we support responsible, sustainable and ethical tourism...

highlight: A different look at this lost city - go where only archaelogists have gone before and truly appreciate this wonder of the world.

description: This is a special hike which is for enthusiasts of Inca ruins, history and Machu Picchu. We visit the recently discovered ruins of Llactapata. You have the chance to see many angles of Machu Picchu, another ffamous lost city, and while doing so experience true adventure in the Peruvian Andes and high jungle. Many people rush into Machu Picchu on day trips, never allowing enough time to really appreciate this wonder of the world. On this trip you immerse yourself in the fabled city, its history, while enjoying a real adventure.

location: leaves from Cusco, the whole excursion is within the vicinity of the citadel of Machu Picchu.

duration: (4 days/ 4 nights)

level:  Tough. You should be adventurous, quite physically fit and definitely NOT have a fear of heights

top link: inca ruins discovered near machu picchu!

departs: any day with two people.

Full itinerary & Inclusions

Prices

Testimonials - what people who have done the trip say!

The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself. Henry Miller

full itinerary & inclusions

FIRST NIGHT: We depart Cusco from the Santiago Terminal at 8pm, traveling to Santa Maria, where we arrive at approximately 4 am. (Please note that you have the option of taking a day bus and staying the night in Santa Maria. There are extra costs involved).

FIRST DAY: A short time after our early morning arrival, we take a mini bus towards the district of Santa Teresa, a trip of about 3 hours. In Santa Teresa, we will have breakfast, and a rest before either hiking alongside the Salkantay River towards the village of La Playa. (You are going in reverse from what people on the Salkantay hike do!) We will climb for about 3 hours before descending to the interesting, but largely covered ruins of Llactapacta. Orginally discovered by Hiram Bingham at the same time that he discovered Machu Picchu, modern day explorers Vincent Lee and Gary Ziegler recently established that these ruins are much bigger and more important than previously thought. We camp at the ruins of Llactapacta with a view of Machu Picchu. (Our first angle of these mysterious ruins).

SECOND DAY: After breakfast we start our hike to Aguas Calientes. We descend steeply, passing the artificial waterfalls created by the Hydroelectric system. We have our boxed lunch at the Hydroelectric Plant. Here, we will visit an unrestored small Inca ruin named Intihuatana, which has an important role in the relationship between Llactapata and Machu Picchu. In the afternoon we will hike alongside the railway tracks for about two hours, during which time we will be able to look upwards and admire the ruins of Machu Picchu. We spend the night at a Hostel in Aguas Calientes.

THIRD DAY: After breakfast we take the bus up to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where we will first hike to the Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, (about one hour) for another look at this city. Later in the day we will climb the mysterious mountain of Huayna Picchu, first by visiting the exiquistely constructed Temple of the Moon, and then climbing the spine of this mountain (quite breathtaking in many ways!) before reaching the ruins on the top. This is where you get an amazing view of the lost city. You have the option to walk down from Machu Picchu, or to take the bus. (Not included). We spend the night at a Hostel in Aguas Calientes.

FOR INCLUSIONS PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY

Itinerary Notes

• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• This is an adventurous trip. You should be sure to bring an open mind, flexibility and a sense of humor. Most of all you should be prepared to go with the flow.
• If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.

prices 2008 the four angles of machu picchu

For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our page Payment & booking

ALL NEW : scans of recent trip reports. Click on the link to view the pdf. After you have viewed it, click on back to return to this page.

report 1

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - we support sustainable, responsible and ethical tourism...

366 Cuichipunco, Centro Historico, Cusco, Peru- Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.