The best Alternative trek to the Inka Trail!
From the last stronghold of the Inka to Machupicchu; the lost city of the Inkas!
Hike through the mountains of the cloud forest where the Inka had their last stronghold resisting the spaniards. Explore the last Inkan sacred centers and be amazed by the beauty of the unique and unexplored ecological Sanctuary of Rakachaka, the only area in Peru that is 100% protected, maintained and managed by the local population!.
The level of this Trek is Difficult
Note: Trek difficulty depends on your level of fitness and acclimatization (highly recommended).
ITINERARY:
1st night:
Our tour departs Cusco at 10 in the morning, we embark on a 5 hour bus ride to Huancacalle, A quick stop at the high jungle of Ninabamba - Naranjal for lunch and a walk though the tropical farm, the landscape on this day is very tropical and you are able to see many native plants (coffee, coca and tropical fruits).
We wil continue our bus trip for another 2 hours to our first campsite in Pillaupata.
Day 2: moderately difficult and Inca trails!
We start our day with a tour around the 3 inca rqueological sites (including Ñustah'ispana; the white rock) then continue through a steady climb towards Hasut'ina pass (4500m/14710ft). We will have an hour and a half walk downhill to reach the lunch spot. After a break we will continue going down to Rak'achaca where we will stay the night. We will walk on an original Inca trail on this day and have plenty of beautiful views of mountains and animals.
Day 3: top day!
After breakfast, a steady uphill walk will lead us over 3 passes (over 4000m/13080ft). After the 3rd pass we will stop for lunch in Mojón. And then finally we will have a 4 hour downhill walk which will take us at our 3rd campsite. This really is a snow-peaked mountain day; being so high up! Spectacular views.
Day 4: hot springs!
We will have breakfast and then begin a 4 hour walk which will take us to Xanatile where we have lunch. From Xanatile, we will take a truck (1 hour ride) to Santa Teresa. From here, we will walk for half an hour to connect with another truck that will take us to the Hydroelectric station. We will then catch a train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hostal. This day is part trekking and part travelling by other methods. The landscape is totally green, lower jungle and a lovely contrast to the other days.
In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles) a real treat after finishing the trek!
Day 5: Machu Picchu!
We will have breakfast at 5.45am then catch the first bus to Machu Picchu (15-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising.
A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.
You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco.
If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.)
Includes:
• Professional, bilingual Tour Guide
• Assiatant Guide (for groups of 9 or more people)
• Transportation (bus to start of trail and tourist train* and bus back to Cusco)
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
• 2 bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu.
• *4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 3 dinners (dinner on day 4 and lunch in day 5 in Aguas Calientes are not included)
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Cook + assisntants (Nº of assistans depend on the number of tourists in the group)
• 4 man tent is provided for 2 people only.
• Sleeping mattresses (one each)
• Horseman and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment and up to 10 kilos of tourist’s belongings4
• 1 horse for emergencies.
• 1 Trek Cleaner for groups of 5 to 9 people and 2 trek cleaners for groups of 10 to 16 people.
• 1 night hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• Extra oxygen
• First Aid kit
*Vegetarian/special diet options available
* Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo backpacker (to/from Ollanta) Train times will only be confirmed close to the time of the trek, if you join a group late in the day we can't guarantee you will travel on the same trains as the rest of the group.
Please Note: train times are subject to change depending on Peru rail timestable and availability.If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Vistadome (larger windows than the backpaker cerrojo train) for an increased price.
What you need to take:
• Original passport and Student card (if applicable)
• Sleeping bag (not included)
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Hand sanitazers
• Comfortable trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun protection cream
• Insect Repellent
• Toiletries
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)
Optional items to take:
• Shorts
• Walking stick
• Plasters and bandages
• Sandals
• Binoculars
• Extra money
• Bathing suit for hot springs in Aguas Calientes or Santa Teresa -not included-
Optional services for hire:
• Hire of sleeping bag – 5 season ($25.00)
• Walking stick ($10)
• Day packs ($10)
Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo backpacker (to Ollanta) Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 12:26 and being the 9:20pm the last train. Llama Path will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).
Please Note: train times are subject to change depending on Peru rail timestable and availability.If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Visatadome (larger windows than the backpaker cerrojo train) for an increased price.
Price:
- Per person Standard Pool service US $.........
