This unique trekking to Machu Picchu includes support for a project of a local community and an impressive road full of culture and nature. Make this non-crowded 10-days journey passing through valleys, passes above 4,500 masl between high snowcapped mountains and jungle visiting local communities that will host you in their homes during your tour and show you their customs. At the community of Choquechaca you will help to build a greenhouse that will allow the community to grow fruits and vegetables in order to solve the problems of malnutrition of their children. Finally, to finish this great trip, you will reach the lost city of the Incas from its back door.
Here is a brief description of the trip
Day 1. You will be picked up at the airport of Cusco by our fantastic guides and you stay in a comfortable hostel where you meet your team.
Day 2. Free day in Ollantaytambo! Perfect for acclimatization, having a rest and exploring this stunning Inca village, the only one still inhabited till today.
Day 3. We leave early in the morning from Ollantaytambo to Choquechaca. We first pass by Pumamarca to explore this archaeological site and then continue walking along the valley to the community of Choquechaca, which is situated in the middle of a forest of native trees. Today we also visit the terraces of Muscapuquio and the waterfall of Pacchavado.
Day 4 and 5. The challenge of these days is to work together with the community members of Choquechaca in the construction of greenhouses for the community that will allow them to plant a much wider variety of crops which could normally not be cultivated in the climate of this altitude.
Day 6. We hike from Choquechaca to the valley of Patacancha crossing the pass of Alancoma. We have lunch enjoying a great view of the snowcapped mountain, afterwards climb a short path crossing the Tastayoc pass and then descend to our camp.
Day 7. We hike from the Patacancha valley to Santa Teresa through the Abra Malaga. At the community of Tastayoc our van picks us up to cross the mountain pass. From here you can bike down to the town of Santa Maria. In Santa Teresa an organic lunch and the hot springs of Cocalmayo where we can regain energy are waiting for us.
Day 8. From the coffee fields of Santa Teresa, where the producers show us the production process, we take the path to the hydroelectric station where we follow the rails and cross the river to reach the village of Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.
Day 9. Machu Picchu! The main reason for the trip. A private tour takes us to explore the lost city of the Incas and one of its mountains with spectacular views. In the afternoon we return to Aguas Calientes in order to take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
Day 10 and 11. Free day in Cusco to explore the city before returning home with a backpack full of experiences you will never forget.
Do not miss this opportunity to enjoy a great trip that combines nature, culture, adventure and volunteer work to support a nice community in improving their quality of life. Are you ready for the trip? Do you want to know more about the program? Write us: english @ responsibletravelperu.com.
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