LLAQTAPATA TREK TO MACHU PICCHU – 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
Stile:
Cultural, History and Adventure
size group:
15 people
Age min:
18 years old
Nivel Fisico:
Moderate
Tour description
The Llaqtapata Trek is a short but stunning alternative to the traditional Inca Trail, ideal for those seeking an authentic, cultural hiking experience with spectacular views. This trek combines nature, history, and adventure, taking you along ancient Inca trails, through coffee plantations, and across the tropical landscapes of the Santa Teresa Valley before reaching the mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu . During the trek, you’ll visit the archaeological site of Llaqtapata , an ancient Inca center offering a unique view of Machu Picchu in the distance. It’s a perfect route for nature lovers who want to experience a deeper connection with Andean history.
Tour highlights
- An alternative route to the Inca Trail, ideal for those looking for a short and less crowded hike.
- Visit the archaeological site of Llaqtapata , with a privileged panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
- Hike through green valleys, coffee plantations and high jungle full of exotic flora and fauna.
- Accommodation in comfortable campsites or local hostels with stunning views.
- Cultural experience by sharing with local families and learning about their traditional way of life.
- A final awakening with the view of the sunrise over Machu Picchu , culminating an unforgettable experience.
- A perfect combination of adventure, nature and culture in just three days.
Itinerary
Starting Point of the 3-Day Llactapata Trek:
The 3-day Llactapata Trek begins at your hotel in Cusco at 6:30 am, where you will meet your guide and group. From there, transportation will take you on a scenic 5-hour drive to Santa Teresa, passing through a variety of stunning Andean ecosystems.
Upon arrival in Santa Teresa, around 1:00 pm, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for lunch. Afterward, you will take a 20-minute drive to the famous Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa. Here, you can relax for a couple of hours in the soothing thermal waters, surrounded by serene mountain views.
The day concludes with a 45-minute drive to the village of Lucmabamba, where you will spend the night in cozy Andean cabins in the jungle, under a blanket of stars, enjoying a truly magical and unique experience.
Llactapata Trek – Inca Trail Hike to Aguas Calientes.
The second day of the Llactapata Trek begins early, with a wake-up call at 5:30 am and breakfast served at 6:00 am. After breakfast, you will visit a local family to learn about the coffee production process. Lucmabamba is renowned for producing the best coffee in the Cusco region, and during the coffee tour (30 to 45 minutes) you will learn about cultivation, harvesting, and roasting, as well as enjoy a tasting of freshly brewed coffee.
After the coffee experience, you’ll begin your hike along the Llactapata Inca Trail, a 12-kilometer (7-mile) original Inca path that takes approximately 3 hours to ascend. Upon reaching the Inca ruins of Llactapata, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from a unique perspective. Your guide will share the history and significance of this site as you explore the ruins.
After visiting Llactapata, the hike continues downhill towards Hidroeléctrica, a descent of approximately 2 hours. Once there, you will enjoy a delicious lunch to replenish your energy.
The tour continues with a mostly flat 3-hour walk along the train tracks from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning Andean scenery. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, your guide will accompany you to your accommodation to rest.
Finally, around 7:00 pm, a group dinner will be organized at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy regional cuisine. After dinner, you will have time to relax and prepare for the exciting visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
Final Day – Visit to Machu Picchu
The last day of your tour is dedicated to discovering the breathtaking Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Your entry time is based on the time shown on your ticket, so it’s important to arrive at the main gate at that exact time. To get from Aguas Calientes (the town where you spent the night) to the main entrance of Machu Picchu, you have two options:
Hike (approx. 1.5 hours):
Begin with a flat 30-minute walk from your hotel to Puente Ruinas (first checkpoint), where you will need to show your passport and entrance ticket. From there, you ascend for approximately 1 hour, climbing about 1,700 steps.
➤ If your ticket is for 6:00 am, plan to start the hike at 4:30 am, after breakfast at your hotel.
Bus ride up (30 minutes):
If you’d rather not walk, you can take a comfortable bus to the entrance. The ticket costs $12 USD each way and can be purchased the night before or in the morning.
Buses start operating at 5:30 am and depart every 5–10 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis.
Whichever option you choose, the important thing is to be at the main gate at the time indicated on your ticket.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, you will meet your group and your professional guide, who will take you on a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. The tour follows the route assigned to your ticket. Your guide will explain the rich history, impressive architecture, and sacred significance of the site, as well as give you time to take photos and enjoy the views.
Return to Cusco – Two options:
After completing your activities in Machu Picchu, it’s time to return to Cusco.
Option 1: Return by train
• Return to Aguas Calientes on foot (1.5 hours) or by bus (30 minutes / $12 USD).
• Board the train to Ollantaytambo (1.5-hour journey).
• Upon arrival, continue by tourist vehicle to Cusco (2-hour journey).
• Trains typically depart between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm, depending on availability.
• You will arrive in Cusco between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Option 2: Return by car via Hidroeléctrica
• Hike from Machu Picchu to Hidroeléctrica (approx. 3 hours).
• You must arrive at Hidroeléctrica before 2:30 pm to catch the only available car at 3:00 pm.
• The trip to Cusco takes between 5 and 6 hours, with an estimated arrival between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm.
• Important: This option is only possible if your entry to Machu Picchu is between 6:00 am and 9:00 am. If your ticket is for later, you will not arrive on time and will have to spend an additional night in Aguas Calientes to return the following day.
• Any additional expenses for lodging, food, or other services will be the traveler’s responsibility.
Included
- Information meeting one day before departure at 6:00 pm at your hotel in Cusco.
- Private transport from Cusco to Santa Teresa.
- Bilingual professional tour guide (English and Spanish) throughout the tour and visit to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Circuit 2-A or 2-B depending on availability.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu lasting approximately 2.5 hours.
- One night in Andean Jungle Huts and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Full board: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners.
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available at no extra cost.
- Round trip transportation to the Santa Teresa hot springs.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen.
No Included
- Trekking poles (can be rented for $10 USD for the entire tour).
- Entrance to the Santa Teresa thermal baths (10 soles, direct payment on site).
- Bottled water (can be bought at shops along the way or you can bring purification tablets or a filter).
- Travel insurance (it is recommended to have one that covers emergencies or unforeseen events during the trek).
Pack List
- Backpack (to carry water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, valuables, jacket, raincoat, etc.)
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -5°C
- Trekking poles
- Thermal clothing, t-shirt, pants.
- Down jacket
- Portable charger
- Original passport
- wool hat
- Sombrero
- Scarf
- Gloves
- 3-4 T-shirts (long sleeves are best)
- Layers (sweater, fleece)
- 2-3 pairs of long pants (if you have leggings, you can wear them with leggings)
- Hiking boots
- 2-3 pairs of wool socks
- Rain gear (trousers, jacket; if you don't have any, you can buy a rain poncho)
- Small headlamp
- Small towel
- Bermuda
- Sunglasses
- Toothbrush and other personal hygiene items.
- Toilet paper
- Protector solar
- insect repellent
- Sandals / Flip-flops
- Water bottle
- Swimwear
- Snacks (such as chocolate, cereal bars, candy, nuts, energy bars, etc.)
- Cash in soles
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