Alternative Inca Trail

4 days
T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
250 - 500 m ascent per day

> Great alternative when permits for the Classic Inca Trail are sold out
> Hike the Short Inca Trail and enjoy Sunset at Sungate
> Return on the Vistadome Panoramic Train

Alternative Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is inspired in the Last Inca King who used this trail to move his rebel army in 1536 from Cusco to the Last Capital of Incas which years later would become the “Legendary lost city of the Incas”. Hike to the Machu Picchu along with the first female porters and chefs from Cusco. This is the only hiking tour to Machu Picchu that starts in Cusco, using ancient Inca Trails arrives to Huchuy Qosqo, visit the Sacred Valley, Short Inca trail, arrive in the afternoon to Machu Picchu through the Sungate for the sunset, and visit for a second time this spectacular place the next day to experience the sunrise.

Itinerary

Day
1

Cusco – Tambomachay – Qenko

Duration: 06:00 h
Distance: 10 km
Highest Point: 3800 m
Starting in Cusco city, we head towards the archaeological site of Tambomachay, just outside of Cusco, where we start our expedition to the legendary lost city of the Incas. Passing through local communities, beautiful mountain lakes, large grassland where llamas and alpacas feed. This area is home to a wide variety of birds including Wallatas (lovebirds), partridges and lapwings, all of which are regularly spotted throughout the day. Until we reach the community of Quenko where we will spend the night. Quenko is a typical Andean village with a few hundred inhabitants, all of the farmers. This is a good opportunity to understand their lifestyle, interact with local children, and visit the houses to see how they live and what they have. You can take some gifts if you like.

Qenko

Info
Qenko
Day
2

Qenko – Huchuy Qosco – Lamay – Ollantaytambo – Cachiccata

Duration: 04:00 h
Distance: 8 km
Highest Point: 3800 m
Awakening in the Peruvian Andes with the most amazing views cloud be an unforgettable experience. To make it even perfect this day we will visit the Huchuy Qosqo Inca City, located on top of the sacred valley, a city that more than 500 hundred years ago was inhabited by the Incas. Now lies on top on the mountain offering us a magnificent view with buildings, sacred temples, farming terraces, storehouses, water channels, and an Inca reservoir. After exploring everything and giving time to feel the energy, power, magic, and mysteries of this places we will enjoy lunch to later head downhill to Lamay we will take a bus to Ollantaytambo, a beautiful city located in the middle of mountains with many natural and cultural history. We will have time to explore the city considered like “the last living Inca city”, “world capital of native American”, dinner will be at a local restaurant. Sleep in our Campsite at Cachiccata community.

Cachiccata

Info
Cachiccata
Day
3

Cachiccata – Cusco – km 104 – Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)

Duration: 05:40 h
Distance: 9.9 km
Ascent: 780 m
Descent: 540 m
Lowest Point: 2170 m
Highest Point: 2700 m
The first section of the trail is a gradual uphill hike for 3 hours until we arrive at Wiñay Huayna (the place that never gets old). At this point, we will take some time to explore this stunning archaeological site while enjoying spectacular views of the Andes. A packed lunch and refreshments will be provided. Once fed and energized we will continue our hike to the Sungate to catch your first glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas – a truly unforgettable sight. From the Sungate it’s a one hour downhill walk to the city, with breathtaking views along the way. We will arrive at Macchu Picchu in the afternoon and will, therefore, have the unique opportunity of experiencing the city almost empty. This is the perfect photo taking opportunity! We will then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where we will have dinner and spend the night in a hotel

Aguas Calientes

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Aguas Calientes
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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.

  • Gear

    All (camping) equipment will be provided, built up, and taken down again. This is included in your trekking package. Please note that a sleeping bag and air mattress are not included but are available for rent.

  • 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 20, Inflatable Air Mattress: USD 15, Trekking Poles (Pair): USD 15.

  • 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

  • Availability Machu Picchu and Inca Trail

  • Inca Trail Hike Difficulty

  • Best Time for Inca Trail in Peru - Inca Trail Weather

How to Book

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