If you’d like to break away from the usual tourist crowds, but still experience a Machu Picchu vacation, this is the perfect trip for you! Whether you’re old or young, alone or part of a family, this trip to Machu Picchu which brings new exciting activities every day should definitely not be missed!
Season: Apr to Dec.
Anual temperature
Sep to Apr: Min 6°C – 43°F | Max 22°C – 68°F
May to Aug: Min 0°C – 32°F | Max 21°C – 70°F
Trek through remote Andean villages, encountering traditional Quechua culture, stunning alpine lakes, and panoramic mountain views, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.
Descend over 2500 meters from the high Andes to lush jungle foothills, navigating exhilarating trails with views of snow-capped peaks and dense cloud forests.
Conquer the rapids of Urubamba River, experiencing adrenaline-pumping whitewater action amidst breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife.
Trek through lush Peruvian rainforests to uncover the hidden Incan ruins of Llactapata, offering a pristine view of Machu Picchu across the valley, a secret only revealed to the intrepid few who embark on this unforgettable journey.
Discover the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where ancient architecture meets spectacular mountain panoramas, the ultimate reward after an epic multi-active journey.
Our local guides will lead you on a 5-day hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting trip on an Off the Beaten Path Cusco to Machu Picchu vacation. This tour will lead you through the most remote areas of Andes and the outskirts of the Amazon rain-forest and come to an end around the breathtaking Machu Picchu.
Before taking on day 1 of your guided tour, make sure to have a hearty breakfast at your hotel! First up will be a scenic drive through the spectacular Sacred Valley to Huaran. At this destination the rest of the hiking crew will be met and after a small introduction, all necessary camping gear and food will be packed on horses. A small orientation about the Off the Beaten Path to Cusco will be given by your tour guide which will include necessary safety instructions. After this, you can grab your backpack and start a pleasant hike up the Pitusiray mountain which features a well-preserved road only used by the local communities, waterfalls, birds and the view of the Sacred valley in the background. After a few hours of hiking your cooker will be waiting for you with a ready-made lunch. After lunch you will continue ascending while enjoying a view of your changing surroundings. The first day of your Machu Picchu vacation will end at the village of Cancha Cancha where you’ll have plenty of time to explore the village before eating dinner and resting.
As per custom, you’ll be awakened by the aromatic smell of hot tea and coffee, as well as a nourishing breakfast prepared by your cook.
The Off the Beaten Path to Cusco gets more challenging on day two, but you will be rewarded with even more beautiful landscapes. The first section of the trail leads directly over the highest pass at 4626 meters – 15178 feet. Spectacular views of lagoons, waterfalls, colorful peaks, and snow-capped mountains will be on display for your enjoyment. You’ll be given a few minutes to enjoy the views and rest before continuing to the second section down a trail with alternating steep slopes and flat benches. Once again, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular views, including charming Andean villages, herds of llamas and alpacas, and the Queen of the Andes, the Puyas de Raimondi, a giant Peruvian native terrestrial bromeliad. The Puyas de Raimondi flower, which can reach up to 4 meters tall, produces a single gigantic flower at the end of its life, taking from 40 to 100 years to bloom.
We will hike for some more hours until the thermals hot springs of Lares. This will serve as your campsite for the day, and you’ll be able to enjoy the warm pools or explore the area while a delicious dinner is prepared by the cook.
After two fascinating trekking days along the Andes, get ready for a LONG 69 km (42 miles) of an unforgettable biking day. Your day will start with a 43 km (27 miles) trail of pure downhill thrill. This trail is without a doubt real fun! The start of this biking rail on your Machu Picchu vacation is easy and features some flat portions as well as some short uphills. A few stops will be made along this off the beaten path program planned journey to give you a chance to enjoy the fascinating views. Two favorite spots include a cave painting which supposedly belong to the Laris and Wallas cultures before the Incas time. The second spot is the Pachar (a long breach made to connect one of the most dangerous section that was known for its constant landslides) which offers breathtaking views of the Andes and the rain-forest below the trail. You will be given some time to rest and enjoy a snack before continuing down through a wider and paved road into the rain-forest passing typical banana and papaya farms crossing breaches, villages and some streams. Next, you’ll be heading to Quebrada Honda. In this small town which is located at 1164m (3820 feet) elevation a lunch will be enjoyed in one of the local restaurants.
We will check in after in a small guest house and enjoy the small town after that.
Highest pass: 3400 meters – 11155 feet
MTB distance: 69 km – 42.8 miles.
Driving to Quillabamba from Quebrada Honda: 82 km – 50 miles
Meals: B – L – D
Accommodation: Hostel
We will try a dlicious breakfast typical of the area with bananas for cooking, cacao and other fruits. The we will jump into our boat for a nice ride through the Yanatile river. This rivers offers gentle rapids for all levels and abilities. You can aslo try our one person inflatable kayaks that is perfect for this type of water.
In Quellouno, we will stop and pack the boat to then continue to Quillabamba city. Quillabamba. This town, which forms the connection between the jungle and Peruvian southern part, is famous for the creation of a variety of jungle products such as coffee and tea, bananas as well as other plantations .
We will then check in a lovely hotel with swimin pool to then explore the city that, visiting this small town will definitely be a highlight!
After a good breakfast, you will take the shuttle bus back to Machu Picchu. Our guides are all experts and they will share their knowledge of the history and all unknown wonders of this magical destination.
The site’s precise layout, intricate stonework, and sophisticated water management systems showcase the advanced engineering skills of the Inca civilization, inspiring awe and admiration for their mastery of architecture in such a challenging terrain.
At a specified time, you will rejoin your group to descend down to Aguas Calientes. Before departing by train, you will have a little time to visit the local hot springs for a cost of 10 soles. This will allow you relax those sore muscles before traveling by train to Cusco. You will arrive at your final destination around 9:30 pm and then transported to your hotel.
The Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour includes meals, train and bus tickets, porterage for up to 8 kg of personal gear, camp gear including tables, chairs, dining and sleeping tents, therma-rest sleeping pad and a water filter. You will not be short of any equipment or amenity with our tour.
Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu: Huayna Picchu provides stunning views of Machu Picchu for U$75. Trekkers must navigate steep paths.
Hotels: The standard accommodation provided is a 3-star hotel. However, if you prefer a higher level of luxury, you have the option to upgrade to a 4-star or 5-star hotel upon request. e.
Poles: Trekking poles are not included in the provided equipment or gear. You can rent a par of hiking poles for 15 dollars a day.
Hotsprings entrance: Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes, also known as “Machu Picchu town” (10 soles)
Meals: Dinner 4th day, lunch and dinner of the last day.
Gratuities: It is suggested to leave a 10% tip for your guides as a way to show gratitude for their services.
