3
daysPatabamba Trek to Machu Picchu
Explore the region of the best weavers in alpaca wool and Machupicchu! by booking Patabamba Trek with authorized trekking tour operator!…

Patabamba Trek is a short trek that combines history, culture, ancient traditions and stunning mountain scenery; it’s located in the upper zones of the sacred valley of the Incas; beyond the historical city of Cusco. Patabamba is very popular community for been the best textile weavers of Peru; Patabamba Trek, takes you to explore “huchuy Qosqo” Inca settlement; also known as the small Cusco. Huchuy Qosqo was the palace where the Inca “Wiracocha” lived during his old age. The Patabamba Trek is blessed with plenty of high mountain scenery; alpine lakes waterfalls and Inca ruins. This region is rich for adventure, and crossed with routes used by the locals.
This Patabamba Trek is perfect for trekkers with short time; but still is interested in adventure trips through the authentic views; this trek isn’t an ordinary remote mountain trekking in Peru; the entire area of the Upper part of the sacred valley tucks in a number of unique experiences for trekkers to feed their eyes and soul.
Inquiry Now
One of the most amazing mountainous treks in Peru; that passes through a remote region and varied landscapes; the Patabamba Trek is no doubt a serious quest amid the barren beauty. It is one of the moderate treks in the Cusco region; that requires some stamina. With steep and craggy cliffs; deep gorges and pinpricks of dust all throughout the trail, the journey takes a beetling shape at a certain elevation when it embarks upon to cross some high altitude mountain passes and deadly moraines.
Pukamarka pass at 4,800 meters offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Vilcabamba mountain range; which is one of the major attractions on the trek after the iconic Machu Picchu. The trek also passes through the Uchuy Qosqo reserved area, which is a home to several endangered animals and you may often encounter species like Andean condors, Andean bears and Pumas
The Patabamba Trek starts from the community of Patabamba 3,500 meters and heads to Lamay. From here we’ll take car to the train station of Ollantaytambo and ride the train to the village of Aguas Calientes where you’ll have accommodation in the hotel. If you wish you can take baths in the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes.
Overview – Patabamba Trek
- AVAILABILITY: Throughout the year
- TIMING: 3 days and 2 ninths
- STARTING POINT: Cusco hotel
- END POINT: Cusco hotel
- STYLE: Guided
- MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 4,200 meters
- ACCOMMODATION: Family house
- TRANSPORT: Bus, train and trekking
- MEALS INCLUDED: As mentioned in the itinerary
- DISTANCE: 24 Km
- DIFFICULTY: The trek is rated moderate; any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route.
- TEMPERATURES: From minus 4ºC to 28ºC
Descrition
This three-day Patabamba Trek offers an intriguing combination of beauty and contrasts in scenery. You will visit Patabamba a picturesque community located at the north of Cusco city; wich is very famous for having the best weavers of the region; Then you will visit Huchuy Qosqo, a stunning Inca archaeological site situated in the heavens of the sacred valley of the Incas which was the residence site of Inca Wiraracocha. At the end, you will explore the lost city of the Incas – Machu Picchu. Patabamba Trek is a great alternative for people looking to hike through the Peruvian Andes in a short amount of time.
This trek is named the balcony of the sacred valley because you trek through the upper part of the sacred valley of the Inca; in this trek you will visit Inca ruins, countryside people living with their tradition and culture shepherding Llamas and Alpacas; you will also explore the living place of Inca Wiracocha (Uchuy Qosqo) where you will see living rooms, Inca terraces, aqueducts, storehouses, etc. To complete this short but wonderful trek you will explore Machu Picchu before you return to Cusco.
Patabamba Trek to Machu Picchu inPeru
It is great alternative trek to Machu Picchu if you miss out the permits for the Inca trail; it´s for people who want to feel the adrenaline and do not have much time, two days trek and one day visit the stunning Machu Picchu. All dates are available. Patabamba community is located to 3,800 m.s.n.m. (12 467.19 feet), it´s of 250 inhabitants, in the district of Coya, province of Calca, to one hour and half by car from the Cusco City. Patabamba is a community with living privileges to share with the visitors; from this balcony of The Sacred Valley enjoys the picturesque where the Andean ancient have adapted different products like the leaf of the coca, maize, cotton and other cereals. Now this inheritance is the nutritional support for the Ayllus (communities) that lives surrounding of the Inca’s Sacred Valley.
The weavers of Patabamba made two activities that are part of its history, the weave and agriculture; its techniques that have developed are examples of the Inca techniques, this is made that its products have the characteristic own of the Andean Culture. You can enjoy with them, its experiences, customs and wonderful style life surrounded by nature with the cleaner air of the world. The association of settlers gives you a new alternative of the existential tourism for make to know its history and to improve the quality of life and of its children, giving the possibility that they could interact with the world.
Textiles at Patabamba Trek
The weave is the activity more practice in Patabamba, its manufactures and quality is carefully and its designs show a high artistic sensibility with surrounding like flowers, plants, and fishes that are natives. As icon of its culture, the Sun, present in all articles of dress that are weaved by them. For the elaboration of their textiles products, weaver women use as raw material the wool of alpacas and sheep’s dyed naturally with ancestral techniques, using plants that dye, guarantee a product handmade, 100 % natural. The steps are women shear the wool then spin and for last dying for obtain its textiles. They make their clothes dress that they wear with pride done of their own hands.
Included Highlights
- Guded trekking
- Visit the community of Patabamba
- Guided tour of “Huchuy qosqo” Inca setlement
- Ride the train to Machu Picchu
- Explore Machu Picchu
- Free time within Machu Picchu
Brief Itinerary
Day 1.- Huchuy Qosqo
Today we´ll hike 6 -7 hours through the stunning mountain scenery, visiting the countryside communities where people still preserve ancient traditions and cultures.
Day 2.- Aguas Calientes
Explore Huchuy Qosqo Inca ruins and continue four hours trek to Lamay; from where you will be transported to Ollantaytambo train station and board tourist train through the sacred valley to the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes.
Day 3.- Machu Picchu tour
Full day can be dedicated to explore Machu Picchu, in the afternoon you will return to Cusco; arriving there in the evening.
Deatiled Itinerary
Cusco – Patabamba – Huchuy Qosqo
The Patabamba Trek, begins when we pick you up from your Cusco Hotel at 7:00am and take our tourist bus for two hours to Patabamba community (3,800m). Along the trip we will stop several times to look and take pictures of the mountain scenery. Once we arrive to Patabamba we will visit this picturesque community and then we continue hike through the Andean landscape. The trail commence undulating until Qentemarka community from where start to climb up gradually to small pass (3,870m) beyond which is located Tauca community where we encounter archaeological remains and wild crops, such as tarwi (black eyes been), potatoes, Quinoa, barley, wheat and a large quantity of cactus, continuing the hike we will arrive to the highest pass of Pucamaraka (4,200m), from where you will be rewarded with stunning mountain scenery From the Pucamarka pass you can see arround the snow mountains like: La Veronica (5,750m), Pitusiray (5,350), Chicon (5,500m) and San Juan (5,280m). Continuing the hike, we will descend gradually towards and other picturesque community named Pukamarca (4,000m), where our lunch will be served and after a short break we continue down to the entrance of Huchuy Qosqo ruins; this entrance will through a mystical ancient path which will lead us to the Leon Punku (the entrance of the lion) Ravine. We will be led into a very narrow corridor, between some immense rock walls, where we will discover some Incan remains and various Inca bridges and sets of stairs. This canyon is absolutely magical and boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river to Huchuy Qosqo at 3,600m, where we will soon be arrive. Upon our arrival to the ruins in the evening, we will actually continue on past the ruins and to our accommodations for the night. We will have dinner and sleep in the typical home of a native of the area, just to the side of the Huchuy Qosqo ruins.
- Meals: L – D
- Accommodation: Basic lodge
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200m
- Minimum Altitude: 3,800m
- Distance Travelled: approx. 14km
- Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast we head to explore Huchuy Qosqo for two hours approximately. Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological complex which is perched precariously on the side of a mountain with imposing architecture that includes a large open ceremonial center, from which we enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River, and the Vilcanota mountain range from which La Veronica is the highest (in this part of the range). After we end the tour we continue the hike toward small pass and then descent to Lamay (2950m) where our bus will wait for us to transport us to Urubamba town for lunch and then we continue to the train station of Ollantaytaytambo from where we board the train for two hours to the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes. And have accommodation in the hotel. In the evening you can go to relax in the Hot spring.
- Meals: B – L – D
- Accommodation: hotel
- Maximum Altitude: 3,800m
- Minimum Altitude: 2,000m
- Distance of trek: approx. 10km
- Approximate Walking Time: 5 hours

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco
Not good news because we must wake up at 04.45 am for an early breakfast and take the first bus at approximately 05.30 am and arrive at Machu Picchu´s gate before 06.00 am when the Park is open. This time is still not so crowded yet so we take advantage of the tranquility of this sacred site; Guided Tour of Machu Picchu will be for 2 hours approximately at his enigmatic and mysterious site, during this time we will visit the agricultural sector and mainly the urban sector where we will visit the temple of the water, temple of the Mother earth, Temple of the sun, the main temple or Wiracocha´s temple, the temple of the tree windows or the Andean cosmology temple, The Inti watana or sun dial, the Temple of the Mountain and the Temple of the condor and other interesting places. After the tour you will have extra free time to explore by yourself or climbing to Huayna Picchu (see additional information if you want to purchase a permit for this). Around 1-2 pm take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for your Train return. (Bus tickets will cost you $9 not included, most people like to walk this old Inca trail down to Aguas Calientes). The train departs Aguas Calientes late in the afternoon at 5:00 pm to Ollantaytambo, and then 1:45 minutes transfer to Cusco and to your hotel arriving at 9:00 pm approximately.
- Meals: B

Inclusions
Daily Departure / 2 pax min. From: US$ 390
PATABAMBA TREK INCLUDES
- Transportation: Tourist bus from Cusco to Patabamba starting point of the trek and from Lamay to Ollantaytambo; Tourist train Expeditions class from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo; Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu; Transfer to your hotel.
- Accommodations: 01 night basic lodge accommodation in Huchuy Qosqo, 01 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes town.
- Entrance Fees: To Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu.
- Meals: 2 breakfast.- 2 lunches.- 2 hot dinners.
- Guide: English speaking professional guides, 2 guides over 8 people.
- Others: First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.
EXCLUDED
- Breakfast: on the first morning. Some hotels offer early morning breakfast service.
- Meals: in Aguas Calientes town on the final day you must consider a bugged of US$ 15 to 20 in average restaurant.
- Entrance: to the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (optional) US$ 3.
- Tip: for the staff.
RECOMMENDED THINGS TO TAKE
- Bottle of mineral water.
- Rain gear and/or plastic poncho (can be purchase in Cusco).
- Hiking boots.
- Warm jacket or fleece, t-shirts, shorts, long pants, sun hat and wool hat.
- Flashlight.
- Sun block.
- Insect repellent.
- Toilet paper and garbage bag.
- Small towel and bathing suit (hot springs optional).
- Camera, extra film and extra batteries.
- Snacks, chocolates, energy bars.
- Emergency money.
- Walking stick (optional).
Usefull Info
GETTING TO CUSCO PERU
You will land at the International Airport in Cusco when you come from Lima the capital of Peru. Our travel representatives will receive you at the Airport and then transfer you to a hotel in the center of city. That will be our first task after you land in this historical city at 2,400m. The itinerary then follows in the coming days.
WHY TO TREK WITH US?
“SUNRISE PERU TREK” offers a wonderful opportunity to help you visit those areas, culture and tradition of Peru that have never been explored before. Your trip itineraries are fully customized in order to meet the individualized needs and interest of each traveler. We also partner with local Porters and Leaders to help you get maximum out of the trip. We are highly dedicated and offer years of experience to plan an outstanding adventure trip for you. Customer service is our top priority; therefore, we cater to every possible need of yours during your stay in Peru be it the food, accommodation, varied destinations or your communication needs. Despite all these facilities, our best packages are offered at a very competitive rate.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
As most of the trekking destinations in Peru exceed 4,000 meters of altitude, high altitude sickness is one of the common problems faced by the trekkers. High altitude sickness can be very fatal and dangerous if you are not prepared for the same. Some of the trekking destinations like: Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu,and Ausangate Trek exceeds the 4,000 meters of altitude with chances of high altitude sickness. However, if you are aware of the problem and if you take special measure, then altitude sickness can be avoided and will not be much of a problem. As we have experienced trekking guides and a team of experienced hand, altitude sickness will not be a problem and even if it occurs, it will be handled well by our team members.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
We always make sure that our customers get the right value for their money. Therefore, we always attempt to make some of the best arrangements for our customers. To ensure a comfortable stay, we book tourist standard hotel in Cusco and Aguas Calientes town before and after your trek. Normally, the rooms are twin share, where you will have to share your room with another member of your group. However, this totally depends on the size of your group and the availability of rooms in the hotel. On request, triple share can also be arranged. Moreover, if you are looking for a single supplement room, extra charges will be applied. During the Patabamba Trek to Machu Picchu, your stay is arranged camping sites or lodges with shared amenities. You can also enjoy a hot shower in these lodges. In the absence of shower few buckets of hot water can also be arranged. A full board meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and tea &coffee) will be provided during the entire trek. Usually, porridge, toast or chapattis, oatmeal and local bread are served for breakfast. The food served for lunch and dinner are simply great. Peru offers a fantastic selection of good to top quality hotels with a number of reliable chains operating in the main tourist destinations including the Peruvian-owned Casa Andina as well as international brands such as Starwoods Hotels. A number of the country’s colonial buildings have been transformed into luxury hotels to offer guests a glimpse into Peru’s heritage whilst enjoying a comfortable stay. For those looking for something a little more rustic there’s the chance to spend a night in a tree house in the Amazon though jungle lodges can also offer 5* convenience for discerning visitors.
OUR ATTEMPT WHILE YOU ARE ON A TREK
Most of our trails take you to the remote region of Peru, where communication facilities are very less. Therefore, “SUNRISE PERU TREK” takes all the responsibility to deliver your message to your family, friend, relatives or the concerned person. Our guides are provided with a cell phone and are contacted on a regular basis. You can use the cell phone provided to our guides to send your message to us which will further be delivered to the respected person. Also, our guides will make every attempt to follow the planned itinerary; however, it is kindly requested to be flexible in case of changes in the itinerary caused by extreme weather conditions.
OPTIONAL SOLO SLEEPER
If you are travelling alone one of the most rewarding things you can do is join a small group tour. Not only does it connect you with other like-minded travellers but it means you have other people to share and reminisce on your experiences with when you return home. In general, approximately one third of any group will be made up of single travellers, with the remainder being friends or couples travelling together. All of our holidays are based on twin share, so solo travellers generally share a room or tent with someone of the same gender, however if you prefer your own space you may like to consider our Optional Solo Sleeper. For a fixed price per tour, you can enjoy your very own room or tent ensuring you more space, quiet time and privacy. This option will give you your own room or tent for every night, or in the majority of locations on your trip. Prices for the Solo Sleeper option, and tour specific information, are available on tour pages. The number of Solo Sleepers we can offer per tour is limited and is subject to availability so it’s best to book early if you would like this option.
TIPPING
Although you may not be accustomed to tipping at home, tipping (known locally as ‘baksheesh’) is an important way of life in Peru and is something that is done by locals as well as tourists. When travelling with top deck, tips are already included on anything that forms part of your itinerary, including bus/coach drivers, included meals, hotel staff, local guides, etc. This includes your SUNRISE PERU TREK tour leader. That means you do not have to tip for any of these included services! However, you will need to tip for services that are not included, so please take this into consideration when working out your budget. For example, you will need to tip at non-included meals when you pay for the meal yourself, even if your Trip Leader has helped organize it, and you will need to tip for anything you do on your free time. Your Patabamba Trek Leader can advise you what an appropriate tip amount is. A general rule when tipping is if the service warrants it, tip what you think is a fair amount, and if you do not think so, then do not tip or tip less than normal. Also, do not get bullied into tipping and disregard any comments that you have not given enough.
INSURANCE
In Patabamba Trek, is compulsory for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before the trip departs covering cancellation, medical expenses including repatriation, loss or damage to baggage and personal belongings, money and personal liability. You must bring a copy of your travel insurance policy with you on the trip. Your Trip Leader will make a record of your travel insurance details at the start of your trip, e.g. the name of the insurance company, the 24 hour emergency telephone number, and your policy number. These will be sent to our operations team to ensure that if you lose your policy details, they can be easily retrieved.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
We want to make sure you’re having the time of your life while travelling with us. Therefore, if you suffer from any kind of medical condition or allergies, we will need to know at the time of booking, or at least 2 weeks prior to the departure of your Patabamba Trek. If you require regular medication, you must have a sufficient supply before your trip departs, as it may be difficult to obtain while travelling. You must be able to administer your own medication. Strict food and water hygiene is essential to avoid diarrhoea. Make sure food has been properly prepared, drink only boiled or bottled water and keep in mind that ice will likely come from tap water. Also take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. During the hot summer months it is advisable to carry bottled water in your day-pack at all times.
CONTACT US
Should you encounter any difficulties meeting your transfer from the airport to the starting hotel, depending on which country you are in you can contact a SUNRISE PERU TREK representative on the following:
- Mauro Pedraza – Operations Manager Mobile: +(51) 984 734633
- Henrry Chauca – Operations Mobile: +(51) 950 313131
- Sharon Ovalle – SUNRISE PERU TREK Representatives Supervisor Mobile: +(51) 974 359484
IN CASES OF EMERGENCY
While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from SUNRISE PERU TREK, whether it be that you have missed a trip departure meeting, have become separated from your trip on the road or any other unforeseeable problem, the following options are available to you.
- Cusco Office Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 8am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-4pm. Telf: +51 84 237404
- Emergency Contact If you need to contact SUNRISE PERU TREK outside of the above hours the following number is available: Mobile: +(51) 984 734633
Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask that you call during our office hours. Thank you.
Photos
Patabamba Trek Photos

Patabamba trek in Peru

Patabamba trek in Peru

Patabamba trek in Peru

Patabamba trek in Peru

Patabamba Trek in Peru
Location
Patabamba Trek Location
Map
PATABAMBA TREK MAP

See the map for Patabamba Trek in Peru