the best of cusco

in 5 days

TOUR OVER VIEW

  • Day 1: Arrival Cusco – City Tour
  • Day 2: Rainbow Mountain  
  • Day 3: Aguas Calientes Over Night
  • Day 4: Machu Picchu return by train 
  • Day 5: Transfer to the airport 

INTRODUCTION

This 5-Day Tour to Machu Picchu package gives you a complete and memorable experience in Cusco, Peru. Must get the most out of your trip, visiting the following sites; you will get to know Cusco’s main attraction and one of the 7 Wonders of the World in this five days tour to Machu Picchu, Cusco, Maras Moray, and The Sacred Valley and the Rainbow Mountain, we will start our tours early to reach the sites before the crowds arrive.

Itinerary

Cusco
Patallacta

We pick you up at your hotel early in the morning in our private van to begin our travels to Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is our first stop before continuing on to the Inca Trail checkpoint, at Km 82, where our porters will join us for the remainder of the journey. We set off on our trek from  Km 82, following the Urubamba River, while we gaze at the snow-capped peak of  Mount Veronica (5,900m/19,000ft) until reaching our next stop at the Q’oriwayrachina checkpoint. After crossing the Urubamba River, you will have the option to visit the gorgeous Llactapata archaeological sites. Once we have arrived at the next archeological site of Patallacta, we will have a delicious lunch, and have an opportunity to explore the area, known for it’s incredible Inca terraces. Afterwards, we will return to our campsite in the middle of Patallacta, where we will eat dinner and spend the night enjoying the incredible vistas. 
Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 5.5 Hours/ 9 km (Approximately 5.6 Mi)
  • Elevation Gain: 120 km (394ft)
  • Highest Elevation Point: 3,000 M (9,842 ft)
  • Considered: Moderate & Relaxing day
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee

LLACTAPATA LLULLUCHAPAMPA

After breakfast, we will begin slowly hiking toward Llulluchapampa, our final  destination for the evening. We will stop at Wayllabamba for lunch, an area known for it’s spectacular views. On the way to Llulluchapampa, we stop at one of the most exclusive sites on the Inca Trail; the Inca fort of Paucarcancha, which has well-preserved ruins and a sacred temple. Finally, we will arrive at Llulluchapampa for dinner and camping (3,800m/12,460ft). Our campsite here is sparsely populated and very scenic.uninhabited and incredibly scenic. 

Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 8 Hours (18 km /approximately 11.1847 Miles)
  • Highest altitude: 3,900m (12,795 ft.)
  • Considered: Moderately Challenging day
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee

LLULLUCHA to
PHUYUPATAMARCA

Today is our longest hiking day, crossing two high mountain passes. We will steadily ascend to Warmiwañusqa, which is the hardest and longest climb on the Inca Trail at 4,200m (13,692ft). At the top, we stop to revel in our accomplishment, before enjoying our descent to the Pacaymayo River. We then  ascend up the second pass (4,050 M/13, 200 ft) to the ruins of Runkuraqay. From here, we walk down to the ruins at Sayacmarca (3,850m/12,551ft), passing a dry lake and the first glimpses of the cloud forest, overlooking the Aobamba Valley. Lunch will be at Chaquicocha, a beautiful mountain within the cloud forest. We continue hiking along the mountain ridge, with beautiful views of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Pumasillo., until we reach Phuyupatamarca, where we camp for the night.

Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 9 Hours (18 km /approximately 11.1847 Miles)
  • Highest altitude: 3,900m (12,795 ft.)
  • Considered: Moderately Challenging day
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee

PHUYUPATAMARCA
to MACHU PICCHU

On day 4, we wake-up very early to enjoy the sunrise from Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), and take in our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. We then spend approximately three hours exploring Machu Picchu, where our guide will explain the significance of the major sites within the Lost City of the Incas. You will also have free time to wander around the citadel, or climb Huayna Picchu (the highest peak mountain of Machu Picchu), with even more Incan structures at the peak (please ask for our assistance in booking this additional exploration in advance). Together, we will return to Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can have your choice of restaurants for lunch with your new friends. After lunch, we will take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and then take the van back to our final destination in Cusco.
Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 7.5 Hours (9 km /approximately 8.7 Miles)
  • Highest altitude: 2,800m (9186 ft.)
  • Considered: Moderately day
  • Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Coffee (lunch and dinner are not included)

 

LLULLUCHA to
PHUYUPATAMARCA

Today is our longest hiking day, crossing two high mountain passes. We will steadily ascend to Warmiwañusqa, which is the hardest and longest climb on the Inca Trail at 4,200m (13,692ft). At the top, we stop to revel in our accomplishment, before enjoying our descent to the Pacaymayo River. We then  ascend up the second pass (4,050 M/13, 200 ft) to the ruins of Runkuraqay. From here, we walk down to the ruins at Sayacmarca (3,850m/12,551ft), passing a dry lake and the first glimpses of the cloud forest, overlooking the Aobamba Valley. Lunch will be at Chaquicocha, a beautiful mountain within the cloud forest. We continue hiking along the mountain ridge, with beautiful views of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Pumasillo., until we reach Phuyupatamarca, where we camp for the night.

Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 9 Hours (18 km /approximately 11.1847 Miles)
  • Highest altitude: 3,900m (12,795 ft.)
  • Considered: Moderately Challenging day
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee

PHUYUPATAMARCA
to MACHU PICCHU

On day 4, we wake-up very early to enjoy the sunrise from Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), and take in our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. We then spend approximately three hours exploring Machu Picchu, where our guide will explain the significance of the major sites within the Lost City of the Incas. You will also have free time to wander around the citadel, or climb Huayna Picchu (the highest peak mountain of Machu Picchu), with even more Incan structures at the peak (please ask for our assistance in booking this additional exploration in advance). Together, we will return to Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can have your choice of restaurants for lunch with your new friends. After lunch, we will take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and then take the van back to our final destination in Cusco.
Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 7.5 Hours (9 km /approximately 8.7 Miles)
  • Highest altitude: 2,800m (9186 ft.)
  • Considered: Moderately day
  • Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Coffee (lunch and dinner are not included)

 

LLULLUCHA to
PHUYUPATAMARCA

Today is our longest hiking day, crossing two high mountain passes. We will steadily ascend to Warmiwañusqa, which is the hardest and longest climb on the Inca Trail at 4,200m (13,692ft). At the top, we stop to revel in our accomplishment, before enjoying our descent to the Pacaymayo River. We then  ascend up the second pass (4,050 M/13, 200 ft) to the ruins of Runkuraqay. From here, we walk down to the ruins at Sayacmarca (3,850m/12,551ft), passing a dry lake and the first glimpses of the cloud forest, overlooking the Aobamba Valley. Lunch will be at Chaquicocha, a beautiful mountain within the cloud forest. We continue hiking along the mountain ridge, with beautiful views of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Pumasillo., until we reach Phuyupatamarca, where we camp for the night.

Facts and Figures:

  • Hiking Distance: 9 Hours (18 km /approximately 11.1847 Miles)
  • Highest altitude: 3,900m (12,795 ft.)
  • Considered: Moderately Challenging day
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee

Inclusions

01

TOUR GUIDES

All of our guides are native to the region and have a true passion for teaching others about their culture and heritage. They have all studied English; as well as several other languages to ensure that communication is clear on your adventures with us. All our guides are experienced with the Inca Trail, and our other high-altitude treks. They will support you and ensure that you are safe and happy throughout your trip.

02

TICKETS - PERMITS

We are one of the few tour operators authorized to both book your permits and operate on the Inca Trail. Permits are registered in your name with a specific date and cannot be modified after confirmation. Your tickets will be purchased by us, and looked after by your guide until the time they are needed. These include:

03

MEALS

Our highly trained chefs cook delectable, nutrient-rich meals, that honor your food restrictions while surprising you with International and Peruvian flavors. Prepare for a superb culinary experience to accompany this unforgettable expedition. Food is typically served family-style, three times a day in our dining tent.

04

PORTERS

Included with your trek is a team of porters who, along with our horses, carry all equipment and materials necessary for the trek. They usually walk ahead and set up your camp, so everything such as your tent, the kitchen and food is ready upon your arrival. Your duffel bag is also carried by the porters, so that you can take in the most that each sight has to offer.

05

DUFFLE BAG

During your briefing, you will receive a personal duffel bag to pack all of your necessary belongings in; and will be carried by our porters. The duffle should not exceed more than 6kgs /15.4 lbs, including your sleeping bag. All other personal items needed, should be packed in a personal day pack.

06

TENTS

We consistently maintain 4-season tents in order to ensure peak performance on our treks. In order to ensure maximum comfort, we provide you with a four-person tent to sleep yourself and one other hiker. If you wish to have your own personal tent to yourself, you can request our first class experience option. 

07

WATER

We always ensure you have plenty of clean drinking water for mealtimes, as well as enough for you to refill your bottle whenever needed. We use fresh spring water running down from the mountains. We require that you bring your own personal water bottle/s or Camelbak. To care for our spectacular environment, we humbly request that you use a reusable non-single-use plastic bottle.

08

TRANSPORTATION

Your transportation from Cusco to and from this trek is included. You will be picked up directly from your hotel in Cusco and taken to the start of your trek in Ollantaytambo. After your return riverside journey on the train, you will reach the train station, where you will be picked up by a van to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

09

FIRST AID

Every guide is first aid trained, and carries a first-aid kit and oxygen for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, elevation sickness, cuts, scrapes, etc.). In case of emergencies, every guide is equipped with a satellite phone which will allow for a quick exit off the trail to get you directly to a clinic for treatment, if needed.

10

SLEEPING BAG

You will either receive our North Face or Therm-a-rest down alpine mummy bag, which has an impressive temperature limit of -10C. Boasting quilted blanket interior, foot warmer pocket and a cinchible fitted design. Best of all, these sleeping bags are certified for responsible, sustainable down manufacturing. We  also carry extra blankets, pillows and sleeping bags for your comfort.

11

BRIEFING

The night before your Machu Picchu hike, you can either come to our office or we can come to your hotel lobby for your briefing. During the briefing, you can also meet some of your fellow travelers that you will be with for the next couple of days. Your guides will explain the itinerary in detail, and will give you your duffel bag for you to pack your personal belongings that will be carried by our porters.

12

EXTRAS

We believe it´s the attention to small details that separates us from our competitors. Every hiker receives a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their things while hiking, and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best experience to remember for a lifetime!

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BEFORE HIKING

Important Information

YOU NEED TO KNOW

This page has all the facts, figures and important questions answered, while allowing you the opportunity to explore the adventure activities in detail.

AVAILABILITY

ALTITUDE MAP

TRAVEL INFO

BROCHURE

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Luckily for us the founder of  Southern Peru Explorers is also a professional photographer! All our photos show the very best of what we do, and can give you a real taste of each of the treks and tours we offer. We recently added an option for photography specific tours, which are lead by professional photographers alongside our guides. 

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what people say?

We go the extra mile to ensure that your expedition with us is your best vacation yet; and for that, we have been recognized by our clients through consistently good reviews on TripAdvisor for more than twelve years. Read what our clients have to say and you’ll see that we are a company you can trust to keep you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and happy.

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Amazing Experience!

booking

Once you have decided which adventure is best for you and your adventure partners, head over to the ‘Book Now’ tab. This will provide you with a booking form for you to provide your prsonal information. This will directly notify us about your booking, and after payment/deposit, it will reserve your space on the trek/tour you wish to participate in.

PRICE

PER PERSON
  • 2 People $990.00
  • 3 People $950.00
  • 4 People $890.00
  • 5 People $830.00
  • 6 People $790.00
  • +7 People $750.00
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Southern Peru Explorers directly operates all of our treks in the Cusco region, with world-renowned expertise, as trekking specialists. Following is our top recommended tour expeditions:

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Our top of the line gear

 We recognize that quality gear can make or break an outdoor adventure experience, and have hand-selected the top quality products to ensure you have the best possible experience on your adventures with us.