DAY 01: Cusco – Qellococha – Puma Punku – Huchuy Qosqo

This is one of aour best Machu Picchu hikes. We will pass by the hotel at 06:00 am, time for which you must have already had breakfast and checked out of the hotel. After a 20-minute drive we will arrive at Tambomachay, where we meet with our hiking team for this wonderful expedition. After a brief introduction to our team, we will be ready for the first part of our machu pichu hikes that will be 1 hour uphill to the viewpoint from where we can appreciate the wonderful views of the valley of Cusco and the valley of Ccorao. After enjoying these magnificent views, we will continue with our hike that now will be a gradual ascent of 1 hour until arriving at the viewpoint of the lagoons. On the way we will observe llamas, alpacas, sheep, and different wild animals of the local fauna, arriving at the 2nd viewpoint we can rest a bit with a beautiful view to Piuray Lagoon in Chinchero on one side and to the other side  the Qoricocha Lagoon, in addition to beautiful valleys with forests and farmer’s houses scattered in it, besides small towns along, it is a unique and wonderful view.

Then we will continue with our trek of 1 hour and a half more until our lunch point that will be in a very small town where there is no electricity and the houses are built with adobe and straw, exactly as their ancestors did.

After enjoying our delicious lunch prepared by our Chef, we will have time to visit one of the families to see how they live, learn from their traditions and customs, etc. When it is the right time to continue our walk we will get ready. Now we head towards Huchuy Qosqo or small Cuzco, we will walk using the original Inca trail so we cannot miss the unique details of an Inca Trail. We will cross by Inca bridges; we will enter the Puma Punku canyon or the Puma gate canyon. Suddenly in front of us you will find the sacred valley of the Incas deep in the valley, it is a unique and incomparable view, this is the only of all machu picchu hikes that allows you to have a privileged view to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in all its splendor, we will rest to enjoy this beautiful view before continuing to our Camp that is only 15 minutes’ walk and will be in the same archaeological park of Huchuy Qosqo.

Upon arrival, our hiking team will have our tents ready, we can prepare ourselve to enjoy the tea time with coffee, chocolate and popcorns. At the coordinated time we will serve our delicious dinner prepared by our mountain chef. After dinner we will hold a small farewell ceremony since our team only accompanies us to this point, if you have any appreciation will be highly valued by them and if you have some motivational words will also be the right time.

Walking distance: 19 km

Campsite elevation: 3200 masl

Weather: Cold, Dry.

• 4 nights hotel in Cusco and 1 in Aguas Calientes
• ATV tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines
• Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
• Bicycle tour in Cusco (safety equipment, round-trip transportation, box lunch, private guide)
• Entrance fees to all tourist destinations mentioned in the program, including Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu
• Round-trip train ticket to Aguas Calientes
• Round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Private transfers to the train station and airport
• Group tour with a professional English-speaking guide – Spanish.
• Information prior to the Tour in Cusco and permanent assistance

What to bring on this excursion

Please keep these recommendations in mind for the tour

• Passport or ID document (Very important)
• Hat or cap for sun protection: Very important for the hike, the radiation is strong.
• Sunglasses: Highly recommended.
• Sunscreen: The radiation is stronger in the mountains, use sunscreen every day.
• Waterproof or windproof jacket (the lighter, the better)
• Gloves: Especially for when you are at the viewpoints or on the mountains, because it is very windy there. cold.
• Water bottle or CAMELBAK.  Twice the amount of water you normally drink.
• Shoes with good grip: If you have trekking boots, even better.
• Personal medications: Don't forget to bring your personal medications, especially those you take daily.
• Any other items you consider necessary.
• Above all, bring a great desire to have fun, enjoy nature, and learn about the local culture.

Altitude sickness

As soon as people book a trip to Peru, specifically to Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness.

High altitudes contain less oxygen than sea level, forcing the body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs.

Our guides are highly trained to assist you should you experience symptoms of altitude sickness.

Weather

The weather in Cusco is unpredictable. The dry season in Cusco runs from April to October, but this doesn't mean it can't rain in June or shine in December; simply be prepared for any weather.

Be sure to pack appropriate clothing, including a waterproof jacket, trousers, poncho, and waterproof gloves.

Also, be prepared for cold and windy conditions.