Hike to Llactapata Machu Picchu 3 Days / 2 Nights

The "Hike to Llactapata Machu Picchu 3 Days / 2 Nights" adventure promises stunning scenery and an iconic Peruvian landmark. Travelers can expect guided transportation, meals, and accommodations as they explore the sacred Inca ruins. However, mixed reviews suggest varying levels of organization and reliability, so potential hikers should weigh the pros and cons carefully. With the right preparation and mindset, this trek could be an unforgettable experience – or a logistical challenge. What factors would sway your decision to embark on this Llactapata journey?

Key Points

• This 3-day, 2-night tour offers an adventure to Machu Picchu, including transportation, guides, accommodation, and highlights like Huayna Picchu and Urubamba River Canyon.
• The itinerary includes a 6-hour car trip from Cusco to Santa Teresa, a hike to Llactapata, and a walk along train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
• The tour is priced from $500 per person and allows for cancellation up to 24 hours in advance with no upfront payment required.
• The tour is available in English and Spanish, and includes meals catering to dietary restrictions and emergency gear.
• However, a sole customer review rated the tour poorly, citing a lack of organization and fulfillment of the itinerary, raising concerns about the tour operator’s reliability and quality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Hike to Llactapata Machu Picchu tour is a 3-day, 2-night adventure that allows travelers to experience one of the wonders of the world.

A 3-day, 2-night adventure that allows travelers to experience one of the wonders of the world – the Hike to Llactapata Machu Picchu tour.

Priced from $500 per person, the tour includes transportation, entrance to Machu Picchu, professional guides, and accommodation.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and travelers can book without upfront payment.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

Highlights include exceptional views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, Salkantay, and the Urubamba River Canyon, catering to nature and mountain enthusiasts.

Itinerary Day 1

On the first day, travelers depart from Plaza Regocijo in Cusco for a 6-hour car trip to Santa Teresa.

Upon arrival, they meet their hiking guide and enjoy lunch.

After settling into their tents, the group visits the Cocalmayo thermal baths for 2-2.5 hours before returning for dinner and rest.

Itinerary Day 2

After breakfast in Santa Teresa, the group departs for Lucmabamba, a 45-minute local transport ride.

The team then ascends the Inca trail for 3 hours to reach Llactapata, offering stunning views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Salkantay.

Descending to Hidroeléctrica, they enjoy lunch before walking 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.

Once in Aguas Calientes, the group settles into their accommodation and has dinner at a local restaurant, preparing for a well-deserved rest after a long day of hiking.

Inclusions

This tour includes several key items to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Participants receive transportation between Cusco and Santa Teresa, as well as entrance to Machu Picchu. Professional guides lead the hike, providing a guided tour of the iconic site. Overnight accommodations, including camping gear, are provided. Meals catering to dietary restrictions are included. Emergency gear, like a first aid kit and oxygen, is on hand. This comprehensive package allows hikers to focus on the adventure without having to worry about the logistics.

| Inclusions | Description |

| — | — |

| Transportation | Cusco to Santa Teresa, return to Cusco |

| Machu Picchu Entrance | Access to the world-famous site |

| Guides | Travel bag service and professional guides |

| Accommodations | Tent, sleeping bag, hiking poles |

| Meals | Vegetarian/vegan options available |

| Emergency Gear | First aid kit and oxygen bottle |

| Travel Insurance | Covered for the duration of the tour |

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Highlights

Arguably the tour’s greatest draws are the exceptional vantage points it offers of Machu Picchu, Huaynapicchu, Salkantay, and the Urubamba River Canyon.

The hike to Llactapata provides sweeping views of these iconic Andes landmarks. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes.

The three-day itinerary allows ample time to soak in the beauty of the setting and the significance of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

This is an ideal adventure for those seeking to experience the wonders of Peru’s iconic sites firsthand.

Customer Feedback

The sole review available for this tour, posted by a GetYourGuide traveler from Germany in November 2024, awarded it a scathing 1 out of 5 rating. The traveler stated the tour "did not take place," indicating a complete lack of organization and fulfillment of the promised itinerary. This concerning feedback raises serious doubts about the reliability and quality of the tour operator. Potential customers may want to carefully consider this negative review before booking.

| Criteria | Rating | Comments |

| — | — | — |

| Overall Experience | 1/5 | Tour did not take place |

| Guide Service | N/A | No guide service provided |

| Itinerary Fulfillment | 1/5 | Promised itinerary not delivered |

| Value for Money | 1/5 | Money wasted on non-existent tour |

Getting to Llactapata

Getting to Llactapata starts with departing from Cusco, the historic Inca capital, and making a 6-hour car trip to the town of Santa Teresa.

There, you’ll meet your hiking guide and enjoy lunch before settling into your tents.

Next, you’ll visit the Cocalmayo thermal baths, spending 2-2.5 hours relaxing.

Afterward, you’ll return to your camp for dinner and rest.

The following day, you’ll depart Santa Teresa for Llactapata, taking local transport to Lucmabamba and then ascending the Inca trail for 3 hours to reach the Llactapata viewpoint overlooking Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Salkantay.

What to Expect

After reaching the Llactapata viewpoint, visitors can expect to be rewarded with exceptional vistas of the iconic Machu Picchu, the dramatic Huayna Picchu, and the majestic Salkantay mountain.

The hike itself is moderate, covering approximately 3 hours of ascent along the Inca Trail.

Upon reaching Hidroeléctrica, travelers will enjoy a 3-hour walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, where they’ll settle into their accommodations and dine at a local restaurant.

Throughout the journey, hikers can expect professional guides, vegetarian/vegan meal options, and safety measures like a first-aid kit and oxygen for emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can book this tour. The tour accommodates individual bookings and offers transportation, guided tours, lodging, and meals for a solo adventurer exploring Machu Picchu over a 3-day itinerary.

Is It Possible to Upgrade the Accommodation?

Yes, you can upgrade the accommodation for this tour. Most providers offer premium options like hotel stays instead of camping. Just let them know your preference when booking, and they can customize the package to meet your needs.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Hike?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. However, the hike may not be suitable for young children or elderly participants due to the moderate difficulty level and long duration. It’s recommended to consult with the tour operator for specific age guidelines.

Can I Bring My Own Hiking Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own hiking gear. The tour allows participants to use their own equipment, though the package includes necessary gear like tents, sleeping bags, and hiking poles.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can also reserve their spot without upfront payment, providing flexibility in case plans change.

The Sum Up

The Hike to Llactapata Machu Picchu 3 Days / 2 Nights tour offers an immersive experience in Peru’s stunning landscapes. While it provides transportation, meals, and accommodations, travelers should carefully consider the mixed reviews regarding its organization and reliability. Ultimately, the decision to book this adventure depends on one’s comfort level with the potential challenges and the desire to explore the renowned Machu Picchu.

You can check availability for your dates here: