Itinerary

 Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis hot springs

The first day, your trip will begin with the pick-up from your hotel in a private bus, which will drive you for 03 hours to the small town of Tinqui. From here you will have a view of the Andes mountain range, once you have reached Tinqui the trek begins, before leaving you will have a delicious breakfast, at the end you will be ready to start the trek. The walk will begin knowing one of the communities along the way where you will have the opportunity to observe all the ancient Inca practices embodied in agriculture and water conservation, enjoy an impressive landscape where you will feel the true Andean essence.

You will walk for approximately 02 hours, you will arrive at the first stop where you will be served a delicious lunch prepared with organic products, then you will be given water to recharge your boats. After lunch you will continue with the walk until you reach the first camp of the trip where you have the option to use the natural hot springs in the area and take a good Inca-style bath, you will have free time to explore and enjoy this small town and at the end of the On the trip, dinner will be ready, prepared by the specialized team and comfortable tents for a good rest.

Elevation: 3,867mts / 12,753ft
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty: moderate

Day 2: Upis hot springs – Puka Qocha – Ananta

Second day, start with coffee or tea in the morning and then have a delicious breakfast with all the travel equipment, once our breakfast is finished we will continue with the walk until we reach the first step located 4,855mts, from here you will have a view of the top of the hills and a beautiful landscape, you will have the opportunity to see mountains of colors due to the minerals that exist within the earth, without a doubt you will be surprised on this second day.

Continuing with the trail you will reach the first stopping point where you will have a delicious lunch prepared with organic products and you will have the opportunity to fill your water bottles with plenty of water, once you have finished your lunch you will continue with your Walk through the foothills of the mountains where you will see beautiful lagoons with crystalline waters, where it will be the second camp of the day, dinner will be ready at 7 pm and the tents will be prepared for you to rest well.

Elevation: 4,300mts / 13,753ft
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty: moderate

Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Aguas Calientes

The trek begins with a 3-hour ascent to Vinicunca mountain (16,466 ft / 5,020 m) after an early breakfast. We will see llamas and alpacas, traditional houses, and the breathtaking landscapes of Ausangate Mountain (6398m/20991ft) along the way. Rainbow Mountain (or Vinicunca) is located in Cusco’s southern region. Even the most ardent hikers will be impressed by this spectacular location.

The high elevation provides some of the most incredible views in the region, and you feel completely disconnected from modern civilization. Rainbow Mountain is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful one-day hikes. We will begin descending after reaching the summit and taking some time to explore and enjoy this extraordinary place. After lunch, we’ll board a van for a four-hour drive to Ollanataytambo, where we’ll catch a train at 7 p.m. to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night in a hotel.

Elevation: 4,410mts / 14,455ft
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: moderate

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Today is the day to visit Machu Picchu. To make the most of the day, AltitudExperience encourages all of our groups to begin the day early. Before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, you can get some breakfast (starting at 5:30 a.m.).

The hotel will store your bags for you, requiring you to only bring your day pack. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes 30 minutes. When you arrive at Machu Picchu, your tour guide will show you around the world-renowned Machu Picchu ruins.

The first thing your guide will do is take you to the best spot to photograph the sunrise. After the sun rises, your tour guide will lead you on a 2.5-hour walking tour of the main areas and explain the history. You’ll learn more about the Inca Empire’s history and culture. Participants in the Rainbow Mountain Trek will have some time to themselves at the end of the guided tour to walk the ruins without interruption or if you have arranged to hike Huayna Picchu* (must be booked in advance as it sells out and costs $75 per person). Then your guide will show you where to start this 2-hour round-trip hike.

We recommend starting your journey back to Aguas Calientes town no later than 2 hours before your train departure from Machu Picchu. Before your return, your guide will inform you of your train times. The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes two hours. The AltitudExperience staff will meet you at the train station’s exit door in Ollantaytambo and drive you back to Cusco. Cusco is about a two-hour car ride away. You can hike the Machu Picchu Mountain instead of the Huayna Picchu Mountain. This hike, on the other hand, is more difficult and takes at least three hours round-trip (at an additional cost of $75 per person).

What’s Included?

Included

Professional guides: highly trained Local guides for the high mountains and the history of the Incas.

Briefing: We will have an information session, you will receive a travel bag, the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and an air mattress.

Permit: All permits are guaranteed based on availability, as soon as we receive your data and deposit, we will buy your permits

Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag.

Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire trip, both by bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return.

Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, dormitory tents for two people.

Food: Our staff cooks so delicious, our meals are typical and traditional, we respect all food restrictions, if you have any restrictions, please let me know. All of our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy during the hike.

Water: From your first day you will be provided water, for your walks, this water is boiled, it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.

First aid: Our team is trained in first aid, in case of emergency we handle an emergency plan if necessary for the most timely and quick attention possible.

 Travel bags: Our travel bags will be delivered to you, where you will carry your clothes and other personal items, sleeping bags and a mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos

 Transfers Airport: Free roundtrip airport transportation.

Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so the little details are very important to us. For them we are committed to creating the real experience towards Machupicchu

 Satellite Phones: For us safety is very important, keeping our clients safe is our priority, we have satellite phones for emergencies and emergencies that require communication. Our team has a satellite phone

Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this hike are included in the list price.

No included

 Rentals: every Traveler needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and poles are recommended. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available to rent:

Inflatable air mattress: $ 15

Poles: $ 10

Sleeping bag: $ 20

Daypacks: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machupicchu does not allow the entry of backpacks more than 25 pounds.

Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for camping or lighthouses

Tips: Tips are always considered, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not required)

Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but it is not mandatory, normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days.

Price 

Price per person

• USD$ 650 per person

This means the journey is open for other Altitude travelers to join you. Our guide is prepared for different walking rhythms.

• Required pre-payment: $ 200 per person
• Balance in Cusco: commonly pay in cusco after the briefing

 Student discount

The student discount only applies  for people who present a valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Minors 17 years old or younger. We need you to send us a copy of your university ID Tt award the discount. For children 17 years old and under, we need a copy of passport.

• Discount: $ 15 per person

Important Information

1. Altitude in Cusco

People begin to worry about altitude sickness as soon as they reserve their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco. Because there is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes than there is at sea level, your body must work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Your body becomes accustomed to the lower oxygen content of the air over a period of days at a high altitude.

You could initially experience the illness or a hangover when suffering from altitude sickness. You can get headaches, exhaustion, a loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty breathing while exercising. Please get in touch with our office if any of these side effects worsen, and we’ll assist you find a doctor.

These symptoms will typically be slight. Always ease into action gradually to give your body time to acclimate. Drink a lot of liquids, such as coca tea or water. Since ancient times, coca tea has been used to help avoid altitude sickness.

The coca plant’s leaves contain alkaloids that assist your body absorb oxygen and ward off the effects of altitude sickness. A lot of alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.

They will make you urinate more frequently and dehydrate you. Don’t smoke. Your body has a harder time getting oxygen when you smoke. Don’t use sleeping medicines. Your body may have a harder time absorbing oxygen when you sleep as a result of their potential for shallow breathing at night.

To assist prevent altitude sickness, your doctor may recommend medications like acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Two days before you travel to a high altitude, begin taking the medication. While you are at a high altitude, keep taking it.

2. Getting to Cusco

All international passengers by plane must disembark in Lima and pass through Customs because the airport in Cusco is currently only for local flights. You must pick up your luggage in Lima and then check them back in, even if your trip from there to Cusco is on the same day and with the same airline.

The best way to go to Cusco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. Although LAN generally offers the most options and flights, it is also the most expensive. Be prepared for flight delays or cancellations.

3. Weather

Of course, the weather is erratic. In Cusco, the dry season typically lasts from April through October, but be prepared because it can rain in June or get sunny in December.

Please make sure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves, no matter what month you are taking the journey.

Consider the four seasons as well. You should be prepared for all four seasons as many of the climbs over the Andes entail numerous microclimates.

Always wear layers since they make it simple to adapt to changing temperatures. Please be ready with a heavy, winter-weight jacket because evenings will always be chilly.

4. Luggage Storage

Your luggage allowance is still restricted owing to railway regulations even if this is an overnight train vacation. To be transported to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), all bags must fit in a carry-on.

While you trek, you can leave any additional luggage in Cusco at your hotel or with us at the Alpaca Expeditions deposit. On the morning of your tour, we will collect from you and return after you have reached Cusco. Make sure your baggage are identified in some way so they can be found easily.

5. First Aid

AltitudExperience guide has completed a physician-led first aid course. Every February, we hold a training session that is required for all ALTITUDE guides. When guiding you, they’ll have oxygen and a first aid pack for common medical emergencies including traveler’s diarrhea and cuts and scrapes.

In the event that anything unforeseen occurs and you feel you are unable to finish the walk, they will plan the fastest and safest route off the trail to a clinic. You won’t ever be on your own; a team member will accompany you at all times until you reach a doctor in a safe location. We’ll make sure you still have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu and get back in touch with your group when you’re feeling up to it.

6. Environmental Impact

AltitudExperience carries all of our trash back to Cusco and uses biodegradable soap. Our staff are taught to maintain the trail and collect any trash left by other groups. Additionally, we employ chemical portable restrooms that allow us to pack trash out. Leaving no trace is something we highly support.