itinerary
This morning the Sacred Journeys family will pick you early from your hotel. From Cusco we drive to Tambo Machay an Inca site located just outside of Cusco. Here you will explore the series of ceremonial water fountains dedicated to the gods. From here we start our hike continuing on through Puna landscapes walking to the Sicllaccasa Pass at 4020m. Hiking down to the Ccauca Ravine we will see along the way archaeological ruins and crops such as tarwi. The landscape is wild and beautiful and we continue to the Queullococha pass at 4185m which has some wonderful views of the lake for you to relax and enjoy.
While at the Queullococha Pass see some of the most spectaular views of the Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon and San Juan snow peaks. We then trek to the Queullococha Lake here there is an abundance of wildlife, see huallatas, ducks and birdlife before climbing to the Challu Challu Pass at 4220m. Get great views of the Chinchero plains and the Piuray and Qoricocha lagoons. At Rumicruz pass enjoy a panoramic view of Qoricocha and the Vilcanota ranges. Here we take a break and eat a delicious lunch. Later walk to the Inca rock quarry from where you will see how the Inca extracted the stones to build Huchuy Qosqo. Descent to the Pucamarka community in the late afternoon. Here we camp for the night and enjoy a wonderful dinner under the stars.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner (snacks and afternoon tea time).
Overnight: Camping.
After a wonderful night under the start we leave camp at around 8am. This morning we walk downhill to the Leon Punku ravine and see an Inca bridge and an Inca trail. See some geological formations and large rocks and boulders near the river and the site of Huchuy Qosqo.
The Inca archaeological complex at Huchuy Qosqo is an imposing site, it features a large open ceremonial center which has spectacular views of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River and the surrounding snowcapped mountains. With your guide tour the sacred site where you will get an in-depth explanation of the ruins. Here we will also enjoy a tasty lunch before we continue to the Sacred Valley town of Lamay. See how this town is dedicated to farming and later explore this small village before taking the bus to Ollantaytambo a living Inca town and then take the train through the Sacred Valley, enjoy wonderful scenery along the way to Agua Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. In the evening a dinner with your fellow trekkers before getting a good nights rest for the day ahead.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (snacks and afternoon tea time).
Overnight in Aguas Calientes: 3*, 4* or 5* accommodation
This morning awake before sunrise and take one of the first buses up to the gates of Machu Picchu. Explore the ruins with your guide seeing the most important sites. Visit the Sacred Temples, The Plazas, The sacred stones. Feel the energy of the surrounding mountains that wrap Machu Picchu is a giant hug. Take some time to meditate and enjoy before returning to Aguas Calientes. If you have booked in advance trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain where the views are breathtaking. Enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes before taking the train back through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo where the Sacred Journeys family will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco.
Important Notes:
** Entrance to Machu Picchu is scheduled for Circuit 2 at 6:00 AM (or the closest available time).
** You can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain at 10:00 AM or 07:00 AM.
** Please check availability of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu with us before confirming your booking.
