Discover the Poques Trek 3 Days, one of the most unique and authentic trekking routes in the highlands of the Sacred Valley. Starting at the Andes from Lamay, this alternative hike takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, colorful lakes, snow-capped peaks, and traditional communities rarely visited by tourists.
Unlike the crowded classic routes, this trek is perfect for travelers seeking a moderate hike without steep climbs, while still enjoying breathtaking views of the Pitusiray, Sahuasiray, and Chicón mountains with their majestic glaciers. Along the way, you’ll meet herds of alpacas and llamas, and spot native birds such as Andean geese, cara-caras, gulls, and even eagles.
One of the highlights is the chance to connect with the community of Poques, where you’ll experience authentic Andean culture, shepherd life, and warm hospitality. The route continues to the archaeological site of Pisac, the fascinating Maras Salt Mines, and finally culminates with a visit to the world wonder Machu Picchu.
What makes Poques Trek unique?
✨ Combine nature, culture, and history in one unforgettable journey. The Poques Trek 3 Days is more than a hike – it’s the best way to live the Andes.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heights of the Andes, beginning in a secluded mountain community rich in culture and tradition. This trek takes you through breathtaking landscapes and offers a front-row seat to the natural wonders of this iconic mountain range.
The journey starts with a challenging ascent toward a broad mountain pass, where you’ll be greeted by awe-inspiring views of snowcapped peaks, including the majestic Sawasiray. This vantage point provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in the grandeur of the surrounding Andes.
As you descend, the trail leads you into a picturesque ravine, where herds of llamas and alpacas graze peacefully amidst the high-altitude pastures. Along the way, you’ll encounter serene lagoons, their surfaces mirroring the towering snowcapped peaks and the striking yellow-hued mountains in the distance—a stunning palette of colors unique to this region.
This path offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, making it a must-see destination for trekkers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Andes.
Your journey doesn’t end there! Enhance your Sacred Valley experience with a visit to the iconic salt mines of Maras, a site steeped in history and tradition. Finally, cap off your adventure with a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a must-see for every traveler.
DAY 01: CUSCO – CALCA – PAMPALLACTA – 5 LAKES – COMMUNITY POQUES
In this adventure we will travel the most amazing routes in the mountains of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, through the heights of Lamay accompanied by cargo llamas and friendly local muleteers.
We will meet at Hotel, then we will go by bus to the Pampallacta sector, where we will meet our llamas and muleteers. Together, we will load the llamas with food and equipment for lunch, and begin our walk in good company.
Hike to the highest point at Abra Sapacto before heading to our campsite in Sapacto. Spend time with local families and learn about their customs and traditions.
DAY 02: COMMUNITY POQUES – LLOCLLA – KINSACOCHA – PISAC – SALT MINES – AGUAS CALIENTES
In the morning, hike to Pisac before visiting the salt mines of Maras. Enjoy dinner in Ollantaytambo and finish the day with the train ride to Aguas Calientes for the night.
DAY 03: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
Explore the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu and then board the train to Ollantaytambo. Our transportation will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
Our adventure begins with a hotel pick-up and transfer by bus to Pampallacta. There, we will meet our local muleteers and the friendly llamas that will accompany us throughout the trek, carrying our gear and supplies.
We start our hike through the stunning high-Andean landscapes, visiting enchanting lakes such as:
After exploring the area, we will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch prepared by our field chef, using fresh local ingredients.
The journey continues towards Abra Sapacto (Yana Moqo Pass), the highest point of the trek, where we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views including the Laguna Carcelqocha. By around 4:00 p.m., we will arrive at our campsite in Sapacto, alongside local villagers returning with their animals to the corrals.
In the evening, we’ll spend time with local families, learning about their traditions and way of life. Later, we’ll gather for afternoon tea at 5:00 p.m. followed by a warm dinner at 7:00 p.m., before resting in our tents.
We’ll wake up with a revitalizing coca tea and a hearty breakfast at 6:00 a.m.. At 7:00 a.m., we set out on our trek towards the stunning Laguna Kinsacocha, where we’ll stop to enjoy lunch in the middle of nature.
Afterward, we continue walking through spectacular Andean scenery until reaching the archaeological site of Pisac, one of the most remarkable Inca complexes in the Sacred Valley.
From there, our private transport will take us to the Maras Salt Mines, a fascinating system of salt pools still harvested by local families today.
We then continue to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll enjoy dinner in this charming “living Inca town.” To end the day, we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night in a hotel.
Early in the morning, we take the bus up to the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. With our expert guide, we’ll enjoy a 2-hour tour through its most iconic temples, terraces, and sacred spaces.
After the guided visit, we return to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco and your hotel.
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
Permits & Tickets
The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket offers the most complete tour of the citadel and is the most popular. For this reason we recommend that you book well in advance to ensure your entry. (Circuit 2)
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
All equipment is carried by our team of porters.
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Tunqui Expeditions use the best tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g. Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Ware tents).
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double, twin and triple rooms.
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
On days 1 and 2, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
Muleteers and Porters (Tunquis)
During the Salkantay Trek, our muleteers and porters (tunquis) will carry all our camping equipment, from personal tents, clothes and sleeping bags to extra tents for eating and cooking, food, water, tables, chairs and a gas stove. We will include the personal service of a porter to carry your duffel bag and personal belongings.
They will be responsible for transporting all camping equipment and food, setting up and taking down each camp, and assisting the cook with food preparation. By law they can only carry a maximum of 20 kg, a rule we take very seriously.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
You can climb the famous mountain that you always see in photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute climb and the descent can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Permission must be obtained at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Bear in mind that there may be changes to protect your safety, especially due to weather conditions.
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains surrounding the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket, which we can arrange for you if we have time in advance.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your trip to Peru to be as memorable and worry-free as possible. In this section, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about hiking the Poques Trek To Machu Picchu. Please read the following information carefully—it will help you understand our services better and prepare for your adventure.
Still have questions? Just contact us—we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Altitude acclimatization is key. We highly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek starts to help your body adjust and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Even if you’ve already visited other high-altitude areas in Peru, we still suggest taking at least one full day in Cusco to rest and enjoy the city before the hike.
Recommended activities around Cusco before your Poques Trek 3 Days:
All briefings are held at 5:00 PM the day before your trek at our main office in Cusco—or your hotel, if arranged. Each session lasts around 30 to 45 minutes.
If you can’t attend, please contact us by email, phone, or by visiting our office to arrange an alternative time.
If you have an outstanding balance, it must be paid at least 2 days before the trek. Failure to do so will result in your tour not being confirmed.
We greatly appreciate cash payments in US dollars or Peruvian soles at our Cusco office. You’ll find multiple ATMs along Avenida El Sol that dispense both currencies.
Alternatively, you may pay using a credit/debit card or PayPal—either online or in person—but please note: a 5% service fee is added by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PayPal.
Checks or traveler’s checks are not accepted.
You’ll receive a duffel bag during your briefing, which will be carried by our muleteers and handed to you at each campsite. The bag size is 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
You’re allowed up to 7 kg / 15.4 lbs, including your sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Absolutely! You may safely store your main luggage in our office or at your hotel while you’re on the trek—free of charge.
Any items not needed on the trail can stay at your accommodation. Most hotels offer luggage storage, but we strongly recommend keeping valuables in your hotel’s safe, and asking for a detailed receipt (often required by insurance in case of loss). For added peace of mind, seal sensitive items like credit cards in a signed envelope.
We offer hotel pick-up from any location within Cusco’s Historic Center.
Your guide will confirm the exact time during the briefing, but note that delays of 30–45 minutes may occur due to traffic.
Important: Many hotels and Airbnbs are located on steep, narrow, or car-inaccessible streets. We recommend choosing accommodations with easy vehicle access to ensure smooth logistics.
Group treks include participants of all ages and fitness levels. By joining, you agree that some may walk faster or slower than you, and everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace.
If any changes to the itinerary are requested, your guide will make the final decision, consulting with the group when necessary.
Returning to Cusco involves multiple steps—but don’t worry, everything is included in your tour!
Protests and road blockades are fairly common in Peru and may disrupt some tours. Roadways and railways may be temporarily closed. We’ll do our best to maintain your original itinerary, even if that means leaving a night early.
If your tour is affected, our Operations Team will coordinate all changes with you. Your safety is our top priority, and we’ll act accordingly.
Please keep track of your belongings throughout the trek. Once you exit any vehicle, campsite, or restaurant, remember to take everything with you.
Tunqui Expeditions is not responsible for lost items.
Packing properly for the Poques Trek 3 Days is essential to ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout your adventure. Below is our recommended packing list, organized into categories and optimized for high-altitude trekking.
Your duffel bag (up to 8 kg / 17.6 lb) will be carried by our horsemen or porters. It must include your sleeping bag and sleeping pad, which together weigh around 3.5 kg.
The Poques Trek to Machu Picchu (3 Days) is available year-round, from January to December. We operate this itinerary daily, with guaranteed departures for just 2 people.
⚠️ Please note: PayPal charges a 5% processing fee, which the client is responsible for. This applies only to online deposits. You can pay the remaining balance in cash (USD or soles) in our Cusco office without any additional fees.
Enhance your Peru adventure with these optional tours:
You can rent the following items for your trek:
Customize your Machu Picchu experience:
Once your reservation is confirmed, your price is locked in — it will not increase under any circumstances. We believe in transparency and fairness.
We offer a US$ 20.00 discount for students aged 17 or younger.
To receive this discount, please email a clear copy or photo of the student’s passport at the time of booking. The passport must be valid and not expire before the travel date.
Send to: [email protected]
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heights of the Andes, beginning in a secluded mountain community rich in culture and tradition. This trek takes you through breathtaking landscapes and offers a front-row seat to the natural wonders of this iconic mountain range.
The journey starts with a challenging ascent toward a broad mountain pass, where you’ll be greeted by awe-inspiring views of snowcapped peaks, including the majestic Sawasiray. This vantage point provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in the grandeur of the surrounding Andes.
As you descend, the trail leads you into a picturesque ravine, where herds of llamas and alpacas graze peacefully amidst the high-altitude pastures. Along the way, you’ll encounter serene lagoons, their surfaces mirroring the towering snowcapped peaks and the striking yellow-hued mountains in the distance—a stunning palette of colors unique to this region.
This path offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, making it a must-see destination for trekkers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Andes.
Your journey doesn’t end there! Enhance your Sacred Valley experience with a visit to the iconic salt mines of Maras, a site steeped in history and tradition. Finally, cap off your adventure with a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a must-see for every traveler.
DAY 01: CUSCO – CALCA – PAMPALLACTA – 5 LAKES – COMMUNITY POQUES
In this adventure we will travel the most amazing routes in the mountains of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, through the heights of Lamay accompanied by cargo llamas and friendly local muleteers.
We will meet at Hotel, then we will go by bus to the Pampallacta sector, where we will meet our llamas and muleteers. Together, we will load the llamas with food and equipment for lunch, and begin our walk in good company.
Hike to the highest point at Abra Sapacto before heading to our campsite in Sapacto. Spend time with local families and learn about their customs and traditions.
DAY 02: COMMUNITY POQUES – LLOCLLA – KINSACOCHA – PISAC – SALT MINES – AGUAS CALIENTES
In the morning, hike to Pisac before visiting the salt mines of Maras. Enjoy dinner in Ollantaytambo and finish the day with the train ride to Aguas Calientes for the night.
DAY 03: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
Explore the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu and then board the train to Ollantaytambo. Our transportation will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
Our adventure begins with a hotel pick-up and transfer by bus to Pampallacta. There, we will meet our local muleteers and the friendly llamas that will accompany us throughout the trek, carrying our gear and supplies.
We start our hike through the stunning high-Andean landscapes, visiting enchanting lakes such as:
After exploring the area, we will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch prepared by our field chef, using fresh local ingredients.
The journey continues towards Abra Sapacto (Yana Moqo Pass), the highest point of the trek, where we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views including the Laguna Carcelqocha. By around 4:00 p.m., we will arrive at our campsite in Sapacto, alongside local villagers returning with their animals to the corrals.
In the evening, we’ll spend time with local families, learning about their traditions and way of life. Later, we’ll gather for afternoon tea at 5:00 p.m. followed by a warm dinner at 7:00 p.m., before resting in our tents.
We’ll wake up with a revitalizing coca tea and a hearty breakfast at 6:00 a.m.. At 7:00 a.m., we set out on our trek towards the stunning Laguna Kinsacocha, where we’ll stop to enjoy lunch in the middle of nature.
Afterward, we continue walking through spectacular Andean scenery until reaching the archaeological site of Pisac, one of the most remarkable Inca complexes in the Sacred Valley.
From there, our private transport will take us to the Maras Salt Mines, a fascinating system of salt pools still harvested by local families today.
We then continue to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll enjoy dinner in this charming “living Inca town.” To end the day, we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night in a hotel.
Early in the morning, we take the bus up to the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. With our expert guide, we’ll enjoy a 2-hour tour through its most iconic temples, terraces, and sacred spaces.
After the guided visit, we return to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco and your hotel.
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
Permits & Tickets
The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket offers the most complete tour of the citadel and is the most popular. For this reason we recommend that you book well in advance to ensure your entry. (Circuit 2)
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
All equipment is carried by our team of porters.
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Tunqui Expeditions use the best tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g. Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Ware tents).
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double, twin and triple rooms.
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
On days 1 and 2, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
Muleteers and Porters (Tunquis)
During the Salkantay Trek, our muleteers and porters (tunquis) will carry all our camping equipment, from personal tents, clothes and sleeping bags to extra tents for eating and cooking, food, water, tables, chairs and a gas stove. We will include the personal service of a porter to carry your duffel bag and personal belongings.
They will be responsible for transporting all camping equipment and food, setting up and taking down each camp, and assisting the cook with food preparation. By law they can only carry a maximum of 20 kg, a rule we take very seriously.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
You can climb the famous mountain that you always see in photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute climb and the descent can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Permission must be obtained at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Bear in mind that there may be changes to protect your safety, especially due to weather conditions.
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains surrounding the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket, which we can arrange for you if we have time in advance.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your trip to Peru to be as memorable and worry-free as possible. In this section, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about hiking the Poques Trek To Machu Picchu. Please read the following information carefully—it will help you understand our services better and prepare for your adventure.
Still have questions? Just contact us—we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Altitude acclimatization is key. We highly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek starts to help your body adjust and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Even if you’ve already visited other high-altitude areas in Peru, we still suggest taking at least one full day in Cusco to rest and enjoy the city before the hike.
Recommended activities around Cusco before your Poques Trek 3 Days:
All briefings are held at 5:00 PM the day before your trek at our main office in Cusco—or your hotel, if arranged. Each session lasts around 30 to 45 minutes.
If you can’t attend, please contact us by email, phone, or by visiting our office to arrange an alternative time.
If you have an outstanding balance, it must be paid at least 2 days before the trek. Failure to do so will result in your tour not being confirmed.
We greatly appreciate cash payments in US dollars or Peruvian soles at our Cusco office. You’ll find multiple ATMs along Avenida El Sol that dispense both currencies.
Alternatively, you may pay using a credit/debit card or PayPal—either online or in person—but please note: a 5% service fee is added by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PayPal.
Checks or traveler’s checks are not accepted.
You’ll receive a duffel bag during your briefing, which will be carried by our muleteers and handed to you at each campsite. The bag size is 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
You’re allowed up to 7 kg / 15.4 lbs, including your sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Absolutely! You may safely store your main luggage in our office or at your hotel while you’re on the trek—free of charge.
Any items not needed on the trail can stay at your accommodation. Most hotels offer luggage storage, but we strongly recommend keeping valuables in your hotel’s safe, and asking for a detailed receipt (often required by insurance in case of loss). For added peace of mind, seal sensitive items like credit cards in a signed envelope.
We offer hotel pick-up from any location within Cusco’s Historic Center.
Your guide will confirm the exact time during the briefing, but note that delays of 30–45 minutes may occur due to traffic.
Important: Many hotels and Airbnbs are located on steep, narrow, or car-inaccessible streets. We recommend choosing accommodations with easy vehicle access to ensure smooth logistics.
Group treks include participants of all ages and fitness levels. By joining, you agree that some may walk faster or slower than you, and everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace.
If any changes to the itinerary are requested, your guide will make the final decision, consulting with the group when necessary.
Returning to Cusco involves multiple steps—but don’t worry, everything is included in your tour!
Protests and road blockades are fairly common in Peru and may disrupt some tours. Roadways and railways may be temporarily closed. We’ll do our best to maintain your original itinerary, even if that means leaving a night early.
If your tour is affected, our Operations Team will coordinate all changes with you. Your safety is our top priority, and we’ll act accordingly.
Please keep track of your belongings throughout the trek. Once you exit any vehicle, campsite, or restaurant, remember to take everything with you.
Tunqui Expeditions is not responsible for lost items.
Packing properly for the Poques Trek 3 Days is essential to ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout your adventure. Below is our recommended packing list, organized into categories and optimized for high-altitude trekking.
Your duffel bag (up to 8 kg / 17.6 lb) will be carried by our horsemen or porters. It must include your sleeping bag and sleeping pad, which together weigh around 3.5 kg.
The Poques Trek to Machu Picchu (3 Days) is available year-round, from January to December. We operate this itinerary daily, with guaranteed departures for just 2 people.
⚠️ Please note: PayPal charges a 5% processing fee, which the client is responsible for. This applies only to online deposits. You can pay the remaining balance in cash (USD or soles) in our Cusco office without any additional fees.
Enhance your Peru adventure with these optional tours:
You can rent the following items for your trek:
Customize your Machu Picchu experience:
Once your reservation is confirmed, your price is locked in — it will not increase under any circumstances. We believe in transparency and fairness.
We offer a US$ 20.00 discount for students aged 17 or younger.
To receive this discount, please email a clear copy or photo of the student’s passport at the time of booking. The passport must be valid and not expire before the travel date.
Send to: [email protected]
