Cachiccata Trek 5d/4n

The Inca Trail Less Traveled

The Cachiccata Trek is a great alternative to the famed Inca Trail. This hiking adventure not only visits Peru\'s cultural past, but also explores modern Incan communities and customs. Begin your 4-day hike exploring the Inca temple of Chokekillka. The trail takes us through secluded waterfalls, ancient terraces and exotic wildlife, all the while delivering fantastic views of the Sacred Valley and Peru\'s commanding snow-capped mountains. Visit with local families and explore an active quarry. Every step brings a new look into Inca culture. Day 8, spend the morning visiting the local community before catching the train to the spectacular city of Machu Picchu.

Day 1 Cachiccata Trek Pomatales-Soccma-Piruchayoc (B,L,D)

Your trek begins with a journey to the Inca temple of Chokekillka where you'll explore the ancient Incan curiosity of the cosmos and its relationship with the natural elements. The trail takes you on to the community of Soccma. Here you'll visit a local school to learn a little more about the daily lives of the people in this region. The 100m roaring waterfalls of Piruchayoc await you after a quaint picnic lunch. As you make your way along the trail, take a minute to explore the ancient terraces, that are reminiscent of Peru’s deep and rich history. The sun melts behind the snow-capped peaks in a blaze of colors as you prepare camp for the night.
Distance: 7 km (4.35 miles)
Time: 5-6 hour hike
Camp altitude: 2,900 m (9.500 ft)

Day 2 Cachiccata Trek Piruchayoc-Chancachuco (B,L,D)

The morning begins with a satisfying breakfast - little can compare to a steaming cup of coffee amidst the Andes Mountains. Today your hike follows an old Inca water channel, leading you to the golden Ccorimarca valley. This is the most demanding part of your trek, but the views are extraordinary – miles of extraordinary in every direction! In the distance, Mount Veronica reigns supreme over the skyline. You'll have lunch along Lake Maracocha and rest for a moment while trying to spot exotic birds and other wildlife who have joined you along the shoreline. Tonight you'll sleep soundly in the valley.
Distance: 5 km (3.11 miles)
Time: 4 hour hike
Camp altitude: 3,800 m (12, 500 ft)

Day 3 Cachiccata Trek Chancachuco-Quarry and Community Camp (B,L,D)

Today’s trekking adventure brings your second pass and the spectacular sites of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo. You'll continue down hill to the Incan temple of Intiwatana. A family of condors has been known to call this area home. Inca ruins await you at every turn; ancient walls, tombs, terraces, and water channels line the trail. You'll finish your adventurous trek with a visit to the quarry of Cachiccata. Your night is spent on a community campground with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Time: 7 hour hike
Camp altitude: 2,750 m (9,000 ft)

Day 4 Transfer to Ollantaytambo Train Station (B)  

Spend the morning exploring the local community before catching the train to the great city of Machu Picchu. Tonight relax in the village of Aguas Calientes in a Hotel below the ruins.

Day 5 Machu Picchu/Cusco 

Explore the ruins today at leisure and enjoy the ancient city in the tranquil morning hours. Later head off through thick cloudforest to the seldom visited Temple of the Moon or climb Huayna Picchu overlooking the ruins. Return by train to Cusco in the afternoon.

Ask for price

Departure: every Sunday

INCLUDES:
Transportation to and from: Hotel - Lares Hot Springs / Train station - Hotel
Transportation: Willoq - Ollantaytambo (3rd day)
Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide; 2 guides for groups over 12 people
Cook: In charge of meal preparation
Horsemen and horses: Carry tents, cooking equipment and also carry backpacks, sleeping bags and mattresses (Max. 6 kg / 13 lbs per person)
Emergency Horse: Just in case someone needs help
Ticket: Machu Picchu
Bus ticket: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (4th day)
Hostel: Double accommodation in Aguas Calientes (3rd night)
Train Service: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Meals: 3 Breakfasts/3 Lunches/3 Dinners/3Snacks and afternoon tea
Equipment: tents (2 people in each, 3-person-capacity), sleeping pad, dinner tent, toilet tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, table settings, first aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle

DOESN'T INCLUDE:
- Breakfast (day 1), usually the hotels offer this service
- Sleeping bag
- Lunch (day 4)