Huarocondo Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 5 Days/ 4 Nights
Group Size: 2-12 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Semi-challenging, but rewarding hike.
Weather: Dry season (Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Hiking Distance: 40 km
OVERVIEW
Discover Peru through the eyes of the Incas, hiking one of Cuzco’s most picturesque natural wonders. The Huarocondo trek to Machu Picchu that follows the path of the Incas is celebrated and considered by foreign visitors to be one of the premier treks in the region of Cusco.
This hike is intended for those who are curious about the processes that led to the development of various architectural Inca towns like Watta, Cachiccata and Ollantaytambo. This hike also enables you to familiarize yourself with Andean populations that still keep the Inca customs and their lifestyles. This hike is tied to a great landscape and climatic diversity; where the variety of scenery make this hike a great attraction to all visitors. This trek is recommended for people of all ages, but you must be physically fit because the distances and altitudes may challenge you throughout the trek. This trek will allow you to spend your days soaking in the massive, colorful peaks, and your evenings enjoying various Andean constellations.
The trip is supported with horses for your convenience and we provide you with top quality camping equipment and a very balanced and energy-rich diet.
Would you like a remote experience in the Andes? If so, then secure your spot today!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco –Huarocondo (Parupiso) – Wata -Chillipawa
Early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation at approx. 6:00 am in Cuzco, then you will begin the 1-hour drive to the trail head in Parupiso. You’ll pass through the small town of Huarocondo-Pachar and continue to Parupiso. Once you are there, you will meet our team and start trekking. You will hike approximately 3.5 hours steadily uphill, following a wide path north, above the west bank of the river Huaracondo. You will enjoy valleys, mountains, archaeological sites, and the impressive Inca site of Wata, an important pre-Inca fortress that dominates the crest of a hill at 3,855 meters. You will have lunch at the midpoint of the trail (Anapahua), then you will keep on going uphill to Chillipawa (3,750 m.a.s.l.), where you will spend the night. We will also have the opportunity to participate in the daily life of the local people and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Hiking Distance: 10.5 Km /6.5 miles (7 to 8 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 1: 3,750 m (12,300 ft)
Day 2: Chillipawa -Chancachuco
After an early breakfast, you will get ready to test your physical condition, because it’s your biggest day. You will tackle Paca Orco/Accoccasa Pass, located at a dizzying height of 15,157 feet (4,625 m). For 3.5 hours or so, you will climb gradually through farming fields, the trees of polylepys, indigenous villages and then continue on your way up to the highest point. Here we will enjoy a breathtaking view of the immense, snowy peaks, and you might even see the Cuzco city from this point. You will feel the full extent of the Andean sky with its’ cold and dry air. Later you will enjoy an easy walk down to reach our camp in the spacious Chancachuco Valley (4,350 m.a.s.l.), opposite the glaciers of the Cordillera Huaynay to enjoy your dinner.
Hiking Distance: 9 km/5.5 miles (6-7 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 2: 4,350 m (14,270 ft)
Day 3: Chancachuco-Cachiccata
After a healthy breakfast, you will descend gradually into the upper valley for around 4 hours or so. You will have lunch at midpoint of the trail nearby the head of an Incan aqueduct. Basically, it will be a day full of culturally significant learning experiences. Later on you will reach you final step at 3,940 m.a.s.l. and visit the Incan sanctuary of Punku Punku (Door of the Wind), known as the gateway to the Andes. From there you will have a breathtaking view of snowing Veronica/ Wakaywillka Mountain (5,682 meters). After that, you will descend into the valley. Then you will continue with the hike to reach Cachiccata (3,525 m), where you will spend the night surrounded by large Inka terraces and irrigation canals at the edge of a huge quarry with the same name.
Hiking Distance: 12 km/ 7.4 miles (7-8 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 3: 3,525 m (11,564 ft)
Day 4: Cachiccata-Ollantantaytambo-Aguas Calientes
Like previous mornings, after your delicious breakfast you will start your trek to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m.a.s.l.). You will hike between 5 and 6 hours all day along a steady gradual downhill. Along the way you will descend a wide Incan road, through an area of quarries. Then we will carry on downhill, crossing the Vilcanota River and finally arriving at the famous Ollantaytambo town. You will have time to explore the living Inka town by yourself before taking the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes (2040 m.a.s.l) in the afternoon. Once you get to Aguas Calientes, you will check in to your hotel, then have dinner at a pre-selected restaurant and finally have a well-deserved rest.
Hiking Distance: 9 km /5.5 miles (5-6 hours)
Campsites Altitude (Hotel): Night 4: 2,050 m (6,725 ft)
Day 5: Private Machu Picchu Tour. Return to Cuzco.
Day 5 will be one of the more remarkable and busy day, because you will visit one of the 7 new wonders in the world and thus, after enjoying your delish breakfast, you will need to wake up early and will walk to Aguas Calientes town in order to go up to Machu Picchu sanctuary with your guide by bus and you will have a memorable walking tour through the “lost city of the Incas” and let yourself be swept away by the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin. You will have 3 hours guided tour by your speaking English guide. Finish up with last photos and then return to Aguas Calientes town for the return trip to Cusco. Note: you will take your train at 14:55/15:20 for the return trip with the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00 pm.
Hiking Distance: Walking tour in MP for 3 hours
Upgrade options:
Climb Huayna Picchu for views over the ruins or add an extra day in Machu Picchu.
- The Huarocondo trek to Machu Picchu that follows the path of the Incas is celebrated and considered by foreign visitors to be one of the premier treks in the region of Cuzco.
- Hike along the winding Huarocondo trail with the mountain’s tallest peak right before your eyes (Day 1 and Day 2). Enjoy the best look out where Cusco city is seen from this point. (Day 1 and Day 2).
- Enjoy your trekking through the panoramic view of the valleys, countless flora and fauna, Andean geese, Andean flickers, endemic trees and so on (Days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5).
- You will hike along part of the famous Inca Trail and you will enjoy as much as possible of the Sacred Valley. ( Day 4)
- Explore the astonishing lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu (Day 5).
- Create an unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu via PeruRail or Inca Rail Train (Day 5).
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel. Time to be determined by the company.
- Private Accommodation: 3 nights camping on the Huarocondo trek and 1 night of accommodation in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. The hotel you book will be listed on your invoice. Upgrading hotels are always possible at additional cost.
- Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, 4 man tents for 2 people, portable toilet tent, tables, chairs, and cooking gears (all carried by the horses).
- Inflatable mattress:Thermarest air mattresses that are 3 inches thick, which add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
- Pillow, rain ponchos and duffel bag.
- Transportation: You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 6:00 A.M., and brought to the trail head. The roundtrip bus ticket is included from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Inca City and return. The roundtrip train ticket from Ollantaytambo- Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo/Poroy will be on the Expedition Class Train and will be included in your trip (Day 4 and 5). You also have the option to upgrade to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, our van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco (Day 5).
- Professional Guides: English speaking, professionally educated guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe, sound and happy so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
- Trekking Chef: A chef and his assistant, specialized in cooking on the trail, will prepare all of your delicious meals to replenish your energy along the trail.
- Cargo Mules: On day 1, 2, 3 and 4 cargo mules will carry all camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance (7 kgs/15.4 lbs). On days 1, 4 and 5 your duffel bags will be carried by car or train to your destination.
- 1 Saddle horse or emergency horse: This service will only be available the first 2 days of the trek, as those are the most challenging ones, starting on the 4th day there are vehicles available for the transportation of hold-all.
- Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), 4 Snacks, 4 happy hours. All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
- Water: We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Archeological Site and Huarocondo trail.
- First-Aid Kit: Our guides have received training in first aid from physicians. Our guides will bring an emergency oxygen bottle, as well.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags:You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips. (Cost: USD $20).
- Walking Sticks:You can rent a set from our company if you would like (Cost: USD $15/pair).
- Last Day: Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes (Extra cost).
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips for our staff:Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters, horse men and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
- Additional costsor delays out of control of the management (landslides, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concern, altitude sickness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
- Hayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Cost: USD $75): These hikes sell out fast and must be booked in advance. Please let us know at the time of booking if you wish to do one of these additional hikes.
Optional Service:
Huayna Picchu: $75 USD and Machu Picchu Mountain $75 USD: Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Right now, to walk up to Machu Picchu Mountain it will take 3 hours round trip and the cost is the same $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
This premier Huarocondo trek is available all year around since the geographic terrain of the route enable to do this tour/ expedition. On the other hand, Peru usually celebrates annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The Feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on, occasionally, unforeseen events such as: Solar and Lunar eclipses would be a surprising experience for you. For this reasons, Inca Vision will guarantee your departure dates if you book it in weeks or months in advance and right time. Book now! Only your confirmation is needed.
CLICK here to check your availability for Annual Festivities, Special Events, Huarocondo trek & Machu Picchu.
Availability Dates: All year around.
January 1st.
February or March (Variable Sunday)
March or April 1st to 8th.
June 24th
July 28th and 29th.
October 31st.
November 1ST and 2nd.
December 24th and 25th.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. However, you will be carrying your small day pack while hiking. Please pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great!
- Passport (very important)
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- 2L Camelbaks or water bottles
- Water for the beginning of your hike. We will resupply you at lunch.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and sandals. (very important)
- 5 Wicking/Hiking T-Shirts & and 2 hiking pants
- Nice shirt and pants for Machu Picchu day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 5 pairs of socks
- Bathing suits & small towel for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes )
- Sun protection cream and sun hat (very important)
- Insect Repellent
- Camera/ Cellphone with extra Power Bank
- iPhone/iPod for music
- Flashlight or head lamp with spare batteries (very important)
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: Band aids, moleskin, etc
We require a deposit of 50% of the total price per person for any tours or treks. The deposit can be made via PayPal or Western Union. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For shared service (Group Tour)
- $ 715 USD per person (3 people minimum)
For private service (Private Tour) are based on group size:
- 2 People: $ 1000 USD per person
- 3 People: $ 850 USD per person
- 4 People: $ 800 USD per person
- 5 People: $ 750 USD per person
- 6 People: $ 715 USD per person
Note.
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour.
- 17 years old or less, the discount is $35 USD
- If you book this tour as a private service, then it includes Vistadome /Panoramic Train 360° train on the way back to Cusco.
Pay with PayPal
Please note that PayPal charge a fee of 5.5 % (only for online deposits) which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of PayPal’s secure payment gateway. Please send your deposit to incavisiontours@gmail.com and notify us after payment has made through PayPal.
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$35 (Requires Studen Card to qualify (and be NO older than 25 Years Old)
Under 18’s Discount: US$35
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using an university student card to receive the discount, or booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to incavisiontours@gmail.com
Optional Extras Not Included (Need to book in Advance):
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Huayna Picchu: $75 per person
Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $70 per person
Extra Night at Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of Hotel desired(Need to book in advance).
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike up to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You should do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Right now, to walk up to Machu Picchu Mountain it will take 3 hours round trip and the cost is the same $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
Hotel: If you are doing overnight tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu, you will be provided accommodation in a 3 star ★★★ hotel (Intipunku hotel or similar) in Aguas Calientes. For upgrades or cancellation, please enter your request in the special request box above. If you are booking a Peru Package Tour for 5 or more days, please contact our sales team.
Room Types: Matrimonial (1 bed for 2 people); Double (2 single beds), Single (1 bed for 1 person). If you wish to add extra beds, please specify in the special request box above.
Train: If you are doing tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu. Expedition train is included from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo/Poroy or vice versa. To upgrade to Vistadome Train, $70 pp or Vistadome Train round trip, $125 pp. Please enter in the special request box above.