Enjoy the experience with the Andean local families on the way to Machu Picchu
A fantastic combination for people who are looking living an experience of Andean, departing close from Chinchero with a weaving demonstration process, following through a mountain pass and finally reaching Huchuy Qosqo local family home stay, an ancient Inca archaeological site perched on a cliff with stunning views over the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in Villa Carmen local community we will prepare an authentic dish of the Andes Pachamanca and then continue exploring the lost city of Machu Picchu in this tour.Itinerary:
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Day1 - Cusco, Weaving demonstration - Huchuy Qosqo HomeStay
We leave Cusco at 7:00 am in a private transport that takes us to Chinchero to then follow on to Tauca, a small Andean community to learn about the dyeing and weaving process, here we will see how the local women use the natural plants, roots, seeds, leaves and insects to dye the alpaca wool, there you can choose to do a weaving lesson to learn the basic structure of weaving. After we will continue with our trek to Huchuy Qosqo; we start hiking uphill amidst beautiful mountain scenery with the presence of llamas, alpacas and lovely views of the Piuray Lagoon until we reach the only mountain pass of this program at (4500m/14760ft) around two hours. We then start descending along a restored Inca Trail for an approximated 1h towards the small Andean community of Pucamarca (4010m/13153ft). From there, we walk downhill towards the Leon Punku ravine, where we find remains of an Inca bridge and trail. This canyon boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river to Huchuy Qosqo at (3600m/11808ft), here we will meet with a local family for our homestay. After lunch, they will take you to a deep cultural encounter with daily life issues. Depending on the season they might be farming, herding, and farming guinea pig- Accommodation: Overnight in local family house
- Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner in local family house
- Difficulty / Physical Activity: Moderate - Challenging - 3-4 hours of challenging physical activity today
- Highest point: 4500m/14760 ft
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Day2 - Day 2 – Huchuy Qosqo – Andean dish (Pachamanca) preparation - Train to Machu Picchu
In the morning enjoy your breakfast with the family; we will leave the family house at 8:00am to continue with the guided tour of Huchuy Qosqo Inca site. It’s an Inca archaeological complex with imposing architecture that includes a large open ceremonial center, from which we enjoy a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the snowcapped mountains around, after one and half hours downhill with a stunning view of the Sacred Valley we will reach the authentic village of Villa Carmen Community in the Sacred Valley, upon arrival and, you will have an affectionate welcome by the members of the community with colorful native clothes and Andean music. Then we will start the preparation of this experience flavors of the Andes known as Pachamanca. It is a way of preparing food that consists of digging a hole in the ground, placing some stones in it, previously heated with firewood. Then, put various types of ingredients on top such as potatoes, cassava, sweet potato, corn, cheese, broad beans, chicken meat, vegetables and other ingredients. After sharing this organic lunch with the locals, our private transport will be waiting for us, to take us to Ollantaytambo from where we catch the train to Aguas Calientes.- Hotel: In Aguas Calientes - Flowers House or similar
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Difficulty / Physical Activity: Easy 2-3 hours Hiking physical activity today
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Day3 - Machu Picchu Tour – Back to Cusco
Excursion to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, short ride (25 minutes) up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, and you will participate in a guided tour, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the most important preserved Intihuatana, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows. Optional climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain; from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more, amazing being high and distant (not included in the price): In the afternoon you will take the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival reception and transfer to your Hotel- Meals Included: Breakfast in the Hotel
Whats included
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- 01 night in Huchuy Qosqo community (homestay)
- 01 Hotel Night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
- Entry Ticket to Huchuy Qosqo inca site
- Entry Tickets for Machu Picchu
- Pre-departure briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure
- Private transportation from Cusco to Chinchero Taucca community (head of the trek)
- English speaking Professional Guide
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food)
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- 2 bus tickets (up and down from Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes)
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Expedition Train)
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition Train)
- Private transfer from the Train Station to your Cusco hotel
Not included
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- Hotel accommodations in Cusco
- Travel Insurance (obligatory)
- Domestic flights
- Alcoholic beverages or bottled water
- Laundry
- meals which are not mentioned
- Entrance fee to Wayna Picchu Mountain
- Tips