Off the Beaten Trail to Machu Picchu

5.0 (6)
3 days 2 nights
Peru
Photo Alfredo H.
5.0
Alfredo H.
Tour Provider
View Alfredo’s tours
Difficulty
Easy
Comfort
Basic
Upscale
Weight limit

This tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who have always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu. It involves a three-day journey along the Ancascocha Inca Trail, which is both a physical and spiritual journey of transformation. The trip takes you through 10 different ecosystems and includes a traverse of a 4,572 m/15,000 ft mountain. 

Along the way, you will encounter indigenous families living in picturesque hamlets and witness environmental and social initiatives that aim to preserve their culture and improve their quality of life. The tour also offers organic Andean cuisine and mountain-luxury amenities to help restore your body and mind. This is an opportunity to create your own amazing story and experience the beauty and culture of Machu Picchu in a unique way. 

The availability of all programs and schedules is subject to weather conditions. 

from
$850
per tourist for 3 days
Departing from
Cusco
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Alfredo H.
Alfredo H. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
I was born in the tiny Indigenous community of Chillipahua, far from the city of Cusco. My father, mule driver Ignacio, was and continues to be a great example for me, we both share a passion for preserving the local cultural and natural environment and creating beautiful experiences for visitors to the area. I studied tourism in the city of Cusco, mastered the English language and worked as a tour guide at several respected tourist agencies in Cusco. During the time I worked for other tour providers, I saw how the services could be more personalized and how much visitors wanted to get really close to the indigenous people and their culture, a desire that was often not met by the tours and experiences they were offered. This is what motivated me to set up my company in 2018, and since then, feedback from clients confirms that we have been consistently meeting or exceeding visitors’ expectations.

Tour highlights

Off-The-Beaten-Path
Ride the off-the-beaten-track in the highlands of the Sacred Valley
Cultural Journey
Experience Indigenous Quechua culture, fragile ecosystems, Inca ruins and Andean wildlife
Behold Vistas of Incredible Landscapes
Endless photo opportunities

Route details

Day 1
Cusco - Killarumiyuq - Yanacocha - Ancascocha

The tour begins with our team picking you up from either Cusco or Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will coordinate with you beforehand for the horse riding journey to Machu Picchu. You will be transferred from Cusco to the starting point of the ride, and after an hour, you will stop at the sacred Inca Killarumiyuc, also known as the Moonstone sanctuary. This ancient temple is dedicated to the deity of femininity and is not only a well-designed site but also includes areas for cultivation systems and the moon cult, which has become a sacred area for the Andean people.

After visiting the agricultural experimental center, you will continue to the village of Ancawasi, which is located at an altitude of 3331 meters above sea level. From there, you will drive for 25 minutes to Pumapata, where you will begin your horseback ride to Machu Picchu on a wide path north, above the west bank of the Sambor River. You will witness stunning valleys and mountains and see Yanacocha Lake before ascending for 30 minutes to reach the amazing Rainbow Mountain. Finally, you will arrive at the lunch spot in the wide valley of Quenqomayu and then ride for two hours to reach the campsite.

Riding: 5 hours

Overnight: camping

Low altitude: 3,331 meters
High altitude: 4,572 meters
Campsite altitude: 3,950 meters

1 more photo
Day 2
Ancascocha - Camicancha - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu
Day 3
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Difficulty
Easy
Minimal physical activity. Suitable for everyone regardless of fitness and age
Tour provider's comments

This tour is suitable for all types of travelers, as it does not require a high level of physical fitness. There are no strenuous activities involved, making it an perfect choice for families.

The pace would be quite slow, no gallops are expected. Please also note that some parts of the trail consist of simply hiking/walking.

Tack: Western tack
Breed: Peruvian, 12 hands tall

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Upscale
Tent
1 night
Hotel
1 night

Personal tent: USD $ 30 (Only for individual travelers)
Additional night in Aguas Calientes - From USD $60 (according to availability)

1 night
Tents

The camp will be equipped with:

  • Eureka high mountain tent, waterproof and thermal. The tent can accommodate up to 4 people. We'll use every tent for 2 people to make it more comfortable;
  • air mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, camping tables, chairs;
  • tableware;
  • bathroom tent/portable toilet;
  • first aid kit (including medication for altitude sickness, oxygen water, oxygen tank, cotton, rescue ropes, and other things);
  • 2 walkie-talkies per group.
1 night
Aguas Calientes Hotel

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Cusco
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
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Tour conditions

Included

  • horse riding lessons;
  • briefing 1 day before the trip;
  • 2 nights accommodation;
  • meals;
  • pick up from the hotel in Cusco by tourist bus;
  • train tickets in Vistadome from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes with snacks and leaving from Aguas Calientes in the afternoon;
  • bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu;
  • bus pick up from the train station in Ollantaytambo to the hotel;
  • entrances for the rides to Machu Picchu;
  • entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (in case there is no longer available when you're booking, we will include Machu Picchu Mountain instead);
  • professional tour guide fluent in English, Quechua and Spanish specializing in hiking;
  • professional chef, assistant cook and waiter;
  • muleteers to carry the equipment needed for the campsites;
  • horses to carry personal belongings from passengers up to 8 kg;
  • campsite equipment.

Extras

  • flights;
  • airport transfers (20 USD per person);
  • lunch and dinner on the last day;
  • tips and personal expenses;
  • insurance;
  • personal tent;
  • Vistadome train (50 USD per person);
  • Hiram Bingham train (380 USD per person);
  • additional night in Aguas Calientes;
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain (75 USD per person).

Group size

up to 8 tourists

Duration

3 days
2 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
  • ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount);
  • 25 L backpack to carry your things;
  • water storage: 2 to 3 liters;
  • trekking shoes;
  • hiking pants;
  • underwear sets;
  • hiking socks;
  • absorbent T-shirts;
  • sun hat and wool hat for the cold weather;
  • waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
What kind of food will be served?
Any discounts?
Some additional activities?
How safe is the ride?
Important to know:
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

5.0
Based on 6 reviews
  • CM
    C M
    5 Dec, 2023
    about provider
    Ich habe den Inkatrail gemacht und war komplett zufrieden, ich kann die Agentur nur wärmstens empfehlen. Sie haben eine starke Verbindung zur Natur und es geht darum, die Schönheit des Weges und der Natur zu erleben, anstatt einfach durchzurasen. Das Essen war auch fantastisch und sie achten auf Bio-Qualität. Ich würde jederzeit wieder hier buchen, vielen Dank für die großartige Erfahrung!
    5 Dec, 2023
  • J
    Justin
    11 Sep, 2023
    about provider
    We embarked on the Classic Inca Trail with our dear friends. Alfredo and his team were exceptional! While camping in the US usually involves oatmeal and PBandJ sandwiches, with Alfredo’s team, we savored grilled trout, salads, lomo saltado and more. The food was incredibly delicious! The entire experience was meticulously organized. Alfredo handled our tickets and permits, leaving us to simply follow his guidance while he took care of the rest. We highly recommend their services!
    11 Sep, 2023
  • M
    Michelle
    19 Jun, 2022
    about provider
    Alfredo is a fantastic guide who made our experience unforgettable. His well-planned itinerary allowed us to explore both popular and lesser-known trails, and we particularly enjoyed visiting his hometown in the mountains. He is not only kind and humorous but also surrounded by an incredible team of staff.
    19 Jun, 2022

Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Jan – 31 Dec
    Request to book
  • from
    $850
    15 – 17 Dec 3 days 2 nights
    Request to book

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