Cachiccata Trek - Alternative Inca Trail

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Day 2 Fly to Cusco

An early morning flight brings you to the Inca capital of Cusco where Quechua speaking descendents of the Incas move back and forth in the busy plazas and markets. Colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the arrival of the Conquistadors. The church walls have fallen many times throughout the years, but the Inca walls remain. The morning is yours to explore Cusco's narrow streets and bustling markets. In the afternoon, you'll tour Cusco's traditional markets and can talk to the women selling natural medicines and charms for curing heartache and other afflictions. You will visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions. (If visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, you will visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form.

Day 3 Explore Cusco

Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. Travelers can go on a city tour of the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of SUVs). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.

Day 4 Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley is an area full of major Inca ruins and ancient villages. You'll visit the Pisac market for local tapestries, explore the Pisac ruins, and take a two-hour walk through the countryside near the village of Moray. Tonight, relax and sip wine in front of a fire beneath the ruins of Ollantaytambo as you prepare for your trek on the Cachiccata Trail.

Day 5 Cachiccata Trek Pomatales-Soccma-Piruchayoc

Your trek begins with a journey to the Inca temple of Chokekillka where you'll explore the ancient Incan curiosity of the cosmos and its relationship with the natural elements. The trail takes you on to the community of Soccma. Here you'll visit a local school to learn a little more about the daily lives of the people in this region. The 100m roaring waterfalls of Piruchayoc await you after a quaint picnic lunch. As you make your way along the trail, take a minute to explore the ancient terraces, that are reminiscent of Peru’s deep and rich history. The sun melts behind the snow-capped peaks in a blaze of colors as you prepare camp for the night.

Distance: 7 km (4.35 miles)
Time: 5-6 hour hike
Camp altitude: 2,900 m (9.500 ft)

Day 6 Cachiccata Trek Piruchayoc-Chancachuco

The morning begins with a satisfying breakfast - little can compare to a steaming cup of coffee amidst the Andes Mountains. Today your hike follows an old Inca water channel, leading you to the golden Ccorimarca valley. This is the most demanding part of your trek, but the views are extraordinary – miles of extraordinary in every direction! In the distance, Mount Veronica reigns supreme over the skyline. You'll have lunch along Lake Maracocha and rest for a moment while trying to spot exotic birds and other wildlife who have joined you along the shoreline. Tonight you'll sleep soundly in the valley.

Distance: 5 km (3.11 miles)
Time: 4 hour hike
Camp altitude: 3,800 m (12, 500 ft)

Day 7 Cachiccata Trek Chancachuco-Quarry and Community Camp

Today’s trekking adventure brings your second pass and the spectacular sites of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo. You'll continue down hill to the Incan temple of Intiwatana. A family of condors has been known to call this area home. Inca ruins await you at every turn; ancient walls, tombs, terraces, and water channels line the trail. You'll finish your adventurous trek with a visit to the quarry of Cachiccata. Your night is spent on a community campground with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Time: 7 hour hike
Camp altitude: 2,750 m (9,000 ft)

Day 8 Transfer to Ollantaytambo Train Station

Spend the morning exploring the local community before catching the train to the great city of Machu Picchu. Visit the ruins with your guide.  Tonight relax in the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (town formerly called Aguas Calientes) below the ruins.

Day 9 Machu Picchu/Cusco

Explore the ruins today at leisure and enjoy the ancient city in the tranquil morning hours. Later head off through thick cloudforest to the seldom visited Temple of the Moon or climb Huayna Picchu overlooking the ruins. Return by train to Cusco in the afternoon.

Day 10 Fly Lima and Return Home