Llactapata Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu: Zipline, Hot Springs & Sky Star Domes

• Huayna Picchu is the iconic peak behind the citadel, seen in the classic photos of Machu Picchu. It needs a separate ticket, not included in the regular Machu Picchu entrance.
• We book the time slot that best fits your itinerary, usually a morning time slot. The round-trip hike takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
• The trail has steep stone steps, narrow and exposed sections. Not recommended if you are afraid of heights.
• Guide not included: you hike on your own on a clearly marked trail.
• Spots are very limited: book it with your tour. If no ticket is available for your date, we refund the full $65 USD.

• One of the highest viewpoints in the area, at 3,082 m (10,111 ft), on the opposite side of Huayna Picchu, with panoramic views of the citadel and the Urubamba Valley. Requires a separate ticket.
• We book a morning time slot whenever possible. The round-trip hike takes about 3 to 3.5 hours.
• Less steep and exposed than Huayna Picchu, but a long, continuous climb on original Inca steps.
• Guide not included: you hike on your own on the marked trail.
• Book it with your tour. If no ticket is available for your date, we refund the full $65 USD.

• Only for travelers with the Return by Train option. Your package already includes a standard train (Expedition or Voyager).
• The Vistadome has larger panoramic windows, including on the roof, for wider views of the mountains and valleys.
• Depending on the operator, it may include music, cultural shows and a light snack or drink.
• Seats are limited, especially in high season: request it when you book. Not available with the Return by Car option.

• Professional, adjustable trekking poles (one pair) for the whole trek, very useful on the steep descent from Llactapata.
• They give extra balance on steep, rocky or slippery trails and reduce strain on your knees on the descents. Recommended if you have little trekking experience.
• Add them online when you book, or rent them at our Cusco office during the 7:00 PM briefing the day before the trek.
• Trekking poles are generally not allowed inside Machu Picchu.

The Llactapata Trek 3 Days is moderate. Days 1 and 3 are easy, and Day 2 is the challenging day, with about 24 km of hiking in 8 to 9 hours. The highest point is only 2,700 m at Llactapata, so altitude is much less of a problem than on the Salkantay Trek.

The Llactapata Trek 3 Days costs USD 270 per adult with return by car, or USD 320 per adult with return by train. Students pay USD 250 / 300 and children USD 240 / 290. The zipline, Machu Picchu ticket and guided tour are included. A deposit of USD 180 per person confirms your booking.

Yes. The Lucmabamba zipline is fully included: 5 cables across the valley and a 300-meter suspension bridge, with all safety equipment and trained staff.

The transport to the Cocalmayo hot springs is included. The entrance costs 10 soles, paid on site in cash. Bring a swimsuit and a small towel.

The Llactapata Trek skips the high Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) and stays below 2,700 m, adding the zipline and the hot springs. Both routes share the Inca path to Llactapata and end at Machu Picchu. For high mountains, see the Salkantay Trek 4 Days.

You sleep 1 night in our Sky Star Crystal Domes in Lucmabamba, with 5-inch mattresses and pillows, and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes with a private bathroom, hot shower and Wi-Fi.

We leave our office in Cusco at 6:30 AM on Day 1. The briefing is at 7:00 PM the day before, at the same office.

You choose when booking. By train, you take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and our transfer to Cusco, arriving around 7:00–8:00 PM. By car, you leave Machu Picchu at 11:30 AM, walk about 3 hours to Hidroelectrica and our vehicle leaves at 3:00 PM, arriving in Cusco around 10:00 PM.

You can pay the balance online by card at any time, or at our office in Cusco (Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo) in cash or by card. The last moment to pay is 10:00 PM the day before the trek.

Day 1: Cusco to Santa Teresa, Lucmabamba zipline, Cocalmayo hot springs and night in our Sky Star Domes. Day 2: coffee farm, Inca path to Llactapata (2,700 m), Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes, hotel night (24 km). Day 3: guided tour of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco by car or train.

Yes, if you are active. The Llactapata trek to Machu Picchu stays below 2,700 m, so the altitude is easier than on the Salkantay route. Only Day 2 is a long hiking day (about 24 km), with a steep descent from Llactapata: trekking poles help.

No. Unlike the Inca Trail, there is no government quota on this route. You only need your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, which is included and bought by our team as soon as you book. Compare it with the Inca Trail 4 Days.

We depart every day of the year. Because Machu Picchu tickets sell out, book as early as possible. If you already have your Machu Picchu ticket, or will buy it in Aguas Calientes, you can book as late as one day before departure, subject to availability.