Treasures of the South – 13 Days: Lima, Arequipa, Colca Valley, Puno, Cusco, Machu Picchu with Domestic Flights, French-speaking guide
Cancellable until 16 days before · Instant confirmation · Pickup available
At approximately 6:00 hrs, you will be picked up from your hotel to set course to the village of Lares where we will start hiking. During this journey, we will make a stop in the village of Calca, where you will be able to visit the local market and buy breakfast or other supplies for your trek.
When arriving at Lares we will visit the hot springs (optional) where you will be able to enjoy the hot water while our cooks prepare a scrumptious lunch.
After lunch, we will start our hike towards the first campsite in Huacawasi (3850m). During 4 hours you will walk gradually uphill so that you get a good training for the next day when we will reach the highest point of the trek. The first night, we will spend the night at the house of our horsemen who are joining us on the trip. Upon arrival your tents will be ready, and you will receive popcorn, sweets and some hot tea before having dinner.
Transport time: 4 hours
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day Climate : Warm
Night Climate : Cold.
Campsite in Huacawasi (3850m).
After a nutritious breakfast, we will start hiking towards the highest point, the pass of Ipsy Qocha at 4400m/14435 feet. The hike will take about 3 hours and will be very steep uphill. During this trek you will be able to enjoy views of enormous mountains, llamas and alpacas, a patchwork of agricultural lands and breathtaking views (be aware that we will reach great heights and the weather can be very cold). After reaching the highest point, we will descend 30 minutes, and we will get to the beautiful lagoon Ipsy Qocha where we are going to have lunch.
Then, we will walk down for 2 hours, and we will get to Patacancha town. From there we will take our transportation to Ollantaytambo where we are going to enjoy our dinner and spent the night
Hiking time: 6 hours
Transport time: 30 minutes
Day Climate : Warm
Night Climate : Cold
Campsite in Ollantaytambo.
Our journey starts early in the morning at 6am after breakfast. From here, you will take a tourist train to Km 104 where the Royal Inca Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba (2270m/7448f). Here we will learn about the previous function of this archeological site.
Thereafter, we will reach Wiñayhuayna (2650m/8694f), the most important archeological site besides Machu Picchu.
After that, our trail continues towards the Sun Gate "Inti Punku", a nice viewpoint from which we can enjoy the nightfall on Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f). Since we have to continue our walk to Machu Picchu and from here we'll take the bus to get to our hotel in Aguas Calientes, we will only spend a little time in the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the first day.
Transport time: 30 minutes
Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
We will leave our hotel towards Machu Picchu after breakfast at about 5:30 am by bus. We are leaving that early because at this time the setting is less crowded and the morning is a good time to enjoy the calmness and the ancient spirit of the best-known archaeological site on the continent.
After our arrival at the citadel around 6:00 am, our guide will give us detailed information about Machu Picchu and the history and culture of the Inca. Thereafter, you will have enough free time to enjoy and explore the site on your own, and discover the variety of buildings, or climb Huayna Picchu for an amazing panorama picture.
A bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you have the possibility to join the town’s hot springs (20 Soles). To finish the trip, we will depart back to Cuzco in the afternoon.
Day Climate : warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 2 hours
Total distance: 4 hours
Non-refundable booking