Llactapata Hike from Aguascalientes

General information

Destination
Machu Picchu, Peru

Program details

Climb into the heavens and enjoy majestic views that few humans have ever had the privilege of witnessing. Despite being within viewing range of Machu Picchu, the lost city of Llactapata has been on the tourist trail for only a decade as it was unearthed in 2003 by archaeologists using infra-red aerial photography. This half-day hike is as close to a trip into the unknown as you can possibly get. From Llactapata, you can see both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, which means that from here, you have views of both sacred Inca mountains that few get to see.



When the archaeologists explored Llactapata, they discovered a solar temple and houses covering an area of several square kilometres in the same alignment with the June solstice sunrise as Machu Picchu.



A train will take us to a hydroelectric power station from where you’ll be transferred in a private vehicle for about 30 minutes to the starting point of a trek to Lucmabamba. Our ascent will take us to the belvedere of Llactapata, which is located more than 2,000 metres above sea level. Take in the awe-inspiring views of the Urubamba valley and the Andean peaks housing those other lost cities.



Take a breather to enjoy this special moment and then munch on a boxed lunch before we continue our trek, descending along the Aobamba valley towards the train station. You can either hop on board and return to Aguas Calientes or instead hike for a further two hours.



Duration

Between 10 and 11 hours.