Llama Trek to Machu Picchu: Andean Eco Retreat

5.0 (6)
4 days 3 nights
Peru
Photo Alfredo H.
5.0
Alfredo H.
Tour Provider
View Alfredo’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic
Midscale
Group size
2-8 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

Set out on a high-altitude trekking retreat in the Andes, designed for travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature, culture, and a more mindful way of exploring remote landscapes. The experience blends physical challenge with immersion into traditional Andean life, accompanied throughout by llamas that play a central role in the journey.

The route takes place through remote regions of the Peruvian Andes, including high mountain passes, valleys, and local communities, with highlights such as Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, and Ancascocha Lagoon. These locations offer breathtaking panoramic views, access to less crowded trails, and the chance to experience untouched natural scenery while discovering authentic Quechua culture and traditional ways of life.

The journey unfolds over several days of trekking, with llamas accompanying the group and carrying gear in a traditional, eco-friendly way with minimal environmental impact. The trail gradually descends through cloud forest and villages toward Aguas Calientes, ending with an early visit to Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.

from
$900
per tourist for 4 days
Departing from
Provincia del Cusco, Cusco
This tour is booked individually on request
Any dates between 1 Jan and 31 Dec are available. Сlick to book or contact tour provider.
Number of individuals
2-8 tourists, over 18 y.o.
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Photo Alfredo H.
Alfredo H. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English

I was born in the tiny Indigenous community of Chillipahua, far from the city of Cusco. My father, mule driver Ignacio, was and continues to be a great example for me, we both share a passion for preserving the local cultural and natural environment and creating beautiful experiences for visitors to the area.

I studied tourism in the city of Cusco, mastered the English language and worked as a tour guide at several respected tourist agencies in Cusco. During the time I worked for other tour providers, I saw how the services could be more personalized and how much visitors wanted to get really close to the indigenous people and their culture, a desire that was often not met by the tours and experiences they were offered. This is what motivated me to set up my company in 2018, and since then, feedback from clients confirms that we have been consistently meeting or exceeding visitors’ expectations.

Tour highlights

Llama in mountains
Llamas as Eco-Friendly Travel Companions
Travel alongside llamas that carry all essential gear, following an ancient and sustainable Inca-inspired method with minimal environmental impact
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Finale Experience
Conclude the journey with an early guided visit to Machu Picchu, exploring the iconic Inca citadel before returning to Cusco
Rainbow Mountain Peru
High-Altitude Trekking Retreat Experience
Embark on a multi-day retreat through the Peruvian Andes, combining challenging trekking with deep immersion in remote mountain landscapes

Route details

Day 1
High Andean Ascent to Kinsa Cruz

The journey begins early in the morning with a transfer from Cusco or Urubamba to the trailhead near Yanacocha Lagoon at 4,572 m (15,000 ft). Upon arrival, the mule team joins the group, and the trek starts with a gentle climb followed by a short descent into the high Andean landscape.

Surrounded by vast, untouched mountains inhabited by llamas, alpacas, and condors, the route quickly immerses you in the raw beauty of the highlands. A first break for lunch is at Amarupata at 4,400 m (14,437 ft), featuring organic products from a family farm and views of Mount Moyuc in the distance.

After lunch, the trail continues with a steady uphill section of about 30 minutes leading to Kinsa Cruz Pass at 4,700 m (15,748 ft), where wide panoramic views of eroded peaks and high-altitude valleys open up. The final stretch of approximately 1.5 hours brings the group to the first campsite, where dinner is served and the night is spent in the mountains.

Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours

Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.84 miles

Lowest Altitude: 4,350 masl / 14,272 ft

Highest Altitude: 4,700 masl / 15,748 ft

Llamas
Hiking in Peru
Llama in mountains
Day 2
Andean Passes and Ancascocha Lagoon
Day 3
Sacred Lagoon Descent and Journey to Aguas Calientes
Day 4
Sunrise Visit to Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Midscale
Tent
2 nights
Hotel
1 night
2 nights
Campsite
1 night
Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Provincia del Cusco, Cusco
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips

Conditions

Included

Briefing & Transfers

  • Hotel briefing session
  • Cusco or Sacred Valley pickup
  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Private trekking transport van
  • Station-to-hotel transfer

Machu Picchu Transport & Access

  • Machu Picchu bus transfer
  • Expedition train Aguas Calientes
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket

Trekking Support Team

  • English-speaking professional guide
  • Indigenous trekking porters
  • Professional mountain chef team
  • Trekking kitchen staff support
  • All camping logistics support

Llama & Gear Transport

  • Llama pack transport service

Camping Equipment

  • High mountain camping tents
  • Sleeping bags and blankets
  • Inflatable sleeping mats
  • Dining and kitchen tents
  • Camping tables and chairs
  • Complete dishware set
  • Biodegradable waste bags

Safety & Communication

  • First aid and oxygen kit
  • Emergency radio communication

Accommodation

  • Campsite accommodation (2 nights)
  • Hotel accommodation (1 night)

Meals & Services

  • Organic meals during trek
  • Device charging service
Extras
  • Hotels in Cusco
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance
  • Sleeping bags for rent: $25.00
  • Hiking Poles for rent: $20.00
  • Personal tent: $30.00 (Only for solo travelers)
  • Additional night in Aguas Calientes: From $60,00
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75,00 per person (Please request at the time of booking)
  • Vistadome Train: $50,00 per person
  • Hiram Bingham train: $480 per person

It's important to know

Pricing

2 trekkers
USD 1050.00 per adult
USD 900.00 per student

4+ trekkers
USD 900.00 per adult
USD 830.00 per student

Reservation
A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking.

Discounts
Children under seven years old have a 30% discount.

Duffel Bags
Extra Luggage
What time is hotel pickup?
When do we return to Cusco?
Is internet available during the trek?
Can the itinerary change?
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

5.0
Based on 6 reviews

Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Jan – 31 Dec
    Request to book

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