Inca Trail Treks
Sacred Valley Treks
Huaraz Treks
Preparation
Peru: Quechua Villages and Inca Ruins Trek and Machu Picchu
On this page: Overview | Itinerary | Pricing
Overview
This trek will take you through part of the main communication trail used during the Inca Empire to connect Cusco with Ollantaytambo, one of the last remnants of an important Inca town crowned by an amazing temple. Starting at Parpishu, we will hike along the original Kapacñan (Inca Trail) for 2 days. Visit Watta archaeological site with its burial remains and its ceremonial plaza, amazing views of the most important snow-capped peaks for the Incas, the Perolniyoc waterfall, Cusilluyoc Inca remains, and spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and the fortress of Ollantaytambo will be the highlights on this superb adventure. This trek, with guide, crew and burros, is followed by the 2-day Inca Trail Express (from km 104 to Machu Picchu via Winay Wayna and the sun gate), OR, a train ride to Machu Picchu, overnight in an Aguas Calientes hotel. Either way, you will enjoy an early morning guided tour of the famous Machu Picchu citadel--before the crowds arrive!
- Itinerary: Day 1 - Cusco/Parpishu/Chilipahua; Day 2 - Chillipahua/Peroiniyoc; Day 3 - Peroiniyoc/Ollantaytambo; Day 4 - Inca Trail (km 104) or Train/Machu Picchu; Day 5 - Machu Picchu / Cusco
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights for the 3-day trek followed by the 2-day trek or train to Machu Picchu.
- Season: The Quechua trek is available year round; the Inca Trail is open year round (you must have a permit!), except February, when it is closed; the train to Machu Picchu is available year round; the best trekking season is April through October.
Groups to Join
- Every Sunday and Wednesday (April-October)
- Two person minimum; single travelers check with us to see if there is a group for your dates.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco/Parpishu/Chilipahua
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We depart from Cusco in the early morning, driving to Parpishu (2,882 mt./ 9,454 ft), located in a side-valley of the Urubamba River from where we will start our trek. Here we will meet the field crew. We will ascend through a trail up to the Watta Inca Ruins (3,677 mt./12,062 ft); where we will appreciate Inca tombs and a ceremonial plaza, from where the Incas worshiped their sacred snowy peaks of Mt. Veronica and Chicon, lunch near the ruins. The trek then continues to the Chilipahua Andean community (3,578 mt./ 11,736 ft) where we will camp (Trek: 7 hours/Distance: 12 Km)
DAY 2: Chillipahua/Peroiniyoc
After breakfast, the trek will start with a gradual ascent up to (3,755 mt./12,322 ft.) through an ancient Inca Trail, from where we will have fantastic views of Chillipahua Anapahua and Huallay Pitusiray andean communities. Through the pass near Runtucan with amazing views of surrounging peaks, we will then descend to Macuray community where we will have lunch. Continue the descent to Rayan community (3,625 mt./11,899 ft), where we will camp. (Trek: 6 hours/Distance: 8 km)
DAY 3: Peroiniyoc/Ollantaytambo
This day we will continue ascending up to the astounding Perolniyoc Inca ruins and waterfall. We will head northwest on the Inca trail to a place known as Cusilluyoc (the place of the happy monkey). This place hosts an old abandoned Spanish Hacienda house, from where we have impressive views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the white snowy peak of Mount Veronica. We will then descend through the Inca Trail down to the Sacred Valley straight to the town of Ollantaytambo. Dinner on your own. Overnight at hotel in Ollantaytambo (2,782 mt./9,128 ft). (Trek: 7 hours / 12 km).
DAY 4: Ollantaytambo/Km 104/Machu Picchu
We catch the morning Vistadome train in Ollantaytambo. There are two options to get to Machu Picchu:
1. The Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu (permits required),
When the Vistadome train arrives at km 104, we get off and cross a hanging bridge to the Chachabamba site, and after a brief visit, we begin a three hour ascent to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, an important spiritual site. Lunch enroute. The Inca Trail cuts across the ridge above Machu Picchu to finally reach Intipunku the door of the sun from where the trail winds downhill. The classic vista into the lost citadel located right above the Urubamba River will be a unique experience; it is the most exquisite way to see Machu Picchu for the first time. We take a shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) and overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
2. The Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu (no permits required).
We will take the Vistadome train all the way to Aguas Calientes, meet our guide and take the shuttle to Machu Picchu. A guided tour of Machu Picchu gives you the best view and explanation of the famous citadel. Lunch included (in Aguas Calientes). Dinner on your own. Overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 5: Machu Picchu/ Cusco
For the trekkers: After breakfast, we take a shuttle bus back up to Machu Picchu and visit the citadel and surrounding complexes. We have the opportunity for an in depth tour of this world renowned site, with a chance to see the spectacular views without other tourists in our pictures! Lunch included (in Aguas Calientes). There is an optional hike up to the top of Wayna Picchu (no extra cost, but a ticket is required--get it early in the day for an afternoon climb!). We return by Vistadome train to Cusco.
For those who took the train: After breakfast, you have an option to return to Machu Picchu to explore the ruins on your own and hike to Inti Punku (sun gate) or climb Wayna Picchu. You can opt to stay in Aguas Calientes and visit the local outdoor market, the hot springs baths or climb Mt. Putucusi. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, you will return to Cusco by Vistadome train.
Pricing
2010 Prices
To calculate, add the 3 day Quechua Trek price to the 2 day trip to Machu Picchu (either the trek or train) price
Quechua Trek - 3 days/3 nights
| # Passengers in Group | 2 | 3 | 4-6 | 7-8 | Join Group | Single Supplement |
| Price per Person (USD) | $730 | $570 | $480 | $405 | $525 | $45 |
Inca Trail Express - 2 days/1 night
| # Passengers in Group | 2 | 3 | 4-6 | 7-8 | Join Group | Single Supplement |
| Price per Person (USD) | $710 | $635 | $595 | $545 | n/a | $40 |
Train to Machu Picchu - 2 days/1 night
| # Passengers in Group | 2 | 3 | 4-6 | 7-8 | Join Group* | Single Supplement |
| Price per Person (USD) | $570 | $510 | $480 | $445 | $380 | $40 |
* The guided tour of Machu Picchu will be with a group and a local guide.
For the Train to Machu Picchu you may add lunch at Sanctuary Lodge, instead of Aguas Calientes for $30/person. You may add a second day shuttle and entrance to Machu Picchu: $75/person
SERVICES INCLUDED: Transportation from Cusco to the trailhead or Aguas Calientes; bilingual guide; cook, muleteer (first 3 days) and crew; meals; large two-person sleeping tents, dining tent, sleeping pad, and portable toilet; all Inca Trail permits (if hiking the Inca Trail Express) and entrance fee; 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes; entrance fee and guided tour at Machu Picchu Sanctuary; return transportation by Vistadome train from Machu Picchu to Cusco.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: Tips for your guides, muleteer, cook, crew, drivers; transfers, hotels, and meals before and after the 5-day/4-night package; personal expenses (alcoholic beverages, airport taxes; laundry, insurance, internet); additional tours; international and domestic airfares; sleeping bags; hiking boots; other personal gear.