Train times: On the second day, you will take the 2:55 PM, 4:42 PM, or 6:45 PM train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and then you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cusco.
Huayna Picchu Mountain: If you are thinking of climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain, you must book this at the same time as your trek. Only 400 people can hike Huayna Picchu per day. You will climb it on your own after the tour in Machu Picchu at around 10:00 AM. The price is $25 per person.
Horses or porters: On this trek, horses are provided to carry food and camping equipment. There will be one cook, one assistant, two horsemen, and one porter who will be picking up trash on the trail. You will have a personal allowance of 7 kg for your gear. This will not be available during the day, as the horsemen will be ahead of the group.
Our guides: Most of the guides began as porters before attending Cusco University and Institute, where they learned about Inca history. They continue learning in order to be the best guides possible. They speak English fluently, along with Spanish and Quechuan, the Inca language. They are able to communicate with local people from around the area and have lots of history to share with you.
Our food: One of the highlights of the tour is the food. It is always fresh, and most of it is organic. There is always plenty to eat and a variety of options, including vegetables, meat, chicken, fish, and other types of protein and carbohydrates. Everyone sits down to eat together, and all dietary requirements are accommodated, including vegetarian options and food allergies. Alcoholic drinks are not provided on the trek, but you may bring your own if you wish.
Our equipment: 4-man tents are provided for only 2 people, along with foam mattresses for everyone. Dining equipment includes a spacious dining tent, tables and chairs, plates, and utensils. Walking sticks are not supplied, but they can be rented. An extra blanket is also brought for all hikers for especially cold nights - just ask your guide.
Please note that if you are over 1.95 meters / 6'4" tall, you will not be able to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco. In this case, it is recommended that you bring your own.
We are sustainable: Waste is always picked up along the trail. The local people are respected, encouraged to keep the land clean, and supported along with local children. One extra porter is always taken on the trail specifically to clean up bottles and plastic bags left behind by others.
We are responsible: Hikers, porters, and local people from the villages are treated with the utmost respect. Travel is done in small groups to give personalized tours to each traveler. Porters are paid good salaries and the Porter's Law is followed. All porters are provided with hiking gear such as shoes, pants, jackets, T-shirts, hats, sleeping bags, and, most importantly, health insurance.
Fitness: The trek is certainly not easy, but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important, but this is the kind of trek that anyone with a positive attitude and determination can do. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trail and the more likely you will be to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do some extra walking or another kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip.
Many people worry about whether they will be able to cope physically, but complete failure is rare and would usually only result from severe altitude sickness or a lack of even a basic level of fitness. People of all ages, from teenagers to pensioners, complete the trek, and age itself is no barrier if you are positive-minded and live an active lifestyle. Before departing for your tour, it is recommended that you visit your doctor, who will be able to provide you with more information.
Storage during the trek: During the trek, your main luggage will be stored in Cusco, and you will receive a small duffle bag at your trail briefing, which is normally set for the evening before the trek, to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. You should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water, sunscreen, and similar essentials. By Peruvian law, the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 7 kg (14 pounds). You can either store your luggage at your hotel or leave it with the team.
Booking: The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is available to depart any day of the week as long as there are two people. You still need to book in advance.
