Your Travel Experience with Be Peru DMC
Day 1
Cuzco Departure
Your adventure begins bright and early with a 6:00 AM departure from Cuzco. Expect to be picked up between 5:45 and 6:15 AM from your accommodation. Make sure to prepare everything the night before, as this adventure waits for no one!
Cuzco to Lares Town
During this journey, we will make a stop in the village of Calca, where you will be able to visit the local market and buy breakfast or other supplies for your trek. (Your guide might advise you to buy some bread to hand out to the children you will meet during the trek.)
When arriving at Lares we will visit the hot springs (optional) where you will be able to enjoy the hot water while our cooks prepare a scrumptious lunch.
Trek to Huancahuasi
After lunch, we will start our hike towards the first campsite in Huacawasi (3850m). During 4 hours you will walk gradually uphill so that you get a good training for the next day when we will reach the highest point of the trek. The first night, we will spend the night at the house of our horsemen who are joining us on the trip.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day 1 - 2
Overnight in Huancahuasi Camp
After the day's trek, you'll reach Huancahuasi Camp. Upon arrival your tents will be ready, and you will receive popcorn, sweets and some hot tea before having dinner.
Settle into your tent for a restful night, waking up to crisp mountain air for the next day's adventure.
Day 2
Trek to the pass of Ipsy Qocha, Patacancha
After a nutritious breakfast, we will start hiking towards the highest point, the pass of Ipsy Qocha at 4400m/14435 feet. The hike will take about 3 hours and will be very steep uphill. During this trek you will be able to enjoy views of enormous mountains, llamas and alpacas, a patchwork of agricultural lands and breathtaking views (be aware that we will reach great heights and the weather can be very cold). After reaching the highest point, we will descend 30 minutes, and we will get to the beautiful lagoon Ipsy Qocha where we are going to have lunch.
Then, we will walk down for 2 hours, and we will get to Patacancha town.
Hiking time: 6 hours
Transfer to Ollantaytambo
We will take our transportation to Ollantaytambo where dinner is waiting for us.
Day 2 - 3
Overnight in Ollantaytambo
Overnight in Ollantaytambo 3* Hotel
Day 3
Train to Km 104
Our journey starts early in the morning at 6am after breakfast. From here, you will take a tourist train to Km 104 where the Royal Inca Trail begins.
Hike to Chachabambas, Wiñayhuayna and Sun Gate
the Royal Inca Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba (2270m/7448f). Here we will learn about the previous function of this archeological site.
Thereafter, we will reach Wiñayhuayna (2650m/8694f), the most important archeological site besides Machu Picchu. After that, our trail continues towards the Sun Gate "Inti Punku", a nice viewpoint from which we can enjoy the nightfall on Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f).
Transfer to Aguas Calientes
We'll take the bus to get to our hotel in Aguas Calientes, we will only spend a little time in the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the first day.
Day 3 - 4
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Overnight in Aguas Calientes 3* Hotel. Your guide will give you indications for the next day. If you have time, stroll through the streets where you will find many cafes, plenty of shops and places to relax.
Day 4
Explore Machu Picchu
We will leave our hotel towards Machu Picchu after breakfast at about 5:30 am by bus. We are leaving that early because at this time the setting is less crowded and the morning is a good time to enjoy the calmness and the ancient spirit of the best-known archaeological site on the continent.
After our arrival at the citadel around 6:00 am, our guide will give us detailed information about Machu Picchu and the history and culture of the Inca. Thereafter, you will have enough free time to enjoy and explore the site on your own, and discover the variety of buildings, or climb Huayna Picchu for an amazing panorama picture.
Return to Aguas Calientes
A bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you have the possibility to join the town’s hot springs (20 Soles).
Train to Ollantaytambo
Catch a train that takes you back to Ollantaytambo.
The train ride offers a relaxing journey through the Andes, allowing you to reflect on your incredible adventure.
Ollantaytambo to Cuzco
Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, you'll transfer to a bus for the final leg of your return journey to Cuzco. The bus ride provides additional opportunities to take in the beautiful Peruvian countryside.
You'll arrive in Cuzco at approximately 20:00. The bus will drop you off at Plaza San Francisco, from where you can easily make your way back to your chosen accommodation, concluding your unforgettable Inca Trail adventure.