Ollantaytambo via Kachiqhata Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Our world is full of marvelous places; the path to get to the most beautiful of all those in Latin America is through the highlands. Embark on a memorable adventure to discover an amazing variety of landscapes and ecological areas: we will explore refreshing waterfalls and Inca remains then we will trek through open lands, encountering amazing ramps and rock blocks left by the Incan Kachiqhata Quarry.
Day 1: Socma - Rayan
Early in the morning we begin our journey with a thirty minute drive to the village of Socma. Before the day's trek, you will stop to visit a small school, 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 will arrive to the spectacular Piruchayoc waterfalls (3275m / 10745ft) to refresh you. Thirty minutes further along the trail are the ruins of Raccaypata where you will have lunch and time to explore the ruins, then you will hike a final two miles to the campsite at Rayan (3595m / 11795ft). Finally it's time to enjoy the sunset over the Andes and relax for today. (L / D)
Day 2: Rayan - Kachiqhata
After a nourishing breakfast we will hike a winding path that ascends to the Chacracahualla pass at 4240m / 13910ft. It is surrounded by the Vilcanota mountain range with the snow capped mountain Veronica rising above the peaks. The hike to the pass is a step back in time, observing local farmers working in their fields sowing potatos and other local crops. Then we will continue walking through open grasslands to finally go down to the second campsite, Kachiqhata (3500m / 11130ft). (B / L / D)
Day 3: Kachiqhata - Ollantaytambo
The last day of trekking! After breakfast we will walk down exploring different parts of the Kachiqhata quarry. En route we will observe not only huge blocks of pink diorite, testimony of the biggest plan that was never realised, but also we will enjoy panoramic views of the valley. Arriving at Ollantaytambo you will have your lunch in a local restaurant close to the train station and time to prepare your journey at the lost city of America: Machu Picchu.
(B / L / D)
Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco
We will get up early to visit this lost city hours before most other tourists arrive on the morning train from Cusco, in the company of those trekkers arriving from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Standing at the top of a steep, forested hill overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was hidden by dense vegetation for centuries until the historian Hiram Bingham began to clear the site. Today the city has been restored and even if it has lost some of its mystery it still remains an unforgettable sight. Our tour includes a visit to the temples, plazas, palaces, watercourses and residential areas and will also leave you time to explore the ruins on your own, or to climb Huayna Picchu.
In the afternoon we will return to Cusco by train, transfer to hotel. (B)
NOTE :
* People who want to visit Huayna Picchu must let us know as soon as they can, because according to new rules, there is a limit of people (400) per day that can climb it.
Timetable :
- 1st Turn 07:00 am : 200 people.
- 2nd Turn 10:00 am : 200 people.
What's included?
(*) If there are no train tickets available for the direct route Aguas Calientes - Poroy, a ticket for Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) with an additional transfer to your selected hotel will be provided.
What is not included?
We recommend that you bring:
Considering an extra night in Aguas Calientes? We can change the date of your train ticket to the following day. Hotel and other costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. Please also note that your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is valid for one day only, if you wish to visit the ruins on a second consecutive day you will need to purchase another ticket.
Aguas Calientes Extra Day Upgrade Package (optional)
With hikes that trek the traditional Inca Trail, the standard package has clients returning to Cusco at the end of the trek, and they don't spend a night in Aguas Calientes. This package provides clients the opportunity to stay in Aguas Calientes for an extra night, visit Machu Picchu for a second day and then return to Cusco by the comfortable Vistadome train.
Expedition Train service *
*Prices Explanation of services: 2017
travellers
Joing a group sign-up and save costs
Prices 2017
Discounts
Huaynapicchu: $75 per person
Vistadome Train (One Way): $80 per person
Vistadome Train (One Way): $80 per person
Sacred Valley Tour:
City Tour: $
Maras Moray Tour:
Day 1: Socma - Rayan
Early in the morning we begin our journey with a thirty minute drive to the village of Socma. Before the day's trek, you will stop to visit a small school, 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 will arrive to the spectacular Piruchayoc waterfalls (3275m / 10745ft) to refresh you. Thirty minutes further along the trail are the ruins of Raccaypata where you will have lunch and time to explore the ruins, then you will hike a final two miles to the campsite at Rayan (3595m / 11795ft). Finally it's time to enjoy the sunset over the Andes and relax for today. (L / D)
Day 2: Rayan - Kachiqhata
After a nourishing breakfast we will hike a winding path that ascends to the Chacracahualla pass at 4240m / 13910ft. It is surrounded by the Vilcanota mountain range with the snow capped mountain Veronica rising above the peaks. The hike to the pass is a step back in time, observing local farmers working in their fields sowing potatos and other local crops. Then we will continue walking through open grasslands to finally go down to the second campsite, Kachiqhata (3500m / 11130ft). (B / L / D)
Day 3: Kachiqhata - Ollantaytambo
The last day of trekking! After breakfast we will walk down exploring different parts of the Kachiqhata quarry. En route we will observe not only huge blocks of pink diorite, testimony of the biggest plan that was never realised, but also we will enjoy panoramic views of the valley. Arriving at Ollantaytambo you will have your lunch in a local restaurant close to the train station and time to prepare your journey at the lost city of America: Machu Picchu.
(B / L / D)
Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco
We will get up early to visit this lost city hours before most other tourists arrive on the morning train from Cusco, in the company of those trekkers arriving from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Standing at the top of a steep, forested hill overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was hidden by dense vegetation for centuries until the historian Hiram Bingham began to clear the site. Today the city has been restored and even if it has lost some of its mystery it still remains an unforgettable sight. Our tour includes a visit to the temples, plazas, palaces, watercourses and residential areas and will also leave you time to explore the ruins on your own, or to climb Huayna Picchu.
In the afternoon we will return to Cusco by train, transfer to hotel. (B)
NOTE :
* People who want to visit Huayna Picchu must let us know as soon as they can, because according to new rules, there is a limit of people (400) per day that can climb it.
Timetable :
- 1st Turn 07:00 am : 200 people.
- 2nd Turn 10:00 am : 200 people.
What's included?
- Transport to the start of the trek
- Briefing
- Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- Assistant guide for groups of over 8 people
- Accommodation on the trek is camping (2 nights). Tents are set up by the porters.
- Accommodation at hotel for 1 night
- Mules and wranglers for carrying equipment and personal gear
- Full meals - during the trek the meals are prepared by the trek cook and also include: daily morning snack, daily tea service except last day, vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
- Camping equipment: Personal tents (2 people in tent, they are 3 season and highly maintained), mattresses, kitchen tent, dining tent with tables and chairs, toilet tent, household items
- Accommodation for all our staff
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Hot water every morning to clean up and boiled water to fill your bottle every morning or night
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen supply
- Bag for the gear you will need during the trek
- Machu Picchu entrance fee
- Round trip bus ticket
- Train ticket Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes / Aguas Calientes - Cusco (Backpacker, Vistadome or Hiram Bingham service, upon request) (*)
- One way transfer from airport hotel
- Transfer from the train station to the hotel in Cusco
(*) If there are no train tickets available for the direct route Aguas Calientes - Poroy, a ticket for Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) with an additional transfer to your selected hotel will be provided.
What is not included?
- Last lunch
- Alcoholic drinks
- Extra expenses
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Sleeping bag (can be hired from us)
We recommend that you bring:
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
- A good sleeping bag (down bag for temperatures as low as -15°C)
- Daypack for carrying items for daily use such as cameras, water bottles, etc.
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Short-sleeved t-shirts
- Comfortable pants
- Shorts
- Walking boots - waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Sports shoes or sandals for a higher level of comfort while at camp
- Warm clothing, including jacket, fleeces
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries (batteries are consumed quicker in cold conditions)
- Hat, cap and accessories
- Rehydrating cream
- Underwear
- Towel, toilet paper
- Camera, video camera, binoculars, etc.
- Insect repellent
- Sun block
- Non-disposible canteen and water for the first morning. Optional: water-sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported health problem so far
- Original valid passport
- Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
- Walking poles (you will need rubber tips to cover the metal tips and protect the trail)
- Travel insurance
Considering an extra night in Aguas Calientes? We can change the date of your train ticket to the following day. Hotel and other costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. Please also note that your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is valid for one day only, if you wish to visit the ruins on a second consecutive day you will need to purchase another ticket.
Aguas Calientes Extra Day Upgrade Package (optional)
With hikes that trek the traditional Inca Trail, the standard package has clients returning to Cusco at the end of the trek, and they don't spend a night in Aguas Calientes. This package provides clients the opportunity to stay in Aguas Calientes for an extra night, visit Machu Picchu for a second day and then return to Cusco by the comfortable Vistadome train.
- Cost: $195 per person on twin share basis. This price doesn’t change depending on the number of people in the group.
- Second day's entry to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, valued at $75
- Bus up and down to ruins on extra day, valued at $24
- 1 night in a 3 star hotel, like Killa Inn Plaza Andina. These are nice hotels, well decorated, and clean.
- With limited eating choices at Machu Picchu hunger tends to send clients to Aguas Calientes; by including the buffet lunch we find that clients can visit Machu Picchu early, then go to the buffet to try lots of different Peruvian (and Western) dishes, rest and go back for a second look at Machu Picchu.
- Return in Vistadome train rather than Expedition train, which gives you the opportunity for a more varied timetable and to return in a nicer train, with big windows in the roof.
Expedition Train service *
*Prices Explanation of services: 2017
travellers
Joing a group sign-up and save costs
Prices 2017
- 2 people : US$650.00 per person
- 4 people : US$600.00 per person
- 6 people : US$600.00 per person
Discounts
- Under 15 years will pay as student: US$35.00
- Under 7 years Discount: US$50.00
Huaynapicchu: $75 per person
Vistadome Train (One Way): $80 per person
Vistadome Train (One Way): $80 per person
Sacred Valley Tour:
City Tour: $
Maras Moray Tour: