Day 1: Cusco – Patabamba – Huchuy Qosqo
We begin with an early morning pick up from your hotel at 07:30 and drive to Patabamba (3,800m).
With daypacks on, we head into and through Andean landscapes that lead to the town of Tauca. This town is known for its archaeological remains and crops, such as tarwi, as well as a large quantity of cactus.
The path leads upwards still, and our destination is the Pukamarca pass at 4,200m. From here, we can enjoy views of the surrounding area, including the immense, snow-capped mountains of Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon and San Juan.
We descend towards the beautiful and remote Andean pueblo of Pukamarca (4,010m) where we stop and have a short break, admiring the views. As get back on the move, we walk down an ancient path to the Leon Punku Ravine. En route, we go through a narrow corridor between some immense rock walls.
As we pick our way through, Inca remains, Inca bridges and sets of Inca stairs - some of the best Inca Stairs anywhere - are revealed. This canyon is absolutely magical. The majestic rocks and boulders, a beautiful geographical feature, guide the river to our destination, Huchuy Qosqo (3,600m).
Upon our arrival, we continue on past the ruins and to our accommodation for the night. We have dinner and sleep in the typical home of a native of the area, just to the side of the Huchuy Qosqo ruins. (L,D)
Day 2: Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological complex perched precariously on the side of a mountain.
The architecture is quite imposing in sections. A highlight includes a large open ceremonial centre, from which we enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the snow capped mountain range of the same name.
After our guided tour, we make our way around the ruins and continue our way down the mountain to Lamay at 3,000m, a town dedicated to agriculture and cattle raising.
Later that afternoon our private transport drives us to Ollantaytambo, where we board an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride takes you along an absolutely gorgeous route, renowned the world over for its’ beauty. Upon our arrival to Aguas Calientes you are transferred to your hotel. (B,L)
Day 3: Machu Picchu - Cusco
After enjoying an early morning breakfast at your hotel, we take the earliest bus up to Machu Picchu, usually leaving Aguas Calientes at about 0530.
We arrive at the ruins about 30 minutes later, and you can explore independently for a while, or sign-in for entry to Huayna Picchu, before taking part in your two-and-a-half hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Your guide can tell you about the rich history and architecture as he shows you around. After the tour, there is plenty of time to explore on your own (or walk up Huayna Picchu if you've signed in), before descending back down the mountain to Aguas Calientes to catch the afternoon train to Poroy. Arrive Poroy at approximately 20.00, met on arrival, and transfer back to Cusco. (B)
Included
Pick up from your hotel and private transport from Cusco to Patabamba (starting point of the trek), English speaking professional guide, porters with horses (for personal items, food, cooking equipment), emergency horse, first-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle, private transport from Lamay to your hotel in Cusco, Huchuy Qosqo entrance fees, transport from Lamay to Ollantaytambo, meals during trek, vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, simple hotel in Aguas Calientes, buses between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, entrance fee to Machu Picchu, guided tour of Machu Picchu, backpacker train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco), transfer from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco
Not included
Breakfast on Day 1 or meals in Aguas Calientes, sleeping bag (the typical home at Huchuy Qosqo provides plentiful blankets, but some people still prefer to have a sleeping bag), tips, personal items, insurance, flights
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