Trailblazing adventure
Inspired by their restless curiosity for real exploration of Peru’s awe-inspiring landscapes, our trekking company trailblazes trips off the well-trodden tourist trail. From launching exclusive new routes to establishing adventure hubs Piuray Outdoor Center and Titikayak, they value fearless innovation that takes adventure to new heights.
Passionate local guides
With decades of experience among them, our elite group of guides are unrivalled in the knowledge and passion they bring to their roles. Highly respected hosts, storytellers, educators, entertainers, explorers, adventurers, and conduits of local culture, our friendly and knowledgeable expert guides dramatically enhance your Peru adventure.
Deep local expertise
The talented team of travel enthusiasts offers first-hand knowledge with personal service. Passionate about travel, Destination Specialists share their in-depth travel knowledge to consistently craft quality trips that exceed expectations. Providing timely responses that anticipate your questions and 24/7 support, their meticulous approach turns your trip ideas into reality.
Unforgettable experiences
When you embark on one of our Peru tours, you're in for the trip of a lifetime. Experience Andean cultures, Peruvian gastronomy, diverse wildlife, and Inca and pre-Inca archaeology as well as a viist to UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu.
Overview
Starting from a little-known valley near Limatambo, ascend gradually over two days passed ancient forests and varied Andean landscapes toward the Cruzjasa Pass at 4,550 m / 14,927 ft above sea level. Experience the best views of the south and east faces of Mount Salkantay, away from the crowds. Descend along a gradual decline toward Mirador Pampaccahuana, accompanied by views of Mount Salkantay and its moraine until you reach Cusichaca Valley, which marks the eastern boundary of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. As you approach the Sacred Valley, you will begin to see trekkers embarking on the first stretch of the famous Inca Trail as you continue your hike downhill toward your private campsite at Chamana. Before finally reaching the valley floor, take a detour to explore Wayna Q’ente and Machu Q’ente, two majestic Inca sites recently restored by the Ministry of Culture, which showcase some of the finest Inca terracing and landscaping in the region. Your hike ends at the valley floor where you will be picked up and transported to Ollantaytambo in time to catch the afternoon train to Machu Picchu.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 | Cusco - Misquiyaco - Acopía
From Cusco, drive toward Limatambo, past the Tika Tika Pass where you will gain your first views of majestic Mount Salkantay and Humantay on the horizon, before crossing the Anta plateau. Driving past breathtaking panoramas of this vibrant agricultural region with views of rugged snowcapped peaks in the background, you will arrive at the trailhead just beyond the village of Misquiyaco where you’ll begin your trek through one of Peru’s newest private conservation areas. Begin your uphill hike through an old growth Meso-Andean Relict Forest, a rare type of inter-Andean cloud forest that exists in less than 0.02% of Peru’s vast territory. Among the species that inhabit this forest are the Tasta (Escallonia myrtilloides) and Chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa) tree species, which are protected by Peruvian law. As you approach the heights, notice how the ecosystem changes with the altitude, leaving the tree line behind to enter the high grasslands to reach your campsite at Acopía (4190 m/ 13,747 ft). (L / D)
Driving distance: 95 km (59 mi) – Time: 3:00 hours
Trekking distance: 9.3 km (5.7 mi) – Time: 5-6 hours
Day 2 | Acopía – Tambomachay Pass - Cruzjasa Pass – Mirador de Pampacahuana
Leaving Acopía, continue your uphill climb toward the first pass at Tambomachay (4660 m/ 15,256 ft. As the day warms up, you may see some Andean bird species, including Andean condors soaring majestically above the mountains. After 5-6 hours of gentle uphill climbing, you will reach your lunch spot at Uspaccasa (4,550 m/ 14,927 ft), a sheltered area just beyond the pass with majestic views of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Humantay. After lunch, continue along the high ridge and veer right toward Cruzjasa Pass (4,550 m / 14,928 ft) where you will have fantastic views of the south face of Mt. Palcay, the south face of Mt. Salkantay, and the Pampacahuana Valley, enjoying the special feeling of solitude that comes with knowing there are few other humans in the vicinity. From here, descend a steep trail to the campsite where you will sleep surrounded by mountains and stars at Mirador de Pampacahuana (3902 m / 12,801 ft). (B / L / D)
Total Trekking distance: 14.8 km (9.1 mi) - Time: 7 - 8 hours
Day 3 | Mirador de Pampacahuana – Paucarcancha – Chamana
Leave imposing Mt. Salkantay behind and continue your hike downhill along an ancient Inca canal flowing down the centre of the Pampacahuana Valley, passing through a landscape dotted with small farm settlements. At the end of the valley, you’ll once more begin to notice a greater variety of vegetation as you descend past the tree line before arriving in Paucarcancha, a remote Inca site at the confluence of the Pampacahuana and Q´esca valleys. After a short visit to explore the Inca stone walls and remnants of ancient houses at the site, you will have lunch. Then you’ll continue your journey downhill and join the first stretch of the famed Inca Trail, descending toward the Patallacta ruins. This site was once an important rest stop for the Inca on the way to Machu Picchu. After a brief visit, continue to the campsite at Chamana, which is a private campsite equipped with a hot shower. Camp at Chamana (2590 masl / 8497 fasl). (B / L / D)
Trekking distance: 16.4 km (10.2 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours
Day 4 | Chamana - Wayna Q’ente - Qoriwayrachina - Piscacucho (End of trek)
At this point, you will be on the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, where you will explore the secluded archaeological site called Machu Q'ente. Depending on the pace of the group and the amount of time available, you may also have the opportunity to visit Wayna Q'ente, another remarkable site located nearby. After the visit, you will leave the Sanctuary through the town of Q’oriwairachina and head towards Piscacucho, where the main entrance to the Inca Trail is located. The trail will take you alongside the Vilcanota River and through several more ancient archaeological sites. In fact, this is the same path that Hiram Bingham used when he was first led to Machu Picchu by local people living here in 1911. From here, you’ll travel by car to Ollantaytambo, in time to take the afternoon train to Machu Picchu Village, where you’ll spend the night before visiting the magical citadel of Machu Picchu on Day 5. Dinner on your own. (B / L)
Trekking distance: 15.5 km (9.6 mi) – Time: 5-6 hours
Driving distance back to Ollantaytambo: 15.6 km (9.7 mi) – Time: 30 min
Train ride: 43 km (27 mi) – Time: 1:45 hours
Day 5 | Machu Picchu - Cusco
After an early breakfast, a quick half-hour bus ride brings you up the road to the gates of Machu Picchu where you’ll enjoy a guided three-hour tour of this ancient hilltop citadel. Exploring the various sectors and entering some of the houses and temples will bring these iconic ruins to life. As you immerse in this mystical place, you’ll feel that you’ve entered a dream of ancient times. Wandering among these ancient manmade structures blended seamlessly into natural surroundings, will leave us with a sense of wonder and reverence, and gift you with memories to savour for years to come. In the afternoon, return to the village where a train will take you back to Ollantaytambo. On-board entertainment, snacks, and hot and cold refreshments are available. Arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will be picked up and driven back to the city of Cusco. (B / L)
Machu Picchu visit – Time: 3 hours
Bus ride to Machu Picchu (RT): 12.4 km (7.7 mi) – Time: 1 hour
Train ride: 43 km (27 mi) – Time: 1:45 hours
Driving distance Ollantaytambo to Cusco: 79 km (49 mi) – Time: 2 hours
End of services
B- Breakfast / BL- Box Lunch / L- Lunch / D- Dinner
Why we love it
Photography
Personal achievement
Stunning Scenery
Bucket List Trip
Ready for Trekking but want more flexibility?
We offer a full range of trekking options throughout Peru from shorter 2 day hikes to longer 12 days trips and several more challenging options. Hikes include the famous Inca Trail as well as treks in the ’Swiss Alps of Peru’ region Huaraz and others.
Gallery
All images courtesy of ©Explorandes