Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Golden Lake – Quencco

We will start the day early, picking you up at your hotel at 6 am and transferring you to the Inca site Puca Pucara (3,700 meters), just 20 minutes from Cusco. From here, we will begin our uphill hike for approximately an hour and a half until we reach the first pass at 4,100 meters high, where we will enjoy spectacular views of two valleys.

To our right, we will have stunning views of the Inca capital, Cusco, surrounded by majestic mountains. Our guide will give you details about the arrival of the Incas in this region and the history of the Spanish conquest. We will descend into the valley, with beautiful landscapes to our left and two Inca sites at the bottom of the valley.

We will continue along the valley until we reach the upper end, crossing a small stream towards Lake Queullacocha, where we will enjoy our lunch. This arid high puna landscape offers unique views and the opportunity to spot various Andean birds such as geese, lapwings and partridges.

After lunch, we will head to our campsite in the village of Quencco, descending along a ridge and passing by the picturesque Lake Qoricocha (Golden Lake). It will be approximately two and a half hours of walking to the village, where we will be greeted by the local community, who will give us a warm welcome.

Once settled in, we will enjoy a hot coca tea and visit a local family to learn about their way of life. If you wish, you can share a gift with them. Afterwards, you will have time to relax while our guide shares more about daily life in the Andes.

Distance traveled: 14 km

Day 2: Quencco – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

We will start the day with a cup of hot coca tea and a delicious breakfast before continuing our journey. The day’s hike will take us from Quencco to the Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo. After approximately two hours of hiking, we will reach a section of the original Inca Trail near the village of Pumamarca.

Along the way, we will see locals herding llamas and enjoy the change of scenery from high mountains to a quiet, green valley, filled with lush vegetation and birds such as hummingbirds feeding on the flowers. As we continue, we will witness stunning views of the snow-capped mountains of the Urubamba mountain range.

Our route will take us through an Inca gate to the magnificent site of Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco – 3,600 meters), where we will explore sacred temples, Inca agricultural terraces and an ancient water reservoir used by the Incas.

After exploring the site and enjoying free time to take photos, we will descend into the Sacred Valley for approximately two hours until we reach the town of Lamay (2,800 meters) on the banks of the Urubamba River. Here our private transport awaits us to take us to Ollantaytambo, where we will have dinner before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.

Distance traveled: 7 km

Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

The most anticipated day takes us to Machu Picchu, starting early with a breakfast before boarding one of the first buses that will take us to the citadel at 5:30 a.m. From Machu Picchu, we will enjoy panoramic views and a 2.5-hour guided tour of the main sectors, learning about Inca culture and history.

After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or, if you wish and have booked in advance, ascend Huayna Picchu. After enjoying Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will take us back to Cusco, ending our service at your hotel around 8 p.m.

Includes:

• Briefing: The evening before your trek, we invite you to our office for a briefing. You will receive a duffel bag that will be carried by our porters during the trek. This bag should not exceed 7 kg / 14 lbs and includes your sleeping bag and inflatable mat.
• Professional guides: Our guides are experts, graduates in English and tourism from the National University and Institutes of Cusco. With deep local knowledge and passion for teaching, they guarantee your well-being and an enriching experience.
• Porters: We provide personal porters to carry your gear during the hike. There are no additional costs for this service. The duffel bag will be delivered to you the night before so you can prepare your necessary belongings for the hike.
• Hotel: At the end of the alternative trek, you will spend the last night in Aguas Calientes in a 2-star hotel, in a shared room. If you prefer a different hotel or a single room, there is an additional cost.
• Transportation: All necessary transportation is included. We will pick you up directly from your hotel around 6am to take you to the start of the hike. Your guide will also provide your bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back. If you prefer, you can choose to upgrade to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. After arriving at the train station, we will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
• Equipment: Sacred Expeditions Peru provides high quality equipment, including two-person Eureka tents (although shared by two), and a spacious dining tent for enjoying meals.
• Food: Our chefs prepare a variety of delicious dishes that have satisfied many previous trekkers. We respect all dietary restrictions; be sure to specify any dietary needs on your booking form and to your guide at the briefing. Meals are served family style, including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, plus hot infusions and morning snacks. The last meal with our chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch on the final day is not included.
• Water: From your first lunch to your last breakfast, we provide all the necessary water, boiled and purified, chilled before being distributed. You must bring your own water bottles or camelback. It is recommended to bring at least 3L with you and we will refill at each food point.
• First Aid: Our guides are trained in first aid by specialized doctors. They carry a first aid kit with basic medications and oxygen for emergencies. If necessary, we will help you get off the trail quickly and take you to a clinic for proper treatment.
• Extras: We care about the details that make the difference. Each hiker receives a small pillow, foam mat, backpack cover and rain poncho, helping you have an unforgettable vacation.
• Satellite Phones: We prioritize safety with satellite phones available to each guide and client in case of emergency or necessary communication during the trek.

Not Included:

• Rentals: You will need a sleeping bag for camping. Inflatable mattresses and rubber-tipped walking sticks are optional but recommended; they are available for rent at specified prices.
• Huayna Picchu: The hike to Huayna Picchu, which requires reservations months in advance due to its popularity and variable weather conditions, has an additional cost of $75 per person.
• Daypacks: You must bring your own daypack, making sure it does not exceed the 25L allowed in Machu Picchu. Avoid carrying large items to keep it light during the hike.
• Headlamps: A headlamp is recommended for overnight camping as there is no lighting at the campsites. Flashlights are acceptable as an alternative.
• Flights: We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the start of the trek due to possible flight delays or cancellations. Additional flights are not included in the package.
• Tipping: Always appreciated and based on your satisfaction, tips for staff are a token of appreciation for their services during your trip.
• Travel Insurance: Although optional, travel insurance is recommended to cover any necessary adjustments to the altitude of Cusco and possible medical complications during the tour.

What to take on the tour?

What should I pack for the tour? This is the most common question.

Firstly note that:

When traveling to a new distant destination like South America, you’ll need to arrive a couple of days earlier than your tour, especially if you’re going to hike to get acclimatised to the altitude of above 3000m at Cusco.

However, for your trip to Peru, you will bring one or two large pieces of luggage depending on the time you spend on your vacation;

Essentials for all tours:

• Valid original passport (a copy will not be accepted) – Please note that your passport must be at least 6 months valid to enter and leave Peru.
• Valid student card (if you booked as a student).
• Trekking boots (light, comfortable).
• A good quality backpack (light, small and comfortable).
• Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel-bag or a bottle(s) of water.

What to put in backpacks for Machu Picchu:

Below is a list of items that we recommend you carry with you at all times in your backpack. Remember, you will take it with you every day of the hike, so we recommend you bring a good quality, light and comfortable backpack.

It is important to note that due to local regulations on the INCATRAIN, your backpack must not exceed 25L. All larger packages cannot be brought into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.

• Hat and sunglasses.
• Rain gear insta
• Warm coats (long-sleeved polos).
• Sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper.
• Personal medication.
• Band-Aids.
• Camera, additional batteries for Machu Picchu.
• Additional snacks, energy bars, nuts, chocolate – apples are a good source of hydration, sugar and stay whole in the bag!
• Extra money for unforeseen events, drinks and tips (coins are useful for paying for the use of toilets).

What to put in the suitcases?

Sacred Expeditions Peru will provide you with a suitcase to pack any items that you do not need to carry with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag throughout the trek. Please note that this bag must weigh a maximum of 7 kg, including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring or rent one). These two items weigh about 3 kg together (2 kg sleeping bag, 1 kg air pad). During the Inca Trail, you will travel through different temperatures as you ascend/descend. It can also be cold at night at the camp. Therefore, the layers work better!.

Canvas bags will be provided in our office during the safety briefing held the day before; we can also deliver them to your hotel if you need to arrange your belongings in advance.

• Sleeping bag for the Inca Trail (can be rented with us).
• Air mattress for the Inca Trail (can be rented with us).
• Comfortable and light shoes for camping.
• Jacket, hat and warm gloves for the Inca Trail.
• 4 t-shirts (absorbent t-shirts are the best).
• 1-2 hiking pants/pants.
• Four sets of underwear.
• Four sets of hiking socks.
• 1 thick and soft cloth.
• 1 warm down jacket for the coldest nights.
• Quick drying towel.
• Soap.
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste.
• Facial moisturizer & sunscreen.
• Portable batteries and chargers.
• Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate.

Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling

• Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling shall be updated as and if needed.

Why Choose Sacred Expeditions Peru?

Here’s how booking with us, you make a positive impact:

• Intimate Experiences:  We focus on creating intimate travel experiences by capping our group sizes at 8 participants during the pandemic and 16 during standard operations. This allows us to provide personalized service tailored to each traveler’s needs.
• Fair Treatment of Staff:  Our dedication to equity is reflected in the fair wages and respect we extend to all our porters, cultivating a nurturing and inclusive work environment for both men and women.
• Social Impact:  Your reservation plays a vital role in supporting social initiatives in Cusco, enabling us to provide local children with essential resources such as computers and internet connectivity.
• Comfort in Nature:  We prioritize your comfort on all camping tours by providing portable toilets and hot showers, ensuring a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
• Transparent Practices:  We uphold a commitment to transparency, which is why we do not charge any booking or credit card fees, allowing you to plan your trip without unexpected costs.
• Join Us:  Experience the beauty of travel with Sacred Expeditions Peru, where your journey not only enriches your life but also positively impacts the communities we serve.