Day 1 Chillca / Llactapata
We leave our hotel and journey to Ollantaytambo, where we will visit the main places of interest in the company of our guide before continuing on by car to Chillca, where our trek begins. Here we will meet our porters and begin to follow the trail along the left bank of the Urubamba River, from where we will see beautiful views of snowcapped Veronica (5850m), hiking as far as Llactapata, a restored Inca site.
Day 2 Llactapata / Choqesuysuy
An early start: As we follow the Urubamba River, the canyon gradually narrows and the landscape becomes more rugged. The vegetation also begins to change as we move into thick forest. We will pass the Inca agricultural terraces of Qenti, where some Inca buildings have been restored, and continue as far as Choqesuysuy, another Inca residential complex, where we will camp.
Day 3 Choqesuysuy / Wiñay Wayna / Machu Picchu
The trail climbs gradually halfway up the mountain to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. We will pass by a high waterfall where we can refresh ourselves before continuing. At Wiñay Wayna we will encounter about twenty constructions, as well as an irrigation system and a splendid Inca temple. That afternoon we will continue along the trail to Machu Picchu, enjoying along the way the spectacular scenery, with the river far below and the snowy peaks emerging from the surrounding cloud forest. Following a path which is very narrow in places, we eventually arrive at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu, from where we will get our first glimpse of the ruins below us. From here it is a forty minute walk to Machu Picchu. We will camp near the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Day 4 Machu Picchu
Today will be dedicated to visiting this marvellous city. In the company of our guide we will visit the temples, houses, agricultural terraces and palaces and also have some time to explore the ruins individually.
Included:
- Transfers
- Meals from first lunch to breakfast on the final day.
- English-speaking guide.
- Trekking services, including: camp cook; porters and camp assistant(s).
- All group camping equipment, double tents and Thermarest, kitchen and/or dining tent, and toilet tent.
- All our trash produced during the trek returns to Cusco.
- First-aid kit.
Not included:
- Personal expenses: clothing and sleeping bag (we have sleeping bags for hire at an additional cost).
We recommend that you bring the following personal equipment:
- A good sleeping bag (we have sleeping bags for hire on request).
- Day pack for daily items and camera.
- Small duffel bag for the majority of your gear. (If you do not have one, then we will provide one for you).
- Warm jacket for the evenings, wool sweaters, long pants, light cotton shirt and T-shirts, hat with brim, wool or flannel shirt.
- Comfortable walking shoes (well broken in).
- Rain jacket or rain poncho, sun block, insect repellent.
- Canteen or plastic water bottle.
- Flashlight.
- Binoculars (for bird watching), camera and film.
Optional:
- Swimwear and towel (for the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes).
