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- Cusco – Salkantay to Machu Picchu via Qollpajata route with Homestay- The Hidden Valley 13 days
Cusco – Salkantay to Machu Picchu via Qollpajata route with Homestay- The Hidden Valley 13 days
Peru Wild Treks is working to help develop tourism in some of the smaller rural villages in the Andes. One of these projects is our Quechua Homestay program aimed at visitors to Peru who would like to experience Andean culture and hospitality first hand.
We are currently arranging trips to several families in the village of Qollpajata – Limatambo (3 hour’s drive from Cusco) which is famous for it’s Tarawasi inca site, Salkantay glacier, and Chonta.
This Trek goes through spectacular mountain scenery and dense rainforest as you head to the famous Inca ruins at Machu Picchu. We will trek to Machu Picchu via the rarely visited Tomacaya route which climbs over the Tocto Pass(4900m) whilst next to the Salkantay route with views of the spectacular Mt Salkantay(6271m). This route approaches Machu Picchu from the opposite direction to the Inca Trail. The main Salkantay route has been known to be crazy popular over the last 3 years and the Qollpajata route is known as the quieter and more remote route. A true jewel of the Andean mountains.
Note: (All our tour packages can be modified according to your requirements).
Machu Picchu is one of the awesome treks in Latin America. Trek through spectacular mountain scenery and dense rainforest as you head to the famous Inca ruins at Machu Picchu via the Qollpajata route. We will trek via the Qollpajata route and the high pass at 4900m. This route approaches Machu Picchu from the opposite direction to the Inca Trail and is little known amongst travellers. It really is the hidden valley of the region.
As with all of our treks, acclimatisation is super important and taking the longer route to Machu Picchu via the Qollpajata route and the Tocto high pass at 4900m is the perfect route for better acclimatisation. As we hike towards the pass, Mt Salkantay (6270m) looms high above us as we skirt the edges of this beautiful mountain. The ultimate goal is the historic Inca settlement of Machu Picchu. We will spend time exploring this mystical place and soak up the atmosphere before we head down to Cusco and celebrate a successful trek.
Join us on the Machu Picchu – Qollpajata route – Homestay with a local family
- Our Machu Picchu trek is on the little known Qollpajata route. No other company treks this route. It’s also one of the longer routes above 4000m.
- The slower route is ideal for acclimatisation
- Our Team have been leading trips to Machu Picchu for over 10 years.
- Enjoy and learn everything from the local family in qollpajata
- Hike the Tocto high pass at 4900m
- We take special care of our horsemen, cooks & guides.
Experience Required
The Machu Picchu trek via the Qollpajata route is suitable for keen walkers/trekkers who are able to walk for 4 – 5 hours in a day, with a light rucksack. Ideally, you will be able to walk for consecutive days for this length of time.
Day 1: Arrival day Cusco & free time to explore
One of our team will then transfer you from Cusco airport to the hotel where you will meet up with your tour guide for your short briefing about the rest of your trip . Today is arrival day but we will also have an opportunity to explore the amazing city of Cusco. We can check out San Pedro where there will be a lot of local activities and always a great photo opportunity. From here we will visit the stones at Sacsayhuamana which were built by the Incans. Once back in Cusco again we will visit San Blas (the artistic neighbourhood, the 12 angles stone, Plaza la Armas and finally Qorikancha (Sun temple). Heaps to see depending on what time your flight arrives.
Day 2: Cusco city explore tour and and acclimatisation day
Time to explore magical Cusco!
In the morning or afternoon, we will pick you up from your hotel proceeding to visit the Imperial City. It is a living example of the mix of Andean and Spanish culture. We start the tour at the Convent of Santo Domingo built over the Koricancha, which was the Ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun God. You are given plenty of time to enjoy these incredible sites. From there we visit the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman,with its impressive Inca architecture, which dominates the city. Finally, we explore the archaeological sites of Q’enqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, which are located in the northeast section of the city. You will return to your hotel in Cusco in the early evening.
Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo
The convent was built on the spectacular Coricancha ‘enclosure of gold’. This was the most important temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun and the walls of which were lined with solid sheets of gold. All that remains now is the fine stonework; the conquistadors took the rest and destroyed the temple to build the convent. Coricancha was also an observatory, where priests kept track of major celestial events. Today it houses an impressive collection of canvas paintings from the Escuela Cusqueña of art.
Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman (which means ‘satisfied falcon’) is one of the most impressive sites built by the Incas. It is generally referred to as a fortress; however, it is not certain what its main function was in reality. Current research suggests that it was more likely used as a temple, as Inca tombs have been discovered in the area.
The site is a marvelous archeological feat; even now after it was destroyed, one can only imagine its greatness when it stood in its full glory. The stones in the wall are incredible and the largest one weighs 128 tons.
The Incas envisioned Cusco as having a puma shape and Sacsayhuaman was the head. The magnificent zigzag walls are the major attraction. The grounds surrounding Sacsayhuaman are still used today for the colourful festival of Inti Raymi, which is held to celebrate the winter’s solstice on the 24th of June.
Q’enqo
The site of Q’enqo (meaning ‘maze’ in Quechua) contains the most impressive carved rocks in the Cusco area. There are carvings everywhere, although some are very indistinct, such as a llama, a condor and snakes have been identified. There are many zigzag channels on top of the natural rock, probably used for pouring sacrificial chicha (a local liquor made from corn). Below the rock, there are a number of caves and passageways, an altar, which was used for the sacrifices of lamas, and mummifications of buried people have been discovered.
Pukapukara
Puka Pukara means ‘the red fortress in quechua. This is a small site and although the name suggests that it was a fortress, it does not appear to have had any defensive purpose. Probably it was used as an administrative center. The interesting point is the way the Incas built the walls over the rocks.
Tambomachay
The name means “place of rest” in Quechua. It used to be the royal hacienda of the Inca Yupanqui when he went to hunt in the surrounding area. This site was also thought to have been used as a Temple to the Water. There are some interesting aqueducts, canals and cascades sculpted out of stone, designed to channel water flowing from a nearby stream.
Day 3: Cusco – Moray – Maras – Salt Mine (Mountain Bike program)
Today you will head out with the group for a bike tour to Moray which is considered by guidebooks and experienced riders one of the best tours around in South America. This is perfect to get your legs into the altitude. A mix of amazing landscapes with a cultural experience and a nice cross country cycle. The route starts 30 km north of Cusco over the sacred valley at the high plain of Chinchero 3700 m, a typical Andean village surrounded by snowcapped mountains of the Andes. The trail then continues across high plains and passed the Huaypo lake, towards the Incan Agricultural laboratory of Moray with its circular and concentrically terraces. The route continues to the ancient colonial village of Maras. You will start to descend towards the Incan Salt Pools which are still used to this day. The final part of the route continues descending to the bottom of the Sacred Valley of the Incas at Pichingoto village located at 2800m. You will then be transferred back to the hotel in Cusco where you will stay for the night before the trek starts for real.
Day 4: Cusco – Killarrumiyoc – Tarawasi – Chonta Canyon – Qollpajata comunity
- Our trip begins with your pick up in Cusco at 6 a.m. Then we’ll continue in the direction of Limatambo. During the tour we will visit two beautiful and interesting archaeological centers Killarrumiyoc and Tarawasi, which possibly were used as astronomical observatories by the Incas. We will continue to the town of Limatambo where we will have lunch at a local restaurant.
- The adventure begins with a panoramic view of the community of Chonta located at 3,400 masl and the snowed mountain of Salkantay and Humantay. After walking for an hour and a half approximately thorugh a beautiful way, we will finally reach the viewpoint of “Huaco”, which is located on the right side of the canyon of Apurimac river at 3,350 masl.
- From the viewpoint we will have a spectacular view of the Apurimac Canyon and we will have the opportunity to appreciate the impressive Andean Condor stream in its natural habitat. The Condor is the largest flanking bird of prey in the world, considered a bird sacred by the Incas. With some luck we can also observe some birds like Eagles, Hawks, White-tailed Deer.
- After visiting and enjoying this beautiful trip we will come back the same way to Limatambo town then we will drive up to Qollpajata comunity for 1 hour, and Introduction to your host family. We`ll spend the night with our local family, learning a little about their lives and helping to prepare a traditional Overnight with family.
- Overnight: with the local Family
- Included meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Homestay in Qollpajata
You will see how a rural Andean community lives, how they plant and harvest, and also some of their traditional weaving practices. It’s not all tradition – you can learn and see how the farmers work in the farm. Visitors play a vital part in keeping the project alive, helping the community preserve the potato as well as invest in local projects.
We have a picnic lunch prepared by a local chef serving a menu that highlights some of the many different kinds of Peruvian potatoes and you will taste the inca bear called CHICHA. Unbeatable!
- Learn all about the Traditional agricultural system promotes a reciprocal relationship between the local people and the unique cultivation process of the native potato of the Qollpajata people while helping to preserve the biodiversity and biocultural heritage of the community..Experience the cultivation and importance of these native potatoes in this indigenous community from local groups such as the “Papa blanca and papa sica” and other products. Observe the flora and fauna of the beautiful landscape while visiting around of that place.
Facilities:
Facilities at the family houses are very basic. You will be provided with a private room with a bed but it is best to take sleeping bags if you have them. If you don’t have sleeping bags you can rent them from our company. All the houses obviously have basic bathrooms with flush toilets and running water but they are communal and shared with the family. Most families will be happy to prepare a soup for you in the evening and breakfast in the morning for a small cost. However meals are optional so you can take sandwiches or snacks from Cusco if you prefer.
Basic Do’s and Don’ts when staying with local families
It is important that the families provide a good quality and friendly service. We do not want the local families to get into bad habits or grow lazy so it is important that the local families and visitors follow some basic rules.
- There is no problem taking photos of members of the host family you are staying with. You do not have to pay any money to take any photos although it is always polite to ask before taking a photo. Photos cannot be used for commercial use or financial gain. When outside the family house please try to limit taking photos of people as much as possible. Landscapes are fine and general views that include people in them are also OK but try to avoid close ups of people who are not members of the Andean Homestay Project.
- If you do take photos of the family and you promise to send the photos to them please try to keep your promise and maybe include a postcard of yourself and your own hometown as well. Photos can be mailed to the Peru Wild Treks office.
- Don’t give the kids candy, sweet things etc.
- In the evening there may be the opportunity to buy a beer or two. If you have been accompanied by a member of your host-family it is fine although not obligatory to invite them for a drink as well. Please enjoy the occasion but try not to drink too much and please don’t invite each member of your host-family to more than one drink. Don’t stay up late.
- Please bring plenty of small change as it is often difficult to change in that place if you want to buy something there.
- Please do not leave valuables in your room. Keep them with you at all times.
- If you have enjoyed your stay with the family please try to help promote the project by telling other travellers.
- Overnight: With the local family
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Qollpajata-Tinko
This day’s hiking is all uphill. As we are approaching the heights, we’ll observe how the ecosystem changes with the altitude, starting in a relatively warm, sheltered valley where crops of fruits and vegetables thrive, then onto higher plateaus where native potatoes are grown. Finally, as we reach our campsite, we’ll observe herds of sheep and camelids grazing the high meadows.
Sleep surrounded by a stream and side valleys in our campsite at Tinko (4154 masl / 13,628 fasl).
Driving distance: 77.2 km (48 mi) – Time: 2 hours
Trekking distance: 11.1 km (6.9 mi) – Time: 6-7 hours
- Overnight: tents
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Tinko (4154 m) – Pampacahuana campsite (3902m)
Leaving the village of Tinko, we will head directly up the valley and take the left side of the trail to begin a long uphill climb toward the high pass. As the day warms up during our climb, take in the views and keep a lookout for the Andean Condor as they fly high above the Andean peaks. After 3-4 hours of steady climbing, we will arrive at one of the highlights of this trek, the Tocto Pass (4,900m / 16,072 ft.). Enjoy the incredible views of the south face of Mt. Salkantay while enjoying the solitude that comes with knowing that there are almost no other tourists around on this route.
We begin our descent along the Pampacahua Valley toward our campsite at Mirador Pampaccahuana at 4,000 m (13,120 ft.) all the time accompanied by amazing views of the eastern face of Mt Salkantay. We camp next to awesome views of Mt Mt. Salkantay at Pampacahuana campsite (3902 masl/ 12,801ft).
- Trekking distance: 15 km (9.3 mi) – Time: 8-9 hours
- Overnight: tents
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Pampacahuana campsite (3902m) – Chamana (2585 m).
We’ll leave the imposing Mt. Salkantay and continue our hike downhill along an ancient Incan canal flowing down the center of the Pampacahuana Valley, passing through a landscape dotted with small farm settlements. At the end of the valley, we’ll once more begin to observe a greater variety of vegetation as we descend past the tree line before arriving in Paucarcancha, a remote Inca site at the confluence of the Pampacahuana and Q´esca valleys, where we’ll optionally stop for lunch.
(We may, instead, have lunch on reaching Chamana, which is a couple of hours down the road. We will see how the group are doing at this point)
After a short visit to explore the Inca stone walls and remnants of ancient houses at the site, we’ll continue our journey downhill and join the first stretch of the famed Inca Trail, descending toward Chamana. Chamana is located just outside the Llactapata ruins, and we will have a chance to explore these ruins after enjoying a hearty lunch (if we were not yet hungry in Paucarcancha). These ruins were once an important rest stop for the Inca on the way to Machu Picchu, and this site will also be our private “rest stop” for the evening.
We are the only company that uses this campsite, and we have equipped it with a hot shower for you to cleanse and refresh after the strenuous activity of the previous few days.
Campsite at Chamana (2585m).
- Trekking distance: 16.8 km (10.4 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours
- Overnight: tents
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Chamana (2585 m) – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
At this point, we will be on the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.
After visiting the ruins of Huayna Q’ente, with its amazing Inca terraces and impressive landscape, we will leave the National Sanctuary through the town of Qoriwairachina and head towards Piscacucho, where the main entrance to the Inca Trail is located. The trail will take us alongside the Vilcanota River and through several more ancient archaeological sites. In fact, this is the same path that Hiram Bingham used when he was first led to Machu Picchu by local people living here in 1911.
We will then get picked up and travel by car to the village of Ollantaytambo, and then take the afternoon train to the town of Machu Picchu, where we’ll spend the night before visiting the magical citadel of Machu Picchu on Day 9. You are almost there!
- Trekking distance: 15.1 km (10.4 mi) – Time: 7 hours
- Driving distance: 15.6 km (9.7 mi) – Time: 30 min
- Train ride: 43 km (27 mi) – Time: 1:45 hours
- Overnight: hostel in Aguas Calientes town
- Included meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Aguas Calientes (2005 m) – Machu Picchu (2400 m)
We will leave our hotel after breakfast in the morning and will head to Machu Picchu (2400m) by bus. We will enter the Inca citadel in the morning, just in time to enjoy the sunrise on the site. After a guided tour of the archaeological area, including information about the life and customs of the Incas. There will be heaps of time to enjoy Machu Picchu and find some of its nooks and hidden areas. Once you have finished visiting the site you will head back to Aguas Calientes by bus. We will grab some lunch whilst waiting for the train.
In addition, you can enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax before your departure. Train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, we walk to your hotel in Ollantaytambo and spend the night here.
- Overnight: tents: hostel in Ollantaytambo town
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Ollantaytambo (2792m) – Sacred Valley Tour
Sacred Valley Tour starts early and head to the high mountain village of Chinchero, famous for its weaving and spectacularly sited at high altitude (3,800m/12,500 ft.) We will visit a weaving house and have a demonstration of dyeing and weaving techniques as well as visiting the famous Chinchero market. From Chinchero, we descend to the base of the Sacred Valley and then onto Ollantaytambo, which features an impressive set of terraces leading from the village center.
We have a buffet lunch in Urubamba before heading to Pisaq – our final stop for the day. In Pisaq we will first the beautiful ruins, built with breathtaking audacity by the Incas and then descend to the market at Pisaq before returning to Cusco, via the ruins at Sacsayhuaman. (If you are short of time this visit might be only concise).
This is a long but rewarding day for those who want to experience the best of the Sacred Valley in a short amount of time.
Places that are visited during Sacred Valley Tour:
- Chinchero (traditional weaving center).
- Ollantaytambo fortress.
- Pisac Market.
- Pisac archeological site.
Overnight: hotel in Cusco
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 12: Explore day in Cusco
This is your last night in Cusco and time to celebrate an awesome trek. This is a free day for you to explore and pick up some souvenirs before your trip back home.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Departure Day – Cusco – Lima
The adventure is over but the memories will last a lifetime. We will transfer you back to Cusco airport for your departure back to Lima and your homeward journey.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service in a private vehicle
- 4-nights accommodations in Cusco
- Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- High quality tents and foam foam sleeping pads.
- Entrance Fee to Machu Picchu
- Expedition train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on the trek
- All accommodation whilst on trek in Tent
- Pulse oximeters
- PeruWildTreks First Aid Kits
- Qualified guides & mountain crew
- Bikes, equipment and snacks for the tour to Maras & Moray
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Full-Day Sacred Valley tour in private services with entrance fees and lunch
- PeruWildTrekker T-shirt
What’s not included in this tour?
Items that are not included in the cost of the tour price
- Flights to Peru
- Meals at the hotel except for breakfast and other mentioned meals
- Personal expenses including mineral water, and alcoholic drinks and beverages
- Tips for guides & porters
- Your altitude travel insurance
- Any other extended trips or additional accommodation
- Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent from our company.
- Permit to ascent to Huayna Picchu or Montaña Picchu – Approx. USD 15.00 per person
Prices
Private Group Service: Price in US Dollars per Reservation:
- one Person: USD ?
- 2-3 People: USD ? per person.
- 4-6 People: USD ? per person
- 7-+ People: USD ?per person
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Walking Poles – US$20 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade – US$57 per person (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 4:43 pm)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$35 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – US$30 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Single supplement US$30 per night (for solo travellers with single room)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
“Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Short IncaTrail Machu Picchu”
THE BRIEFING
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm in your hotel
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE:
Of course! During the hike to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free. Please don´t pack anything you will need for your hike.
HOW TO BOOK THIS HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU?
FIRST, to book your hike to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a Machu Picchu permit without the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender
Passport number
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of 50% of the payment per person in order to purchase a permit for your tour
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Fortunately the answer is “Yes”. please let us know one month in advance if you want to change the date of your tickets
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general if you have regular exercise and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatisation to the altitude, you may be fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours
ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour.
For hike to Machupicchu, you will need to carry all your things. Please try to pack as light as possible, which is key to enjoying this amazing trek.
- Original Passport ( same you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (25 to 30 liters)
- Water storage: 2-3 litre Camelbaks are encouraged.
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toilet Paper
- 1 t-shirts
- 1 hiking or comfortable pants
- Undergarments
- Hiking socks
- Polar or sweater for early mornings and evenings
- Jacket
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- Wool Hat if cold season for evenings or early morning
- Rain jacket – rainy season
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by SAM)
- Camera
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
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