Things to do in Santa Teresa District

Day 1 of the Inca Jungle trail begins with a 6:00 AM pickup from the Cusco Main Square. Travel through Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. The adventure starts at Abra Málaga pass, offering views of Huacay Willca. After receiving biking gear, a downhill bike journey through Puna and Cloud Forest zones lasts about 3 hours (50 km), ending at Huaman Marq’a ruins. A short van ride and walk lead to Santa Maria, then to Pispitayoc village for an overnight stay in an eco-house in the forest, with dinner included. Day 2 of the Inca Jungle trail starts with a breakfast, where the guide teaches coffee roasting. The hike then follows part of the Inca Trail network, the Qhapaq Ñan, offering views of diverse birds and plantations like coca, coffee, and fruit trees. After reaching the Huancarcasa viewpoint at 1750 meters, there's a relaxing break with panoramic views. The trail then descends to Qellomayo village at 1200 meters for lunch. The final leg of the day's trek, about 2 hours, leads to the optional Cocalmayo thermal baths at 1450 meters, before arriving in Santa Teresa at 1515 meters for dinner and overnight stay. Day 3 begins with a hearty breakfast in Santa Teresa (1515m). The trek then continues for 3 hours through coffee and coca plantations, leading to Hidroeléctrica at 1900m, where lunch and a break are scheduled. Post-lunch, the journey resumes for another 3 hours along the train track, arriving in Aguas Calientes (1950m), the town near Machu Picchu. The afternoon is free for leisure. In the evening, the group gathers for dinner and discusses the upcoming climb to Machu Picchu. Day 4, the final day, starts early at 4:00 am with a hike up to Machu Picchu at 2400m, lasting about 1.5 hours. At the citadel, a 2-hour guided tour covers the most significant parts of Machu Picchu. Post-tour, there's free time for personal exploration. The journey concludes with a return to Aguas Calientes at 1950m to collect belongings, followed by a train ride to Ollantaytambo. From there, a bus takes you back to Cusco, marking the end of the service.

Start: Day 1 between 05:50 and 06:00 a. m. from your hotel in Cusco. End: Day 2 at 9:30 p.m. in the center of Cusco. Day 1: Transfer Cusco to Hidroeléctrica and Hidroeléctrica trekking to Aguas Calientes We start our "Machu Picchu by Car" at 05:50 from the main square of Cusco or your hotel. The first stop is in Ollantaytambo to have breakfast and use toilet services. Then, we continue along a curvy and poor condition road, passing through the highest point, Abra Málaga, at 4300 m altitude. We descend along a winding road, changing the landscape from cold and mountainous to warm and jungle. We return to the difficult route towards the Hydroelectric station. After lunch, we walked three hours along the train line to Aguas Calientes. Dinner with the guide, instructions and rest. Day 2: Visit to Machu Picchu, trekking Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric and transfer from Hydroelectric to Cusco We got up early to go up to the citadel by bus or walking for an hour, following stairs to the entrance. We meet the guide for the guided tour with explanations about the rediscovery by Hiram Bingham. Free time to explore. Around noon, we begin the three-hour trek from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica. We take transportation for the return land trip, stopping in Santa Teresa. End of the tour in the center of Cusco at 9:30 p.m. The road to Hidroeléctrica, with many curves and poor condition, can be challenging for some. Visit to the archaeological site: To enter Machu Picchu, you need the "Llaqta Machu Picchu" entrance. You can select one of the circuits at the time of booking, depending on availability. The entrance gives you access to one of the 4 circuits: 1. Circuit 1: Upper and lower part, platform and terrace area for 3 hours. 2. Circuit 2: Upper and lower part, routes to Inti Punku and the Puente del Inca for 4 hours. 3. Circuit 3: Lower part, includes agricultural area, Temple of the Sun, House of the Inka and Archaeological reserve for 1 hour and a half. 4. Circuit 4: Lower part, includes agricultural area, Temple of the Sun, House of the Inka, Sacred Rock and reflecting pools for 2 and a half hours. We recommend choosing circuit 2 to visit more attractions and capture classic photographs at the citadel.

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail. It is considered by many to be the best alternative route due to the natural beauty found along the trail and the lack of crowds. Because it is a more remote and rugged route, the Salkantay Trek has significantly fewer people than the Inca Trail. With breathtaking and inspiring views, this less traveled trail is invaluable. It is truly, as the Incas called it, sacred. If you are looking for an adventure in Peru, consider the “Salkantay Trek” as an option to reach Machu Picchu. Day 1: Humantay Lake We’ll pick you up at 4 a.m., and after a bit of rest in our comfortable transport, we’ll stop in Mollepata for breakfast. Then, we’ll start the hike from Challacancha to Soraypampa, where you'll settle in at our private camp. After lunch and some rest, you’ll hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake (4200 m). Back at camp, enjoy a delicious dinner with a beautiful sunset and a peaceful atmosphere. Day 2: Salkantay Pass At dawn, you'll be woken up with coca tea, and after breakfast, you'll begin the trek to Salkantay Pass (4630 m) via the challenging "Trail of the 7 Snakes." At the top, you'll enjoy stunning views of Salkantay (6271 m). After a long day, you'll reach Collpapampa (2950 m) for dinner and a restful night in the cozy DOMES. Day 3: Cocalmayo Hot Springs You’ll be woken at 6 a.m. for tea and breakfast before heading out from camp towards La Playa, walking through the Santa Teresa Valley. After lunch at camp, you can choose to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs for a relaxing soak, or simply unwind at camp. Later, enjoy tea, dinner, and a group bonfire. At night, settle into your cozy Dome, drifting off to the sounds of nature and gazing at the stars through the dome roof. Day 4: Llactapata Trek After a filling breakfast, you'll be eager to start your final day of trekking, including a section of the original Inca Trail. After a 2-hour uphill climb, you'll reach Llactapata (2700 m), an archaeological site with views of Machu Picchu. Then, you'll descend for 2 hours, catching glimpses of the citadel before stopping for lunch in Hidroeléctrica. Finally, you’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, check into your hostel, and enjoy dinner at 7:00 p.m. as you prepare for the highlight of the trip: Machu Picchu! Day 5: Machu Picchu Today, you'll finally visit Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World! After a 1.5-hour guided tour of the ancient site, you’ll have free time to explore. You can hike Huayna Picchu (2720 m) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3000 m), or visit the Sun Gate (2729 m) or Inca Bridge.

Day 1 Your adventure begins at 5:30 a.m. with a hotel pick-up in Cusco. A scenic 3.5-hour drive takes you to Malaga Pass (4,350 m / 14,271 ft), the highest point of the journey. From here, embark on an exhilarating 3-hour mountain bike descent, passing through lush forests, rivers, and small Andean villages until reaching Huamanmarca for a well-deserved lunch. For those seeking more excitement, an optional 2-hour rafting experience on Class III and IV rapids awaits, offering an adrenaline rush surrounded by stunning jungle scenery. As evening falls, continue to Santa Maria for dinner and a well-earned rest. Accommodation: Lodge in Santa Maria Day 2 After breakfast, begin a 2-hour trek through plantations of coffee, bananas, and coca. Stop at a local family home to taste regional fruits and learn about traditional farming. Continue along an ancient Inca Trail, once part of the network connecting Machu Picchu to Vilcabamba. Walk along breathtaking mountain ridges, admiring stunning views of the Huancarccasa Canyon. Descend toward Quellomayo for a relaxing lunch and a break in hammocks before continuing to the Cocalmayo hot springs. Unwind in the warm thermal waters before heading to Santa Teresa for dinner. Accommodation: Basic hotel in Santa Teresa Day 3 Start the morning with an optional ziplining experience, soaring over lush valleys. Then, travel to the Hydroelectric checkpoint, where a scenic lunch spot offers a break before the final stretch. A 3-hour trek along the train tracks follows, passing waterfalls and dense jungle, leading to Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a group dinner while your guide provides final details for the next day’s Machu Picchu visit. Accommodation: Three-star Golden Sunrise Hotel in Aguas Calientes Day 4 Rise early and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (2,430 m), reaching the site as the sun illuminates its terraces and temples. Enjoy a guided tour of its most important areas, learning about its history and significance. Afterward, explore at your own pace or opt for an optional hike to Huayna Picchu (2,720 m) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 m). These hikes require an extra ticket and must be reserved months in advance due to limited availability. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m) for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. A private van will take you back to Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable journey.

Day 1: Departure from Cusco at 4:30 in the morning to Mollepata for breakfast, and then to Challacancha to meet with the muleteers. Hike 4 hours to Soraypampa camp for lunch. After lunch, 1.5 hour hike uphill to Humantay Lake and return to camp for dinner and overnight. Day 2: Start with an early breakfast, then hike for approximately 3.5 hours to the Salkantay pass at 4615 m, which offers panoramic views of Salkantay and other peaks. After the guide's explanation, descend to Wayracpampa at 3900 m for lunch. After lunch, the route passes from Andean landscape to high jungle, culminating at Colpapampa camp at 2800 m. Day 3: Early start with a descent to Playa Sawayaco at 1900 m, hiking through the rainforest. After lunch at Playa Sawayaco and saying goodbye to the muleteers and horses, transfer to Santa Teresa at 1550 m, and continuation to the hydroelectric plant. A 3-hour hike along the train track takes you to Aguas Calientes at 1950m for the night. Day 4: Rise at 4:00 am for a 1.5 hour hike to Machu Picchu at 2400m. After check-in, enjoy a 1.5 hour guided tour of the site. Free time to explore Machu Picchu, then return to Aguas Calientes at 1950 m. Pick up luggage and take a train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to Cusco.

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa - Laguna Humantay We start with the pick up from the hotel in Cusco at 5 am and head to Mollepata for 2 hours where we will have breakfast (not included). Then we continue by van for 1 hour more to Challakancha where we will meet the horsemen and the horse that will carry all the luggage, food and the 5 kilos of belongings of each hiker. We start the trek to Soraypampa for 4 hours we arrive for our first lunch. Then in the afternoon we will visit the Humantay Lagoon with a 4 hour round trip hike, you will also have time to take pictures. After returning to camp we will have dinner and then rest at your designated campsite. Day 2: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Collpapampa Wake up at sunrise with a cup of energizing coca tea to get you going. Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before setting off on the hike to the highest point on the route, the Salkantay Pass at 4630m. Walk 7km for 3 hours. It is a difficult climb up to the "Road of the 7 Snakes", which takes its name from its winding path. Once at the top, appreciate the most magnificent view over the surrounding valleys, as well as the snow-capped Salkantay just next door (6271m), which is the second highest in the Cusco region and one of the Apus (Inca gods). This section of the trail is rocky and gravelly, and has wonderful views of the valley. After an energizing lunch, enter the edge of the Amazon rainforest, also known as the "Cloud Forest". This part is 8km long and takes approximately 3 hours. Along the way, enjoy a magical rainforest and witness how the landscape changes rapidly and dramatically from the Andes to the Amazon. See colorful landscapes, unique wildlife, and native plants. Find that the weather gets much warmer here. After your longest day of hiking, enjoy the arrival at camp at Collpapampa (2950m). Enjoy a hearty dinner before heading to camp for a deep night's sleep. Day 3: Collpapampa - Lucmabamba - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes Begin your hike to the small village of La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. Absorb this new and lush landscape during the first 5 hours of today's hike. During the hike, see rivers, wild orchids, and coffee, banana and avocado plantations. Next, you will enjoy a coffee show. After relaxing and resting some more, your transportation will take you to the Hidroelectrica train station (not included). Then, follow the train tracks surrounded by the great vegetation to Aguas Calientes. After 2 hours of walking, you will arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes. Day 4: A guas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Return by car to Cusco. After breakfast, you will climb all the stairs for an hour to the main gate of Machu Picchu to be there around 6:00 am. At Machu Picchu you will have a guided tour for 2.5 hours. You should return to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu our return will be by van to Cusco. Note: Before booking, ask which circuit is available to visit Machu Picchu and also ask the travel date of our armed group

Spend 5 days exploring glacier mountains, picturesque lakes such as Humantay and Salcantay Lake, and passes through the Amazon jungle, making this one of the most beautiful and interesting treks in all of Peru. Itinerary: • Day 1 : CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – LAGUNA HUMANTAY – QUISWARNIYOC Pick up from your hotel in Cusco around 5:00am to drive you to Soraypampa where the 2-hour walk to the Humantay lagoon begins. Once arrive at the lake, free time to visit and explore the place, then descend for 2 hours to the Quiswarniyoc camp to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, you will take a walk to the Salkantay viewpoint, from where you can appreciate the sunset. Then back to the camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night in the MOUNTAIN SKY HUT, an exclusive camp • Day 2 : QUISWARNIYOC – ABRA SALKANTAY – CHAWLLAY Wake up at 5am with a coca tea and breakfast, it is time to start hiking up to the highest point of the trek 4630 m. This will take 3 to 4 hours of uphill hiking at a regular to slow pace. After a long break, you will go down 2 hours to Wayracmachay for lunch and continue for 3 hours of downhill hiking to the camp, Chaullayto. which is located at 2,900 meters and marks the beginning of the Peruvian Amazon. • Day 3: CHAULLAY - LA PLAYA - SANTA TERESA On the third day, you will wake up around 6am in the beautiful and warm jungle, with a delicious breakfast. We’ll begin our 5-hour hike along the Santa Teresa Valley which is formed by the Salkantay River, after 5 hours of hiking we arrive at La Playa Sahuayaco. After the last walk, you will have a relaxing time in our campsite. • Day 4: SANTA TERESA – LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA - AGUAS CALIENTES This day starts with a walk to Lucmabamba where we start the 3-hour uphill hike along the original Inca trail until the Inca ruins of Llactapata and enjoy a view of Machu Picchu. Afterward, we’ll hike downhill for 2 hours, arriving in Hidroelectrical, where you will have lunch with much-earned rest. The final part of the hike is a 3-hour hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. Once you arrive in the small town, we’ll take you to your hotel where you can shower and rest before our final supper at 7:00 pm in a local restaurant. • Day 5: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO Last early wake-up, to get ready for the hike to Machu Picchu. After passing the first checkpoint, we will climb the stairs for about one hour to reach Machu Picchu’s main gate, and begin the visit in the famous Inca site, where you will learn everything about The Lost City of The Incas. Then explore Machu Picchu on your own and climb one of the mountains if you booked the extra ticket. Then you will start the long return to Cusco, by train or by car, depending on the option you have chosen (we recommand request us by Train) ------ The day before the excursion, we will meet for a briefing in our office to give you all the necessary information about organization and safety.

Discover the Inca Trail on a 4-day tour from Cusco. Cycle through the Sacred Valley, go rafting in Santa Maria, trek to Santa Teresa, and zipline in Santa Teresa. Finally, visit the legendary Machu Picchu. Day 1: Cusco - Abra Malaga - Santa Maria At the indicated time, be picked up at your hotel in Cusco and drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Pass through the village of Chinchero, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges. Continue to the village of Ollantaytambo. From there, continue to the Abra Malaga Pass, where you'll get on a bicycle to ride to the village of Santa Maria. Along the way, see the Inca site of Huamanmarca, where you'll have lunch. End the route at a centrally located two-star hostel in Santa Maria. In the afternoon, go rafting on the Blanco River. After this exciting experience, return to the hostel in Santa Maria for dinner and to spend the night. Day 2: Santa Maria - Quellomayo - Santa Teresa After breakfast at the hostel in Santa Maria, trek along the original Inca trail that used to connect Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba, considered to be the last Inca capital. During the walk of approximately 3 hours, appreciate many plantations of banana, coca, yucca, coffee, and more. Stop in the village of Quellomayo for lunch. Afterwards, continue with a 3.5-hour hike along the Vilcanota River until you reach a centrally located hotel in Santa Teresa, where you'll have dinner and spend the night. Day 3: Santa Teresa - Hidroélectrica - Aguas Calientes After breakfast at the hotel, leave Santa Teresa and drive to a 4 zip-line circuit. Afterwards, drive by road to Hidroeléctrica for lunch. After lunch, hike for 3 hours to a hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you'll have dinner and spend the night. Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Macchu Picchu - Cusco On your last day, get up very early and, from Aguas Calientes, set off on a trekking route through the jungle to Macchu Picchu. After a short breakfast on the way, take a guided tour of the archaeological site of Macchu Picchu, the legendary city of the Incas. After the visit to Macchu Picchu, start a 3-hour trekking route to Hidroeléctrica. From there, return by road to your hotel in Cusco, where you're expected to arrive at 8 pm.

Day 1: CUSCO - HOT WATERS We begin our adventure early in the morning, picking up our passengers between 6:00 and 7:00 am at their respective hotels. From Cusco, we depart to Hidroeléctrica, a journey of approximately 6 hours through the impressive landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we will make a stop in Santa Teresa, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, perfect to recharge your batteries. We continue descending towards the Santa Teresa valley, where we will finally arrive at the Hydroelectric station. From here, we begin a leisurely 2.5 hour hike (mostly flat) to Aguas Calientes, the picturesque village at the foot of Machu Picchu. If you prefer not to walk, there is the option of taking a train (not included) that will take you comfortably to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will meet your tour guide at the Plaza de Armas, who will give you the details of the next day's tour and direct you to your accommodation. Take the opportunity to relax in the local hot springs, a revitalizing experience to end the day. In the evening, we will gather for a group dinner, where you can socialize with other travelers and receive the final briefing before our next day's exploration. A well-deserved rest as you prepare for the next day of adventures. Day 2: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO The second day starts early, enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel. The idea is to arrive at Machu Picchu just as it opens, to explore with few tourists around you. There are two options to get to the main entrance of Machu Picchu: Option 1: Walking: If you decide to walk, you will start your journey at 4:00 am from Aguas Calientes. The hike, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, will take you through a challenging route, passing through almost 1700 Inca steps. The goal is to arrive before the buses, to be among the first to enter the archaeological site. Once at the base, you will arrive at the checkpoint and, after showing your ticket and passport, you will begin the final climb to Machu Picchu. Option 2: By bus: If you prefer comfort, you can take the bus, departing from Aguas Calientes at 5:30 am. The trip takes approximately 25 minutes, and upon arrival, you will enter directly to the archaeological site at 6:00 am. Once inside Machu Picchu, you will have the opportunity to enjoy incredible panoramic views and take unforgettable photographs. Then, you will have a 2-hour guided visit, where our expert will tell you the secrets of this amazing place. After the tour guide, you will have free time to explore the sanctuary at your own pace. After your free time in Machu Picchu, you will return along the same trail, walking back to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch before the train and continue your journey to Cusco.

Day 1: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Santa María (Inka Jungle) You will be picked up from the hotel at 06:30 hrs. in a private transport for a 4-hour trip through the Malaga pass to reach San Luis, the point where the adventure will begin. We will make a descent by bicycle for 3 to 4 hours until we reach Santa María. During the tour you will appreciate the archaeological center of Huamanmarca and the diversity of mountain and jungle landscapes. In the afternoon at 03:00pm you will have the opportunity to take a rafting tour on the Urubamba River, whose rapids fluctuate between level III and IV. (Optional) Night hostel in Santa María. Day 2: Santa María – Hot Springs - Santa Teresa (Inka Jungle) After early breakfast, you will begin the walk along the banks of the Urubamba River for approximately 7 to 8 hours between ascents and descents, where you will walk along part of one of the ancient Inca roads that is perfectly preserved, where you will also observe fruit and medicinal plants. which the locals use to cure their illnesses. As well as fauna, among wild animals, different types of birds such as parrots and others. Then you will cross the Urubamba River through Oroya to reach the Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa. Night of hotspotting in Santa Teresa. Day 3: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes (Inka Jungle) This day in the morning you will have the option of doing the zip line (in Cola de Mono). After breakfast, the walk to Hidroeléctrica will begin, passing through a narrow canyon where the climate is very pleasant and finally we will be able to see the mountain of Machu Picchu. Lunch will be at Hidroeléctrica, after which we will continue along the train tracks for 3 hours until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes. Hotel night in Aguas Calientes. Day 4: Machupicchu – Cusco In the morning after breakfast the walk will take place from the town to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, thus having the opportunity to be one of the first groups inside the lost city of the Incas for a beautiful sunrise. Then you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu in the most important sites such as the Inti Watana, Temple of the Condor, the sacred rock and others. At the appropriate time, you must depart from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to board the tourist train from Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo, where a tourist bus will wait to transport you to the city of Cusco.