The Inca trail (Cápac Ñan, in Quechua language) is the name of the extended road network (more than 40,000 km or 26000 miles in total) built by the Incas to connect different parts of their vast empire. This road network linked different villages and towns from the North of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The capital and core center of this incredible network was the city of Cuzco. Nowadays, many of these trails are disappeared, deteriorated or outdated. The Inca Trail to Huchuy Qosqo – Patabamba is the best alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. The stunning views, the flora and fauna, the impressive archeological remains that cross the clouded forests, the histories, legends and myths make this trail a life time adventure.
We start with a short bus ride to the community of Qorao (3450 m |11 745 ft) located in the province of Calca. Then, we take a slow rise to the ravine and little valley of Chimpu Orco, We will cross-fields of potatoes, corn, Andean beans and grains such as Kiwicha, quinoa and kañiwa (or Cañihua). We will then reach the Andean Community of Patabamba (3850m |12 631ft) where we will share a typical lunch called Pachamanca, made by the families of the community. Pachamanca is a traditional Peruvian dish based on the baking, with the aid of hot stones, of mutton, chicken or guinea pig, marinated in spices. Other Andean produce, such as potato, green lima beans or “habas” are included in the baking.
In Patabamba, members of the community and their families will be waiting to welcome us. Each passenger will find a local family who will provide food and a specially equipped room to sleep. This community is known for the quality of its textiles. In the afternoon we will go pick flowers and plants used to dye wool. In addition, we will see the process of tint and treatment of the textile and perhaps we will wear their colorful costumes.
After saying goodbye to our families, we will walk through the Sacred Valley via a natural balcony, with an average of 2000 feet above the valley, so the view is simply superb. You can see the towns of Calca, Lamay, Pisac and Colla, and the snow-capped Veronica and Sawasiray Pitusiray. The road raises slowly through the community of Sihuas, then head to the ruins of Leon Punku (4020 | 13 188ft) .
After lunch, we will begin our descent to the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco, 3650m |1197ft), the beautiful inca trail through a spectacular canyon known as Leon Punku, which has traces of three Inca bridges. Also we will observe a large number of bromeliads and typical vegetation of the region. Then at the archaeological site of Huchuyqosqo, which was once a ceremonial center, we will have time to explore and admire the magnificent views of the Sacred valley.
Near the archaeological site is the Andean community of Huchuy Qosqo, where we spend the night in a local house.
After breakfast we start to climb uphill for kilometers and we will find remains of an impressive Inca trail. The climb leads us through the impressive mountains which we will reach the highest pass through two high Andean lagoons. We will arrive at Huallata Pass 4400m. Afterwards we descend up to Tauca town, where we will enjoy an impressive view of the valley and Piuray lagoon. Lunchtime at the community. We continue our journey to Ollantaytambo. Finally, we will go to Agua Calientes by train, where we’ll spend the night.
After a good night sleep, we will travel firstly in train and secondly in bus to the mountain of Machu Picchu. The tour will be guided for 2:30 hours. We will visit the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sundial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the cemeteries.
In the afternoon, we will return to our hotel in Cusco. Machu Picchu was recently honored to become part of the New 7 Wonders of the World and is one of the top World Heritage cities on UNESCO’s prestigious list.