Off the Beaten Trail to Machu Picchu

Difficulty

Easy

Comfort

Basic

Upscale

Weight limit

80 kg / 176 lb

This tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who have always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu. It involves a three-day journey along the Ancascocha Inca Trail, which is both a physical and spiritual journey of transformation. The trip takes you through 10 different ecosystems and includes a traverse of a 4,572 m/15,000 ft mountain.

Along the way, you will encounter indigenous families living in picturesque hamlets and witness environmental and social initiatives that aim to preserve their culture and improve their quality of life. The tour also offers organic Andean cuisine and mountain-luxury amenities to help restore your body and mind. This is an opportunity to create your own amazing story and experience the beauty and culture of Machu Picchu in a unique way.

The availability of all programs and schedules is subject to weather conditions.

Alfredo H. is the provider of this trip

5.0 6 reviews

The provider speaks: English

I was born in the tiny Indigenous community of Chillipahua, far from the city of Cusco. My father, mule driver Ignacio, was and continues to be a great example for me, we both share a passion for preserving the local cultural and natural environment and creating beautiful experiences for visitors to the area. I studied tourism in the city of Cusco, mastered the English language and worked as a tour guide at several respected tourist agencies in Cusco. During the time I worked for other tour providers, I saw how the services could be more personalized and how much visitors wanted to get really close to the indigenous people and their culture, a desire that was often not met by the tours and experiences they were offered. This is what motivated me to set up my company in 2018, and since then, feedback from clients confirms that we have been consistently meeting or exceeding visitors’ expectations.

Tour highlights

Off-The-Beaten-Path

Ride the off-the-beaten-track in the highlands of the Sacred Valley

Cultural Journey

Experience Indigenous Quechua culture, fragile ecosystems, Inca ruins and Andean wildlife

Behold Vistas of Incredible Landscapes

Endless photo opportunities

Route details

The tour begins with our team picking you up from either Cusco or Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will coordinate with you beforehand for the horse riding journey to Machu Picchu. You will be transferred from Cusco to the starting point of the ride, and after an hour, you will stop at the sacred Inca Killarumiyuc, also known as the Moonstone sanctuary. This ancient temple is dedicated to the deity of femininity and is not only a well-designed site but also includes areas for cultivation systems and the moon cult, which has become a sacred area for the Andean people.

After visiting the agricultural experimental center, you will continue to the village of Ancawasi, which is located at an altitude of 3331 meters above sea level. From there, you will drive for 25 minutes to Pumapata, where you will begin your horseback ride to Machu Picchu on a wide path north, above the west bank of the Sambor River. You will witness stunning valleys and mountains and see Yanacocha Lake before ascending for 30 minutes to reach the amazing Rainbow Mountain. Finally, you will arrive at the lunch spot in the wide valley of Quenqomayu and then ride for two hours to reach the campsite.

Riding: 5 hours

Overnight: camping

Low altitude: 3,331 meters
High altitude: 4,572 meters
Campsite altitude: 3,950 meters

1 more photos

Difficulty

Easy

Tour provider's comments

This tour is suitable for all types of travelers, as it does not require a high level of physical fitness. There are no strenuous activities involved, making it an perfect choice for families.

The pace would be quite slow, no gallops are expected. Please also note that some parts of the trail consist of simply hiking/walking.

Tack: Western tack
Breed: Peruvian, 12 hands tall

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Upscale

Tent

1 night

Hotel

1 night

Personal tent: USD $ 30 (Only for individual travelers)
Additional night in Aguas Calientes - From USD $60 (according to availability)

The camp will be equipped with:

Eureka high mountain tent, waterproof and thermal. The tent can accommodate up to 4 people. We'll use every tent for 2 people to make it more comfortable;
air mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, camping tables, chairs;
tableware;
bathroom tent/portable toilet;
first aid kit (including medication for altitude sickness, oxygen water, oxygen tank, cotton, rescue ropes, and other things);
2 walkie-talkies per group.

Travel recommendations

Group meeting place

Cusco

Tour conditions

Included

horse riding lessons;
briefing 1 day before the trip;
2 nights accommodation;
meals;
pick up from the hotel in Cusco by tourist bus;
train tickets in Vistadome from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes with snacks and leaving from Aguas Calientes in the afternoon;
bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu;
bus pick up from the train station in Ollantaytambo to the hotel;
entrances for the rides to Machu Picchu;
entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (in case there is no longer available when you're booking, we will include Machu Picchu Mountain instead);
professional tour guide fluent in English, Quechua and Spanish specializing in hiking;
professional chef, assistant cook and waiter;
muleteers to carry the equipment needed for the campsites;
horses to carry personal belongings from passengers up to 8 kg;
campsite equipment.

Extras

flights;
airport transfers (20 USD per person);
lunch and dinner on the last day;
tips and personal expenses;
insurance;
personal tent;
Vistadome train (50 USD per person);
Hiram Bingham train (380 USD per person);
additional night in Aguas Calientes;
Huayna Picchu Mountain (75 USD per person).

Group size

up to 8 tourists

Duration

3 days

2 nights

It's important to know

ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount);
25 L backpack to carry your things;
water storage: 2 to 3 liters;
trekking shoes;
hiking pants;
underwear sets;
hiking socks;
absorbent T-shirts;
sun hat and wool hat for the cold weather;
waterproof jacket/rain poncho.

Tour reviews

5.0

Based on 6 reviews

CM
C M

5 Dec, 2023

about provider

Ich habe den Inkatrail gemacht und war komplett zufrieden, ich kann die Agentur nur wärmstens empfehlen. Sie haben eine starke Verbindung zur Natur und es geht darum, die Schönheit des Weges und der Natur zu erleben, anstatt einfach durchzurasen. Das Essen war auch fantastisch und sie achten auf Bio-Qualität. Ich würde jederzeit wieder hier buchen, vielen Dank für die großartige Erfahrung!

5 Dec, 2023
J
Justin

11 Sep, 2023

about provider

We embarked on the Classic Inca Trail with our dear friends. Alfredo and his team were exceptional! While camping in the US usually involves oatmeal and PBandJ sandwiches, with Alfredo’s team, we savored grilled trout, salads, lomo saltado and more. The food was incredibly delicious! The entire experience was meticulously organized. Alfredo handled our tickets and permits, leaving us to simply follow his guidance while he took care of the rest. We highly recommend their services!

11 Sep, 2023
M
Michelle

19 Jun, 2022

about provider

Alfredo is a fantastic guide who made our experience unforgettable. His well-planned itinerary allowed us to explore both popular and lesser-known trails, and we particularly enjoyed visiting his hometown in the mountains. He is not only kind and humorous but also surrounded by an incredible team of staff.

19 Jun, 2022