Ancestral Route 6 days
Ancestral Route 6 days
This journey along the Ancestral Route takes you through Cusco’s iconic sites and reveals the legacy of the Inca Empire and ancient civilizations. We follow the Ancestral Route through the Sacred Valley, a key region in pre-Columbian culture, ending at Machu Picchu, Peru’s most legendary architectural wonder.
Throughout this itinerary, you will follow an Ancestral Route once used by the Incas, a path accessible to children, adults, groups of friends, and families. We begin in Patabamba, a picturesque village known for its Andean charm and authenticity, then gradually continue into the Sacred Valley’s cultural and spiritual heartland. With every step, we draw closer to the essence of Andean culture, connecting intimately with the landscape and local traditions. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a truly unique and enriching experience. You’ll spend three nights with local Andean families, sharing their beliefs, customs, and traditional mountain lifestyle. This immersion allows you to feel the soul of the Andes, surrounded by serene landscapes and the warmth of community life. The Ancestral Route is more than a journey, it’s a fusion of nature, history, and living culture. Each day invites you to engage more deeply with the wisdom of Andean communities and their enduring heritage. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as you walk in the footsteps of the Incas and share moments with the people who continue to preserve their ancestral magic.Considerations: Ancestral Route
- Prior acclimatization: The Ancestral Route reaches high altitudes like Huallata Pass (4,400 m). Arrive in Cusco two days early to adjust. Coca tea and rest are helpful. For gradual acclimatization, check the Cusco of the Incas tour.
- Accessible but active hikes: No trekking experience needed, but decent fitness is required. Hikes last 5 – 7 hours through Sacred Valley trails and remote Andean villages, ideal for cultural trekking.
- Authentic homestay with local families: For three nights, you’ll stay in traditional homes and share meals with Quechua-speaking families. This local homestay Peru experience is a highlight of the journey and a true example of cultural travel in Cusco.
- Proper gear for Andean climate: Weather in the Andes can change quickly. We recommend layering clothes, waterproof outerwear, sun protection, a hat, and a headlamp. Being well-equipped helps you adapt comfortably to both sunny and rainy conditions.
- Homemade and wholesome meals: Meals are prepared with fresh, local ingredients such as quinoa, potatoes, and native vegetables. Please inform us ahead of time about any dietary restrictions. Meals are nourishing and provide the energy needed for hiking days.
- Cash in soles only: There are no ATMs or digital payment options in the communities visited. Carry small-denomination Peruvian soles for local purchases or voluntary contributions. For another tour focused on deep local connections, explore Andean Experiences 15 Days.
- All entrance fees included: Your package covers entrance fees to all archaeological sites, including the guided visit to Machu Picchu. Climbing Huayna Picchu is optional and must be booked in advance due to limited availability.
- Cultural and environmental respect: We encourage responsible tourism at every step. Bring reusable items, pack out all waste, and follow your guide’s instructions. Respecting traditions and nature is key to preserving these unique communities.
Advantages
- Authentic local homestays: Spend three nights with Andean families in traditional homes, sharing their food, customs, and way of life. This immersive cultural travel in Cusco offers a deeply human and memorable experience.
- Restored Inca trails away from the crowds: Walk ancient paths of the Qhapaq Ñan network, far from the usual tourist routes. This Andean trekking adventure connects you with the living legacy of the Inca civilization.
- Deep connection with nature: Each hike allows you to explore the Sacred Valley, scenic canyons, mountain passes, and untouched landscapes, surrounded by silence and natural harmony.
- Experienced and culturally rooted guides: Your journey along the Ancestral Route is led by professional local guides who share their knowledge of Inca history and contemporary Andean communities, enriching your experience every step of the way.
- Warm and welcoming accommodations: Though simple, your stays with local families offer a genuine sense of hospitality and connection that hotels cannot match.
- Diverse landscapes and iconic sites: From Pisac to Moray and Ollantaytambo, each day presents new archaeological marvels and breathtaking views, culminating with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, included in the tour.
- Fair pricing and all-inclusive: Your package includes transportation, guide, rural lodging, mentioned meals, site entries, and train tickets. A complete journey with no hidden costs.
- Perfect for conscious travelers: Designed for those who seek authentic, sustainable, and meaningful experiences in Peru. Ideal for engaging with local culture while supporting responsible tourism.
- Easy to combine with other cultural routes: Extend your adventure by combining this tour with Treasures of the Incas 13 Days, a journey through Inca wonders and vibrant traditions.
Itinerario Ancestral Route 6 days
Day 1: Cusco – Navel of the World In the morning, we will set out to explore the capital of the ancient Inca Empire. We begin with a visit to the Temple of the Sun, Koricancha, followed by the Cathedral of Cusco, an impressive building filled with paintings from the Cusco School of Fine Arts. Afterward, we leave the city center to visit the four most important sites around Cusco: Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Q’enqo, and Sacsayhuamán. Free time in the afternoon.
Included:
- Professional guide
- Entry tickets to the visits
- Hotel in Cusco
- Private or shared vehicle
Day 2: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas We start the day with a visit to Pisac, where we’ll find terraces, ceremonial fountains, observatories, and one of the largest Inca cemeteries in the region. After visiting the archaeological site, we descend to the village to explore the traditional artisan market. We then continue to the mountain village of Patabamba, where our host family will be waiting for us.
Included:
- Professional guide
- Entry tickets
- Lunch and dinner
- Homestay
- Private or shared vehicle
Day 3: Patabamba – Huchuy Qosqo Today we begin our trek along a shepherds’ trail leading to the Pukamarca Pass (3,900 m), where we are rewarded with spectacular views of the Urubamba range and the Sacred Valley. We then follow the canyon of Puma Punku (Puma’s Gate) along an ancient Inca trail restored by the Qhapaq Ñan project. This trail leads us to the mysterious site of Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco”), featuring terraces and buildings made of stone and adobe. We spend the night with a local family near the site.
Included:
- Professional guide
- Entry tickets
- Lunch and dinner
- Homestay
- Private or shared vehicle
Day 4: Huchuy Qosqo – Chinchero After breakfast with our host family, we begin our hike toward Chinchero. Our path takes us gradually to the Huallata Pass (4,400 m), offering panoramic views of snowcapped Andean peaks. We descend to the small village of Tauca, inhabited by llama herders and farmers, and continue on to Chinchero, where we meet our final host family.
Included:
- Professional guide
- Entry tickets
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Homestay
Day 5: Chinchero – Aguas Calientes After saying goodbye to our host family, we begin the day with a visit to Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with crops at different altitudes. We continue to the Maras Salt Mines, still in use since pre-Inca times. Our final visit of the day is Ollantaytambo, an impressive Inca site with ceremonial fountains and a fortress. In the afternoon, we take the train to Aguas Calientes, the village at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Included:
- Professional guide
- Entry tickets
- Breakfast and lunch
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Private or shared vehicle
- Train to Aguas Calientes
Day 6: Machu Picchu – Cusco In the morning, we take the shuttle bus to the most sacred and iconic site of the Inca civilization: Machu Picchu. Perched on a narrow ridge surrounded by steep cliffs, the site offers breathtaking views as the sun rises. We explore its neighborhoods, ceremonial fountains, royal residences, agricultural terraces, and solar observatories. In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by vehicle to Cusco.
Optional activities (not included in the package, must be booked in advance):
- Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability, separate entry schedules and tickets required).
Carry with you during the whole excursion:
- Raincoats or rain ponchos.
- Sun block.
- Extra money, especially in soles.
- Personal medication if necessary
- Comfortable shoes.
- Sunglasses.
- Small backpack to carry water cameras and personal belongings.
- Warm clothes especially for the afternoon
- Cameras or film cameras.
Include
- Hotels
- Meals mentioned as included
- The logistics of the trek
- The nights in the houses of the inhabitants
- The entrance fee to Machupicchu
- Private and collective land transportation
- Professional Peruvian guides
- The excursions mentioned in the program
- The entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the program
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the program (between 5 and 10 USD per meal)
- Drinks
- Tips (count 4 USD / day / person for guides)
Preguntas Frecuentes sobre el Ancestral Route 6 days
The Ancestral Route is suitable for travelers with moderate fitness. No prior trekking experience is necessary, but you should be prepared for daily hikes of 5 to 7 hours. The terrain includes gradual climbs and descents, especially at mountain passes. Take your time, stay hydrated, and enjoy this unique journey through the Andes.
You’ll spend three nights staying with local families in Patabamba, Huchuy Qosqo, and Chinchero. These homestays are basic but comfortable, offering an authentic glimpse into Andean life. The other two nights are spent in hotels, one in Cusco and one in Aguas Calientes, providing a balanced mix of local homestay Peru and comfort.
Yes, the tour includes your guided visit to Machu Picchu and access to the archaeological site. It’s one of the highlights of the Ancestral Route, where you’ll explore temples, plazas, and sacred spaces. If you wish to hike Huayna Picchu, advance booking is required due to limited availability.
Yes, as long as participants are in good health and able to walk several hours a day. The Ancestral Route is non-technical, and our guides are skilled at adapting to different paces. Families with kids or older travelers have enjoyed it. For a gentler experience, see Cusco of the Incas.
In rural areas like Patabamba and Huchuy Qosqo, signal is limited or non-existent. This allows you to unplug and fully engage with your surroundings. In Cusco and Aguas Calientes, you’ll have access to Wi-Fi. It’s a perfect digital detox within a true cultural travel in Cusco experience.
Meals are homemade and feature ingredients like quinoa, native potatoes, oca, beans, and fresh vegetables. The local families cook with care and can accommodate dietary restrictions upon request. Meals are hearty and perfect for fueling long hiking days.
Bring a lightweight backpack with essentials: layered clothing, sunblock, hat, rain gear, headlamp, reusable water bottle, and any personal medication. Your main luggage can be stored in Cusco. For a similar trekking experience, check Choqueequirao “The Last Inca City”.
Absolutely. The Ancestral Route pairs well with other destinations like Rainbow Mountain or Lake Titicaca. You can extend your itinerary with experiences like The Condor Pasa in Peru – 17 Days.
We keep our groups small, typically 8 to 12 people. This ensures personalized attention, deeper connections with guides, and a more respectful interaction with local communities. Small group size supports sustainable tourism in Peru.
Yes, but the best time is between April and October, during the dry season. From November to March, rain is more frequent and trails may be muddy. The tour runs all year with appropriate adjustments. For longer options, consider Treasures of the Andes – 8 Days
Andean weather is unpredictable. Even in the dry season, mornings can be cold, afternoons sunny, and sudden rain is common. Dress in layers, bring waterproof gear and sturdy shoes. The diversity of climates adds a real adventure element to this Sacred Valley tour.
Yes, all of our professional guides speak both languages. They’re trained in history, first aid, and intercultural communication. For another experience with expert guides, explore Inti Raymi 2025 – The great Festival of the Sun.
Yes, you can store your main bag at the hotel in Cusco and carry only what you need for the hikes. This makes the journey lighter and easier. Many travelers do the same on the Short Inca Trail 2 Days.
We recommend bringing 150 – 250 soles in small bills for snacks, local crafts, or optional tips. There are no ATMs or card payments in the villages. For a deeper cultural connection, check Andean Experiences – 15 Days.
Yes, the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is included. The ride offers breathtaking views and is a highlight of the Ancestral Route, connecting you from the Sacred Valley to the base of Machu Picchu.
The tour continues in light rain, with flexible timing depending on conditions. Guides always prioritize safety. Bring waterproof clothing and proper footwear. For rain-adaptable tours, see Rainbow Mountain ATV – 2 Days.
Yes, private versions are available for couples, families, or small groups. This allows greater flexibility and personalized attention. If you enjoy combining nature and privacy, check the Salkantay Trek 5 Days.
The Ancestral Route supports responsible travel: local sourcing, minimal plastic use, and deep respect for cultural traditions. Guides encourage sustainable behavior throughout the journey, creating an experience that benefits both you and the communities you visit.
Unlike standard tours, this one offers daily interaction with local families. You don’t just see the Andes, you live them. For a similarly transformative journey with more days, consider The Condor Pasa in Peru – 17 Days.
Yes, it’s operated by certified guides with established safety protocols. Host families are carefully selected, and all routes are well known. Small group size enhances safety and attention. If you value security and authenticity, the Ancestral Route is a perfect fit.
Do you have any questions?
Write to us
RESERVATION SUPPORT
- (+51) 906 323 488
- ventas@terresdesincas.com
