2 Days
Daily Tour
8 people
English
Cocalmayo (Hot Springs) to Machu Picchu Travel: On this short tour, you’ll cross an incredible topographical divide; from the drier, Pacific side of the Andes to its greener western slope and the outer edges of the Amazon Basin. Passing over the icy Abra Malaga (4300masl) you’ll then begin to descend into the rainforest, known as the ceja de selva (eyebrow of the jungle).
Our destination for the first day is Santa Teresa, located at an elevation of 1550masl. Santa Teresa is home to the Hot Springs of Cocalmayo, a set of natural mountain baño termales. It’s a great place to soak and relax after the journey over the Andes.
On Day 2, you’ll take a short trek through a gorge to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) to explore the Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu. Following your exploration of Machu Picchu, there will be more than enough time to enjoy the evening in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, returning by train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
If you are interested in doing more trekking to Machu Picchu, check out our Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
This two-day tour has one full day of trekking and the following day is spent exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu. On day 1, you’ll take a train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and hike until the sun begins to set, through the sun gate. Where you’ll reach Machu Picchu Pueblo and take an evenings rest in readiness for the second day. On day 2, you’ll awake early to explore the Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu. Following your exploration of Machu Picchu, there will be more than enough time to enjoy the evening in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, returning by train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
After a 4-5hr ride from Cusco to Santa Teresa, passing the Abra Malaga, you’ll arrive at the Cocalmayo hot springs. There are 3 different pools with differing heats and cooling showers to wash down in. This afternoon you can relax in the springs and enjoy a great picnic lunch.
You’ll either overnight at the springs, by camping, so you have all afternoon and evening to enjoy the day. Or you can stay and relax in a comfortable Eco Lodge nearby the mountain jungle town of Santa Teresa.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping or Eco Quechua Un Lodge Ecológico Con Balcones Privados. (ecoquechualodge.com)
In the morning you’ll hike along some train tracks through a gorge, for around 2hrs. Stopping at Aguas Calientes. You’ll take a 25-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu ruins. (a 25-minutes ride) up to Machu Picchu (2400 m) for sunrise and to enjoy the ruins at a quieter time of day before the crowds arrive.
Your guide will lead you group tour exploration and discovery of the many corners within the enigmatic citadel. Guided tours last on average, around 2-3 hours. After the tour, you’ll still have some time to visit other parts of the ruins that you didn’t get to see with your guide. For example, heading west from the centre of Machu Picchu, the Inca bridge is a 30-minute (2 km) walk along a narrow path. If you feel like an uphill challenge, you have the option to climb the infamous mountain of Huayna Picchu. To climb this mountain, you’ll need to buy a separate permit in advance.
At the end of your visit to Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then board the train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco, depending on where you’ll be spending the night. On arriving at the final train station, we’ll have a private transport waiting to bring you to your hotel.
(Please note: if you’re taking the train to Cusco, it’s still an hours drive from the train station to the city of Cusco.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Member Since 2022
