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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. this tour is definately recommended for the traveller with time to invest in getting to know Machu Picchu a little better.

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full itinerary & inclusions - four angles of machu picchu trek - a different look at these ruins

DAY ONE: After being picked up from your hotel at 9am, we will proceed in a private car through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, through Ollantaytambo to the Abra de Malaga, a spectacular drive over a high mountain pass going over a spectacular zig zag road. After lunch at a restaurant en route, we will descend to the high jungle town of Santa Maria. From there, we will continue on a death defying road along the narrow canyon of the Vilcanota river to the town of Santa Theresa. In Santa Theresa you have the option of either staying in a basic hostal, or camping at the hot springs of Colcamayu. (entry fees not included)

Alternative option: Biking down the Abra de Malaga, as described in the Inca Jungle Trail tour!

DAY TWO: We will take a car from Santa Theresa to Lucumbamba where we will start our 3 hour hike up to the ruins of Llacatapata. This is a steep climb, gaining about 900m in altitude. The Llactapactaruins are interesting, but largely vegetation covered. 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 descend from here to the Hydroelectric station (2 hours steep descent) and at 4.30pm take the local train from the Hydro to the town of Aguas Calientes. (You have the option to hike from the Hydroelectric alongside the railway tracks for about two-three hours, during which time we will be able to look upwards and admire the ruins of Machu Picchu, to arrive at Aguas Calientes)

Accomodation: Hostal, Aguas Calientes.

DAY THREE: 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.

Accomodation: Hostal, Aguas Calientes.

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.

For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!

• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu (127 soles)
• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
• Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08. (if you decide to camp at Colcamayo)
• Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food) provided in restaurants.
• this trip utilise porters to carry your equipment.
• Bus from Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu and return.
• Train from the Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes ($8)
• Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
• 2 nights accommodation in Aguas Calientes in one star hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hostel with breakfast included and private bathroom. If you wish to upgrade from this hotel, please check out the options listed on our Aguas Calientes accommodation page.
• Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (valued at $8)
• Bus up and down to Machu Picchu (valued at $14 US)
• Celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes village
• Box lunch final day in Machu Picchu

What is not included?

• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Entrance to the thermal springs (in Aguas Calientes)
• Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for US$5 per day) If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters
• Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of $9US per day.
• Bus down from Machu Picchu - cost $6US. We give you the option to hike if you wish.

  You should bring:
  

  • A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
  • Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
  • Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
  • Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
  • Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
  • Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
  • Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  • Sun block
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
  • Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
  • Non-disposable canteen and water for the first morning.
    We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
  • Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, altitude sickness tablets (if you are taking them) as well as blister treatments. (we only have basic bandaids etc against blister treatment).
  • Small towel or sarong
  • Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
  • Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
  • Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
  • Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
  • Binoculars (if you have them)

    optional extras We can hire the following.

  • Sleeping Bag suitable for -5 celsius ($4.00 per day)
  • Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -10 celsius. ($6.00 per day)
  • Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($1.00 per day) Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
  • Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($5.00 per day)
  • Mule - $9.00 per day Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5-10kg of their things - a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule .
  • Single supplement for tent - prices for these treks are calculated on a share basis. If you would like a tent to yourself you need to pay a single supplement - $25 for the whole trek.

prices 2009 4 day Four angles of Machu Picchu trek. For 2010 prices please email us directly.

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.

27 august 09 report 1 /27 august 09 report 2 /27 august 09 report 3 /

16 may 2009- four angles of machu picchu report 1/ report 2/ 3 september 2008 -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 2005-2010. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.