Those who are looking for an adventure like Indiana Jones should visit Llactapata, which is an important landmark on the Inca Trail, located at the confluence of the Cusichaca and Urubamba rivers in the Department of Cusco. It is an impressive ruin that is made up of the ceremonial center of Pulpituyoq, the urban sector, the agricultural area, and the cemetery. There you can also admire an immense and complex system of terraces dedicated since ancestral times to the cultivation of food at more than 2,800 meters altitude. Hiram Bingham rediscovered the ruins of the buildings of Llactapata in 1912, above Huaquina, but it was not until much later that they were properly studied and it was concluded that these buildings were a resting point on the old road to Machu Picchu. It is not only the way these ruins are decorated or their astrological alignment, which suggests a Machu Picchu connection, or the fact that they are only about four kilometers from the main headquarters, Llactapata is also linked to the route by a system of shared drainage. Llactapata by name in Quechua means "High City" shows us its incredible condition located 2.840 meters above the sea, this archaeological site is on the Inca Trail. Llactapata fulfilled religious and agricultural importance is reflected by its proximity to ceremonial resorts as important as wealth and fertile lands which were very well used were made. The strategic location indicates its importance which expressed the Inca domination. On an expedition with beautiful landscapes, we can observe from viewpoints and pass through the cloud forest seeing a variety of orchids, animals, and vegetation. The hike is not a challenge but the altitude would be a problem, so is very important to acclimatize to the weather in a few days before realizing the trek, and advice when you already are walking, if you suffer the mountain sickness, don't worry because it will pass on the road and we count with a professional staff that can help you in any situations. Bringing coca leaves is essential it can be useful like an energetic or coca tea. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the magic Inca city of Llactapata!
Day 01: Hike to Llactapata
Day 02: Hike to Machu Picchu
Crew: A Inca Trail Machu Representative in Cusco and a professional Tour Guide of the trek.
Accommodation: Hostel (1 night).
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner (Please allow USD 20 - 30 for meals not included).
Transportation: Transportation by private van, 2x train.
At 6:30 am, we pick you up from your hotel to take by private vehicle to Hidrolectrica (hydroelectric plant). During this 5 hour ride, we can observe cloud forest and mountain landscapes, for example Abra Malaga (4,550 m). When in Hidrolectrica, we get off the vehicle and start climbing to Llactapata Incan complex where we receive a guided tour. Later on, we return to Hidrolectrica and from there, we walk for 3 hours along trails until Aguas Calientes (a small town just below Machu Picchu). We overnight there in a nice hostel with a private bathroom.
Estimated trekking time: 3 hours
Max. elevation: 4, 550 m
Min. elevation: 2, 040 m
Difficulty: Easy
Today we will wake up very early to hike for 2 hours to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Once at the site, we will begin our tour of this incredible Inca citadel, where our guide will tell us about the most important sites of the Inca citadel and its history. We will follow Circuit 2 (Route 2A), which takes us through the entire Inca city and shows us the different archaeological sites and the most incredible views of the place. You also have the option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, where you can take panoramic photos with views of the Machu Picchu citadel, but this requires an additional ticket and a prior reservation. After visiting Machu Picchu, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we will return to Cusco by train and then by bus.
