DAY 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAGOON – SOYROCCOCHA

Our voyage starts here! Pick up will be at 5 a.m. and we’ll make our way to Soraypampa, a 3.5hrs ride. On route, you’ll have the chance of admiring the Salkantay snowcapped mountain, Limatambo and Iscuchaca districts, and breathtaking valleys open to the sight.

Upon arrival in Soraypampa, we’ll have an energizing breakfast while enjoying the wonderful vistas of the Humantay (19,356 feet) and Salkantay (20,396 feet) mountain glaciers; and we’ll have time to organize ourselves, use the bathroom, etc.

It’ll be the moment to depart for our 2.5 hours round-trip hike up to the magical turquoise Humantay Lagoon. We then continue ascending for about 1.5hrs more until Salkantay Pampa, the point for our delicious traditional lunch in front of the impressive glacier.

Afterwards, we’ll continue our journey to our first camping spot at Soyroccocha, at the base of the soaring Salkantay Mountain. Later that afternoon, we’ll take lonche (teatime) and relax before dinner.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Lonche (teatime), and Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Camping
WALKING DISTANCE: 9.6km/6mi (about 5 hours)
MAX. ALTITUDE: 4,620m/15,157ft
DIFFICULTY: 3 – Medium

DAY 2: SOYROCCOCHA – SALKANTAY PASS – COLPAPAMPA

Wake up at around 6am for a tasty breakfast and then continue our adventure with a 1-hour hike to the highest point in our trek, Salkantay Pass (4684m/15,367 feet). Time to merge with the nature around us and look at the gigantic snowcapped mountains, the lakes and rivers that accompany us in our route.

BONUS: We’ll have the chance to admire the astounding turquoise Salkantay Lake.

We keep descending to our lunch point in Rayanniyoc. And then, after lunch, retake our trek for a couple more hours to arrive to the small beautiful village of Colpapampa. Lonche and dinner will be served here.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Lonche (teatime), and Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Camping
WALKING DISTANCE: 16km/10mi (about 9 hours)
MAX. ALTITUDE: 4,684m/15,367ft
DIFFICULTY: 5 – Master Trekker

DAY 3: COLPAPAMPA – COCALMAYO – LUCMABAMBA

We’re half way there! Our day will begin with our traditional energizing breakfast to charge our batteries for our walk to Lucmabamaba, our next stop. On route, nature at its finest will be your companion: countless birds, fruit plantations, cacao and coffee trees, among others, to finally reach our destination just in time for lunch.

After we’ve eaten, a coffee plantation will be waiting for us for a visit. We’ll learn how to check out the fields, about the diverse types of beans, and how to pick them. It’ll be a very experiential activity where you’ll see some other products besides coffee, will take them and bring them to our magnificent chefs for dinner.

TIME TO RELAX! In the afternoon we’ll have lonche and we’ll a short roundtrip bus ride to Cocalmayo’s Hot Springs to recharge our energies, clean our bodies and souls and be back in our campsite just in time for dinner.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Lonche (teatime), and Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Camping
WALKING DISTANCE: 14km/8.7mi (about 7 hours)
MAX. ALTITUDE: 2,700m/8,858 ft
DIFFICULTY: 3 – Medium

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA INCA RUINS – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast in Lucmabamba, our voyage continues for 3hrs along the distant, historic, arduous Inca Trail to go through the Puncuyoc Pass and reach our following stop, the Inca Ruins in Llaqtapata. The sceneries that accompany you are memorable and unparalleled.

We’ll see the Citadel of Machu Picchu from across the valley, along with its guardians: Aobamba Canyon, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains.
We walk downhill for the next two hours, heading for lunch at the hydroelectric station and then walk beside the train rails to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) for a couple more hours (possible to take the train) enjoying the spectacular presence of the citadel and the wall that surrounds it.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Camping
WALKING DISTANCE: 16km/10mi (about 9 hours)
MAX. ALTITUDE: 2,700m/8,858 ft
DIFFICULTY: 5 – Master Trekker

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO

The day you’ve been waiting for! Waking up early in the morning, we’ll have breakfast and go to the bus station to take the shuttle to the citadel. Once at the entrance you’ll meet with your guide for your 2-hours guided tour through this astounding and mysterious place, full of energies and history. Our EXPERIENCES expert will take you to the most important viewing points like the Guardian’s House; will also give you the most important details about our Inca culture and the significance of what you see. You’ll go through places like the Temple of Three Windows, the Sun Dial, the Temple of the Sun, among others.

Later, you’ll have some time to do some extra exploring and take extra photos (optional, and if possible, to do Huayna Picchu mountain). Finally, we'll go back for lunch at Aguas Calientes and we’ll then take the train to return to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon, departing at xx: xx pm and connecting with a private van to take us back to CUSCO, arriving about xx pm when you’ll be dropped off at xx.

MEAL INCLUDED: Only Breakfast
WALKING DISTANCE: Just for the guided visit
MAX. ALTITUDE: 2,400m/7,872 ft
DIFFICULTY: 1 – Piece of cake

- Briefing at our office. This will be done the night before your trek
- Hotel/hostel pick up
- Transportation as explained in the itinerary
- 2-hours guided tour in Machu Picchu Citadel
- Professional, highly experienced, English-speaking official guides
- Mules and horses for general equipment
- Extra mule/horse for your extra backpack and equipment
- Chef and cooking equipment
- 4-people, large & comfortable tents with foam mattresses and pillow (for every 2 trekkers)
- Meals as per itinerary (vegetarian food options upon request)
- First-aid kit with emergency oxygen tank
- Boiled water to refill your storage
- Hot water for washing purposes
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition class) with connection to CUSCO in our private minibus
- Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological site
- Toilet tent, with a normal toilet seat
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back (* +24 USD)
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Basic accommodation in Aguas Calientes

- Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket - $20 USD (request in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain - $20 USD (request in advance)
- First day’s breakfast and last day’s lunch & dinner
- Tips for the EXPERIENCES Team
- Travel Insurance

- Rented sleeping bag – $20 USD
- Rented Air Mattress – $20 USD
- Walking Sticks – $15 USD

Cancellation or changes to this tour:

CHANGES: Any changes to the tour date needs to be done before 6:00 pm (Lima time) 30 days before the tour begins and will also receive a 60% administration fee. After this time there is a 100% change fee. Subject to availability.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel 30 days prior to the tour before 6:00 pm (Lima time), a 60% administration fee will (+ the card fee). After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee.

You must email bookings@findlocaltrips.com (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

1. What is Machu Picchu?

   It’s the most impressive archaeological Inca ruin in South America, named a World Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO in 1983, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the World. Machu Picchu is a city of stone, built in the middle of the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, without the use or help of wheels or iron tools. Most of the citadel’s structures remain intact today, which is why many consider it the perfect example of the Incas’ brilliant engineering.

2. Where is Machu Picchu?

   Machu Picchu is located 80 km from the City of CUSCO, Peru in South America. The nearest town is Aguas Calientes which you can get to by train or by walking. From there, it is a 1.5-hour hike up steps or a 20-minutes bus ride to the complex itself.

3. How to get to Machu Picchu?

   You can get to Machu Picchu by bus, train, or walking. Traveling from Lima to CUSCO by bus is the best way to discover Peru and avoid altitude sickness. Once in CUSCO, you would have to make your way by train or bus to Aguas Calientes Town, where you finally can take a public bus to the Citadel. You can also make your way on the Classic Inca Trail trek, the Inca Jungle Trek, or other famous treks.

4. How high is Machu Picchu?

   Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level. CUSCO, on the other hand, has an elevation of 3,400 meters. If you are coming from Lima, we recommended making your way with Peru Hop buses to progressively acclimatize to the height.

5. How to get Machu Picchu Tickets?

   Don't worry, the ticket for the Citadel is included in all our activities. We take care of it for you.

6. What kind of weather can we find in Machu Picchu?

   Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude level than CUSCO. It contains part of the jungle, and the rains are present during all seasons. During the hottest days, the temperature can reach approximately 26° Celsius (79ºF), and during the cool, early mornings, the temperature can drop to -2° C (-36ºF). The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May and June, since they are the mildest ones.

7. When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

   Consider visiting Machu Picchu from April through May and from September through October. The high-tourist season months are June, July, and August when it doesn’t rain. The site is open daily from 6am – 5 pm. February is very rainy.

8. How physically fit do I need to be?

   Machu Picchu is not too challenging; most people have no problem. This trek is classified as very difficult.

9. When was Machu Picchu discovered?

   Machu Picchu wasn’t exactly ‘discovered’ because local people have always known about its existence. In 1911, the American explorer Hiram Bingham made public his findings and -wrongly- called it ‘The Lost City of the Incas’. Nine years before Bingham had arrived, the Peruvian Agustin Lizárraga had found the ruins and left his signature on one of the walls of the Three Windows Temple in the Citadel.

10. When was Machu Picchu discovered?

    Machu Picchu wasn’t exactly ‘discovered’ because local people have always known about its existence. In 1911, the American explorer Hiram Bingham made public his findings and -wrongly- called it ‘The Lost City of the Incas’. Nine years before Bingham had arrived, the Peruvian Agustin Lizárraga had found the ruins and left his signature on one of the walls of the Three Windows Temple in the Citadel.

11. What is Huayna (Wayna) Picchu?

    Huayna Picchu Mountain is the peak located to the north of Machu Picchu citadel. It is the backdrop to the classic image of Machu Picchu. The peak offers inspiring views of the ruins and 360° views of the area. The climb to the summit takes 45 minutes, it is a challenging trek and is very steep in parts. Limited to 400 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. Tickets cannot be purchased separately and is always in high demand. Costs an additional $20.

12. What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

    Machu Picchu Mountain is the peak located to the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel. The trek offers unparalleled views of the ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. It is a moderate/challenging trek 90 minutes to ascend. Limited to 400 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. Tickets cannot be purchased separately. Costs an additional $20.

13. How do I avoid altitude sickness?

    Take Soroche (Diamox) pills. Drink coca tea. Drink lots of water Avoid alcohol it´s a dehydrator). Eat small meals. The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to acclimatize yourself. The recommended approach to acclimatization is to ascend gradually spending at least 24 hours at every 2,000 ft. increase in altitude.

14. What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

    Common symptoms of altitude sickness (sometimes called acute mountain sickness) can be similar to a bad hangover and may include headache, nausea, and vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. A severe headache that is not relieved by medication, nausea, vomiting and increasing fatigue or shortness of breath may indicate more serious problems – seek medical attention.

15. Do I need my original passport on the tour/trek?

    Yes. You must bring your original passport as it is very important that it is the same passport that you registered at the time of booking. Passports will be verified when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and board the train. In case you renew your passport, send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permission and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible

16. What's the allowed weight to carry?

    Your allowance on weight is up to 7kg/15lbs. A backpack must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs) according to Peruvian legislation. This limit is set to safeguard the porters and animals' health. All backpacks are weighed before they are approved. If you take more than 7 kilograms, then it will be up to you to bear the extra weight on your day pack or hire a private porter. Please count 2 kg for your sleeping bag in this 7 kg, and 1 kg for your sleeping pad (foam or air). For your personal clothes, this leaves you about 4 kilos. Your porter squad, along with the food and camping equipment, will take your backpack for you. It's important to be aware that until the end of each day you won't have access to your items in the backpack, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. You need a large-enough day backpack during the trek to hold your personal belongings, including a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your phone, sunscreen, snacks, water etc. A backpack of 30 to 50 liters is enough.

17. What happens if I am unable to finish the trek?

    In the situation that you cannot finish the trek for health reasons, we will help you with transportation to the nearest town to get assistance. We will also bring oxygen on the trek for any respiratory issues. In extreme situations, a helicopter pick-up can be arranged at your own expense (make sure you get your travel insurance before). In the rare circumstance you won't be able to complete the trek, there will be no refunds possible. In general, those who have to be helped off the trail will be taken to Ollantaytambo and if you recover quickly you will continue the trip to Aguas Calientes (at your expense) and will visit Machu Picchu according to the itinerary.

18. What about toilets?

    In the last couple of years toilets have improved a lot and all of the larger campsites have toilet blocks with flush toilets and running water. They 're kept pretty clean, overall. If you really need to go to the bathroom between campsites then poop far away from the water sources and the road; make a hole, or cover your poop with a stone, and take the paper with you in a bag to deposit along the way in one of the many bins.

19. How do I get to the citadel from Aguas Calientes?

    There are shuttle buses, run by Consettur, to the citadel. The journey takes about 25 minutes, and buses run from 5.30am to 5.30pm, every 5-15 minutes. From Aguas Calientes you can walk to Machu Picchu but it's a steep uphill climb and though it's only 3.5 km (just over 2miles) the estimated hiking time is 1.5 hours up and a little less downhill.