Tour Overview
This journey will take you beyond the famous Machu Picchu Ruins, into an area where coffee and cacao are grown and where many Inca descendants still live in traditional ways. Cacao held significant cultural and economic importance for the Incas, and it was integral to various religious and ceremonial rituals as a beverage, as well as offerings to deities. The drink made from cacao, often mixed with other ingredients, such as chili and peppers, was consumed during important ceremonies and gatherings.
Highlights
Itinerary
The transport will pick us up at 6:00 am from Cusco or 8:00 am from the Sacred Valley and take us along the Cusco – Abra Málaga route. We will see the snow-capped peak of La Veronica at its highest point, appreciating the change in flora and fauna as we arrive at the town of Alfamayo where we can visit an orchid garden with approximately 80 varieties including Sobralia Dichotoma, Maxillaria, among others from this valley.
We will then continue with our transport to the town of Huyro at 1550 meters above sea level, where Cochapata Lodge is located amidst nature with impressive views of the forests, an ideal place for lunch and rest.
Stay overnight at the Cochapata Lodge.
After breakfast at the lodge, we will proceed with the activities programmed for today, starting with a coffee production experience (1hr 30min), at a coffee plot.
After the coffee experience, we travel by road to the Yllapany Waterfall in Chocofinca. After the hike to the falls, we visit Chocofina to enjoy a variety of dishes made with chocolate.
Stay overnight at the Cochapata Lodge.
45 minute transport takes us to the trailhead of the Inca Cárcel trailhead. The approx. 5 hour trek downhill takes you through the fascinating Inca Cárcel archaeological complex, which showcases the remnants of Incan architecture along the ancient pre-Hispanic path. Continue to the Pumachaca community for lunch before heading to the Cocalmayo hot springs.
End your trek at Eco Quechua Lodge for your overnight stay and rest.
After an early start and a hearty breakfast, we drove for approximately 30 minutes to the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail. We walk gradually upwards to a coffee farm before heading up hill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata pass. Here we come upon a distant but quite special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, one which few tourists ever glimpse.
We then begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests and more orchids and coffee plantations (2–3-hour descent). You can finish the day with a well -deserved dip at the hot springs, or simply relax in a hammock at the lodge, listening to the birds and the sound of the river.
This morning is at leisure. You can organize activities directly with the lodge or simply sit around and enjoy the peaceful environment.
After lunch (not included) we drive you towards the Hydroelectric Station, where you will take the “Expedition” train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you will be met by our representative who will give you instructions for the next couple of days and accompany you to your hotel located walking distance from the train station. Rest of your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes at your selected hotel.
Early this morning, after a short bus ride from Aguas Calientes we will find ourselves at Machu Picchu. Here we will explore the ancient ruins, learning all about the history and mysteries that this mystical and impressive place holds.
At the end of your guided tour, you will be able to further explore the site on your own – we have included a second entry to Machu Picchu – so you can access areas not covered during your tour.
Once you have recharged us with the magical energy of Machu Picchu, you can have a buffet-style lunch at Tinkuy – Belmond Sanctuary lodge, before returning by bus back to Aguas Calientes to collect your luggage and board your train back to Cuzco.
Tour Inclusions
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