Antisuyo Trail and Machu Picchu 3 Days

At 7:00 a.m., we’ll begin our day by departing from Cusco and heading to the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park.

Once we arrive, we’ll immerse ourselves in the mystery of the enigmatic Chincana Grande, a labyrinth of tunnels and underground passages that spark the imagination and connect us to the ancestral knowledge of the Incas.

Our approximately 4-hour hike will take us past ancient aqueducts and reservoirs, testaments to Inca hydraulic engineering. The setting is vibrant and authentic: llamas and alpacas grazing, native birds flying overhead, and local families going about their Andean daily lives.

Along the way, we’ll discover special places:

• Ñusta Pakana – an archaeological site with breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.
• Condor Viewpoint – a prime spot where, with a bit of luck, we might spot the majestic Andean condor in flight.
• Pucamocco (4,100 m) – a mystical place, charged with ancestral energy.

At noon, we’ll arrive at the beautiful Laguna Qori Cocha (Golden Lake), where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch on its shores. As we rest, we’ll admire the grandeur of the five sacred mountains: Apu Salkantay, Verónica, Chicón, Pitusiray, and Ausangate—the eternal guardians of the Andes.

In the afternoon, we’ll descend for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, accompanied by landscapes that transform as we lose altitude. Along the way, we’ll visit the charming 16th-century Sixtine Chapel of Humasbamba and the Pucamarka Archaeological Complex, until we reach the town of Chinchero, brimming with colors and traditions.

The day ends at the cozy Piuray Camp, a refuge surrounded by majestic mountains and the inspiring silence of Andean nature. There, we’ll be welcomed with hot muña tea—a medicinal herb that invigorates both body and mind.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy an authentic homestay experience, sharing a dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Under the starry sky of the Andes, stories and teachings about Inca culture will be shared, creating a unique memory of connection and ancestral heritage.

• Maximum elevation: 4,700 m a.s.l.
• Minimum elevation: 2,150 m a.s.l.
• Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers.
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Traditional Breakfast The day begins with a delicious Andean breakfast, prepared with fresh, authentic ingredients from the region. Each flavor provides the energy needed to continue the journey toward the discoveries that await us.

Palace of the Inca Tupaq Yupanqui We will visit the legacy of this great emperor, an ancestral site where the stones hold stories of Inca power, spirituality, and wisdom.

Inca Trail Our hike continues for about 7 km along the authentic Inca Trail, descending toward the town of Urquillos. A charming place where colonial houses and estates stand on ancient Inca foundations, preserving the living essence of Quechua culture.

Poc Poc Waterfall In the heart of the Sacred Valley, we’ll be enchanted by the beauty of this crystal-clear waterfall, framed by majestic mountains and lush greenery. A true natural sanctuary for contemplation and rejuvenation.

Country Lunch A special meal awaits us, prepared with fresh, local ingredients and served amidst a unique natural setting, making the moment even more memorable.

From Urquillos to Ollantaytambo After the hike, a short 30-minute ride will take us to the train station.

Panoramic Train to Aguas Calientes The train ride is a spectacle in itself: large windows reveal breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and the Andean mountains as we make our way to Aguas Calientes, the picturesque town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Hotel Check-in Accommodations at a charming hotel, perfect for relaxing and recharging your energy for the big day: the visit to the enigmatic Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu.

• Maximum elevation: 4,700 m above sea level.
• Minimum elevation: 2,150 m above sea level.
• Distance: Approximately 10 kilometers.
• Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

THE BIG DAY

Your day will begin early, filled with anticipation and excitement. At the agreed-upon time, you’ll head to the boarding point, where the tour bus will wind its way up through the Andean mountains toward the entrance to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Exploring Machu Picchu Get ready for one of the most magnificent moments of your life. Accompanied by our expert guide, you’ll spend approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes exploring stone temples, ceremonial plazas, suspended agricultural terraces, and viewpoints of breathtaking beauty. Each explanation will reveal the spiritual, astronomical, and historical secrets that make Machu Picchu a true wonder of the world. More than just a visit, it is a profound encounter with the ancestral wisdom of the Incas and the sacred energy of the mountains surrounding this mystical place.

Return to Aguas Calientes After the tour, the bus will take you back to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to relax, have lunch at one of the local restaurants, and soak up the unique atmosphere of the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

The Train Ride—A Spectacle in Its Own Right At the scheduled time, head to the train station (arrive 30 minutes early). The return journey to Ollantaytambo is a true treat: the train glides smoothly past towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and the lush greenery of the Sacred Valley. A moving spectacle that transforms a simple trip into a memorable experience.

From Ollantaytambo to Cusco Upon arrival, your transfer will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, a trip of approximately 2 hours. When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll be left with just one feeling: the certainty that you’ve experienced a magical day at Machu Picchu—an experience that will remain in your memory forever!

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Tour: Visit to Machu Picchu.
• Train ride: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (approx. 1 hr 45 min).
• Transfer: From Ollantaytambo to Cusco (approx. 2 hrs).