Cross High Mountains and Humid Jungles on this Outstanding Trek from Huancacalle to Machu Picchu!

Hike across high-mountain passes under the backdrop of Andean peaks and glaciers on this 7-day trek from Huancacalle to Machu Picchu. Encounter ecosystems from high mountain antiplanes to humid high jungle. Travel with an expert guide, a camp cook, horsemen, and a team of pack-mules for an in-depth experience and a safe journey. Your experience will culimate at UNESCO World Heritage Site and astounding Wonder of the World Machu Picchu.

Highlights

Cross high-mountain passes with outstanding views of glacier peaks
Visit various Inca archaeological sites across Peru
Experience diverse ecosystems: mountains, antiplanes, high jungles, tropical forest, and more
Experience a cultural and ecological wonder. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a World Travel Awards “Best Green Destination”
Travel with a full trekking team — all meals prepared by a professional cook and camp equipment carried by a team of pack mules
Trek from Huancacalle to Machu Picchu with an expert bilingual guide

Tour Information

Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights

Start Location: Cusco

End Location: Ollantaytambo

Difficulty: Hard. High-altitude trekking.

Booking Requirements: Minimum 2 travelers required to book

Available Modifications: This itinerary may be shortened 1-2 days. Contact us at info@keteka.com for details or to book a modified tour.

Itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Cusco and Begin your Trek
Your 7-day trek from Huancacalle to Machu Picchu will begin with 7:00 am hotel pick-up in Cusco and a full-day drive (7 hours) to Huancacalle.

Along the way, you’ll drive over the Abra Malaga high-mountain pass (14,100 feet/44300 meters asl) and descend from the mountains into the hot Peruvian high jungle of Santa Maria. From here, you’ll make your last ascent to Huancacalle.

Upon arrival, you’ll grab lunch in town, then follow the local Inca circuit to enjoy 2 major archaeological sites nearby, including the Vitcos Palace and the ceremonial rock of Yurak Rumi. In the evening, you’ll head to the hotel/hostel for dinner.

Day 2: Cross High Mountain Passes
Today, you’ll enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then set out from Huancacalle (9645 feet/2940 meters asl) for your first day trekking. You’ll begin with a 2-3 hour ascent and pause for lunch along the banks of a river. Then, you’ll continue upwards until you reach the high-mountain Asuta Pass (13,160 feet/4010 meters asl). In the afternoon, you’ll make your descent toward your camp at Inca Wasi (12,135 feet/3699 meters asl). Enjoy dinner at camp, then settle in for the night.

Day 3: Relax and Explore the High Mountains
On this relaxing day, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast then explore the outstanding landscape of the surrounding area. You’ll take a short hike to Racachaka (11,900 feet/3628 meters asl) where you’ll enjoy lunch overlooking an outstanding array of glaciers on the horizon.

In the afternoon, you’ll make a 2-hour ascent to your next campsite at Hatun Pampa (13,008 feet/3965 meters asl). Enjoy dinner at camp.

Day 4: Cross a High Mountain Pass and Explore the Altiplane
Today, you’ll relax at camp for the morning, then set out after lunch for a 2-4 hour trek to Mujon Pass 14,725 feet/4488 meters asl). After crossing the mountain pass, you’ll have lunch alongside a typical turquoise lagoon of the Andino Yanacocha altiplane. From there, follow a rustic trail along the altiplane before descending to your camp at Inca Cocha ( 12,913 feet/3936 meters asl).

Day 5: Begin your Descent
Today, you’ll get a bit of a break, with pure descent towards the town of Santa Teresa. After breakfast, you’ll follow an Inca path from the mountains toward the jungle at lower altitudes. As you descend, the path becomes a small road you’ll travel 2-3 hours before you pick up the trail again along the Sacsara River.

You’ll walk until you reach the town of Yanatile, where a car will be waiting to bring you to the town of Santa Maria. Here, enjoy a well-earned night in a hotel and sink into nearby revitalizing thermal springs!

Day 6: Enjoy Santa Maria
Today, you’ll get to choose your own adventure around Santa Maria. Visit an ecological coffee plantation, hike to the top of the Canopy de Cola de Mono, or simply relax and recover. In the evening, you’ll take an easy 3-hour hike from the hydroelectric power station to the Machu Picchu pueblo of Aguas Calientes where you’ll spend the night.

Day 7: Experience Machu Picchu
Today, you’ll wake up early and make your final ascent to Machu Picchu! You’ve officially completed your trek from Huancacalle to Machu Picchu!

Explore the Wonder of the World with your guide, marvel at the outstanding city, and learn about the powerful and sophisticated empire that once ruled a continent! In the afternoon, you’ll board a train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo for your onward travel.