Cuzco Travels – Machupicchu Tours

Full Day Circuit Tour Of The Colcas

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.

  • Huaynaqolqa and Raqchi-Machuqolqa: A Cultural & Natural Escape
  • Stunning Sacred Valley Views – Experience breathtaking Andean landscapes.
  • Authentic Cultural Immersion – Connect with local traditions, myths, and customs.
  • Traditional Andean Activities – Participate in ceremonies, crafts, and gastronomy.
  • A Unique Community Tourism Experience – Discover an enriching alternative to mainstream travel.
  • Book in Advance – Secure Your Cultural Adventure – Ensure your spot in this immersive journey.
Tour price

Full Day Circuit Tour Of The Colcas

From:

$125 USD

per person

Level of activity:

Moderate

Duration of the trip:

1 Day

DAY 1: CUSCO - KM 82 - HUAYLLABAMBA

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.

  • Highest point: 4,250 meters / 13,828 feet.
  • Campsite Altitude: 3,600 meters / 11,811 feet.
  • Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles.
  • Difficulty: Challenging.
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.

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).

  • Highest point: 3,900 meters / 12,795 feet.
  • Campsite Altitude: 2,750 meters / 8,860 feet.
  • Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles.
  • Duration: 9 hours.
  • Difficulty: Moderate.
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.

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.

  • Highest point: 2,720 meters / 8,924 feet (Inti Punku).
  • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,450 meters / 8,038 feet.
  • Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles.
  • Duration: 2 hours.
  • Difficulty: Easy.
  • Meals: Breakfast.

Included in the tour:

  • Private transportation.
  • Circuit Tour of the Colcas: Machucolca – Huaynacolca.
  • Official Tour Guide fluent in Spanish, English, and Quechua.
  • Meals: Typical lunch included.
  • Transfers.
  • Assistance.

Not included in the tour:

  • Entrance fees to tourist sites included.
  • Gratuities not included.

What should you bring?

  • Comfortable boots for walking.
  • Sunscreen and a hat.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Rain jacket.
  • Energy snacks for the hike.

Why choose Cuzco Travels?

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