guided visit, and where we stop for our first lunch. Our expert cook will indulge you with delicious Peruvian dishes. Time to relax or a little nap, Continuing afterward along the way you will be able to observe native trees of qeuñas, eucaliptus, then we reach a small Andean community of P´accha, spectacular mountain landscapes, herds of llamas, alpacas, sheeps and goats. Then final 2 hours further we will reach a series of small waterfalls and beautiful campsite named Cuyoc.

• Meals: B, L, D – Snacks
• Accommodation: Camping Tents for 2 ppl
  Maximum Altitude: 4,000m/13123ft
• Minimum Altitude: 2,800m/9186ft
  Distance Travelled: approx 14km
• Approximate Walking Time: 7 hours

Day 2: Cuyoc – Cuncani – Chancachaca

Early wake up at 06:00 am with a cup of coca leaf tea, then a good breakfast with quinua panqueques. At 07:00 am we recommence our trek with scenic views of Chicon, San Juan and Veronica mountains. Surrounded by a native forest for a challenging 4 hours climb along a dirt road with some stone steps, in some parts there are zig zag switchbacks toward the Pumahuanca Pass located at 4,580 masl.

Once we get to the pass we honor the top of this mountain with coca leaves as is the local customs. Enjoy the amazing views of part of Moray, Maras and Salineras. Then we are ready to descend for  for 2 more hours mainly downhill and enroute we will meet some local campesinos (people of the local village) in colorful costumes as is traditional with all villages around Lares. Impressive landscape views, mountains, flocks of llamas and alpacas.  Our camp for today will be at Chancachaca, which is lower altitude than Cuncani. So it will less colder for the night.

Day 3: Chancachaca – hot springs – Ollantaytambo

We will have a relaxing morning, after breakfast there wil be an easy hike for 1hour 30 minutes to the hot-springs of Lares, once we arrive to the pools, we can soak in the springs and our crew will bring lunch for us here. In the afternoon you will have 3 hour drive to arrive to Ollantaytambo town. We will overnight at this picturesque Inca town in a hotel.

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

After an early breakfast at the hotel you will walk 10 minutes to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Here we board the Expedition train, travel by train for 1 hr and 45 minutes to Km 104 (start of our trek). At Km 104 after submitting passports at check control point, we began to walk softly around meters Vilcanota River then gradually to walk up around 600 mts. Starting we will see the ruins of Chachabamba. After visiting Chachabamba, we continue the path south and started a gradual climb to the mountain, before entering a cloud forest, overgrown, then the trail leaves the forest and goes west while continuing uphill in an open meadow.

After walking 3 hours, the road descends into a forest amazing. Here you will find a beautiful waterfall, then get to the bottom of the ruins of Wiñaywayna. Appreciate the beauty of this place, information from our expert guide. After lunch at Wiñaywayna, we will continue in the afternoon in the cloud forest, filled with bromeliads, orchids and tree ferns, until we reach Inti Punku ( ” Sun Gate ” ) . From this point, you can see and observe this wonderful place. Descend to the entry of Machu Picchu where we board the bus to Aguas Calientes.

• Accommodation and Dinner included.
• Meals:L breakfast, Box lunch and Dinner
• Hostel in Aguas Calientes,
  Maximum Altitude:2680m/8792ft /
• Minimum Altitude:2100m/6888ft

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Breakfast from 04:30 am then board the first bus to Machu Picchu at 05:20, the park opens at 6:00 am. We have a guided tour of Machu Picchu, this enigmatic and mysterious city is explored for about 2-3 hours explained by your expert guide , you can visit the most amazing places as the Royal Mausoleum , the Temple of the three windows , the main temple , the Sacred Plaza , the famous Intihuatana where wise Inkas tied to the sun in the winter solstice in June , stairways , plazas , fountains, etc. ( You usually have about 5-6 hours after extra time off ).

Optional walks to Inca Bridge and Huayna picchu MT (check availability at your booking time).
After finishing our masterful visit to Machu Picchu you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch before to board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Then you will transferred to Cusco hotel by car.
Meals: BL /

Maximum Altitude: 2400m/7872ft

Minimum Altitude: 2100m/6888ft /

What is Included for Lares valley hike:

•   Pre-departure briefing for Lares Valley hike.
•   Pick up from your hotel in Cusco from or from Sacred Valley (Urubamba).
•   Private bus to Pumahuanca (the trail-head).
•   Full meals while trekking (3 Breakfast, 3 Lunch 3 Dinner) + snacks
•   Trek Permits for Short Inca Trail and entrance fee for Machupicchu.
•   Horses to carry (camping equipment: client tents, dinning and cooking tents).
•   Excellent experienced top tour guides
•   Expert top gourmet mountain cook and assistant.
•   Happy hour with macho-tea and hot drinks every afternoon on camp.
•   Boiled water provided from 2nd day.
•   A gentle start to the day with a wake up coca tea in your tent.
•   2 person per tent clean, new, spacious (4 person dome igloo tents).
•   Thick, comfortable sleeping mattress, (Pillows by request)
•   Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day.
•   Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel.
•   Emergency First-aid kit and Oxygen assistance..
•   3 hours guided tour in Machupicchu
•   Bus tickets to Machupicchu (consettur).
• Expedition class train round trip from Ollantaytambo

What is not Included for Lares Valley hike:

•   Sleeping bag (4 season -Minus 8ºC)
•   Tips for the trekking crew, guides, cooks and porters at your discretion.
•   Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes and Lares. Optional (20 soles & 10 soles)
•   Flight Ticket to Cusco. Accommodation in Cusco. see recommendation
•   Travel Insurance.- e.g.: World Nomade Insurance. (check that your insurance covers you for treks above 4,200 masl)
•  Wayna Picchu ticket additional $30.00

We recommend you to bring for Lares Valley hike:

•   Original passport
•   A small day-pack to carry essential things
•   Warm sleeping bag Minus 8ºC
•   Lighter style trekking boots with good ankle support
•   Trekking poles with rubber tips.
•   Warm clothes, layers for variable temperature
•   Thermal underwear
•   Gloves or mittens, scarf , wool socks and woolen hat
•   T-shirts and trekking pants
•   Flash light, head torch and extra batteries
•   Camera and extra batteries, – Binoculars
•   Wear a hat with a broad visor to keep the sun off your face
•   Sunscreen, and sunglasses
•   Personal medical kit, insect repellent
•   Rain Gear: a good rain jacket, rain poncho
•   Toiletries, toilet paper, small towel
•   2 liter water bottle
•   Bathing suits for hot springs
•   Extra cash in soles or dollars
•   Tips for (porters, cooks, guides. ($30-40) Not mandatory.
• Emergency money at least 200-300 soles.($ 120)

Day 1: Cusco – Pumahuanca – Sutoc

At the scheduled time travelers will be picked up from the hotel, we then drive through the Sacred Valley to arrive to the village of Pumahuanca which is the beginning point of our Lares trek. We’ll gently make our way up one of the side valleys, covering about 04 hours of hiking we will stop at the village of Cuyoc. On our way up we’ll visit the small Inca ruin of Pumahuanca and learn about the native plants, flowers and birds that inhabit this region.

This particular route for the Lares trek to Machu Picchu is not commonly used by many other travel companies so we can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the valley without distractions or disturbance, only a few travelers visit the area, so there is a good chance to see the wildlife (hummingbirds and Chinchillas). after lunch the trail lead us through a dense vegetation until we reach the campsite for the night, at Sutoc (4100m / 13451ft); this will be the coldest night in the whole Lares trek , sometimes you can expect snow and frost during the dry season so warm clothes are definitely recommended.

• Overnight at camping.
• Meals: breakfast lunch and dinner.
• Distance to walk: 10 km
• Approximate walking time: 6 hours

Day 2: Sutoc – Yanacocha – Cuncani

After breakfast we will set up from the campsite, 3 hours of slow hike will let us to arrive to the highest point of Lares trek, for many people this is the hardest section because the altitude but is the most spectacular day!; a magical feeling after you reached the highest point of the trek and surviving one the highest passes on this mountain range. After we enjoy all the wonderful and scenic views it’s time to head down to the village of Cuncani for approx. 3 hours. .

As we make our way to Cuncani we’ll see some snowcapped peaks high above us, beautiful mountain lakes (Yanacocha – Black lake) and get to meet the local people dressed in their traditional bright red clothing.  Hiking the Lares trek, we will experience the real Peruvian countryside, the people in this region are descending’s of the Incas so the culture is totally different from any other place in Peru. In our way down from the pass your guide will teach you about the people and their style of life. They are Quechua spoken families, you should ask your guide to teach you a few Quechua phrases so that you can interact with the local people.

• Overnight at camping.
•  Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Distance to walk: 15 km
• Approximate walking time: 9 hours

Day 3: Cuncani – Lares

Early in the morning the local people come in our campsite to meet us. The people of this region are incredibly welcoming and are just as eager to learn about you as you about them, this is the opportunity to give them any gifts you’ve brought for the local people or just to buy some of the locally made alpaca products that the region is famed for.

Continuing our Lares trek to Machu Picchu  we will leave Cuncani,  it’s just a few hours of walk until we reach the hot springs of Lares. Along the way we’ll pass through several small villages and see the people growing a variety of crops such as Quinoa and beans, we’ll have lunch around the thermal baths. After a relaxing dip in the hot springs we’ll be picked up by our transfer and driven back to the Sacred Valley, we then have train connection to Machu Picchu town.

• Aguas Calientes hostal:
• Meals: breakfast and lunch.
• Distance to walk: 4 km
•  Approximate walking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Day 4. – Machu Picchu – Back to Cusco.

In the morning after breakfast we will board the bus which will take us to the biggest energetic center of the Incas “Machu Picchu” where a professional tour guide will transmit us all the history of this mysterious and outstanding place ( sun temple, royal palace, main temple, three windows temple, sun dial and more).it will be an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, free time to explore more places on your own or you can do the optional hikes around Machu Picchu like:

1. Climb up to Wayna Picchu; for the most adventurous people, we suggest to go up the Wayna Picchu from where you can observe better the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant.
2. Walk to Sun Gate; opportunity to walk (approx. 1 hour) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to have  a great view of the whole area.

In the afternoon we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, we then take the Train back to Ollantaytambo. After your arrival to the train station you will be picked up and transferred to the Hotel in Cusco.
The journey by train takes approximately 1:40 Hours and 1:30 hours by car.

• Meals: Breakfast.

What’s included in Lares Trek to Machu Picchu:

• All transfers included.
• Pre-departure briefing
• Pick up from your hotel in Cusco, the morning of  the Lares trek  departure
• Horseman’s and horses to carry our camping and kitchen equipment
• English Speaking Professional Guide
• 4 Season tents, with 2 to 3 people capacity.
• Therma-Rest self-inflating mattress
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 suppers included
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (day 3)
• Return Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
• Transfer from the Train Station to your Cusco hotel
• One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes Hotel (last night)
• Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip)
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu

Not Included in Lares Trek to Machu Picchu:

• Sleeping bag.
• First day breakfast and Lunch at Aguas Calientes on the last day.
• Tips (Cook, horseman and guide)
• Entrance fee to the hot springs (20 soles)
• Insurance of any kind, international airfares, domestic flights, Airport departure (U.S. $ 31 per person for international flights and U.S. $7 for national flights) taxes, visa fees or excess baggage charges. Also not included are additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverage, bottled water, snacks, laundry, phone calls
• Entrance fee to Wayna Picchu Mountain

Lares trek options:

You can hire some additional things with us – please contact your Travel Consultant / or our booking forms for the current rates.

• Extra mule to carry your extra luggage 20.00USD per day
• Extra riding mule and muleteer to lead it 60.00USD for the whole trek
• Sleeping Bags suitable for – 10deg for extra cost of 25.00USD for the entire trek
• Therma-rest Inflatable pillow for an additional cost of 30.00 USD for the entire trek
• Comforting Camping trek upgrade – bigger personal tents for an additional cos to 30.00USD for the entire trek
• We can buy Wayna picchu ticket for an extra cost of 25.00USD(only for early bookings)
• Walking poles for 25.00USD a pair for the whole trek.
• Standard class hotel for an additional cost of 40.00USD based on double occupancy
• Superior class hotel for extra cost of 70.00USD based on double occupancy
• Train service can be up-grated to Vista dome class for and additional cost of 60.00USD

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

• Original Passport.
• Walking sticks
• Change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• 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 been reported as a health problem.
• Swimsuit to take a bath in the Hot Springs of Lares.
• A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature.
• Rain gear or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $2 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots are recommended.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk.
• Sleeping bag (you can hire it in our office).
• Head lamp or Flash light.
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold.
• Sun block, Insect repellent – minimum recommended 50%.
• Toilet paper, pack in & pack out.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
• Cash in soles for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
• Walking sticks or poles (you can hire it in our office). Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day.