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Alternative Inca Trail
Duration: 4 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day
+ 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
1
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
Day
2
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
Day
3
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
Included
Excluded
FAQ
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