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Alternative Inca Trail

Name: Alternative Inca Trail
Brand: Bookatrekking
Price: 702.00 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (1611 reviews)

Duration: 4 days

Trails: T2 trails

Distance: 10 - 15 km per day

Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day

Inca Trail

Peru

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ
Reviews

+ Machu Picchu tickets & guided tour
+ Arrive in Machu Picchu twice, once hiking to the Sun Gate
+ Enjoy 2 nights in 3-star hotels
+ Return by panoramic train
- First breakfast and last day lunch not included

This trip was inspired by the last Inca king who used this trail to lead his rebel army from Cusco to the last Inca capital in 1536, now the "Legendary Lost City of the Incas". This is the only trek that uses the ancient Inca trails to reach Huchuy Qosqo, cross the Sacred Valley and walk the Short Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu at sunset through the Sun Gate. You will find it almost empty as everyone leaves the citadel early!

Discover a series of Inca archaeological sites that reveal the rich history of the civilisation that once dominated the Sacred Valley. Get to know local Andean communities such as the Quenko people. Don't miss Ollantaytambo, the only living Inca village still inhabited today! On your last day, you will visit Machu Picchu a second time with a sunrise hike to Inti Punku. Then enjoy a 2 hour private guided tour of the citadel and some free time. Finally, relax as you take a scenic train ride from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo and a private van back to Cusco.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals can be arranged. Upgrades, rentals and optional treks available. Optional treks to Machu Picchu Montaña or Huayna Picchu must be requested in advance before permits are sold out.

Itinerary

Day

Cusco – Tambomachay – Kenko Village

Duration: 06:00 h

Distance: 10 km

We will depart from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 am after breakfast and drive to Tambomachay, just 20 minutes outside of the city. Once at the trailhead, we will start slowly hiking up to the highest mountain passes of Cusco, with vast grasslands, birds, and beautiful lakes along the way. The hike is about 4 hours to lunch in Koriccocha Lake at 3700m (12139ft). Our trekking chef will prepare delicious meals using fresh local products.

Once lunch is over, we will start the second part of the day with a 2-hour hike to Kenko Village at 3800m (12467ft); along the way, it is possible to spot herds of llamas and alpacas that belong to villagers. Kenko is a small village with a few hundred inhabitants who survive from agriculture.

Qenko

Info

Day

Kenko – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo

Duration: 05:00 h

Distance: 8 km

Enjoy the beautiful views from the Local Village early in the morning with a cup of coffee while you enjoy the first rays of the sun. After breakfast, we will start a gradual 1-hour uphill to the highest mountains with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley; then, we will go 2 hours downhill to Huchuy Qosqo, 3600m (11811ft), a stunning ancient city on top of the Sacred Valley.

On the way, you pass refreshing streams, beautiful canyons, and breathtaking views of the Andes mountains. After exploring the Inca Site, we will continue for 1.5 hours into the Sacred Valley for our last picnic lunch. The final part will be traveling by van along the Sacred Valley until we arrive in Ollantaytambo, where we will explore the town and check in at a hotel.

Cachiccata

Info

Day

Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)

Duration: 07:00 h

Distance: 15 km

Highest Point: 2700 m

Wake up early in your hotel, have breakfast, and then take the first trains from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 to begin the Inca Trail. Once you pass the checkpoint, you will start the Short Inca Trail for 7 hours until you arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon. You will visit astonishing Inca Sites such as Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Sun Gate and see a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The Short Inca Trail Trek allows you to visit the most important sites inside the Classic Inca Trail, and you will have the chance to arrive twice at Machu Picchu; if you plan the times correctly, you can arrive after 4:00 pm to Machu Picchu and find the place almost empty since everybody starts leaving the citadel early.

After enjoying a full day on the Inca trail and Machu Picchu, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check in at the hotel, have dinner in a local restaurant, and sleep early for the next day.

Aguas Calientes

Info

Day

Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Duration: 02:30 h

On the most important day of your trek, wake up very early to prepare for the highlight of your trek. After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the first buses up to Machu Picchu, arriving with the first to light up the sky.

You will explore the citadel and visit the main sites, palaces and temples. You will then have free time to explore on your own or climb either Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu mountain (request tickets before they are sold out). After Machu Picchu you must take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, the train back to Ollantaytambo and private transport back to Cusco. You will be dropped off at your hotel at around 7.30 pm.

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Included

Guides

A well-trained English-speaking guide is included in the price. The guides all grew up in the Cusco region and are committed to sharing their history and culture with visitors. The guides are friendly and professional and will make sure you don't miss anything.
Camping during the trek

During the trek, you will be staying on campsites. Your camp will be set up for you.
Satellite phones

Guides are equipped with satellite phones and can organise anything on the fly.
Taxes and fees

All tourist taxes and permit fees applicable are included in the listed price.
First aid

Your guide has received training in first aid from a physician. Mandatory training sessions are conducted every year. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. You will be escorted off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible, if needed, and taken to a clinic for treatment.
Food and water

Food and water are included and will be provided as per the itinerary. Water is boiled, filtered, and then cooled before distributing. You must bring your water bottles and or camelback. We recommend carrying about 3L worth per day. You will be able to restock your water supplies at each meal.
Getting to and from

Getting to and from the start/end point of this trekking is included, as per the itinerary.
Duffel

You will receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and does need to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
Porters

A personal porter will carry most of your belongings using a duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will have access to your duffel bag in the mornings and evenings.
Trekking Briefing

The night before your trek, you will come to the local office for a briefing. The entire itinerary will be explained and the final logistics for the Inca Trail Trek will be taken care of.
Permits

Permits for both your Inca Trail Trek trek and for the entry to Machu Picchu are included and will be taken care of.

Excluded

Accommodation in Cusco including breakfast

Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.
Rentals

Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent: Sleeping Bag: USD 25, Inflatable Air Mattress: USD 20, Trekking Poles (Pair): USD 20.
Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is USD 75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
Travel Insurance Including Repatriation

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Peru.
Tipping

Tips for guides, cook and porters are not included. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous.

FAQ

When is the Best Season to do the Inca Trail Trek?
Is the Inca Trail Something For Me? - Difficulty
How Do I Get a Permit for the Inca Trail?
What if the dates I want are not available?
If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?
How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

Booking
Availability
Cancellation policy

Reviews

Alternative Inca Trail

Itinerary

Cusco – Tambomachay – Kenko Village

Qenko

Kenko – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo

Cachiccata

Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)

Aguas Calientes

Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Included

Guides

Camping during the trek

Satellite phones

Taxes and fees

First aid

Food and water

Getting to and from

Duffel

Porters

Trekking Briefing

Permits

Excluded

Accommodation in Cusco including breakfast

Rentals

Huayna Picchu

Travel Insurance Including Repatriation

Tipping

FAQ

When is the Best Season to do the Inca Trail Trek?

Is the Inca Trail Something For Me? - Difficulty

How Do I Get a Permit for the Inca Trail?

What if the dates I want are not available?

If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

Booking

Availability

Cancellation policy

Reviews

Reviews

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