*Details may vary with dates. Select dates to see exact details.
detour Opinion: Is this trip for me?
This trek visits some oft-missed ruins and provides a good look at the complexity of the Inca civilization. You get to learn about Incan farming techniques, city planning, sacred symbols, and societal hierarchy by visiting such varied sites. On certain days, travelers get to choose between easier and tougher hikes so it's great for a group with a range of ability levels. It's a somewhat short trek, with only three days of hiking; serious trekkers may want to consider a longer trip.
InkaNatura travel has been recognized by the Peruvian Government Tourism Office as one of the two BEST tour operators in the area, in 2003, 2004 and 2005. InkaNatura travel is 100% owned by Peru Verde, a local, non-profit environmental organization. The company is truly commited to promoting local economies, cultural sensitivity, worker rights, and environment friendly travel.
This is a trek for those interested in getting off the beaten-path and exploring the Inca ruins missed by most travelers. Featuring ancient Inca quarries, ancient settlements, and the Intipunku gateway, this journey provides an in-depth look at this magnificent civilization.
On the way, you experience the fascinating and diverse landscapes of the Sacred Valley: high-altitude grasslands, panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, and lush forests dotted by rushing waterfalls.
The 4-day / 3-night trek offers you plenty of time to experience these highlights of the Sacred Valley apart from the crowds. If you are interested, you can add a full-day Machu Picchu extension. At the end of the trek, you take the train from Ollantaytambo to the famous ruins for a guided tour and lunch overlooking the site.
Highlights
Visit the hidden gems of the Inca ruins: Intipunku, Choquetacarpo, and Corimarca.
The full day at Machu Picchu is a highly recommended and simple addition to this trek.
Options to take easier or more difficult routes to accommodate travelers' needs. ...view more details
Machu Picchu Full-Day Extension (Add $300 to calendar prices)
* First class train-the Vista dome- Ollanta/Aguas Clientes (Machu Picchu)/Cusco.
* Entrance fees and roundtrip bus transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu archaeological sanctuary.
* Guided service
* Lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. ...view more details
Insider's Tips
Although the trek is rated as moderate, we strongly suggest spending at least two nights before start this trek to totally adjust to the altitude.
We drive to Pachar in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and follow the Huarocondo gorge a short way upstream to our trailhead at the village of Raphcca, 2900m/9510ft. From here we hike up a lush side valley of scattered farmhouses and crop terraces, where Andean bird species such as the giant hummingbird and golden-billed saltator flit among abundant native trees and shrubs.
We eat a picnic lunch by a rushing mountain stream, before deciding whether to take an easier route, or an optional steep trail via a tall waterfall where we can pause to refresh ourselves amidst the cool spray, or enjoy an alfresco shower and dip beneath the falls.
Climbing further, we visit the little-known Inca ruin of Corimarca, perched at mid-altitude on a shelf high above the Soccma valley. An Inca-built channel still carries water rushing past this small, elegantly designed settlement, which was probably built by the Incas to collect and control the agricultural production of the surrounding valley. We camp here, or at a spacious set of Inca terraces a short distance upvalley.
Day 2: to Chancachucu Pass/ Q'enacancha
We climb across open meadows, before reaching a zone of high altitude shrubland, which in turn gives way to treeless grasslands known as puna as our trail winds gently around mountain spurs following an undulating approach to the pass of Chancachucu (4,400m/14,430ft).
In clear weather this section of our journey offers dramatic panoramas of every major snow peak in the region. We gaze east across the distant town of Chinchero toward mighty snow-capped Ausangate and the Qoyllur Rit’i range, while the jagged peaks of the Cordillera Urubamba rear across the Sacred Valley to the north. The scenic drama reaches new heights as we cross the pass and confront the glaciers of Verónica (5,750m/18,850ft), looming vastly in the near-distance to the north-west.
Our route continues across a rolling, sparsely inhabited plateau with views of the tip of Salcantay and the Huayanays. We pass mountain lakes where we may see wetland birds such as Andean geese, crested ducks and puna ibis, before we descend to our second camp at Q’euñacancha (4080m/13,380ft).
Day 3: to Punkuyoc/Cachicata
With luck we may see Andean condors today. We set off on one of two routes. Fitter, more experienced groups will follow the Chancachucu valley downstream, following the broken remains of an Inca water channel that once carried water to the ancient quarries. The stream plunges through Punkuyoc, a narrow ravine enclosed by vertical cliffs draped in ferns and orchids, and emerges amidst a small woods of native Q’euña trees. A narrow trail zig-zags steeply down open, grassy slopes, offering spectacular views of the Camicancha valley, its river a silver ribbon far below us. We climb once more, and again pick up the Inca water channel, which has traversed a near-vertical cliff far above us. Now we follow the channel on a gentler path, enountering stunning views of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley as we reach the imposing gateway of Intipunku, an Inca temple apparently dedicated to worship of snowcapped Verónica.
The alternative, easier route for this day climbs gently from our second camp across rolling grassland to the south flank of Yana Orco, a rocky crag high above the Sacred Valley and the Inca quarries. Viewpoints allow us to look straight down on Ollantaytambo and its valleys 1,400m/4600ft below us, as if from an airplane. We wind our way along the rim of the valley, reaching a pass where we descend a steep draw through native Q’euna woodland, leveling off as we approach the Inca site of Intipunku.
We lunch facing a breathtaking mountain and valley panorama, near the well-preserved Inca complex of Choquetacarpo. This site was most likely the residence of architects, masons and visiting dignitaries who managed the Inca quarries and performed ceremonies at Intipunku.
After lunch we wend our way downward, exploring different sectors of the Inca quarries, a natural rockfall, where massive carved blocks of pink rhyolite lie scattered in disarray. The quarried stones, testimony to a great building project that was never finished, were destined for the Inca temple at Ollantaytambo, (6km/4 miles) away on the north bank of the Urubamba river.
We descend to our third and last camp, located on Inca terraces topped by small burial towers known as chullpas, near the village of Cachicata. Here we enjoy toilets, hot showers and a warmer climate, as we relax in preparation for our train ride and visit to Machu Picchu next morning.
Day 4: to Ollantaytambo/Optional Machu Picchu Extention/Cusco
After and early breakfast, we will return to Cusco or take the high recommended extension to the famous ruins of Machu Picchu, spending most of the day at this bewitching place, with both a guided experience of the highlights and then time to explore the ruins on our own. In the afternoon we complete our journey, traveling by train to Cusco.
This provider can help with your other additional needs
local flights
transfers
additional accomodations
trip extensions
... and other requirements.
Request these additional services when you check availability above
What's Included
* A lecture before the tour
* A licensed, well-trained, English speaking guide
* Camping Equipment: Spacious North Face tents and mattress, dinning tent - tables, chairs, and cooking equipment, toilet tent
* Oxygen Bottle
* Chef and Assistant Chef preparing healthy, hearty meals cooked with fresh, local ingredients
* Lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (last day)
* Well-paid and well-treated porters. We supply the appropriate duffel for you to pack and them to carry. You carry a light day pack.
* Horsemen and horses
* Private transportation from Cusco to start of the trail and back to Cusco.
* Bus transportation to/from Machu Picchu
* Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites
* Special offer: For the first 4 clients InkaNatura will provide our high quality North face Sleeping bags (Polarguard - SnowShoe OF -18C ) at not cost.
Not Included
* Machu Picchu optional add-on (Full-Day Add-on: $300 per person)
* Permit fees to the Inca Trail
* Sleeping Bag
* Pillows
* Trekking poles
* Personal Expenses
* Tips
* Alcoholic beverages
* A lecture before the tour
* A licensed, well-trained, English speaking guide
* Camping Equipment: Spacious North Face tents and mattress, dinning tent - tables, chairs, and cooking equipment, toilet tent
* Oxygen Bottle
* Chef and Assistant Chef preparing healthy, hearty meals cooked with fresh, local ingredients
* Lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (last day)
* Well-paid and well-treated porters. We supply the appropriate duffel for you to pack and them to carry. You carry a light day pack.
* Horsemen and horses
* Private transportation from Cusco to start of the trail and back to Cusco.
* Bus transportation to/from Machu Picchu
* Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites
* Special offer: For the first 4 clients InkaNatura will provide our high quality North face Sleeping bags (Polarguard - SnowShoe OF -18C ) at not cost.
Not Included
Not Included
* Machu Picchu optional add-on (Full-Day Add-on: $300 per person)
* Permit fees to the Inca Trail
* Sleeping Bag
* Pillows
* Trekking poles
* Personal Expenses
* Tips
* Alcoholic beverages
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Types
Private Van Private Bus Train
Lodging - Accommodations
What are the accommodations like?
Comfortable camping
Lodging Types
3 Nights camping
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
InkaNatura Travel is the only leading tour operator in Peru owned by a nonprofit conservation group, Peru Verde,
Our work is part of Peru Verde's overall strategy to protect the country's unique cultural and biological diversity. InkaNatura contributes heavily to the maintenance of national parks, reserves, and archaeological sites while at the same time treating local people with respect and dignity.
InkaNatura Travel is 100% owned by Peru Verde. All net proceeds benefit conservation. To learn more about Peru Verde's conservation work please visit www.peruverde.org
Maximum Age
None
Travel Provider
Provider Name
InkaNatura Travel
Why should I choose this provider?
InkaNatura Travel is a versatile Peruvian tour operator in different nature and archaeology areas. With offices in Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado and Chiclayo, InkaNatura is there to serve you. Every detail is meticulously planned, and every service is carefully monitored.
The Inca trail offerings from InkaNatura Travel complement or extensive portfolio of Wildlife and nature destinations like Manu and Tambopata where we have several outstanding lodges: Manu Wildlife Center, Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, Sandoval Lake Lodge and Heath River Wildlife Center. Conde Nast Traveler (Dec 2002) described Manu Wildlife center as “The finest wildlife lodge in all the Amazon” and Sandoval Lake Lodge as “The budget rainforest alternative to Manu” Our lodges are accessible via short light flight from Cusco, and provide attractions like macaw clay licks, tapir clay licks, Giant Otters, canopy platforms and much more.
There are a limited number of tour operators authorized to operate the Inca Trail. InkaNatura Travel is one of these and in just three years of Inca Trail operations has been recognized by the Government Tourism Office as one of the two BEST tour operators in the area, in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
InkaNatura Travel is proud to be member of important organizations like: International Ecotourism Society, Latin America Travel Association (UK), Sustainable Travel International, Adventure Travel (USA), Tropical Nature, Tourism for tomorrow and works with the following sustainable travel standards :
Educate our clients and provide them with opportunities to make meaningful connections with local people.
Be Culturally Sensitive.
Respect the values, customs and beliefs of the local people we visit.
Foster a greater understanding of their culture and their environmental issues.
Generate Economic Benefits.
Buy locally produced goods, become a patron of locally owned businesses, and enhance the well being of host communities.
Be Environmentally Friendly.
Conserve natural resources when traveling just as we do at home and in your offices.
Offset carbon emissions from airline and land travel.
Make positive Contributions to the conservation and preservation of natural and cultural heritage and to the maintenance of the Peru’s biodiversity.
Provider Policies
Terms and Conditions
General Conditions:
For hotels and tours:
* Rates are listed in American dollars and include taxes and service charge for non - residents in Peru.
* Tour rates are per person, unless we specified a different option.
* In case the hotel of your preference does not have space available, we will inform you of an alternative option.
* Some hotels ask for a prepayment at the time of the booking to guarantee the room. If this is the case, we will request for that payment to confirm the room and we will inform you about the special policy of that hotel.
* The confirmation for tours requested will be sent by e-mail including the itinerary, dates, information tips and pre-departure information for nature and adventure programs (tambopata, manu and inca trail programs).
* To reserve the train to Machu Picchu, we need the following information from the passengers: complete name as per in passport, nationality, date of birth and passport number.
* Clients must bring the passport with which the train ticket was issued. If not clients will not be allowed to get in the train with no obligation to Inkanatura.
* In case passengers get a new passport after they made the reservation, please inform us to make the necessary arrangements with the entity in charge of the train reservations. Please help us to avoid any inconvenience for your experience in Peru.
* For nature programs (Tambopata and Manu), in each booking please indicate: Complete name of the passengers, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, name of the hotel in Cusco (where the passenger will stay), special food requirement (Vegetarian, low salt, low fat, diabetic or other), and any special health condition. All the information should be as per in passport.
* Due to the permit regulations that allow only 500 people per day entering to the inca trail, it is therefore essential to make reservations well in advance as the system is on a first-come, first served basis. We do recommend to book at least 90 days prior to departure.
* Clients must bring the passport with which the Inca Trail permit was issued. If not clients will not be allowed to enter to the Inca trail system with no obligation to Inkanatura.
* Prices are per person and subject to change without notice due to entrance fees to inca trail, tax and other expenses that increase without our control.
* In each booking for the Inca trail please indicate: Complete name of the passengers, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, name of the hotel in Cusco (where the passenger will stay), special food requirement (Vegetarian, low salt, low fat, diabetic or other), and any special health condition. All the information should be as per in passport.
* Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites at the Inca trail than those indicated.
* All trash produced during the treks will return to Cusco.
* In case passengers get a new passport after they made the reservation, please inform us to make the necessary arrangements with the UGM (Management office for Machu Picchu Sanctuary). Please help us to avoid any inconvenience for your inca trail experience.
- Deposits - due dates + amounts / Final balances - due dates.
For Hotel and tours:
* The total payment should be made 30 days before the passengers arrival for individual travellers and 45 days in advance for groups.
* If payment is not sent on the right day, Inkanatura is entitled to cancel the reservation.
For Inca trail portion:
* A deposit per person must be paid at the booking time, including the full name of clients and personal information. We must prepaid Inca trail entrance fees in advance.
* Balance of the total payment should be made 30 days before arrival for individual passengers and 45 days in advance for groups.
* For last minute reservations, total payment should be made during a week.
- Cancelation policy / fees for changes.
For hotel and tours:
* No refund will be possible for any unused part of tours or packages, due to passengers decision.
* No refund will be possible for the entire cost for services bought in advance bus tickets, train tickets, entrance fees). Airline tickets refund will be according to the airline regulations.
* Cancellations made between 30 to 16 days prior to arrival, we will charge 50% of the total amount.
* Cancellations made between 15 to 0 days prior to arrival, full amount will be charged.
* For no show, full amount will be charged
Note: Please take note that some hotels do not accept cancellations made between 30 days in advance for individual passengers and 60 days in advance for groups. We will let you know about their policy at the reservation moment.
For Inca trail portion:
* No refund will be possible for any unused part of the tour or entrance fee bought in advance.
* Entrance fee can not be transferred to another traveller. This is prohibited by law.
* For no show, full amount will be charged.
We charge the following fees per person:
For individual passengers:
* Cancellation after the booking time, we will charge USD 200.00.
* Cancellation make between 44 to 8 days prior to arrival, we will charge USD 300.00.
* Cancellation make between 7 to 0 days, we will charge full amount.
For groups:
* Cancellation after the booking time, we will charge USD 200.00.
* Cancellation make between 44 and 31 days, we will charge USD 300.00
* Cancellation make between 30 and 15 days, we will charge USD 450.00
* Cancellation make between 14 and 0 days, full amount will be charged.
Refunds:
* Refunds will be provided within 30 days of the clients submitting a letter or e-mail.
Additional notes:
* Inkanatura is responsible for providing al the services, tour packages and accomodations as confirmed.
* Inkanatura reserves the right to alter the program.
* It is important to mention that Inkanatura works by and for the client and it will look for the best for its clients not only when they book or travel but also when for a reasonable situation they have to cancel.
* Last minute bookings will be accepted but you must be alerted that there is the possibility that we will not get space at the hotel or tour that you need.
* Passport, visa, and health requirements are passengers responsabilities. We do recommend to obtain a travel insurance against cancellation and medical coverage.
Thanks for choosing InkaNatura Travel and Detour for your upcoming trip to Peru!
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TESTIMONIALS
I would recommend this trip to a friend in a second. The trip to the Galapagos was Outstanding. The Letty was wonderful; the naturalists were the greatest; the food was superb; the crew excellent; (I\'m running out of adjectives) I would recommend the whole thing and your agency also. You really provided excellent service and information. I felt I could email or call you with any questions and I knew you would answer quickly and I felt honestly. For just taking a chance finding you on the internet, I was very fortunate.
-- Joyce P, Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, Flamingo I
The Inca trail trek can only be described as magical. I tried my best to be cynical, but it didn’t work. This trip was pure magic and absolutely perfect.
The logistics of the trip were impeccable. The ground transportation was on time and they made sure I was able to obtain my boarding pass and pay the airport tax at each leg of the trip.
Out on the hike, my guide Oswaldo was fabulous.
The food on the trail was amazing. The chef created simple and fresh meals that were bursting with local flavor.
-- Terry B, Inca Trail 5-day with Andean Adventures
Just returned from Costa Rica last night ... trip was a GREAT SUCCESS! We all thank you VERY MUCH for arranging the trip.
-- Bob Fenchel, Custom Costa Rica with Camino Travel
We’ve been home just over a week now and I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you just how fantastically well everything went! Ok, so we did end up paying the full whack (which I’ve decided just not to think about!). However, we had a fantastic guide and everything ran really smoothly and we had a fantastic time. From being collected from the hotel (Vieja Cuba which was lovely) to being looked after once we got to the Galapagos it was all just perfect, so thank you very much for being an important part of our fabulous trip.
Cheers Greg !
-- Marayka K., Galapagos Multisport 7-Day Adventure
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Cachicata Trek, The Inca Quarry Trail
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