Day 1.- Cusco – Tauca – Huchuy Qosqo

At  6 am  travelers are picked up from their hotels in our private transportation and drive to the interesting village of Tauca. We will start the Huchuy Qosqo Trekking to Machu Picchu uphill for 3 hours, as we reach the mountain top there will be breathtaking views of the tall peaks around, then we continue our trek downhill, passing some farming fields and pastures where animals graze. Around Huchuy Qosqo we will find the tipycal flora of the area, we then follow a beautiful Inca trail downward to the popular Inca site, at our arrival to Huchuy Qosqo; our guide will teach us all the history of this place.

After having our box lunch we will continue with our 2 day Machu Picchu hike, walking down to Lamay (3 hours) from here we need to travel by car to Ollantaytambo. In the evening we will catch the train to Aguas Calientes town

• Meals included: box lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Hostal in Aguas Calientes

Day 2.- Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco.

In the morning after breakfast we will take a bus up to the ruins of Machupicchu, as the most of the visitors we want also to arrive earliest possible to observe the beautiful sunrise in the biggest energetic center of the Incas and enjoy this magnificent place before the crowds arrive. You will be part of 2 hours guided tour of Machu Picchu with the same guide from Huchuy Qosqo trekking. After the tour you can explore the ruins by yourself or climb Huayna Picchu for a better views of Machu Picchu.

Many people usually take the following hiking options:

1. Huayna Picchu Mountain.- is the first option of additional hike around Machu Picchu; it rises approximately 320 meters higher than the ruins and normally takes 2 hours to hike it up and down. The last part of the mountain is quite steep, not recommended for people afraid of heights. To climb it you need to book in advance, the tickets are limited to 400 people per day. The 400 tickets are divided into two groups: 200 people are allowed to start at 7:00am and 200 at 10am.
2. Machu Picchu Mountain called Montaña.-  is the second option to hike, it takes longer time than the other mountain (3hours at least) but the views are better, because is taller than Huayna Picchu. To hike this mountain you need to book in advance, the tickets are limited by the Peruvian Government office.

After we leave Machu Picchu, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and then  return to Ollantaytambo by the expedition train (leaves between  3 pm to 5 pm) from the train station you will be transferred directly back to your hotel. End of hike.

• Meals: breakfast

What’s included in the Huchuy Qosqo Hike & Machu Picchu:

• Pre trek briefing with your guide before the 2 day Machu Picchu trip
• Pick up from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Transport from Cusco to the trail-head in a private car
• Entrance fee for Huchuy Qosqo trek.
• English/Spanish speaking professional guide.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food).
• Private transport from Lamay to Ollantaytambo.
• 2 way expedition class train tickets to Ollantaytambo.
• Entrance fee to Machupicchu
• One night hotel at Aguas Calientes
• Two way bus ticket to Machu Picchu (consettur).
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco hotel

Not included for Huchuy Qosqo hike & Machu Picchu:

• Breakfast on the first morning and last day lunch.
• Tips for the guide, transfer and porters
• Huayna Picchu ticket( available only for bookings in advance)

Optional Services for Huchuy Qosqo trek:

• Entrance fee to Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain; add U.S. $20.00 per person
• Better category of hotel 50.00 US dollars per person.
• Upgrade train services to Vista dome (first class) add U.S. $50.00 per Person( only on the way out)
• Walking poles 15.00 US dollars a pair for the whole trip.
• Porter to carry your backpack on the first day 40.00 US dollars for 13kg/28punds

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.

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.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan

In the morning at the scheduled time travelers will be picked up from the hotels in Cusco, we then drive through the Sacred Valley 1 hour and 40 minutes to arrive to the village of Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft). Which is the beginning point of Inca Quarry trek, the horsemen will be waiting for us at this village ready for this adventure trek.

We’ll start the hike, walking up one of the side valleys, covering about 1 hour of hiking, and then we will stop at the waterfall of Perolniyoc, which is definitely one of the nicest falls in the proximity of the Sacred Valley. Walking for one more hour uphill you will reach the archaeological site of Perolniyoc, located above the waterfall, after the history explanation of this site with your guide. You will walk for one hour to arrive to our lunch spot and camp.

This first day you should take it easy. it will help you to get acclimated to the high altitude, so after lunch we can relax and have rest for the following day; you will spend the night at Rayan campsite (3,700 meters/12,136 ft).

• Meals:  Lunch & Dinner
• Walking distance: 8 km/5 miles
• Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours
• Difficulty of the hike: Moderate

Day 2: Rayan – Intipunku – Choquetacarpo

After breakfast we will leave the campsite of Rayan, 3 hours of slow hike will let us to arrive to none of the highest passes of this trek called Puka kasa pass (4,450 m /14,600 ft), for the most people this is the hardest section because the altitude but is the most spectacular day, we will see some tall mountains and the Sacred Valley below us. Once you reach the mountain top you will feel the sensation of surviving one the highest passes on the Peruvian Andes.

We then walk downhill for 25 minutes to our lunch place. In the afternoon, we will hike for two more hours undulating trail with some ascents and descents. The last 25 minutes of this segment lead us uphill to the highest pass of the trek, Kuychi kasa (4,457 m/ 14,619 ft)

We then trek downhill for 2 ½ hours to the famous site the called Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, where we will have a spectacular view of Veronica  Mountain(5,682 m/ 18,637 ft) and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

We will spend the night at Choquetacarpo which is 30 minutes downhill from Inti Punku (3,600m/ 11,808 ft).

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Estimate Walking distance: 13 km/ 8 miles
• Walking time: 8 to 9 hours
• Trek difficulty: moderate

Day 3: Choque tacarpo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

We will continue the Inca Quarry trek having an early breakfast and then walk down for one hour to arrive to the Cachiqata quarry (3,525 m/ 11,562 ft), where we will be able to walk around and observe all the stone works did by the Inca builders before to transport down to Ollantaytambo. Our guide will show us the remains of the unfinished stone work left by the Incas, because the invasion of the Spanish conquerors.

From the Cachiqata quarry we will descend for 3 hours until we arrive to Ollantaytambo (2,840 m / 9,315 ft.) our lunch place.

In the afternoon we will have train connection to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night at the hotel. In the evening we will have dinner in one of the restaurants in the town, and we will plan our Machu Picchu visiting for the next morning.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Distance to walk: 11 km/ 7 miles
• Estimate walking time: 4 hours
•  Trekking difficulty: moderate

DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

After breakfast we will board the bus which will take you to the gate of the lost city of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”. As part of trip itinerary the same expert tour guide from the Inca Quarry trek; will transmit you about all the history of this mysterious and magical place. We will visit the 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 free time to admire this wonderful site.

1. Hike up to Huayna Picchu : for the adventurous people we suggest to hike up to the famous Huayna Picchu. From the top you will get a spectacular views of Machu Picchu and all around it (available only for early bookings).
2. Walk to Montana: harder and longer than the other mountain, if you want to hike it you need to be in good shape. Usually this needs an extra day.

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to the train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

• Meals: breakfast

What’s included in the Inca Quarry Trek:

• All transfers included.
  Pre-departure briefing
• Pick up from your hotel in Cusco, the morning of Inca Quarry 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
• 4 breakfast, 4 lunch, 4 supper included
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Return Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from the Train Station to your hotel in Cusco
• One night hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu

Not included in the Inca Quarry Trek:

• Sleeping bag.( you can hire it in our office)
• Walking poles( you can hire it in our office)
• First day breakfast and Lunch at Aguas Calientes on the last day.
• Tips (Cook, horseman and guide)
• Transfer out from Cusco
• 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 and entrance fee to Wayna Picchu Mountain

Note: if you want to climb up to Wayna Picchu, we kindly suggest you to book it way in advance, because the spaces are limited for any additional information contact us.

Choquequirao Trek – Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Playa Rosalinas

In Cusco at the scheduled time, travelers will be picked up from their hotels, we then drive for four hours to arrive to the village of Cachora the beginning point of our Choquequirao tour. We will enjoy breakfast at the house of our horseman before we start hiking. Leaving Cachora we will walk for 4 hours through a gentle path until we arrive to the lookout point of Capuliyoc where we will have a magnificent view of the Apurimac canyon and the Vilcabamba mountain range with it is fantastic snow-capped peaks above the Apurimac Canyon.

After a few hours walking down-hill, we will arrive to Cocamasana for lunch. On the opposite side of the canyon, we will see Choquequirao on the far side of the valley. The places around Choquequirao are rich in life and we will see a great variety of flora and fauna typical of this region. After lunch, we will walk for three more hours to arrive at the first camp.
Our campsite for the night is at Playa Rosalinas, which is located 100 meters away from Apurimac River.

• Overnight: Camping
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 2: Playa Rosalinas – Choquequirao

Today is probably one of the hardest days of the trek. After breakfast we will continue with Choquequirao tour, starting our hike up-hill through a Zigzagging path for approx. 5 hours until we arrive to Marampata (lookout point for Choquequirao tour). We will be ascending 1600m over a distance of 18km / 11.2 miles through hot and humid conditions. It’s rigorous trekking but the views we get today mixed with the wide variety of flora and fauna on this side of the valley makes it worth it.

After having lunch at Marampata, we will continue with our Choquequirao tour  walking another 2 hours to arrive to the base camp of Choquequirao, Throughout the day we will see a great variety of orchids, bromeliads and different types  of bamboos; we’ll also hopefully see birds such as Quetzals, Toucans and a variety of hummingbirds.

• Overnight: Camping
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3: Choquequirao full day exploring.

The third day of Choquequirao trek starts with a delicious breakfast. Today you will have a guided tour to all the main places of interest throughout lower  terraces. After lunch, there will be more time for a further exploration of upper Choquequirao with our tour guide. Choquequirao is composed of an amazing and extensive set of agriculture terraces, religious and administrative sites with a total area of over 1800 hectares.

There are amazing irrigation water channels and all of this set in the dramatic setting of the steep Apurimac Canyon. In the late afternoon, we may be lucky enough to spot Condors soaring over the valley below and then we walk back to our campsite.

• Overnight: Camping
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4: Choquequirao – Cocamasana

After breakfast you will depart from Choquequirao and start trekking back to Cocamasana. Walking through the cloud forest, the trail will lead us to Marampata an isolated village of farmers and then we descend toward the Apurimac Canyon. We will reach Playa Rosalinas, where we can enter in the Apurimac River, for a refreshing bath. This river is considered by the locals, as a sacred river.

In the afternoon, we will walk up-hill for approx.3 hours to arrive in Cocamasana. This is a beautiful campsite with mind-blowing views of the snow-capped mountains and the Apurimac canyon.

• Overnight: Camping
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5: Cocamasana – Cachora – Cusco.

On the final morning of Choquequirao trek, we leave the Camp after breakfast, there will be up-hill hike for 3 hours, until to reach the lookout place of Capuliyoc. This place is great for a little break and enjoy the wonderful scenery. We then end our trip

We will enjoy lunch in Cachora and be picked up by our transportation. Then the drive will be for 4 hours to get back to Cusco. At your arrival in the city you will be dropped off in the hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

What does is included in the Choquequirao Trek?

• Experienced English speaking guide
• Cook and horseman
• Private transportation round trip to Cachora
• Full board meals during the trek
• Tents for 2 person
• dining tent
• tables and chairs)
• Therma-rest sleeping mattress
• Horses to carry camping equipment
• 1 Extra horse in case of emergency
• Entrance fees to Choquequirao
• 6 Kg porter for your personal belongings
• A duffle bag is provided for your personal items
• You need to carry small day-pack with essential things

What is not included for Choquequirao Trek?

• Sleeping bags down US $35.00
• Trekking poles a pair US $25.00
• Back pack 60 liters US $30.00
• Drinks: Bottle water, sodas or beer
• Tips for your crew.

What you should bring for Choquequirao Trek?

• Personal sleeping Bag
• Bottle of water
• some drinkable water
• Purification tablets
• Original passport in a plastic bag
• Day-pack with essential items
• Extra money in cash
• Hiking shoes or waterproof boots
• Rain coat or poncho
• Water bottle and flashlight
• hat, sun block and sunglasses
• Warm clothes and Light clothes
• Insect repellent and sunblock
• Tablets for the altitude Sickness
• Extra plastic bags
• Chocolates, candies or other snacks
• camera and batteries

Full Itinerary of Ausangate Vinicunca trek:

First day: Cusco – Tinki – Upis

Your guide will meet you in Cusco early in the morning, and take you via private transportation to the starting point of our trek – Tinki. Here we will enjoy our breakfast provide by our chef, while all the gear for the trip is being loaded onto pack horses. After hiking through some farming lands and home of alpaca herds we will arrive to our first camp. This day we only hike for a few hours until we arrive at the village of Upis. Here you can take a soak in the hot springs, while enjoying coca tea, and relax your muscles until dinner.

• Distance: 8km/ 3 miles
•  Elevation: 3800m- 4200m
• Hiking time: 2-3 hours
• Camp: 4200m/ 13,780ft

Second Day: Upis – Puccacocha Pass – Anantapata

With two passes to cross today, we wake everyone up at 5am with coca tea brought to your tent and you will fuel up with a big breakfast for the day ahead. The morning starts with a hike up Arapa pass (4958m) before a slight decline to our lunch spot near Lake Puma cocha- a deep blue lake and a perfect stop for a break. Along the way you will see local herders and llamas, Ausangate Mountain to your left, and you will have your expert guide explaining the history of the locals and talking about the landscape along the way.

After lunch we continue uphill for our second pass for the day (Pucacocha pass-5000m) where if you’re lucky you may see condors and vicuñas until descending to our campsite of Anantapata where you will be surrounded by high mountains and incredible hanging glaciers- watch for the glacier crashing into the lake below! As always camp will be set up for you to change and rest your weary legs and dinner will be prepared by our cook.

• Distance: 15km
• Elevation: 4200m- 4930m- 4700m
• Hiking time:  7 hours
•  Camp: 4700m/ 15,420ft

Third day: Anantapata – Rainbow Mountain (5050m) – Lake Ausangate

Today starts with Chillca pass (5050m), a very colorful mountain but only a precursor of what is to come. After crossing the pass you enter into a bright red valley, a wildly desert landscape with vibrant colors all around, and llamas roaming the ground below- as you approach the top of the pass you will see the beautiful Rainbow Mountain in the distance, but you’re not quite there!

From here you begin descending to a wide valley and continue walking gentle uphill until we are presented with one final climb to the Rainbow Mountain. Soak in the sights and enjoy what you’ve worked so hard for. We will enjoy lunch in the surrounding area, and head back down the valley to make our way to the stunning Lake Ausangate where camp will be set up and waiting for you to take a rest.

• Distance: 20km
•  Elevation: 4700m- 5050m – 4650m
• Hiking time: 7-8 hours
• Camp: 4650m/ 15,255ft

Fourth Day: Lake Ausangate- Palomani Pass – Surapampa

Covering less kilometers today, as yesterday was a big day, we pass beautiful glacial tarns, lush green pampas, and follow the edge of the river. Today is a great day for spotting wildlife so keep an eye out for condors, and vicuñas.

•  Distance: 17km (10.5 miles)
• Elevation: 4650m – 5100m – 4600m
• Hiking time: 7-8 hours
•  Camp: 4600m/ 15,090ft

Fifth Day: Surapampa – Qampa Pass- Paqchanta (hot springs/ Camping)

With only one pass to cross we will take our time today enjoying the deep blue lagoons, and alpine glacial colored lakes along the way. If you’re brave enough you can even jump in to cool off. Views of the massive Ausangate Mountain are still visible, only today you will get to enjoy them from a new angle along with views of Pacchanta Valley. Our goal is the hot springs of Pacchanta where we will enjoy a nice soak and the views of the Ausangate Mountain above.

• Distance: 16k
• Elevation: 4600m- 5050m – 4300m
• Hiking time: 6-7 hours
•  Camp: 4300m/ 14,110ft

Sixth Day: Pacchanta – Tinqui- Cusco

Today is another early morning as we make our way back to the starting point of Tinqui walking on flat ground and celebrating our accomplishments. Once we arrive at the village you will have your last lunch while everything is packed up in our private transportation to make our way back to Cusco where. You will be dropped off at your hotel arriving around 5pm.

• Distance: 16k
• Elevation: 4300m (descending)
• Hiking time: 3 hours

Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.

Services Included for Ausangate Vinicunca trek:

• Bilingual English speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine
• people or more)
• Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
• Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Tinki
• Four person tent for each 2 persons.
• Therma-rest sleeping mattress
• Kitchen tent
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Toilet tent.
• Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
• Five breakfast, six lunch, and five dinners
• Daily hot water for washing.
• Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
• Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
• Continental breakfast at the trail head on the first day
• Entrance fee for the Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate trail
• Riding horse only for emergency or sickness

Services Not Included in Ausangate Vinicunca trek:

• Sleeping bag (can be rented from us $30.00 US for the entire trip)
• Personal riding horse
• last day dinner
• Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)
• Entrance fee to the hot-spring in Upis and Pacchanta
• Transfer in or out from Cusco airport

Recommendations:

• Original passport
• Down sleeping bag
• 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
• Head lamp
• Sunglasses
• Camera with spare batteries
• Binoculars
• Trekking poles
• Insect repellent

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan

At the scheduled time travelers will be picked up from the hotels, we then drive through the Sacred Valley 1 hour and 40 minutes to arrive to the village of Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft). Which is the beginning point of Ancascocha Trek, the horsemen will be waiting for us at this village ready for this adventure trek.

We’ll gently make our way up one of the side valleys, covering about 1 hour and a half of hiking we will stop at the waterfall of Perolniyoc, which is considered one of the nicest falls around the Sacred Valley. We will continue walking for one more hour uphill to reach the archaeological site of Perolniyoc, located above the waterfall, after having the explanation of the Inca history with our guide, we will walk for one hour to arrive to our lunch spot and camp

This first day will be part of the acclimatization to the high altitude, so after lunch we can relax and have rest for the next day; we spend the night at Rayan campsite (3,700 meters/12,136 ft).

• Meals:  Lunch & Dinner
• Walking distance: 8 km/5 miles
• Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours
• Difficulty of the hike: Moderate

Day 2: Rayan – Ancascocha

After breakfast we will set up from the campsite, 3 hours of slow hike will let us to arrive to the highest point of the second day hike Puka kasa pass (4,450 m /14,596 ft), for many people this is the hardest section because the altitude but is the most spectacular day, we will see many snowcapped mountains and the Sacred Valley in the other side.  Once we reach the mountain top you will feel proud of yourself 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 Chancachuco, it will take us 1 hour and a half to arrive to the lunch place.

As we make our way to Ancascocha village we’ll see some more snowcapped peaks in front of us, Veronica Mountain (5,950 m/ 19,600 ft) will accompany us for many hours, after to turn some of the grassy hills we will enter in the Valley of Ancascocha, where the village is located. We then go across the stream and hike uphill for another 2 hours to arrive in our campsite around Ancascocha Lake (4,090 m/13,100 ft.), the coldest night for the whole trip.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
• Walking distance: 18 km/ 11.2 miles
• Estimated walking time: 9 to 10 hours
• Difficulty of the hike: Challenging

Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Qesqa community

After breakfast, we will start our hike up-hill for 2 hours until we reach the highest point of Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu which is called the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/ 15,300 ft.), the views along the way are very impressive. It is amazing how the Incas managed the difficult geography of this area to build the Inca Trail. After enjoying the magnificent views from the pass, we will hike down into the valley until we reach Incaraqay where a delicious lunch will be waiting for us. If we are lucky we will see the condors flying around Huayanay pass.

After lunch we will continue Hiking for 3 hours downhill until we reach the community of Qesqa. On the way down, we will see views of the mountain peak of Huayanay and Salkantay in the distance, Qesqa community is located to the tree line, so the night here will not be too cold as the earlier campsites (3,650 m/11,910 ft).

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Walking distance: 15 km/ 9 miles
• Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours

Day 4: Qesqa – Kilometer 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

The day begins with a delicious breakfast. We will continue descending through the valley for approx. 2 hours until we arrive to Paucarcancha, which is an extraordinary Incan fortress. You will learn the Incan history about this beautiful site and then have free time to explore on your own. After we visited Paucarcancha, we will start the final hike for 4 hours until we reach Km 82, this last part of our hike goes on the beginning section of the Classic Inca trail to Machu picchu, along the way to km 82 we will stop at the Inca Ruin of Willcaraqay from here is possible to observe Patallaqta another remarkable Inca ruin. At km 82, our chef will be waiting for us with a delicious lunch.

After lunch we will be picked up by our transfer and then transported to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft.) from where we will catch the train to Aguas Calientes.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Lodging: Hotel
• Walking distance: 13 km/ 8.2 miles
• Estimated walking time: 6 hours
• Difficulty of the hike: Easy

DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

After breakfast we will board the bus which will take us to the biggest energetic center of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”. As part of our itinerary the same professional tour guide from the Ancascocha trek will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and mystical place. We will visit the 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 free time to explore on your own.

1. Wayna Picchu: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the top of Mt Wayna Picchu to admire the immensity of Machu Picchu from a different angle.
2. Montaña Machu Picchu: This is the second hike option, which requires 3:30hours to finish the hike up and down.

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast

What’s included for Ancascocha trek:

• All transfer included.
• Pre-departure briefing
• Pick up from your hotel in Cusco, the morning of 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
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 suppers included
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (day 4)
• Return Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from the Train Station to your hotel in Cusco
• 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 for Ancascocha trek:

• Sleeping bag.( you can hire it in our office)
• Walking poles( you can hire it in our office)
• First day breakfast and Lunch at Aguas Calientes on the last day.
• Tips (Cook, horseman and guide)
• Insurance of any kind, international airfares, domestic flights,
• bottled water, snacks, laundry, phone calls
• entrance fee to Wayna Picchu Mountain

Note: if you want to hike up to Wayna Picchu or Montaña, we kindly suggest you to book it in advance, because the spaces are limited for more information contact us.