SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE

CUSCO TRACES
& SHORT INCA TRAIL

Walk the Path of the Incas.

Follow one of the world's most iconic trekking routes through breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and cloud forests that lead to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. This journey combines cultural discovery, physical challenge, and unforgettable moments along the sacred paths of the Inca civilization.

Highland

Small Group

Dedicated Guide

8 Days

Price: 1800 USD

Plan your Journey

Experience Profile

Adventure

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Positive Trace

Culture

Comunities

Phisical
Energy

Chill & Rest

Party & Fun

THE JOURNEY

FOLLOW THE TRACE

Ancient pathways through the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail, discover the landscapes, cultures, and communities that inspire the Traces philosophy of meaningful travel.

DAY BY DAY OVERVIEW

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco: Acclimatization and Inca Culture

Upon your morning arrival at the airport, your friendly guide will be waiting to give you a warm welcome to the capital of the Inca Empire. For us, the first connection is fundamental, so you'll have the opportunity to share a welcome lunch together, creating a space to get to know each other and discuss the exciting adventure that awaits.

In the afternoon, we'll immerse ourselves in the history and essence of Cusco with a City Tour that will allow us to understand the profound Andean worldview and the fascinating cultural transition of the region.

We'll start at Coricancha, the "Golden Temple," to grasp the Inca worldview. Then, we'll visit the Cusco Cathedral, a key point for understanding the religious transition from Andean beliefs to Catholicism.

We'll continue to the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuamán. Afterward, our transport will drop you off at a point with a spectacular panoramic view of Cusco. From there, we'll take a pleasant 20-minute stroll through the colorful streets of the popular San Blas neighborhood.

As an optional activity, coffee lovers can visit a café with impressive views to catch the sunset while learning about high jungle coffee. If you prefer, you can simply enjoy other hot beverages like delicious cacao chocolate or ancestral herbal teas, and sample some Peruvian desserts.

Day 2: Weaving Connections, Shaping Dreams, and Night in Ollantaytambo

After a nourishing breakfast in Cusco today, we'll embark on a journey that goes beyond conventional tourism, immersing ourselves in the authenticity of Andean communities with deeply rooted ancestral customs.

Our first stop will be Ccacacollo, a vibrant Andean community organized and led by entrepreneurial women. They'll welcome us with open arms, proudly showing how their collective work in ancestral textile art, passed down through generations, not only preserves a millenary tradition but also drives the development and well-being of their village. We'll witness their skill in transforming natural fibers into beautiful creations—an art that is the heart of their economy and ancestral identity.

We'll then continue to Cuyo Chico, where we'll have a timeless experience participating in pottery creation alongside local artisans. We'll mold our own clay pieces, connecting directly with an ancestral practice of profound cultural significance in the Andean world.

After sharing a lunch with authentic flavors, we'll marvel at the unique landscape of the Maras salt mines, where artisanal salt extraction sustains local families, maintaining ancestral practices. Finally, we'll explore the enigmatic Moray terraces, a testament to Inca agricultural wisdom and their deep ancestral connection with the earth.

As the day concludes, we'll head to Ollantaytambo, a picturesque, living Inca village. Here, we'll rest at our accommodation, preparing for the exciting Short Inca Trail experience that awaits us tomorrow. We'll carry with us the richness of having intimately shared the life, strength, and inspiring organization of the women of Ccacacollo, as well as the ancestral traditions of the Sacred Andean Valley—an experience that truly embodies "Traces'" philosophy of connecting travelers with local communities in a meaningful and sustainable way.

The Essence of Peru: An Ancestral Journey Between Peaks and Deep Jungle

Discover Peru in an authentic way with Traces, your guide for a journey that goes beyond the conventional.

Our philosophy is simple: we want you to immerse yourself in the living essence of the Andes, forging bonds with its communities, learning from its ancestral traditions, and exploring breathtaking landscapes.

From the sacred heights of Machu Picchu, which we will access through the iconic adventure of the Short Inca Trail, to the heart of the Andean villages, every step with us is designed to be a meaningful, sustainable, and deeply personal experience. With Traces, you don't just travel; you connect, you transform, and you leave an unforgettable mark.

Day 3: Short Inca Trail: Following Inca Footsteps to Machu Picchu

Today, the exciting trek along the final stretch of the Inca Trail awaits us. Early from Ollantaytambo, we'll take the train to Km 104. After the permit check, we'll begin our hike, ascending towards Chachabamba and then to Wiñaywayna, an archaeological gem where we'll enjoy a well-deserved box lunch.

From Wiñaywayna, we'll continue to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, for our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. The thrill of seeing this wonder is indescribable. We'll descend into Machu Picchu for a brief appreciation before taking the bus to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Here, we'll check into a comfortable hotel, ready to explore Machu Picchu in detail tomorrow.

Day 4: Magnificent Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Today is the day to fully immerse ourselves in the wonder of Machu Picchu. We'll wake up early in Aguas Calientes, have breakfast, and take the bus to ascend to the citadel, seeking the magical light of dawn.

Once at Machu Picchu, our expert guide will lead us on an exhaustive 2 to 3-hour guided tour, exploring key temples, plazas, and structures. Afterward, you'll have free time to explore on your own and take memorable photographs.

After our experience at Machu Picchu concludes, we'll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we'll take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, and private transportation will bring you back to Cusco, with your heart full of unforgettable memories.

Day 5: Free Morning and ATV Adventure

Today, after the thrilling Inca Trail experience, you'll have the morning free to rest and relax in Cusco. Enjoy a late breakfast, stroll through the city's quiet streets, or simply recharge at your own pace.

After a delicious lunch, we'll embark on an exciting ATV adventure. We'll head towards the beautiful Piuray Lagoon, a mirror-like body of water surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. During the ATV tour, we'll delve into rural roads, exploring local villages where you can observe firsthand the authentic lifestyle of Andean communities, their customs, and daily tasks, genuinely connecting with the essence of the Cusco countryside.

Upon concluding this unforgettable ATV expedition, we'll return to Cusco, ready to enjoy a well-deserved night's rest after a day full of contrasts between the tranquility of the morning and the adrenaline of the afternoon.

Day 6: Ancestral Adventure in the Heart of the Andes:
Following the Footsteps of Ausangate – 7 Lakes Adventure

Feel the call of the Andes from dawn in Cusco (5:00 AM) as we begin an expedition to Pacchanta, the gateway to an unexplored world. This 7 Lakes circuit, a hidden treasure at the threshold of the legendary Ausangate Route, invites you to delve into the living nature and culture of the Andes.

Every step of this 15 km (9.3 miles) hike will connect you with breathtaking landscapes and the ancestral energy of these sacred mountains, revered with deep respect by local communities who maintain a spiritual connection with the land. We'll witness the majesty of the Andes, where South American camelids roam freely in their natural habitat, adding a magical touch to our journey. A comforting box breakfast at dawn and a delicious box lunch with panoramic views will be your companions.

At the end of this day of exploration, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in warm natural hot springs, a gift for your adventurous muscles. Finally, you'll be welcomed into a comfortable lodge, ready to rest and dream of the landscapes your eyes have captured. This isn't just a hike; it's a deep connection with the Andean beauty that will call you back!

Day 7: A Spiritual Encounter with the Rainbow Mountain of the Andes

The dawn of the second day calls us to an ancestral awakening (4:00 AM), preparing us for a journey that transcends the visual. The path to Cusipata, winding through the heart of the Andes for approximately three hours, will offer us the opportunity to feel the pulse of this ancient land. In this community, a warm breakfast will greet us, nourishing not only the body but also the spirit for the day ahead. A short drive will bring us to the start of the hike that will lead us to the heart of the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).

Each step of the 7 km (round trip) trek will be an intimate connection with the vibrant energy of these sacred mountains, where minerals have painted a natural canvas evoking the strength and magic of the Andes. As we gaze upon this chromatic wonder, we'll feel a deep respect for the earth and its history. Lunch, shared upon our return, will be a moment of reflection before we begin the journey back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 PM. We'll carry with us not only photographs but a transcendental experience, an encounter with the very essence of the Andes.