MACHUCOLCA TREK – HUAYLLABAMBA

• TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
• Comfortable Trekking Clothing: Bring comfortable clothing appropriate for hiking along the Inca Trail. The weather is temperate Andean with intense sun. Can be cool near the Urubamba river. Light jacket or windbreaker, comfortable trekking pants and clothing that you can adjust in layers.
• Footwear: MANDATORY trekking shoes with good grip and support. The tour includes approximately 8 hours hike along ancestral Inca paths, uneven terrain and stones. Closed, resistant and comfortable footwear that you have previously worn.
• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses and hat/cap. Solar radiation is very intense on Andean trails at 3,800 m.a.s.l. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours during the hike.
• Cash: Bring soles for additional snacks, voluntary tips for the guide and personal expenses. Lunch (box lunch) is included.
• Hydration: Reusable water bottle (minimum 2 liters). Staying well hydrated is essential during the full-day hike along the Inca Trail. Limited sales points on the route.
• Small Backpack: To carry camera, documents, water, energy snacks, sunscreen, extra jacket and cash. Light backpack of 25-30 liters is sufficient for the day.
• Camera or Phone: ESSENTIAL to photograph Machu Colca (Inca terraces and structures), the Urubamba river, the ancestral Inca Trail paths, the Llactapata viewpoint, the agricultural terraces, the native Andean vegetation (queñua, ichu, bromeliads, wild flowers) and the impressive landscapes. Bring extra battery or power bank.
• Documents: Original ID or Passport for registration to enter the Inca Trail.
• Prior Breakfast: Have a good breakfast at your hotel before departure at 07:00 am. The hike requires energy. Lunch (box lunch) is served during the route.
• Cultural Respect: You will walk along ancestral Inca Trail paths and visit sacred archaeological structures. Be respectful of historical sites, follow the guide's instructions and do not touch or take elements from Inca ruins.
• Learning Attitude: This is a historical and archaeological tour along part of the famous Inca Trail. Prepare your willingness to listen to the guide's explanations about Inca history, agricultural terraces, Inca engineering, territorial control system, Andean flora and fauna.
• Peaceful Pace: The hike is at a moderate pace with stops to rest and appreciate the landscape. Walk at your own pace and notify the guide if you need to rest. Acclimatization is important.
• Energy Snacks: Bring dried fruits, energy bars, chocolates or fruits to replenish energy during the hike. They will help you maintain energy levels during the 8 hours.
• Personal Medication: If you have any medical condition or take medications, bring them with you. If you are sensitive to altitude, you can bring preventive medication. The maximum altitude is 3,800 m.a.s.l., similar to downtown Cusco.
• Trekking Poles: Recommended for greater stability during the hike along uneven trails. They help maintain balance and reduce impact on knees. Check if you can rent them.
• Physical Condition: Although no previous trekking experience is required, make sure you have basic physical condition. The hike is approximately 8 hours of moderate duration.
• Inca Trail Experience: This tour allows you to experience part of the famous Inca Trail in a single day. Perfect for travelers with limited time who want to connect with the living history of the Inca Empire, enjoy archaeological and natural richness, and practice responsible tourism supporting local communities.

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Is previous experience or good physical condition necessary? No previous trekking experience is required, but a basic physical condition is needed to walk along Andean trails for approximately 8 hours. The difficulty level is moderate. The hike is along the beginning of the famous Inca Trail with stops to rest and appreciate the landscape.
• What does this tour include? Includes hotel pick-up in Cusco (07:00 am), private round-trip tourist transportation, bilingual professional guide specialized in Inca history and archaeology (Spanish/English), box lunch during the hike, entrance to Inca Trail paths, visit to Machu Colca (Inca terraces and structures), hike along ancestral paths following the Urubamba river, Llactapata viewpoint (optional), detailed explanation of each place and permanent assistance throughout the tour.
• What services are NOT included? Not included: breakfast (it is recommended to have breakfast at your hotel before departure), dinner (return to Cusco in the afternoon), additional beverages during the hike, voluntary tips, personal expenses or extra snacks. Lunch (box lunch) is included.
• How long does the tour last and what time does it depart? The tour lasts 1 day (approximately 8 hours). We start with hotel pick-up at 07:00 am in Cusco. We transfer to Piskacucho (km 82), start the hike along the Inca Trail visiting Machu Colca and other sites, have lunch during the route and finish in Huayllabamba, returning to Cusco in the afternoon.
• How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour? At least 1-2 days of prior acclimatization in Cusco is recommended. The maximum altitude is 3,800 m.a.s.l. (Machu Colca viewpoint), similar to downtown Cusco (3,399 m.a.s.l.). Ideal for the second or third day of your stay. This trek is excellent for acclimatization before doing other more demanding treks in the region.
• What places will we visit during the tour? You will visit: Community of Piskacucho (km 82 - starting point of the famous Inca Trail), ancestral Inca paths surrounded by impressive landscapes, Inca agricultural terraces, Machu Colca (complex of terraces and structures used as an agricultural center and Inca control point), Urubamba river that accompanies much of the route with its rushing waters, Llactapata viewpoint (optional - panoramic view of the impressive Inca site), native Andean vegetation (queñua trees, ichu, bromeliads and wild flowers), Inca structures on hilltops, and Andean village of Huayllabamba (end point). A perfect experience for travelers with limited time who want to experience part of the historic Inca Trail, combining archaeological and natural richness, with expert local guides and responsible tourism.

• IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BOOKING
• Service type: Private.
• Total duration: 1 day (approximately 8 hours).
• Departure: 07:00 AM with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Maximum altitude: 3,800 m.a.s.l. (Machu Colca viewpoint).
• Difficulty level: Moderate. Hike along ancestral Inca Trail paths.
• Documentation: Carry original ID or Passport for registration.
• Acclimatization: Ideal for the second or third day of arrival in Cusco. The maximum altitude is 3,800 m.a.s.l., similar to downtown Cusco. Excellent for acclimatization before other treks.
• Guide language: Professional bilingual in Spanish / English.
• Experience type: Historical and cultural experience. Hike along part of the famous Inca Trail from Piskacucho to Huayllabamba, following ancestral paths surrounded by impressive landscapes, agricultural terraces and archaeological ruins.
• Breakfast: NOT included. It is recommended to have breakfast before departure from your hotel.
• Lunch: INCLUDED. Box lunch during the hike.
• Restrictions: No special restrictions. Accessible for people with basic physical condition. Ability to do a moderate hike along Andean trails required.
• Weather: Temperate Andean with intense sun. Can be cool near the Urubamba river. Bring sun protection and layered clothing.
• Clothing: Comfortable trekking clothing, mandatory trekking shoes with good grip, light jacket or windbreaker, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
• Accommodation: Does NOT include accommodation. Full-day tour with return to Cusco in the afternoon.
• Dinner: NOT included. Return to Cusco with time for dinner.
• Experience: Historical, archaeological and nature tourism. Ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience part of the historic Inca Trail, lovers of archaeology, Inca history and authentic Andean landscapes.
• End: Return to downtown Cusco approximately in the afternoon.
• Main attractions: Community of Piskacucho (km 82 - starting point of the Inca Trail), ancestral Inca Trail paths, Inca agricultural terraces, Machu Colca (complex of terraces and structures used as an agricultural center and Inca control point), Urubamba river, Llactapata (optional panoramic viewpoint of the Inca site), native Andean vegetation (queñua, ichu, bromeliads, wild flowers), Andean village of Huayllabamba (end point), Inca structures on hilltops.
• Cultural interaction: Direct experience with local communities, hike along ancestral Inca Trail routes, connection with the historical legacy of the Inca Empire, observation of the harmony between Inca engineering and nature, support for sustainable tourism and local communities.

Discover Andean landscapes, Inca terraces, and traditional villages on an authentic hike that connects history, living culture, and nature in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Explore the route between Machucolca and Huayllabamba. The map shows trails, Inca terraces, and Andean villages that make up a hike steeped in history and unique landscapes.