Short Inca Trail & Yanacocha Lake 4 Days
CREATING AUTHENTIC TOURS IN PERU
Explore the Short Inca Trail & Yanacocha Lake in Peru
CREATING AUTHENTIC TOURS IN PERUExplore the Short Inca Trail & Yanacocha Lake in Peru
Trip OverviewTrip Overview
The Short Inca Trail & Yanacocha Lake is located in the mountains of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it is a beautiful lagoon whose waters are black surrounded by wonderful natural landscapes full of flora and fauna, this new walking route in Cusco is not very frequented by many tourists for this reason you can still feel tranquility, peace and excitement during the walk.
From the beginning, the walk to the Yanacocha Lake will surprise you with beautiful landscapes and picturesque paths, in addition you can see a beautiful forest of Chachacomos and Queuñas that stand out for their size and age. The flora and fauna stand out in the Yanacocha lake walk, we will also find a natural viewpoint of the entire sacred valley of the Incas and at the end of the walk the beautiful Yanacocha lagoon whose meaning is Black Lake (Yana = Black – Cocha = Lake). The landscape around the lagoon is beautiful, it is surrounded by a queuñas forest and located between large mountains that belong to the Andes mountain range specifically to the Vilcanota mountain range.
After exploring the majestic Andes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, we embark on a tourist train, until the start of the short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, where you will witness a splendid cloud forest that in its lush trees hide the most palaces. beautiful places of the Incas, and as a reward you will have a fabulous view of the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu from the Puerta del Sol. The last day you will go through all the attractions of the fabulous Machu Picchu, which is currently one of the seven modern wonders of the world.
INCLUDEDINCLUDED
INCLUDED IN THE SHORT INCA TRAIL & YANACOCHA LAKE 4 DAYS:
- Private Transportation:
Day 1: Cusco - Huayoccari
Day 2: Yucay - Ollantaytambo
Day 4: Ollantaytambo - Cusco
- English tour guide
- Expert Mountain cook
- Porters for the camping equipment
- Camping equipment (tents, mats, dining tent, tables and chairs)
- 03 lunches, 04 breakfast, 03 dinners
- First aid kit
- Entrance to Short Inca Trail and Machupicchu
- Train tickets Ollantaytambo - Machupicchu - Ollantaytambo
- 01 night hotel in aguas calientes town
- 01 night hotel in Ollantaytambo
- Bus Aguas calientes - Machupicchu one way
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bag (you can rent in cusco)
- Trekking poles( you can rent in cusco)
- Extra porter for your personal stuff
- Extra drinks
- Bus of descent of Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes
Trip HighlightsTrip Highlights
- Marvel at the famous town of Pisac in the Sacred Valley, visit the typical ovens and the flavors of fresh bread.
- Visit Urco, with its huge agricultural platforms and water worship temples that are currently the subject of ceremonies.
- The perfect route for those who like bird watching, and enjoy the nature of the Andes of Peru.
- Enjoy the nights in the middle of mountains and jungle eyebrow.
- Let yourself be enchanted by the streets, crafts and settlers of Ollantaytambo and delight yourself with gastronomy.
- Explore the fabulous short Inca trail to Machu Picchu, travel Inca trails within the cloud forest, and meet the orchids of the Machu Picchu National Park.
- Visit the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu twice, the first time from the viewpoint of the Puerta del Sol. And the second on the last day with your local guide, an expert in the history of the Incas.
ActivitiesActivities
This trip is an alternative road to Machu Picchu, which runs through high Andean landscape inhabited by Quechua peoples. The degree of difficulty is moderate, so it is suggested to have a daily sport activity before the trek to be able to cross the different stretches between ascending and descending stairways, walk through its fascinating nature, reaching elevations of up to 4,450 meters above sea level, visit colorful villages and its inhabitants, learn about the customs and history detailed by the private guide, during the night comfortable camps await you for a good rest. The average temperature is 11ºC. During the day, the heat can reach 21ºC. At night, temperatures can reach 1ºC.
The presence of Andean camelids such as alpacas, llamas and vicunas, abound in their natural habitat, in our adventure we will find mountains, many snow-capped mountains, rivers, lagoons, valleys, canyons. The geography is filled with green forests and mountains. You will surely have many unforgettable views to admire, photograph and film. Walk the path of the Inca Trail furrowing different landscapes. Observe beautiful orchids, Inca archeology at its best until you reach the wonder of the world Machu Picchu.
AccommodationsAccommodations
Trekking Tent: 1 night
On this route the first day you will spend the night in a comfortable trekking tent, with a foam mat. Tonight you will spend surrounded by forests and mountains. Lunch, dinner and breakfast buffet will also be provided in our dining tent. You will also be provided with a Tent with a portable toilet.
TIKAWASI VALLEY OLLANTAYTAMBO: 1 night
Just 164 feet from Ollantaymbo's main square, Tikawasi Valley - Ollantaytambo offers comfortable rooms with garden views, free Wi-Fi and original Inca walls in some of them. 70 meters from the train station to Machu Picchu.
Rooms at the Tikawasi Valley - Ollantaytambo include a private bathroom with a shower and 24-hour hot water.A breakfast with fruit, ham, cheese and bread is served daily.
RETAMA MACHU PICCHU: 1 night
The Hotel Hotel Retama Machupicchu is located, 700 meters from the hot springs of Machu Picchu, it is the most beautiful and quiet area of the town, in the Wiñaywayna Park located three blocks from the Peru Rail station, overlooking the river and the moutains; It offers free WiFi and a tour desk. The accommodation offers luggage storage and a currency exchange service. Room service, 45-inch plasma AOC TV, 24-hour hot water, Hair dryer, Towels for thermal baths, Buffet breakfast.
ItineraryItinerary
- Sacred Valley - Taray,Viewpoint of the Sacred Valley
- Sacred Valley - Unu Urqo Ruins, Archeological site
- Sacred Valley - Inkarry Museum, Get to know the ancient cultures of Peru
- Sacred Valley - Village of Huayoccari, Photo stop viewpoint
- Yanacocha Lake - Walk with your local guide, with whom you will explore the mountain forests.
- Lunch, Dinner
PACKING LISTPACKING LIST
PACKING LIST FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU & YANACOCHA LAKE 4 DAYS
When packing for your short inca trail + yanacocha lake, you should keep in mind that it is best to dress in layers due to the weather variation. The variety of clothes that you must pack to dress in layers is key to your walk, from the morning when it is quite cold until mid afternoon when the temperatures rise and reach their peak and then freeze again at night.
Stratification is also useful as you ascend high passages that are exposed to winds or descend into shady valleys.
Effective stratification only works if each layer allows moisture to pass and escape into the external environment. In fact, the best layered clothing, such as wool, promotes moisture transfer through its absorbent properties. Cotton and denim absorb moisture and, therefore, should be avoided.
warm jackets
Hydration bladder
wool socks
camera
scarf
first aid kit
hiking shoes
Dry bags
Trekking Poles
sun cream
Snack
sun hat
bathing suite
rain coat
Sandals
insect repellent
Passport
Down Jackets
toilet paper
daypack
Wool cap
head lamp
gloves
sun glasses
cap
extra cash
Trekking pantsFAQFAQ
SHORT INCA TRAIL & YANACOCHA LAKE FAQS
The 2 day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is the most famous trek of South America. Experts have described it as one of the 5 best treks around the world.
2 Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is as incredible as any other hike since it has everything to amaze you. For example, the lush landscapes, the unique flora, and fauna will leave you breathless. Majestic monuments that hide Inca mysteries, stunning landscapes surrounded by mountain ranges from where you can observe the Wiñay Huayna. There are plenty of things that you will appreciate in a 10 km or 6,3 miles hike.
The icing on the cake comes at the end of the hike when you visit Machu Picchu, the Mysterious “Lost city of the Incas” and Wonder of the world. There is no doubt that the 2 day Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a wonderful hike, not complex but full of unique adventures you will treasure forever.
The main starting point of the 2 Day Inca Trail Network for the conventional journey of 2 days and 1 night. It is located at the Chachabamba checkpoint km 104, Machu Picchu district, Urubamba province, Cusco region.
The Inca Trail, Inca Trail or Capaq Ñan, is one of the most classic treks in the world. It was built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti to connect Cusco, capital of the Inca empire or Tawantinsuyo with the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. Hiram Bingham, archaeologist and Yale professor who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, was also the one who discovered the Inca Trail, as well as all the archaeological sites along its length. This route opened for trekking in 1970, by the Peruvian archaeologist Victor Ángles.
Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the world arrive in Peru to travel this famous road.
ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATIONESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION
ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip InformationBest Season to TravelBest Season to Travel
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and November, when the weather is dry and bright, with more frequent rainfall occurring between November and April.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
DecemberPRICE & AVAILABILITYPRICE & AVAILABILITY
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
To book this tour, a minimum of $ 500 USD per person is required, the remaining balance will be paid upon arrival in Peru, at the Cusco office.
Any other additional information, please coordinate with your travel agent.
Choose your preferred departure date to proceed.
What to expect from our
Treks in Peru
Nothing gets you closer to a country than walking through it, and we’ve got trips to suit walkers of all levels and interests.
How fit do I need to be?
All our Walking trips are graded from ‘Easy’ through to ‘Challenging to Tough’. On our online trip itineraries you’ll find a chart showing the daily walk distances, timings and information on the route including the terrain, altitude. Generally, no specific training is needed but you might feel more comfortable if you’ve got out walking a few times in the lead-up to your trip.
What will the group be like?
As with all our trips, every group is different but the ‘average’ group consists of roughly half couples and half solo travellers - all sharing a passion for exploring the world on foot. You’ll always have someone to keep you company along the route, but you don’t always have to walk together. Wherever possible your Andean Great Treks leader will allow everyone to walk at their own pace, regrouping regularly along the route.
Will I need to walk every day?
Mostly of our hikes in the mountains in Peru and Cusco like the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Ausangate Trek, Lares Trek, Ancascocha Trek, Salkantay Trek , involves an average of walking hours of 7-8 hours per day, this timing includes stops for taking photos, lunch, breaks for recovery the energy, and the most important we adapt to your walking pace. This relaxed style of trip involves to know all the attractions in greater depth.
What about the logistics?
On nearly all our Walking trips, porters or mules will carry all the camping equimpent, so your main luggage will be transported for you. We recommend walk with a light rucksack, you will carry water, snacks, a camera, a small first aid kit and any extra clothing or sun protection. On more remote or challenging treks, additional guides are there to assist the leader tour guide and provide support to the group.
ANDEAN TREKS FAQS
HOW MANY DAYS OF ACCLIMATIZATION DO YOU RECOMMEND BEFORE STARTING A PROGRAM?
The acclimatization period is very important for our travelers to enjoy the experience. We suggest a minimum of 3 or 4 days of the previous stay in Cusco city, the Sacred Valley of the Incas or Machu Picchu. We recommend you check the acclimation programs we have prepared for you on our website.
WHAT ARE THE ALTITUDES IN THE CAMPING SITES ?
The average height of our camps in the trekking circuits is 3,500 masl. In fact, one of the circuits where you sleep at the highest altitude is the Ausangate Trek, where you will have days to set up the tents at a height of 4,300 meters. Remember that Peru has snowy peaks that reach up to 6,700 masl.
HOW CAN ALTITUDE AFFECT ME?
From 3,000 meters above sea level, the symptoms of "altitude sickness" vary according to each person, and may even not occur. However, among the most common are a headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite and insomnia. Therefore, upon arriving in the city of Cusco, located at 3,400 meters above sea level, we recommend our travelers to take a good rest, drink plenty of water, eat light meals and take slower walking. Also, it is necessary to avoid alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. The symptoms can be alleviated with high mountain medicines such as DIAMOX or similar products, but we suggest you consult with your doctor before the trip.
DO I HAVE TO CARRY MY OWN LUGGAGE?
While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a daypack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories you might need on the trail.) Horses and llamas will carry your duffle bag to the next camping site.
WHAT ARE THE SECURITY MEASURES IN THE TRAIL?
The company makes the greatest efforts to provide a safe and unforgettable experience, for this reason, the trekking guides are constantly communicated with the central office through satellite phones, ensuring the welfare of each passenger. Our guides are trained in rescue techniques and first aid in emergency outdoor, these courses are developed annually and have the standards of the wilderness first respond. At all times we have oxygen and first aid equipment. In case of any eventuality a medical director will answer our questions 24 hours a day. In addition to the animals who carry the luggage we have horses to help walkers tired or eager to ride. We recommend getting a travel insurance.
ANDEAN GREAT TREKS TOURS DIFFERENCE
UNRIVALLED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Every Andean Great Treks holiday has been thoughtfully planned and crafted by our specialists. They draw on their own extensive travel experience and the guidance and expertise of our local partners to create superb holidays. Our specialists are committed to making every aspect smooth and enjoyable; they genuinely want to ensure that the holidays they create leave you with wonderful lasting memories.
AMAZING TOURS & AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Every Andean Great Treks traveller is accompanied by an experienced tour guide, you will be immersed in Historic cities, ancient ruins and unfamiliar landscapes are all brought to life by our carefully selected local guides. They want to share their expertise and help you make your own discoveries too; their sole mission is to ensure you enjoy every moment.
FLEXIBILITY & CHOICE
Giving you the freedom to make your holiday even more memorable. We know how much our customers look forward to their holiday and we pride ourselves on the choice and flexibility that we offer to enhance every aspect of your experience. Whether it’s getting to the airport, upgrading your room or booking an additional excursion, we can help.
GUIDED BY THE LOCAL GUIDES, TRUE EXPERTS!
Our guides are the stars of the show; it is their unrivalled knowledge, passion and expertise that will transform your tour experience from good to truly extraordinary!
Because the have grown up in the area and know it like the back of their hand, so they can help you experience whichever aspects most interest you. They’re passionate about sharing their corner of the world with you, and as you explore together, they’ll open your eyes to the intricate details, provide background to enhance your understanding of what you’re seeing, and share stories that will bring everything to life.
ALL OF OUR NATIONAL TOUR GUIDES...
- Have at least five years guiding experience
- Are fluent in English
- Are born and raised in Cusco, Lima, Manu Jungle, Puno
- Go through rigorous and ongoing training programmes
- Are at your service 24 hours a day
OUR TRAVELS SHAPE YOURS
“Your inspiration for a trip can be a single word or a highly evolved outline, but it's the conversations we have that help us understand the experience you're looking for. Meanwhile, I'm looking back on the time I spent at the destination.
‘The great thing about working with a specialist at Andean Great Treks is how they take your complete jumble of ideas and turn them into something absolutely spectacular.’
As you begin to share your ideas with your specialist, it will connect them immediately back to a time in their own travels. Conjuring a picture of the rest time they made that same discovery, reminding them how it felt.
Your specialist understands that, when the journey is right, it has the power to excite your emotions in the most profound ways after all, that was the effect on them.
They carry a treasure box of moments, captured over many journeys, into every suggestion they’ll share with you, as they ask you how you want to feel on your trip.
MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES, REAL CONNECTIONS
EXPERIENCES THAT CALL TO YOU
It’s what you do in a destination that helps bring it to life. It’s why we strive to choose experiences that help you connect to a place, absorbing a little of its complex character. Wherever your passions lie, we’ll recommend experiences that speak to you, and we’ll recommend the guide or local expert who’s most qualified to help you explore. Packing your holiday full of special experiences means some early starts and long days, but you can be sure that you’ll return home with many incredible memories! Read our Tours and check the Physical Ratings to see if the pace and activity levels are right for you.
STAYS WITH DIFFERENCE
We know that where you stay is a cherished part of your travels. So, we go to great lengths to find places to stay that exceed expectations, or go above and beyond the ordinary, whether in their character, hospitality, or location. Over the years, we’ve discovered the very best properties, trying and testing them, so we can choose the right one for you. We’ve nourished long-standing relationships with these establishments and the people who founded them, and we’ve stayed there many times often, we’ll even know which rooms have the best views (and reserve them for you).
TRAVELLING THE RIGHT WAY
Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.
Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.
The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.
Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.
Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.
The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.
WE EXPLORE WITHOUT AFFECTING THE ECOSYSTEM
We want travel to change us, and not the World
‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.
We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.
We want travel to change us, and not the World
‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.
We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.
DISCOVER MORE SIMILAR TOURS: SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU & YANACOCHA LAKE 4 DAYS
Huayhuash Trekking in Huaraz 8 Days
The 8-day Huayhuash Trek is the ultimate high-altitude challenge for adventure seekers, taking you on a legendary circuit through Peru's most dramatic mountain range. Over the course of the week, you'll conquer punishing passes that soar above 4,800 meters, earning unparalleled views of jagged, snow-dusted peaks like Yerupajá and the infamous Siula Grande.
SANTA CRUZ TREK IN HUARAZ 4 DAYS
The Santa Cruz Trek takes you through three of the most breathtaking canyons in Huascarán National Park: Llanganuco, Huaripampa, and Santa Cruz. Over four unforgettable days, you'll explore the heart of the majestic Cordillera Blanca. Surrounded by lush forests and exotic Andean flora, you'll cross crystal-clear rivers and idyllic lagoons, with panoramic views that will leave you speechless.
VILCABAMBA TREK TO MACHU PICCHU + CHOQUEQUIRAO 8 DAYS
Explore the Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu in 8 days. This hike follows the original Inca trails that begin at the archaeological center of Choquequirao, visiting grand Inca ruins, mountains, canyons, and cloud forests filled with wildflowers.
