Cachicata Trek To Machu Picchu
Tour Description
Embark on the Cachicata Trek, one of the newest and less-traveled trekking routes in the Cusco region. Situated in the vicinity of Ollantaytambo, this trek guides you through high waterfalls, Inca ruins, and picturesque landscapes.
The Cachicata Trek is considered relatively easy, making it an excellent choice for less experienced trekkers. What sets this trek apart is its low traffic, providing a secluded and serene experience for those looking to escape the crowds. If you seek a unique and off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Cachicata Trek offers a compelling option in the beautiful surroundings of Ollantaytambo.
Itinerary
**Day 1: Cusco – Socma – Rayan**
The trek begins with a leisurely day, departing early from Cusco and driving to the Sacred Valley towards Socma, close to Ollantaytambo. En route, there’s a stop to capture photos of ancient petroglyphs. The trek leads up the valley behind Socma, passing through fields of potatoes, corn, and quinoa. Trekking through this scenic landscape provides opportunities to observe birds, native plants, and learn a bit of Qhechua, the language of the Incas. The destination for the day is the Inca site of Perolniyoc, followed by camping at Rayan (3650m / 11975 ft.). In the afternoon, a visit to a local family allows the chance to practice Qhechua.
**Day 2: Rayan – Cachicata**
This day is the longest of the trek. Starting from Rayan, the journey continues up the valley to the first pass (4440m / 14567ft.). The area is cultivated by locals despite the altitude, with a distinct aroma of mint (muna) permeating the air. After reaching the pass, the terrain levels out, leading across a high plateau with unusual glacial moraine formations. The goal for the day is the Inca quarry of Cachicata (3820m / 12532ft.), passing by an Inca ruin known as the Sun Gate.
**Day 3: Cachicata – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes**
This day is dedicated to exploring Cachicata, the quarry used by the Inca for Ollantaytambo’s construction. The site is rich in interesting features like large buildings, unfinished quarried stones, abandoned structures, chullpas (burial houses), and a cave with Inca mummies. After a guided tour, the descent down the mountain follows the original platform used for transporting stones to Ollantaytambo. In the early afternoon, the group arrives in Ollantaytambo and takes the train to Aguas Calientes.
**Day 4: Machu Picchu!**
An early start takes the group on the first bus to Machu Picchu to explore the site as it opens. A 2-hour guided tour covers key areas of the citadel, providing insights into Inca history. After the tour, free time is given to explore independently or climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. In the afternoon, the journey continues with a train ride back to Ollantaytambo and a bus to Cusco.
Itinerary
**Day 1: Cusco – Socma – Rayan**
The trek begins with a leisurely day, departing early from Cusco and driving to the Sacred Valley towards Socma, close to Ollantaytambo. En route, there’s a stop to capture photos of ancient petroglyphs. The trek leads up the valley behind Socma, passing through fields of potatoes, corn, and quinoa. Trekking through this scenic landscape provides opportunities to observe birds, native plants, and learn a bit of Qhechua, the language of the Incas. The destination for the day is the Inca site of Perolniyoc, followed by camping at Rayan (3650m / 11975 ft.). In the afternoon, a visit to a local family allows the chance to practice Qhechua.
**Day 2: Rayan – Cachicata**
This day is the longest of the trek. Starting from Rayan, the journey continues up the valley to the first pass (4440m / 14567ft.). The area is cultivated by locals despite the altitude, with a distinct aroma of mint (muna) permeating the air. After reaching the pass, the terrain levels out, leading across a high plateau with unusual glacial moraine formations. The goal for the day is the Inca quarry of Cachicata (3820m / 12532ft.), passing by an Inca ruin known as the Sun Gate.
**Day 3: Cachicata – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes**
This day is dedicated to exploring Cachicata, the quarry used by the Inca for Ollantaytambo’s construction. The site is rich in interesting features like large buildings, unfinished quarried stones, abandoned structures, chullpas (burial houses), and a cave with Inca mummies. After a guided tour, the descent down the mountain follows the original platform used for transporting stones to Ollantaytambo. In the early afternoon, the group arrives in Ollantaytambo and takes the train to Aguas Calientes.
**Day 4: Machu Picchu!**
An early start takes the group on the first bus to Machu Picchu to explore the site as it opens. A 2-hour guided tour covers key areas of the citadel, providing insights into Inca history. After the tour, free time is given to explore independently or climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. In the afternoon, the journey continues with a train ride back to Ollantaytambo and a bus to Cusco.
Includes / Excludes
Includes:
Professional English-speaking Tour Guide
Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
Chef
Mules for equipment and 7kg personal items
Pick-up and transportation by bus and train
Water (excluding the first 4 hours of trek)
Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks, 3 Dinners
Dining tent, 4-man tent for every 2 trekkers
3-star Hotel on Day 3
Sleeping mattress, Oxygen bottle, First aid kit
Entrance to Machu Picchu, Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Does Not Include:
Sleeping Bag (available for hire)
Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch, and Dinner on Day 4
Tips
Travel Insurance
What to Bring:
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Warm jacket, Hat, and gloves
T-shirts, Comfortable Trousers
Sun hat, Sunscreen (factor 35 or higher)
Insect repellent, Toiletries, and hand sanitizer
Personal medication
Camera and film
Torch with spare batteries
Additional Info
- Starting Altitude – 3300m / 10,827ft.
- Highest Altitude – 4500m / 14,764ft
- Walking Distance – 25 km / 15.5 miles
- Longest Day – Day 2, approximately 12 km/7.5 miles
- Overall Difficulty – Moderate Difficult (depends on your level of fitness).
-
- Acclimatization is Recommended***
$895.00
$895.00
per person
Tour Information