English
Español
Português
Antisuyo Trail and Machu Picchu - 2 Days
- Duration2 Days
- DifficultyModerate
- Group sizeMax. 15
Overview
This tour combines adventure, culture, and unique Andean landscapes, allowing you to experience the essence of the Inca Empire before arriving at the magical Machu Picchu.
This tour combines adventure, culture, and unique Andean landscapes, allowing you to experience the essence of the Inca Empire before arriving at the magical Machu Picchu.
General conditions
-
Passport Mandatory: You must carry your original, physical passport used at the time of booking. It is strictly required for train boarding, hotel check-in, and entry into the Machu Picchu Citadel.
-
Luggage Restriction on Trains: Train operators enforce a strict limit of 5 kg (11 lbs) per passenger. Large luggage must remain in storage at your Cusco hotel; only bring a lightweight daypack for the 2-day trip.
-
Permits & Tickets: Machu Picchu entry tickets and train reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable once issued by government and private entities. Assigned circuit times at Machu Picchu must be strictly strictly followed.
-
Physical Fitness & Elevation: Day 1 includes a 12 km high-altitude trek reaching up to 4,700 meters. Good physical condition and a minimum of 48 hours of prior acclimation in Cusco are required.
-
Cancellation Policy: Due to non-refundable train and Machu Picchu permits, cancellation policies apply strictly. Operator fees may be partially refundable if canceled at least 7 days prior to departure, subject to non-refundable permit fees.
Itinerary
Day 1Cusco - Qori Cocha Lake - Chinchero – Águas Calientes
The adventure begins early, at 7:00 a.m., with transportation from your hotel to the impressive Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park.
From there, we’ll set out on a 4-hour hike along an authentic Inca Trail.🌿 Along the way, you’ll pass by:
Inca aqueducts and ancient water reservoirs 💧
Alpacas and llamas in their natural habitat 🦙
Small Andean communities that preserve ancient traditions 🏡
✨ Highlights of the route:
Nusta Pakana, a place of great spiritual significance
The breathtaking Condor Viewpoint 🦅
Pucamocco (4,100 m), one of the highest points of the day
The morning’s greatest treat is arriving at the mystical Lake Qori Cocha—the “Golden Lake” ✨—where we’ll take a special break for lunch with spectacular views of the five giants of the Andes:
🏔️ Apu Salkantay, Verónica, Chicón, Pitusiray, and Ausangate.In the afternoon, we’ll descend for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, taking in the landscapes of the magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Along the way, we’ll visit the impressive Sistine Chapel of Humasbamba 🎨⛪, before ending the hike in the charming village of Chinchero.🚗 Next, we’ll drive to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes 🚂.
We’ll spend the night in a cozy hotel, preparing our bodies and minds for the big day ahead: Machu Picchu 🌄.
Maximum elevation: 4,700 meters above sea level
Minimum elevation: 2,150 meters above sea level
Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers
Meals: LunchDay 2Águas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
THE BIG DAY!
Your day will begin early, filled with anticipation and excitement.
At the scheduled time, you will head to the boarding point, where the tourist bus will wind its way up the Andes Mountains toward the entrance of the legendary Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
Exploring Machu Picchu
Prepare yourself for one of the most magnificent moments of your life.
Accompanied by our expert guide, you will enjoy an immersive tour lasting approximately two and a half hours, exploring stone temples, ceremonial plazas, suspended agricultural terraces, and breathtaking viewpoints.
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 charming Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to relax, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and soak up the unique atmosphere of the town nestled at the foot of Machu Picchu.
The Train Journey – A Spectacle in Itself
At the scheduled time, head to the train station (please 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 transfer into a memorable experience.
From Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Upon arrival, your transfer will be waiting to take you back to Cusco—a journey of approximately two hours.
As you arrive at your hotel, one feeling will remain:
The certainty of having experienced a magical day at Machu Picchu—a memory that will stay with you forever. Meal: Breakfast
Activity: Visit to Machu Picchu
Train journey: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (approx. 1 hr 45 min)
Transfer: From Ollantaytambo to Cusco (approx. 2 hrs)
What's included
Included
- Pickup at your hotel
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- First-aid kit
- Professional guide (English, Portuguese, and Spanish)
- Walk around Lake Qori Cocha or Piuray
- Transportation to Chincana
- Transfer from Chinchero to Ollantaytambo
- One-way train ride (Expedition) at 4:36 PM or 7:04 PM
- Return train (Expedition) at 2:30 PM or 2:55 PM
- 1-day admission to Machu Picchu
- 1 night’s hotel stay in Aguas Calientes
- Bus to and from Machu Picchu
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Not included
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
What to bring
- Bring personal documents (passport or national ID)
- Students must bring their student ID
- Sunscreen
- 1 liter of water
- A hat for cold weather
- A hat for sunny weather
- A raincoat or poncho
- Clothing for both cold and warm weather
- A camera
- Vistadome Train, First Class: additional US$ 79
- Huayna Picchu admission: US$ 70
- Private service
- Other hotels available
- Sleeping bag (rental): US$ 20
- Hiking poles: must be covered with rubber; rental: US$ 8 for 1 pole / US$ 12 for 2 poles
Frequently asked questions
What should I do with my large luggage during this 2-day trek?
You should leave your primary luggage or large suitcases at your Cusco hotel storage, which is almost always offered as a complimentary service. You only need to carry a small daypack containing clothes for two days, toilet articles, rain gear, and personal valuables.
How difficult is the Day 1 hike along the Antisuyo Trail?
The Day 1 hike is rated as moderate to challenging. It covers approximately 12 kilometers over 6 to 7 hours of total walking, reaching elevations above 4,000 meters. Proper acclimation in Cusco, sturdy hiking boots, and trekking poles are strongly recommended.
What is included in the package for the Machu Picchu portion on Day 2?
The package includes your night 1 hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes, breakfast, round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, official entry permits, a guided tour of the citadel, and return train and bus transfers back to Cusco.
Can I choose my preferred circuit or visit Huayna Picchu during the tour?
Citadel circuits are assigned based on availability at the time of reservation. If you wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, this must be requested at the time of booking for an additional fee and is strictly subject to daily permit availability.
Reviews
Be the first to review this tour after your trip.
Read our reviews on Tripadvisor
