
The peasant communities of Huaynaqolqa and Raqchi-Machuqolqa offer a unique cultural experience, deeply rooted in agriculture and animal husbandry. These picturesque high Andean villages serve as breathtaking natural viewpoints, providing a different perspective of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Nestled among the sacred mountains that line the Urubamba Valley, these communities offer a profound connection to nature and tradition.
The Huaynaqolqa Peasant Community invites visitors to engage in authentic cultural exchanges, where traditional Andean practices come to life. From hiking and Andean ceremonies to local gastronomy, myths, crafts, and adventure activities, this immersive experience reveals the essence of Andean heritage.
Moderate
1 Day
To begin our journey, we will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am in our transportation. From the city of Cusco, we will head towards the Machuqolqa viewpoint, our first destination on the circuit, passing through traditional towns like Chinchero. This initial journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Once we arrive at the Machuqolqa viewpoint, we will disembark from our transportation and enjoy our first view of the sacred Apus (mountains) such as La Verónica (Weqey willka), Pumahuanca, Chicon, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will spend an estimated 30 minutes here, and you will have the opportunity to acquire local crafts as souvenirs. Continuing in Machuqolqa, we will ascend for 15 minutes to the archaeological site of the same name, where we will explore the unique and peculiar system of product conservation used during the Inca era. After concluding our visit to Machuqolqa, we will embark on a 1 hour and 15-minute hike to the Paca Huaynaqolqa community, enjoying impressive views and passing through various crops of Andean products such as potatoes, quinoa, tarwi, and corn, as well as wheat and barley, depending on the season. Upon reaching the Huaynaqolqa community, we will be welcomed with music, dance, and traditional attire. Together with the locals, we will go to a family home where we will share lunch. The meal will be a traditional Andean dish called Pachamanca, prepared with local products cultivated by the farmers. Pachamanca consists of beef, chicken, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, huacatay (a Peruvian herb), chili peppers, cumin, bell peppers, and other spices, cooked on preheated stones, which gives it a unique flavor different from typical city food. Another option is Cuy al Palo, a dish featuring roasted guinea pig flavored with Andean herbs, prepared as our ancestors used to make it. Both dishes will be prepared according to the season to ensure the best flavor. If you have any dietary preferences, alternative options can be arranged. We will also have the opportunity to prepare Uchucuta with “el batán,” a sauce that accompanies our lunch and will be made with our own hands. Our traditional lunch will be around 12:30 pm, followed by a rest period. After our lunch break, we will continue to another viewpoint, this time at the archaeological site of Huaynaqolqa. From its privileged location, we will admire another perspective of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and its secrets hidden among the mountains, such as the charms of Pitusiray and Sahuasiray. This is a mythical tale of challenges and romance said to have taken place during the Inca era. It is recommended for couples who wish to reaffirm their vows in an “Andean Marriage” ceremony, with the mountains and Pachamama (Mother Earth) as witnesses, accompanied by Andean music and dance. We will also make an offering of gratitude and connection with nature as a farewell to these places, preserving the positive energy of our journey. To conclude the day, you have the option to continue to Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, or Machu Picchu, or return to the city of Cusco. Our transportation will pick you up and take you to the chosen destination.
Today is the most challenging day of the 4-Day Inca Trail because we will pass through the highest point of the hike. After breakfast, we will begin the uphill ascent towards Warmiwañuska Pass (4,250 meters / 13,828 feet), where we will witness the imposing peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range. We will then descend along a beautiful stone trail to our second campsite at Pacaymayu (3,600 meters / 11,811 feet). After lunch, take a well-deserved rest. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner and spend the night at the campsite.
This is the longest but most beautiful day of the Inca Trail. We will witness the different ecological levels of the Andes, passing through fascinating cloud forests and humid environments. The day will be filled with breathtaking nature, deep valleys, steep mountains, and archaeological sites. We will visit Runkurakay (3,760 meters / 12,335 feet) and continue to the second pass at (3,900 meters / 12,795 feet), where we will take a brief rest. We will then descend and visit the archaeological site of Sayacmarca (3,625 meters / 11,893 feet). Continuing our journey, we will reach Phuyupatamarka (3,600 meters / 11,811 feet), where we will rest and take photographs. At the end of this day filled with passes, we will follow a path that leads to our final campsite, Wiñaywayna (2,750 meters / 8,860 feet).
This is the most anticipated day of our 4-day Inca Trail adventure as we will visit one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. Early in the morning, we will have breakfast and pass through the control at Wiñaywayna, where our entrance ticket will be checked. We will then walk towards the “Puerta del Sol,” also known as “Inti Punku” (2,720 meters / 8,924 feet), to have our first glimpse of Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. We will leave our backpacks stored at the Machu Picchu control and have free time to rest. Later, we will re-enter Machu Picchu for a guided tour of approximately 3 hours and fully enjoy this marvel. Finally, we will take the bus down to the town of “Aguas Calientes” and board the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus ride back to Cusco.
EXCELLENT Based on 20 reviews Trek478479339132024-12-04Verified Excellent service and Herber was amazing We took an express and tailor made tour from Cuzco with Herber. He was absolutely amazing! The experience overall was a 100/10. He was super attentive, kind and we had an amazing time. Don’t hesitate to book any tour with them! elisa o2024-12-01Verified The best guide for a Guatemalan group 🙌🏻👏🏻 He is an amazing guide!! Always attentive with a super positive attitude. He explains in detail each place 💯 we had a good time as a group and all happy with his service. pilar L2024-06-06Verified Unforgetable experience "I was lucky to have the incredible tour guide Herber during my trip to Peru. His deep historical and cultural knowledge, combined with his kindness and enthusiasm, made each tour an unforgettable experience. I recommend Herber to anyone who wants to discover the best kept secrets in the city. Thank you, Herber, for making my trip an unforgettable adventure!" Sergio b2024-05-16Verified Great with him An exceptional guide and an excellent person, the trip under his guidance multiplied interest and fun. I would without a doubt recommend working with him. Fantastic treatment and information. Out of 10 everything. patricia g2024-05-15Verified Cusco travel, don't hesitate. Peru is a country that you love in every aspect, salkantay, mountain colors, Cusco, Amazon... But what makes all this really incredible is the human team of Cusco travel, cooks, muleteers, drivers, headed by the guide HERVER, excellent professional and better person, I would choose you a thousand times more. José Carlos G2024-05-15Verified Learning and adventure You have it all in Peru and with Herber it becomes super enjoyable and interesting. A guide of 10. A true connector with Pachamama. Thank you Shaman. Ana M2024-05-15Verified Mountain, culture and gastronomy Without a doubt highly recommended.Very good professional... highly qualified in Inca history... and in terms of mountains ⛰️🏔️ culture and gastronomy...The tours were organized in detail and their kitchen equipment was a 10.I have fallen in love with this country thanks to him. I will be back. Juan Diego S2024-05-13Verified Great supplier and person We have made a full pack with Cuzco travel for 14 days.Including culture, Trekking, MachuPicchu and jungle in Puerto MaldonadoReally, in my case we will continue working together and we will make everything grow in a respectful way and enjoying more travelers. Borja G2023-10-02Verified Pedro An unforgettable experience!!! Accompanied by our beloved guide and now friend Herber. A close and endearing person with a lot of knowledge. Where we have been protected and accompanied by him and his team like a big family, Nothing has been missing on this trip. An experience that has marked a before and after for me. I would definitely repeat it with this great team. Thank you Herber for your kindness, attention and good sense of humor. Laura B2023-09-13Verified Great tour with wonderful views and awesome guide Had such a good time on this tour, the views are amazing, the food is good and I found the walk up to the top very manageable, even with the altitude. What really made it a great tour though was Marco, our guide, who was so knowledgeable, kind and funny - our driver was also lovely. Would definitely recommend to anyone considering rainbow mountain!