Take this alternative route to Machu Picchu, making a visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs en route and experiencing Andean culture along the way! You'll visit local families, eating traditional Andean meals in local markets and bathe in the medicinal waters of Cocalmayo before making it to Aguas Calientes. Then spend a full day exploring the incredible ancient citadel of Machu Picchu!
Right for You?
Andean Encounters
Highlights
- View the variety of wildlife during you trip to the Andean Mountains
- Learn about the Andean lifestyle whille visiting the home of a local family
- Explore historical sites, such as the fortress of Collpani and the Temple of Wamanmarka
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the hot springs located in Colcamayo
- Explore the stunning temples of Machu Picchu
Details
6:00 AM: You will be picked up from you hotel in the Sacred Valley.
6:30-7:00 AM: You will start heading towards Urubamba, where you will eat a light Andean style breakfast in the market of small producers.
7:00-9:30 AM: You will then go on a 4 hour commute through the Andean Mountains. During the commute, you will stop at the fortress of Collpani
10:00-10:30 AM: Next, you will visit the house of an Andean family where you will learn more about the Andean lifestyle and how they have adapted to survive in their environment.
10:30-11:30 AM: After visiting the family, you will be taken to the Ancient Temple of Wamanmarka, where you will learn more Andean culture and the history of the sacred site.
12:00-2:30PM: You will arrive the hot springs located in Colcamayo and you will have a few hours to relax in the thermal baths.
2:30-3:30 PM: Senora Margarita, an indigenous local, will welcome you into her home where you will enjoy a traditional Andean lunch.
3:30-4:00 PM: You will be taken to the Hydroelectric Station, where you will then start a three hour hike to the village of Aguas Calientes.
4:00-7:00 PM: After the hike, you will go to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you will rest and eat in a restaurant of you choice.
5:40-6:20 AM: You will have a light Andean style breakfast at the local market of Aguas Calientes. After breakfast, an official bus with reserved seats will take you up to Machu Picchu.
7:00-12:30 PM: You will then have a few hours to explore the temples of Machu Picchu and learn about the history of these beautiful ruins.
12:30-2:00 PM: The bus will then take you back down to the village of Aguas Calientes, where you will have lunch in a local market.
2:00-5:00 PM: You will then be given free time to explore the village of Aguas Calientes or take a dip in the hotsprings located in the village.
5:40-7:00 PM: Lastly, you will take a train back to the Ollantaytambo station, where their private transportation will be waiting to take you bakc to your hotel
8:30 PM: Approximate arrival to your hotel
What's Included
Traveler Reviews
Your Local Host
Andean Encounters
Locally Owned Tour Operator
Explore the ruins of Machu Picchu and get to know the people of local Andean communities in Andean Encounters' tours. These tours take you off the beaten path and take you directly to Andean communities, giving you an incredibly authentic experience. Not only will you be able to visit the homes of local Andean communities, you will also have the opportunity to visit many ancient ruins, such as the Ancasmarca ruins, Incan caves, or hotsprings.
Getting There
