Tour of Machu Picchu via Huchuy Qosqo and the Sacred Valley – 5 days

From Tambomachay, we begin a 4.5-hour hike up to the Queullacocha pass, enjoying epic views of Cusco and the surrounding Andes. After lunch at the summit, we hike another 4 hours through high-altitude lagoons and pampas to reach Patabamba. There, Rosalio and his family welcome us with a traditional pachamanca, cooked underground. We share a warm evening in their Andean home, filled with local stories and flavors. Distance: 15 km Elevation gain: +675 m Elevation loss: -675 m Maximum altitude: 4,275 m

Night in a local family in Patabamba.

After breakfast with Rosalio’s family, we begin our hike to the Sacred Valley Viewpoint, with panoramic views of Pisac, Calca, Lamay, and the snowcapped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray, and Veronica. We ascend to the Pukamarka Pass, our second challenge of the day, then descend to the León Punku Canyon, where we have lunch surrounded by striking rock formations. In the afternoon, we follow a section of the Inca Trail leading to the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, the “Little Cusco.” We end the day at Natividad’s home, enjoying another night of warm Andean hospitality. Distance: 14.5 km Elevation gain: +500 m Elevation loss: -650 m Maximum altitude: 4,080 m

Night in Natividad family house.

Final day of effort: We hike 4 hours from Huchuy Qosqo to the Tauca Pass (4,435 m), the highest point of the trek. At the top, we enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba mountain range. After a good rest, we descend for 3 hours to Piuray Lagoon and the village of Chinchero, where we have lunch. In the afternoon, free time or transfer to Cusco or the Sacred Valley, depending on your program. Distance: 12 km Elevation gain: +800 m Elevation loss: -575 m Maximum altitude: 4,400 m

Night in Sonia Family House.

Departure for the Sacred Valley! Our first stop of the day is Chinchero, a charming Andean village where we will attend a fascinating demonstration in a textile workshop. Here you'll discover the ancestral techniques of natural weaving and dyeing, handed down from Inca times. We continue our visit to Moray, a mysterious archaeological site in the shape of a circular amphitheatre, once used as an Inca agricultural laboratory. Your guide will explain how these terraces were used to experiment with different crops at different altitudes. Our adventure continues to the salt mines of Maras, a unique landscape with thousands of white pools suspended from the mountainside. From here, we embark on a superb downhill hike that takes us to the banks of the Urubamba river, an ideal time to enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the valley. After meeting up with our driver, we'll end the day in Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining inhabited Inca villages. We'll explore its impressive Inca ruins, a strategic site that served as a fortress and religious centre.

You will take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the last village before the famous Machu Picchu. The journey takes about 1h45.

Night at Sacred Stone Boutique in a Standard Room.

You will have to go to the main avenue of Aguas Calientes to take a shuttle bus to the gate of Machu Picchu. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

Discovering Machu Picchu will be one of the most unforgettable highlights of your trip to Peru. This iconic Inca city, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon, is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and a masterpiece of Inca-Architektur in harmony with nature. Revealed to the world in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, it continues to fascinate with its landscapes, temples, and mysteries. Strolling through its stone streets, agricultural terraces, and sacred plazas is a powerful, energizing journey through history. Visiting Machu Picchu means connecting with the greatness of the past in a breathtaking setting.

After your visit to Machu Picchu you will walk back down to Aguas Calientes. The hike lasts about 1h30. In case you finally want to go down by bus to the village, it is still posible to buy your ticket at the exit of the site.

You will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Then you will be picked up by the train company and will board a shuttle bus that will bring you back to the station of Wanchaq in Cusco. It is necessary to count 1h45 of journey by train then 2h of shuttle afterwards.

Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.