Trek to Machu Picchu, The Backroads, 7 Days, Peru

From: CHF 1'449

 

 

Trek to Machu Picchu on this great adventure holiday in South America. A perfect private hike to Machu Picchu taking the quieter hiking route. A great hike for small groups of family and friends.

Season is November to April

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  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
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    • Activity Level Moderate Adventure Holidays
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    • Group Size Small Group
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    All about the Trek to Machu Picchu, The Backroads, 7 Days, Peru.

    Trek to Machu Picchu

     

     

     

    Overview

    • 7 Days

    • 2 Nights Camping

    • 3 Nights in Cusco

    • 1 Night in Aguas Calientes

    • English Speaking Guides

    • Taking Less Crowded Trails

    Why Do We Recommend It?

    A chance to visit an iconic and fascinating ancient site, while taking a less crowded hiking route.

    10% of the tour cost is reinvested into the local economy by supporting local entrepreneurs.

    A beautiful and rewarding hike.

    Is It Right for Me?

    For this hiking trip, you should have at least average physical fitness. During the trek, we will reach high altitudes and require high levels of physical exertion. No technical skills are required, and first-time trekkers are welcome. Typical days require 5-10 hours of trekking.

    What People Say About The Trip

    I loved my experience!! I didn’t have any expectation but this exceeded them. My boyfriend and I had a fantastic trip and, I would highly recommend this trip to all my friends. This was the perfect combination of strenuous activity plus interest activities/sightseeing and Machu Picchu.

    Can I Go Anytime?

    The tour is scheduled for specific dates and you can find those while checking availability in the fields above. However, not all dates are guaranteed to run and some may already have filled. So, just enter the dates you’re interested in and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with confirmation of availability. We always do our best to get the trip that suits you best.

    If you don’t see any dates that work for you, just select Get In Touch and send us a quick message about what would be ideal for you. We’ll do what we can and get back to you with options to make your dream trip a reality.

     

     

    Itsy Bitsy Details

    • Where: Peru
    • Duration: 7 days
    • Tour Starts: Cusco, Peru
    • Tour Ends: Cusco, Peru
    • Fly To: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, CUZ
    • Fly From: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, CUZ
    • Group Size: 1 – 12 people
    • Age: 16+ (younger if accompanied)

    More Great Hiking Tours

    The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
    What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
    • Airport transfers
    • 3 nights accommodation in Cusco
    • 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
    • 2 nights camping
    • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trek
    • Trekking permits and entry fees
    • Farewell dinner
    • Guide & porter services
    • All ground transportation to/from trail
    What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
    • Emergency medical & evacuation insurance (required)
    • Personal items (laundry, clothing, snacks, etc.)
    • Trip cancellation insurance (offered as an option)
    • International airfare and meals during travel
    • Snacks during trek
    • Beverages outside of designated meals
    • Single Supplement (175£ if travelling alone or to guarantee a single room)
    1. Overview Overview

      Day 1: Arrive to Cusco
      Day 2: Day trip to Chinchero, Maras, and Moray
      Day 3: Trek to Puyoc
      Day 4: Trek to Cuncani
      Day 5: Complete trek and travel to Aguas Calientes
      Day 6: Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
      Day 7: International departures

    2. Day 1 Cusco (11,155ft/3400m)

      Upon your arrival to the airport in Cusco, a staff member will be there to greet you and take you to our partner lodge, located in the charming historic district of San Blas. The lodge is centrally located and only a few minutes’ walk from the Plaza de Armas, the beautiful and bustling town center. In the afternoon, meet your group to explore Koricancha, The Sun Temple in the center of Cusco.

      Inclusions: Airport transfer, Koricancha tour and accommodations (based on double-occupancy)

    3. Day 2 Cusco (11,155ft/3400m)

      In order to acclimate to the altitude, head to the Sacred Valley. Get a chance to visit the village of Chinchero, which overlooks the high peaks of the Andes. After lunch, check out Moray and its many concentric terraces. Before returning to Cusco, make one last stop in the charming town of Ollantaytambo. Arrive to Cusco around 6:30-7:00pm.

      Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and accommodations (based on double-occupancy).

    4. Day 3 Cusco to Puyoc (13,451ft/4100m)

      In the morning, drive two hours to the trailhead in Pumahuanca. Head up the side of the valley toward the town of Puyoc. On the way, learn about the native flora and fauna and even spot a viscacha or an Andean fox! Reach the campsite and enjoy the evening in the crisp mountain air.

      Total distance: 8.7 miles. Approximately 6-8 hours of trekking

      Inclusions: Full board (Breakfast, Box-lunch, Dinner), accommodations in camping site (based on double-occupancy)

    5. Day 4 Puyoc to Cuncani (12,795ft/3900m)

      Today is the most spectacular day of the trek! Begin the morning with a two-hour hike to the top of the Pumahuanca pass (15,682ft) before beginning a gradual descent. Make your way to Cuncani and pass the snow-capped peaks and serene mountain lakes. Learn a few Quechua phrases along the trail.

      Total distance: 8 miles. Approximately 6-8 hours of trekking

      Inclusions: Full board (Breakfast, Box lunch and Dinner) and accommodations in camping site (based on double-occupancy).

    6. Day 5 Cuncani to Aguas Calientes (6,693ft/2040m)

      Wake up early to visit a nearby house and meet the local family (and put your new phrases to the test!). From Cuncani, pass several small communities that grow Quinoa and Tarwi. A bit further down the trail, take a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Lares. A bus will pick up the group from the hot springs to head to the train station, where you will reach Aguas Calientes, the base of Machu Picchu.

      Total distance: 3.7 miles. Approximately 3-4 hours of trekking

      Inclusions: Full board (Breakfast, Box-lunch, Dinner) and accommodations in Aguas Calientes (based on double-occupancy).

    7. Day 6 Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to Cusco (11,155ft/3400m)

      After an early breakfast, depart for Machu Picchu. The bus takes about 20 minutes, with the option of hiking (1½ hours). The goal is to get to Machu Picchu as early as possible to avoid the crowds and have the best chance to enjoy its beauty, mystery, and magic in peace. You will receive a guided tour for about 2½ hours followed by free time to explore the site on your own. There is time to climb Machu Picchu Mountain (*based on availability) for views of the ruins from above. Meet in Aguas Calientes in the afternoon to board a train to Ollantaytambo (2 hours) and then a bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (2 hours), arriving by 9:30 pm.

      Total distance: 5 miles. Optional 2-3 hours of trekking

      Inclusions: Breakfast, Machu Picchu entrance permits and guided tour, train, accommodations.

    8. Day 7 Cusco (11,155ft/3400m)

      International flights depart.

      Inclusions: Breakfast; airport shuttle.

    Tour Details

    Trek to Machu Picchu

    This short but sweet Trek in Machu Picchu shows off the beauty of Andes. Marvel at high alpine lakes and lush countryside before reaching the ancient site of Machu Picchu. This Hike Machu Picchu trip has it all.

    ITINERARY SUMMARY

    Day 1: Arrive to Cusco
    Day 2: Day trip to Chinchero, Maras, and Moray
    Day 3: Trek to Puyoc
    Day 4: Trek to Cuncani
    Day 5: Complete trek and travel to Aguas Calientes
    Day 6: Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
    Day 7: International departures

    PACKING LIST

    You are responsible only for personal clothing and gear listed below. We’ll take care of everything else.  A gear check will be completed before you depart for the trail. This list does not include additional clothing/items you may want for travel or for your time off the trail.  Any luggage not needed on the trail can be left in storage during your expedition.

    Packing System: This expedition includes pack animals for bag transport. You are only responsible for carrying a daypack. A duffle bag will be provided for your carried bag.

    Carried bag weight limit: 15lbs/7kg

    Rentals Available: 

    • Sleeping Bag – $42 USD
    • Trekking Poles – $21 USD
    • Must be confirmed no later than 1 week prior to expedition start date

    Documents and Logistics

    • International flights booked and confirmed to Cusco
    • Flight information submitted
    • Passport valid for 6 months upon arrival (to be carried with you at all times!)
    • Medical insurance card
    • Cash for tipping guides, buying souvenirs, incidental costs, etc. (*Note: Please bring crisp US bills. Many places will not accept torn, wrinkled, or worn bills)

    Expedition Gear

    • Change of clothes for Cusco – to be kept in storage during expedition
    • Down jacket
    • Fleece jacket or vest
    • Synthetic hiking pants (zip-away shorts are a great option)
    • Rain Jacket
    • Waterproof Pant
    • Synthetic long underwear (top and bottom)
    • Synthetic T-shirt
    • Wool or synthetic hat
    • Gloves
    • Waterproof hiking boots
    • Nylon-wool blend socks (3)
    • Sandals (for walking around the camp in the evening)
    • Day pack
    • Duffle bag to be carried by mules (provided by OneSeed)
    • Water bottles (1-2 to carry 2 liters)
    • Headlamp
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses
    • Quick-dry towel
    • Personal toiletries and medicine
    • Sleeping bag -15º C 5º F
    • Casual clothes for city
    • Toilet paper in ziplock bag
    • Ditty Bag and extra ziplock baggies for toilet paper waste on the trail
    • Insect repellent

    Other (optional)

    • Reading material for the trail
    • Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
    • Collapsible hiking poles (recommended – may be rented in Cusco)
    • Hotel reservations for extended time in Cusco (if applicable)
    • Guidebooks
    • Camera
    • Zip-lock bags for waterproofing passport and other valuables

    CLIMATE OVERVIEW

    The Peruvian winter (June to September) and the late spring (April to May)/ early autumn (October) are the driest months and the best time to go to Cusco and Machu Picchu. However, you should still be prepared for rain. Rain is common throughout the year in Peru and it helps keep the countryside so lush. The rainy season in Peru begins in December and lasts through March and averages 4-6 inches/month. The dry season typically gets less than an inch of rain/month.

    Machu Picchu is almost 8,000 feet above sea level and like any high altitude trek, the sun is very powerful during the day and the evenings cool down a great deal. Layers are essential in this climate because they keep you prepared for the quickly changing weather.

     

    Activity Level: Moderate

    Average fitness required, but OK for most people.

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