Inca Weavers Tour
Inca Weavers Tour
-
Distance: 90 km / 56 miles
-
Duration: 5 days 4 nights
-
Departure: From Cusco
-
Destination: Machu Picchu
-
Considered: Moderate
-
Type: Adventure – Cultural – Hiking
Tour Gallery
Tour Plan
DAY 0 – CUSCO
Briefing 15:00 hrs.
DAY 1: CUSCO – PATACANCHA
Leaving your hotel, we will head north through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Ollantaytambo, where you can visit the village and ruins in the company of our guide.
We will then continue by private vehicle for about one hour to the village of Patacancha (3825 meters / 12,545 feet), a charming community of small houses built from mud brick and thatch. This is where our trek begins.
We will walk through typical inter-Andean valley scenery for approximately four hours, arriving at our campsite on the Yanaqaqa plain (3915 meters / 12,841 feet), where we will camp.
- Accommodation: Campsite (1 night).
- Meals Included: Lunch/Dinner.
DAY 2: YANAQAQA CAMPSITE – QELCANCA COMMUNITY
Leaving our campsite in the early morning, we will make a brief ascent to the next pass at 4392 meters (14,405 feet), before descending into the Qelcanca Valley, home to a rural community of llama and alpaca herders. These welcoming villagers will demonstrate their ancestral weaving techniques for peruvian textiles, and depending on the time of year, visitors are welcome to participate in farming activities.
The village school teaches its children in their native Quechua, and the residents are friendly and welcoming. On the way to the community we will pass through smallholdings where local people produce different types of Andean crops.
We will camp in the mountains beyond the village at 3916 meters (12,844 feet), with a fine view of imposing Mount Terijuay (5800 meters / 19,025 feet).
- Accommodation: Campsite (1 night).
- Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
DAY 3: HUYUNAPAMPA – COCHAYOC COMMUNITY
During the morning we will climb to beautiful Lake Yuraccocha, formed by the melt waters of Mount Terijuay.
From the lake, we will head downhill, with plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside, until we reach Lake Yanacocha, near the village of Cochayoc, where the local community is famous for its textile tradition, and where we will make our camp.
- Accommodation: Campsite (1 night).
- Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
DAY 4: COCHAYOC - OLLANTAYTAMBO - MACHU PICCHU
In the morning we will visit Cachin, whose inhabitants are famous for their weavings. Local people's houses are built in the traditional Inca style.
Around midday we will descend towards the Lares Valley, with its warm, agreeable climate, as far as the village of Lares. Located at an altitude of 3207 meters (10,521 feet), this is a typical colonial village with a church, a main plaza and narrow streets. The local thermal baths are famous throughout the Cusco region.
Leaving Lares, we will travel by road to the village of Ollantaytambo. The highest point of this road stands at 4265 meters (13,990 feet), from where we will be able to see the mountains of Sawasiray and Pitusiray, before descending into the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
In the late afternoon, participants can continue by train to Machu Picchu, overnighting in the town of Aguas Calientes, or optional to return to Cusco by road.
- Accommodation: Hotel (1 night).
- Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Known throughout the world as the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu remains intact because it was never discovered by the invading Spanish. Built some time during the 15th century, Machu Picchu is the greatest surviving achievement of the architects of the Inca state.
The site covers an area of 13 square kilometers and would have originally served as an administrative and religious center. Our guide will carefully explain the history of this unique place and escort you around its terraces, streets, temples, palaces and watercourses.
You will return to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.
- Optional Activities:
Mountain Wayna Picchu USD 75.00 per person.
Mountain Machu Picchu USD 75.00 per person.
What's Included
- Meals, unless expressly states
- Professionally guided tour
Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips to guide and driver
Travel Info
Information:
- Destination: Peru
- Style: Adventure
- Theme: Explore & Trekking
- Code: IWR
- Physical level: Moderate to difficult, very important fitness level
- Recommended Age: Min 12
- Group size: Min 2, Max 8
Additional Information
Huayna Picchu: If you are interested in climbing Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, there is an additional fee of $80 USD per person for us to buy your entrance ticket. Spaces are limited, for information about this hike, please contact us.
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes: After hiking for 4 days, some people prefer to spend the 4th night in Aguas Calientes instead of returning to Cusco right away. This can give you more time to enjoy the ruins of Machu Picchu, relax in the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, and in general not have to worry about the time. This option is also good for those who want to climb Huayna Picchu but want to have some time to rest after the hike, so you can return to Machu Picchu the next day to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain. Please contact us for more information about options and prices.
Sleeping Bags: If you would like to rent a sleeping bag from us, the price is $25 USD per person in total for this 5 days in cusco.
Trekking Poles: We recommend taking trekking poles on the hike especially when hiking downhill. If you would like to rent a pair for the whole hike, the price is $10 USD per person.
Private Tent: In our 5 day machu picchu tour we include Mountain tents that are 2-person tents. However, if you would like to reserve a private tent the price is $40 USD.
Vistadome Train: Our price includes a return train ticket in the Expedition train, however, if you would like to upgrade to the Vistadome train the price is an additional $50 USD per person.
Why would you like to choose this peru itinerary 5 days?
- This walk is a unique experience. You will visit isolated Andean villages where life has changed very little since Inca times.
- Experience the lives of communities dedicated to growing their crops and herding llamas and alpacas.
- Let’s see the villagers conserving their traditional weaving techniques, making their clothing and peruvian textiles from sheep, alpaca and llama wool.
- Do this unforgettable journey which ends in the fertile Lares Valley, where we will be able to bathe in natural thermal pools set among subtropical vegetation
Is this Trip exactly for me?
- This 5 day machu picchu tour is great for those who are short on time but still want to do some hiking before or after Machu Picchu, and also is especially good for older couples or families with children.
- Altitude sickness is most common at elevations above 6,500’/1,900m and results from the body adjusting to a decreased amount of oxygen. Symptoms can include lightheadedness, nausea, headaches, and dehydration. It is important at least two days of acclimatization in Cusco or surroundings before start this peru itinerary 5 days.
- The hike everyday is 7 or 8 hours. Please bring comfortable footwear suitable to hiking. See the ‘What to Bring’ section of the trip notes for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Q: What is the Inca Weaver's 5-Day Journey?
A: The Inca Weaver's 5-Day Journey is an immersive trekking expedition from Cusco to Machu Picchu, exploring the Lares Mountains and uncovering the ancient art of Peruvian textile weaving. The route takes you through pristine Andean highlands, showcasing stunning landscapes and Incan monuments.
Q: How difficult is the trek, and is it suitable for all fitness levels?
A: The trek is moderately challenging, involving rugged terrain and high-altitude passes. While it doesn't require expert mountaineering skills, participants should have a good level of fitness and acclimatization to handle the altitude. It's advisable to engage in physical preparation before the trek.
Q: What is the best time to embark on the Inca Weaver's Journey?
A: The ideal time for this trek is during the dry season, from April to October. These months offer stable weather conditions and clearer skies, enhancing the overall experience. However, the trek is possible year-round, with considerations for weather variations.
Q: What should I pack for the trek?
A: Pack essentials such as sturdy hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, a backpack, a hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a camera.
Q: Is there a limit to the group size for the trek?
A: To ensure a personalized experience and minimize environmental impact, group sizes are typically limited. This allows for better interaction with the guides and a more intimate connection with the surroundings. Group sizes may vary, and private tours can be arranged upon request.
Q: What is the altitude along the trek, and how can altitude sickness be prevented?
A: The trek involves high-altitude passes, with altitudes reaching over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Acclimatization days, proper hydration, and gradual ascent are built into the itinerary to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Participants are advised to consult with a healthcare professional before the journey.
Q: Can I extend my stay in Machu Picchu or Cusco after the trek?
A: Absolutely! Many participants choose to extend their stay to further explore Machu Picchu or immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Cusco. Our travel experts can assist in tailoring your itinerary to accommodate any additional requests.
