Day 1: Cusco - Calca - Lares - Quishuarani

Pick-up from your hotel in Los Paajores for the trip to the province of Calca, then on to the Lares hot springs by land. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours. After a revitalizing soak in the 40°C thermal waters, we continue for about 30 minutes to the Andean community of Quishuarani, where we will enjoy a restorative lunch. We then continue our adventure by hiking to the Hatun Chocha sector at 2980 meters above sea level.

Meals: Lunch, dinner

Total distance: 8 km

Estimated hiking time: 4 hours

Day 2: Quishuarani - Cancha Cancha

After a delicious breakfast, we will begin our approximately 8-hour hike. The ascent begins to the first highest point of the trek, the Pachacutec mountain pass (4600m). We'll have spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray (5750m) and Sahuasiray (5800m). Along the way, we'll find many lagoons near our second campsite in the village of Cancha Cancha (3800m).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Total distance: 9 km

Estimated hiking time: 4 hours

Day 3: Cancha Cancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

 

Today our trek follows the Cancha Cancha River downstream into a fertile green valley filled with flowers, plants, and birds native to the region. After a gentle descent of approximately 3-4 hours, we arrive at the town of Huaran, where we'll have lunch before driving to the Ollantaytambo train station. There, we'll board the train that will take us to the final leg of the journey to Aguas Calientes.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Total distance: 9 km

Estimated hiking time: 4 hours

 

Day 4: Machu Picchu / Mountain Tour

We will wake up early in the morning, take a bus to Machu Picchu, and enjoy an official tour of the spectacular Inca ruins. You will have time to explore on your own before the train departs from Aguas Calientes. We arrive in Cusco at approximately 8:00 pm, depending on train availability.

 

Meals: Breakfast

What's Included:

- Pre-trek briefing

- Pick-up from your hotel on the morning of your trek

- Private transportation from Cusco to the trek's starting point

- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu

- Professional guide (groups of more than 8 people will have an assistant guide)

- Two-person tents for greater comfort and backpack storage

- Basic foam mattress (additional comfort is available upon request)

- Cook and cooking equipment (assistants are provided for larger groups)

- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (vegetarian meals are optional). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the Western diet as well as traditional Peruvian delicacies.

- Horses (for equipment and personal items). These include camping equipment, food, and cooking utensils.

- Dining tent with camping tables and chairs, and a kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals.

- Tents for our staff to sleep in.

- First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.

- Bus to and from Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

- Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

- Train ticket (Expedition service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

 

What is not included:

- Breakfast on the first morning.

- Dinner on the last night.

- Hostel in Aguas Calientes.

- Sleeping bags - If you don't have a sleeping bag or don't want to bring one to Peru, we have sleeping bags available for rent.

- Tips for the guide, cook, and porter.

- Additional horses for passenger luggage.

 

You should bring:

- A lightweight backpack with a change of clothes. Clothing for the entire trek – be prepared for a wide range of temperature changes

- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or a rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for approximately $1.

- Sturdy footwear; waterproof trekking boots are recommended. Extra socks are a must.

- Sandals or flip-flops are also good to give your feet a chance to breathe at night if you wish to bring them.

- Warm clothing, including a jacket, fleece, gloves, scarf, and hat. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.

- Sleeping bag (we rent them)

- Flashlight/Headlamp and spare batteries

- Camera, film, and batteries (batteries drain faster in cold conditions)

- Hat or cap for sun, rain, and cold protection

- Sunscreen

- After-sun lotion or moisturizer for face and body

- Insect repellent - minimum 20% DEET recommended - although there is no reported risk of malaria

- Toilet paper, inside and outside your luggage

- Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolate, fruit, granola, etc.

- Non-disposable water bottle (like Nalgene) and water for the first morning

- We suggest bringing water purification tablets in case you collect water from streams

- Your own first-aid kit with any special medications you might need, paracetamol, blister plasters, etc.

- Small towel or Sarong

- Swimsuit (if you plan to bathe in the hot springs)

- Cash - enough for snacks, tips, and souvenirs

- Original passport and ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one

- Binoculars (if you have them)

 

Optional Extras:

- We can rent you the following:

- Extra mule to carry YOUR belongings - $10.00 per day of travel

- Extra mule to ride and muleteer to lead it - $18.00 per day of travel

- Sleeping bag suitable for -10°C - $4.00 per day of travel

- Deluxe sleeping bag suitable for -15°C - $5.00 per day of travel