This tour is more of a cultural adventure of the Andes, trekking through Andean landscapes of mountains, highlands, and valleys. Also visiting native communities appreciating their colorful native dress and admiring the variety of flora and fauna of this region. On the last day we visit the renowned Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
** Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional: If you wish you can ask about availability and we will help you to reserve it.**
The pickup is at 6 am (it may be subject to change or modification), we head straight for the Sacred Valley of the Incas reaching the thermal baths of Lares. In this place we will have free time to relax in the hot springs and afterwards have lunch, we then start trekking 4 hours to reach our camp.
After breakfast we continue our trek to the community of Huacawasi, this place is well known for their weaving and one can appreciate their skills and techniques in making ponchos and clothing. Passing the village we begin to ascend to the second Mountain pass known as Condorpasa Abra (4100 m.a.s.l.). From here we can see an amazing view of the snow-capped Veronica (5750 meters). We will then descend for about 1 hour to reach the beautiful lagoon of Ipsaycocha and from there we continue on to the community Patacancha.
After breakfast we will descend through the valley until we reach the community of Willoc where we will have lunch, from here it takes about 2 hours and depending on the train schedule we will take a public transportation to reach the Pumamarka community where we can see Inca terraces and finally arrive at Ollantaytambo located in a fertile valley protected by huge mountains. We then drive to Ollantaytambo station where we board the train which will take us to Aguas Calientes.
Very early we will start the ascent to Machu Picchu to arrive just before dawn (the walk takes approx. 2 hours) the bus is optional and costs $ 12 per ticket each way, the first bus leaves at 5:30 am. If you bought your entrance pass to Huayna Picchu you will have the chance to climb this mountain (availability is controlled by the government and the Ministry of Culture, ask about availability at the time of your booking). In Machu Picchu you will have a two hour guided tour and after this you will have some time to explore this important Inca citadel on your own. We will then return to Aguas Calientes where you must be at the train station at least 30 minutes before your train leaves (the return train is subject to change so it’s better to be safe). Once we arrive to Ollantaytambo there will be a bus waiting for us that will take us back to Cusco, leaving you at the Regocijo Square in the City Center of Cusco.
**Please remember that if you want to buy the ticket for admission to Huayna Picchu mountain it must be for the second group (10 am) otherwise you cannot take the 2 hour tour in Machu Picchu**