Alternative Inca Trail

In the morning transfer to the airport for a quick flight to Cusco (10,856 ft.), center of the Inca Empire. After checking in at your hotel, today’s Peru travel begins with a guided walking tour through Cusco to see the colorful markets, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of regional cuisine, you tour the remaining prominent Inca sights in and around Cusco. These include the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; Puka Pukara the small fortress that once protected the royal capital; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to the comfort of your hotel to relax or continue to explore Cusco on your own. (B)

Depart from Cusco for a day-long excursion through snowcapped mountains to the Incas’ legendary Sacred Valley. The first stop is Pisac’s hilltop citadel, featuring the civilization’s agricultural terracing along the steep valley walls, panoramic views of jagged granite peaks and the temple ruins. Descend down to the town of Pisac, known for one of the best Andean textile markets in Peru. After taking in some of the local culture and enjoying a traditional lunch, depart for Ollantaytambo (9,185 feet), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Stay overnight at a hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B,L)

From Ollantaytambo, today’s travels begin with a thirty-minute drive in a private van to the village of Socma. Before starting the day’s trek, make an optional stop at a small school to meet the children and donate school supplies. The trek begins with a gradual climb offering fantastic views of the valley below. After two hours of hiking, you arrive at the spectacular Piruchayoc waterfalls (10,745 feet) where you have an opportunity to rest and enjoy the view. Thirty minutes further along the trail are the Raccaypata ruins. Here you have lunch in scenic splendor and explore the ruins before hiking the final two miles to today’s campsite, Rayan (11,795 feet). You’ll arrive in time to relax before dinner and observe the sun set behind the Andes. (B,L,D)

Hiking Details: 5.6 miles. Approx. 6 Hours; Camp elevation: 11,794 feet

After a hearty breakfast, you hike a winding ascending trail to reach Charcahuylla pass, which sits at 13,910 feet. Take in views of the Vilanota mountain range with Mount Veronica rising above the surrounding peaks at 19,226 feet. Today’s hike gives you a glimpse into rural life as you pass by Peruvians working in fields of potatoes and other local crops. Stop for a traditional Peruvian lunch at a small straw house. Continuing the descent, you pass through a tiny village before dropping into a beautiful valley to reach the mountain town of Canchacanchayok and camp nearby. (B,L,D)  

Hiking Details: 6.8 miles. Approx. 6 Hours; Camp elevation 12,785 feet

Today’s trek will connect you with an ancient Inca road that gains altitude and eventually affords views of the stunning Anccascocha alpine lake. Here you stop for a quick energy-boosting snack before continuing the ascent to the second and final high alpine pass, Huayanay, which sits at 14,875 feet with views of the alpine lake and surrounding peaks. From here you hike into a valley with views of the famous Mt. Salkantay, stopping to camp near a small village. (B,L,D)

Hiking Details: 9.3 miles. Approx. 7 Hours; Camp elevation 12,395 feet

Today, you continue along the Old Inca Trail, stopping to visit with students of the small school of Qhesqa (where gifts for the children are appreciated). The next stop is the town of Huayllabamba where you join other hikers on Peru’s most popular path, the classic Inca Trail. Hike alongside the beautiful Urubamba River, stopping at the Inca ceremonial and work site, Llactapacta, with great views of elaborate Incan aqueducts. From there you walk to visit nearby villagers and enjoy a traditional Peruvian lamb barbecue prepared especially for you in the ancient method called Pachamanca. Vegetarian options are available. Return to the town of Ollantaytambo for a restful night’s sleep in your hotel. (B,L)

Hiking Details: 6.8 miles. Approx. 5 Hours; Camp elevation 8,300 feet

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, head to the train station, where you’ll board the Vistadome train for the first leg of today’s unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu! Enjoy the panoramic views as the train follows the Urubamba River into the lush cloud forest, before arriving at the Aguas Caliente train station. Stop for lunch in town and then  board a bus that will take you to the gates of Machu Picchu (7,875 feet). Spend the afternoon exploring the famous ruins with your guide. Return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to relax and enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Machu Picchu during the early morning hours. Explore the numerous ruins including an optional climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu. By midday, you return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and an early afternoon train ride back to Ollantaytambo. Your private vehicle will be waiting at the station to deliver you to the Chinchero textile market, where members of the local weavers’ collective will explain the traditional weaving methods of the Sacred Valley. Continue on to your Cusco hotel for the evening. (10,856 feet) (B)

Hiking Details: 1.25 miles; approximately 2-3 hours hiking, the trail is narrow and very steep. Altitude min/max: from 7,875 ft to 8,835 ft.

Transfer to the Cusco airport for your return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight. This marks the end of your Southern Exploration services. Trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco may be arranged. (B)