The Antanuca Experience with Yanaqocha Lake & Machu Picchu 3 days / 2 nights
The Antanuca Experience with Yanaqocha Lake & Machu Picchu 3 days / 2 nights
Overview
Itinerary
Day 1
We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and drive you to the sacred and private Antanuca. On the way you will visit the Incan school Yachaywasy. As a unique add-on we’ll be offering an ancient blessing ceremony in honor of Pachamama (Mother Earth) before you continue up to the private and sacred land of Antanuca.
We then begin our trek to Yanaqocha Lake. This trek starts from 10,000 ft / 3000 m at Antanuca and finishes at 13,780 ft / 4200 m. The walking takes us through the native Andean forests with trees that are more than 600 years old. We hike to Onora (approx. 45 minutes) Here we’ll connect with the spirit of the forest and the Apus (Sacred Mountains) and see the Waterfall of the Guardians of the Apus. We’ll then cross a mountain pass “El Abra del Diablo” at 12,140 ft / 3700 m. From here there is an incredible view of the Sacred Valley looking toward Machu Picchu and Veronika glacier. We’ll also view the ancient Incan water canals used to transport water from high in the mountains to the Temple of the Sun and the town of Ollantaytambo. Lunch will be served during our trek and after approximately 5 hours of trekking we will arrive at Lake Yanaqocha in time for a relaxing afternoon at our private campsite. If you’re up for a cool swim the lake is ready for you. This lake is on our private property at Antanunca. No one will be here. It’s all for you.
Yanaqocha means a black lake in Quechua language (Incan language) it was built by the Incans as a reservoir for the Temple of the Sun because of its pristine location. An added bonus is that when the water is still you will see an impressive reflection of the Andes mountains. Our Shaman, Eduardo will perform a purification ceremony for you from the sacred waters of Yanaqocha.
- Accommodations: camping at Yanaqocha Lake
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Day 2
We return to Antanuca after a delicious organic breakfast and a leisurely start to your day. Our trek takes us from Yanaqocha to Onora Pampa where we’ll be able to see the towns of Choquebama and Ollantaytambo. Choquebamba is an ancient Incan city, larger than Machu Picchu, which is to this day covered by vegetation. In addition to these we’ll also view other sacred Incan locations from a distance.
We then begin downhill to Antanuca where we’ll arrive mid-day in time for an organic lunch. After lunch your private transport will bring you to the train station in Ollantaytambo for your late afternoon train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). Once in Aguas Calientes, your private guide will check you in to your hotel and explain the next day’s adventure in the lost city of the Incas.
- Accommodations: hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner on own in Aguas Calientes
- Trekking time: 5 hours
Day 3
Experience Machu Picchu! After a very early breakfast you’ll join the queue to board the bus up to Machu Picchu. Once inside this historic city we’ll pick our best spot to view the sunrise. Your private guide will explain all aspects of Machu Picchu and how the Incans lived in this spectacular location.
Optional activities: climb Sun Gate, Machu Picchu Mountain, Inca Bridge or the iconic Wayna Picchu (additional fee and reservation required).
Lunch will be at a restaurant at Machu Picchu. After lunch we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for any last-minute shopping before your return afternoon train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Trekking: approximately 2 hours of walking and climbing inside Machu Picchu with your private tour guide. If climbing Machu Picchu Mountain, Sun Gate or Wayna Picchu expect more trekking and climbing.
Included
No Included
What to bring
Prices
Number of persons | Price per person |
Travel Guide
BOOK NOW
Related Peru Treks
Here are some other options that will suit your needs
Sorry, no posts matched your criteria.
Get in Touch
We would like to talk to you and learn about your plans to travel to Peru.