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Alternative Inca Trail, Hike to Machu Picchu Along the Least Populated Path in Peru
Duration: 11 days
4+ Travelers: $2,440/Person
2-3 Travelers: $2,735/Person
If taking the least populated path to Peru's most popular sight sounds appealing, our Alternative Inca Trail Peru tour is the right Macchu Picchu tour for you. This less traveled route to one of civilization's most stunning achievements, the hidden city of Machu Picchu, is filled with Inca ruins. Our Peru tour takes us on a journey through the Incas' cultural traditions and engineering feats through the Sacred Valley where these ancient peoples worked and worshipped. Our Alternative Inca Trail Peru Tour also offers an opportunity to meet and mingle with the indigenous populations who today make their home in the Inca heartland. An undiscovered alternative to the much traveled classic Inca trail, this is one of Peru's most awe-inspiring treks and one of the most informative of all Peru tours. Our expert local guides will make this visit off the beaten Inca Trail an unforgettable learning experience in nature's classroom.
If you prefer a private departure over our scheduled trips, we are happy to arrange it. Please contact us regarding costs and details.
Alternative Inca Trail Hike Itinerary
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Day 1 (Thu) LIMA
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Arrive and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, city tours, museum visits or sightseeing excursions tailored to your interests may be arranged. Overnight in Lima.
View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 2 (Fri) LIMA - CUSCO
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Today we kick off our Peru tour with a morning departure flight to Cusco, colonial jewel and center of the Inca Empire. Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the airport and take you on a quick tour around the beautiful Plaza de Armas on the way to your hotel, leaving you free for the remainder of the day to relax and get used to the altitude (10,856 ft). Overnight in a charming Cusco hotel. (B)
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Day 3 (Sat) CUSCO
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The morning begins with a guided walking tour of the markets of Cusco, the colonial cathedral and the city's major Inca ruins, the Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After lunch, your unique Peru travels continue as we tour Cusco's temples and visit several nearby distinctive Inca sights, including the fortress of Sacsayhuamán with its megalithic terraces; Kenko's stone surfaces and subterranean alters, Puka Pukara that protected the royal capital from attacks, and the water temple site, Tambo Machay. An evening briefing session orients you to the upcoming hike. Overnight again in Cusco. (B)
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Day 4 (Sun) CUSCO- SACRED VALLEY
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Today's Peru ecotour consists of a day-long excursion through snowcapped mountains to the Incas' legendary Sacred Valley. Along the way, you'll pass Inca agricultural terracing on steep valley walls and the Pisac temple ruins, setting off panoramic views of jagged granite mountains. Pisac is home to one of the most important textile markets in the Andes, offering a pleasant way to get acquainted with the local culture. After lunch, you'll head to Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft), a small town with an imposing Inca fortress. Overnight at a pleasant hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B)
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Day 5 (Mon) SACRED VALLEY - RAYAN
Camp - Life on the Alternative Inca Trail
From Ollantaytambo, today's travels begin with a thirty minute drive in a private van to the village of Socma. Before starting the day’s trek, you’ll stop to visit a small school, meet the children and donate chool supplies. The trek begins with a gradual climb offering fantastic views of the valley below. After two hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the spectacular Piruchayoc waterfalls (10,745 ft) where you’ll stop to gaze at the view. Thirty minutes further along the trail are the Raccaypata ruins. Here you’ll have lunch in scenic splendor and explore the ruins before hiking a final two miles to today’s campsite, Rayan (11,795 ft). You’ll arrive in time to relax and enjoy the sun setting behind the Andes before dinner (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
5.6 miles | 6 Hours
Altitude:
Camp elevation: 11,794 ft.
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Day 6 (Tue) RAYAN - CANCHACANCHAYOK
Camp - Life on the Alternative Inca Trail
After a hearty breakfast, you'll hike a winding ascending trail to reach 13,910-ft. Charcahuylla pass, surrounded by the Vilanota mountain range with Mt. Veronica rising above the peaks. The hike to the pass is a step back in time, seeing Peruvians working in fields of potatoes and other local crops. After about an hour, you’ll come to a small straw house where you’ll stop for lunch. Continuing the descent, you’ll pass through a tiny village before dropping into a beautiful valley to reach the mountain town of Canchacanchayok and camp nearby. (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
6.8 miles | 6 Hours
Altitude:
camp elevation 12,785
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Day 7 (Wed) CANCHACANCHAYOK - QHESQA
Camp - Life on the Alternative Inca Trail
Today's trek will connect you with an ancient Inca road that gains altitude and eventually affords views of the stunning Anccascocha alpine lake. Here you'll stop for a quick energy-boosting snack before continuing the ascent to the second and final high alpine pass, 14,875-ft. Huayanay, with views of the mountains and lake. From here you’ll hike into a valley with views of the famous Mt. Salkantay, stopping to camp near a small village. You’ll have the opportunity to visit with the villagers and enjoy a traditional Peruvian lamb barbecue prepared especially for you in the ancient method called Pachamanca. Vegetarian options are available. (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
9.3 miles | 7 Hours
Altitude:
camp elevation 12,395
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Day 8 (Thu) QHESQA - QUENTE - KM 88
Camp - Life on the Alternative Inca Trail
Today, you continue along the Old Inca Trail, stopping to visit with students of the small school of Qhesqa (where gifts for the children are appreciated) before reaching your lunch destination, the Inca ruins of Paucarcancha. The next stop is the town of Huayllabamba where you’ll join the throngs of visitors on Peru’s most popular path, the classic Inca Trail. You’ll hike along the beautiful Urubamba River, stopping at the Inca ceremonial and work site, Llactapacta, with great views of elaborate Incan aqueducts. From there you’ll walk to your nearby campsite of Machu Quente for a last night of camping under the stars. (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
6.8 miles | 5 Hours
Altitude:
camp elevation 8,300 ft
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Day 9 (Fri) KM 88 - AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU
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This leg of our Peru tour begins with a short early morning walk to Km 88 to connect with the Vista Dome train. From there, experience a picturesque ride along the Urubamba River and through a magnificent cloud forest to Aguas Calientes where a bus deposits you at our ultimate destination, the sacred city of Machu Picchu (7,875 ft). Take the entire day to explore the famous ruins before returning to nearby Aguas Calientes for a late afternoon soak in the hot springs and a dinner of Peruvian cuisine. Overnight at a charming hotel.
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Day 10 (Sat) MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHEROS ARTISAN MARKET - CUSCO
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A second awe-inspiring day at Machu Picchu with opportunities to climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu for a perfect view of the entire complex spread out below like a map or walk through a lush cloud forest to the Temple of the Moon. Enjoy lunch back in Aguas Calientes before the early afternoon train takes you back to Ollantaytambo. Travel through the Sacred Valley to the Chincheros Market, a cooperative weavers’ community featuring some of the best quality textiles in Peru. Here the local weavers will introduce you to their craft and its rich history. Take time for some last minute shopping before returning to Cusco for the evening. (B)
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Day 11 (Sun) CUSCO - LIMA - RETURN HOME
In the morning, you'll be transferred to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight. This ends your Southern Exploration services. Trip extensions to other regions as well as extra days in Lima or Cusco may be arranged. (B)
View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
Itinerary Map
CONTACT US
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1.206.784.8111
2010 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Thursday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
Mar
04-14 SOLD OUT!
Apr
08-18
May
06-16
Jun
03-13 6 spaces left
Jul
06/30-07/10
Aug
07/29-08/08
Sep
08/26-09/05
Oct
09/30-10/10
Nov
11-21
Dec
09-19
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
2011 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Thursday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
Jan
12/30-01/09
Feb
03-13
Mar
03-13
Apr
07-17
May
05-15
Jun
02-12
Jul
06/29-07/09
Aug
07/28-08/07
Sep
08/25-09/04
Oct
09/29-01/09
Nov
10-20
Dec
08-18
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Professional, english-speaking local guides and camp staff
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- Meals as indicated
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- Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks while on the trek (Vegetarian option available)
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- All hotel and camping accommodations (twin shared basis)
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- All transfers in private Van
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- Entrance fees for Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and all scheduled tours and archaeological sites
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- Porters to carry camping equipment and any excess gear
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- North Face tents - three person
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- Air mattresses
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- Kitchen, dining and latrine tent
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- Hot water in the morning for washing
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- Drinking water through out the trek
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- 2 tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
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- Train Ticket back to Cusco - Vista Dome train
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services
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- First Aid and Oxygen Bottle
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- Satellite Phone Communication
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round - trip airfare to and from Peru
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- Airfare $350 (Lima / Cusco / Lima) Subject to change
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- Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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- Tips and gratuities
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- Travel insurance
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- Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
PHYSICAL RATING
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Difficult - Strenuous
PERU ACCOMMODATION
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Alternative Inca Trail Accommodation:
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6 nights hotels
4 nights camping
(North face 3 person tents for 2)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $440
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- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3% cash discount
Duration: 11 days
Today we kick off our Peru tour with a morning departure flight to Cusco, colonial jewel and center of the Inca Empire. Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the airport and take you on a quick tour around the beautiful Plaza de Armas on the way to your hotel, leaving you free for the remainder of the day to relax and get used to the altitude (10,856 ft). Overnight in a charming Cusco hotel. (B)
Today's Peru ecotour consists of a day-long excursion through snowcapped mountains to the Incas' legendary Sacred Valley. Along the way, you'll pass Inca agricultural terracing on steep valley walls and the Pisac temple ruins, setting off panoramic views of jagged granite mountains. Pisac is home to one of the most important textile markets in the Andes, offering a pleasant way to get acquainted with the local culture. After lunch, you'll head to Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft), a small town with an imposing Inca fortress. Overnight at a pleasant hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B)
