More Trekking in the
Cusco and Machu Picchu Region
Inca Quarry Trail
4 days / 3 nights, Fixed Departures, June - September
This short route across the mountains south of Ollantaytambo takes us through an astonishing variety of scenery and ecological zones, over a high pass with views of all the major snow-capped peaks of the Cusco region. We climb to a pristine waterfall and camp near seldom-visited Inca ruins on our way to Abra de Chancachucu, where we follow open highland trails to our second camp. The final day we descend via stunning panoramas of the Camicancha and Urubamba valleys to the Inca mountain-worship site of Intipunku, the well-preserved élite residential site of Choquetacarpo, and the impressive ramps and abandoned stone blocks of the Inca quarries at Cachicata. Then transfer to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco.
Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu
4 days / 3 nights, Fixed Departures, June - September
This short route across the mountains south of Ollantaytambo takes us through an astonishing variety of scenery and ecological zones, over a high pass with views of all the major snow-capped peaks of the Cusco region. We visit Inca ruins on our way to Abra de Chancachucu. The final day we descend via stunning panoramas of the Camicancha and Urubamba valleys to the Inca mountain-worship site of Intipunku, the well-preserved élite residential site of Choquetacarpo, and the impressive ramps and abandoned stone blocks of the Inca quarries at Cachicata. Then transfer to Ollantaytambo where we take the train to visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Weavers’ Way & Machu Picchu
Lares - Patacancha - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu.
4 days / 3 nights, Fixed Departures, June - September
This short trek begins at the eastern end of this mountain chain, at the colonial village of Lares, with its delightful hot springs baths, and ends with a road journey to the famous “living Inca settlement” of Ollantaytambo. In between we follow a hiking route that skirts the northern slope of the Cordillera, crossing one high pass. We encounter villages where the colorful ponchos of the men vie for attention with the exquisite “manta” shoulder garments of the women, and each wear a distinctive local headgear that announces their origin from this part of Peru. The villagers along the way are generally friendly and welcoming, and some will offer to sell you their excellent weavings. The program finishes with a trip to Machu Picchu.
Choquequirau, The Cradle of Gold
5 days / 4 nights, Fixed Departures, June - September
Choquequirao has been called “Machu Picchu's sacred sister”, because of the striking similarities of design and ceremonial architecture to its famous counterpart above the Urubamba Gorge. Yet it remains an enigmatic place whose history is a matter of speculation. Today we can trek to Choquequirao via a modern footbridge across the Apurimac River. The journey is as awe-inspiring as ever, taking us through an astounding range of ecological zones, from Andean farming valleys, descending through a hot and arid canyon environment featuring kapok trees, cactus and agaves, and climbing again to a region of lush cloud forest, beneath the dizzying snowcaps of the Cordillera Vilcabamba.
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek
12 days/11 nights, Private Departures, April - November
This is a breathtaking trek through remote valleys and stunning mountain scenery of Peru, beginning and ending with two of the most spectacular and enigmatic Inca sites to have survived the ravages of time and the Spanish conquest: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.