Cachicata 4-day Trek to Machu Picchu

The Cachicata trail is an amazing alternative for those who love the loneliness of nature. Come with Adner, a local and expert guide of the region, and explore the historical places before getting to Machu Picchu.

4 Days

May - Oct

Description

If you are coming to Cuzco in search of an off the beaten trail far from the crowds, the Cachicata trek is just for you.

The Cachicata trek is one of the new alternative treks that Cuzco offers. It is a very historical place because the Incas extracted stones from here. With them they could build the villages of Ollantaytambo and the surrounding towns.

Visitors from all around the world can witness the amazing effort done in past times to move those heavy stones to build the basement of Ollantaytambo.

This amazing trek ends right there in Ollantaytambo. It is the starting point to Machu Picchu. You’ll have the chance to take a train which takes you to the base of the citadel.

Let me share with you a sample itinerary of this Cachicata 4-day Trek. Any item can be adapted to your wishes and expectations. More details of the program are at the bottom of this description.

Sample Itinerary

Day 01

A transfer will take us from Cusco to Huarocondo, our trailhead. Passing by Pachar we’ll reach our first campsite, Corimarca (L, D).

Day 02

Today we will walk from Corimarca to Queñacancha, where we’ll spend the second night (B, L, D).

Day 03

Today we leave Queñacancha in direction to Cachicata in Ollantaytambo. Here we’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes, base of Machu Picchu (B, L, D).

Day 04

Early in the morning, we start our trekking tour in the citadel of Machu Picchu. The trek will take us around 2 hours up. Final transfer to Cuzco where this program ends (B).

So, are you ready for an off the beaten path alternative trek to Machu Picchu? Then join us on this exciting Cachicata Trek to the renowned Inca ruins. I will be happy to guide you!

Price includes

Guiding fee

Price details

The total price of this trip is USD 550 per person. Of course, it can vary according to the group size.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Huarocondo - Pachar - Corimarca

We drive from Cusco to Pachar located in the Sacred Valley. Then we arrive in Huaroncondor to the trailhead, here we will meet with porters and horses and we will prepare the camping equipment. Then we climb up the stairs and visit to Huarocondor terraces. Continue the trek to Raphcca, at 2,900 m. From here we hike up the valley, along the route we appreciate the Inca terraces, water channels, Quechua communities and endemic flora and fauna. We follow a steep trail that eventually bring us to a waterfall where we can pause to refresh our bodies. Walking further, we visit the little known Inca site of Corimarca, our first campsite.

Day 2: Corimarca - Queñacancha

We climb across open meadows, reaching a zone of high altitude known as Puna, approaching the pass of Chancachuco 4,400 m. This part of the trek offers panoramic views of the highest peaks in the Cuzco region. Our route continues across a high plateau, we pass mountain lakes where we may see Andean and wetland birds, descending to our second campsite at Qeuñacancha, at 4080 meters of height.

Day 3: Queñacancha - Cachicata - Aguas Calientes

We hike downhill following the trail until we join the Inca water channel which comes from Maracocha Lake. From here we reach the temple call Intiwatana, which is located on the edge of the mountain called Apu Alambre, in front of the Veronica snow peak. Then we continue downhill to Choquetacarpo, an archaeological site, which was most likely the residence of architects who managed the Inca quarries and performed ceremonies at Intipunku. After lunch we will explore different sectors of one of the biggest Inca quarries, where massive carved blocks of pink rhyolite lie scattered in disarray. We descend to the train station and to take the train to Aguas Calientes town.

Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco

We’ll start early in the morning, so we can get to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate or Intipunku. We will trek the last 2 hours up to the mysterious city of Machu Picchu. Guided tour of Machu Picchu and then you can explore this Inca settlement by yourself. At night we will take the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer you to your hotel.

Details

More info

The total cost of the trip must be paid once the booking is confirmed.

Meeting point

Cuzco

About the guide

Adner

5.0

(1)

Mountain Leader

I'm a mountain guide, passionate traveller, and photogapher. I spend my free time and holidays exploring new destinations, discovering new mountains and cultures.

I have more than 10 years of experience climbing mountains and doing expeditions in Peru. This experience prepared me to lead and guide challenging adventours.

I like guiding people from all around the world, and help them to discover and enjoy the mountains, while reaching their goals.

I work together with a team of guides in Cusco, so if I'm not available, one of my colleagues can guide you instead.

Languages

English

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