Preparing for your Alcamayo waterfall hike

Before you start, you must prepare for the humid jungle climate. This trail is beautiful but can be very muddy. You will need comfortable hiking shoes with good grip. The weather in this region changes very quickly.

Carry at least 20 Peruvian Soles in cash per person. There is often a small entrance fee collected at the gatehouse. This money helps locals maintain the trail and bridges. You will not find an ATM near the trailhead.

Insect repellent is mandatory because the sand flies are quite aggressive here. Sunscreen is also wise, even on cloudy days. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the humid climb.

• Checklist:
• Cash in small denominations (Soles).
• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
• Powerful insect repellent (Deet-based).
• Waterproof jacket or plastic poncho.
• Offline map or GPS application.

How to find Alcamayo waterfall trail head

Finding the start of the Alcamayo waterfalls hiking trail is easier than most people think. You do not need a vehicle to get there. The entire journey starts on foot from the center of town. Follow these steps to ensure you do not get lost along the way.

1. Step 1: Get to the train station area. Start at the Plaza Manco Capac. Walk toward the artisan market near the train station. This should take about 5 minutes. Common Mistake: Entering the station platform which is for ticketed passengers only.
2. Step 2: Walk along the tracks. Follow the road that runs parallel to the train tracks heading east. Walk away from the Machu Picchu bus stop area. Typical time for this section is 10 minutes. Common Mistake: Thinking you are trespassing; walking along this path is normal for locals.
3. Step 3: Locate the entrance hut. Look for a small wooden or metal structure on your right side. It is usually marked with a humble sign for Alcamayo. This costs about 10-15 Soles. Common Mistake: Walking too far into the forest without paying the maintenance fee.
4. Step 4: Cross the initial bridge. Once you pay, cross the small bridge over the rushing water. This marks the true start of the nature trail. Common Mistake: Not checking the bridge stability after heavy rain.

Navigating the trail and jungle path

Once you are past the entrance, the sounds of the town will fade away quickly. The trail winds through dense secondary forest. You will notice high humidity and the smell of tropical plants. The path is generally well-defined but narrow in some spots.

There are actually three different waterfalls on this specific route. The first one is the smallest and easiest to reach. The second and third falls require a bit more effort. Use the stairs built into the hillside to reach the higher viewpoints.

Expect to spend about two hours here for a relaxed visit. You can see many birds and exotic butterflies. For more ideas on what to do in the area, check our list of top attractions near Aguas Calientes. The terrain is rocky, so watch your step near the water's edge.

Troubleshooting common navigation issues

Even with a map, the cloud forest can be confusing. Heavy mist can block your view of trail markers. If you feel lost, return to the last known bridge or staircase. Keeping your bearings is essential in the jungle.

• Muddy sections: If the trail is washed out, look for higher ground or wait for other hikers.
• Locked gate: If the gatehouse is empty, wait 10 minutes or check if there is a bell.
• Wrong track: If you see a major tunnel, you have walked too far along the train tracks.
• No signage: Markers are small; look for ribbons tied to trees near turns.
• Insect bites: Apply repellent every hour as sweat washes it away quickly.
• Low light: Do not start this hike after 3:00 PM as the sun sets early in the valley.
• Phone signal: Signal drops quickly; download your offline maps before leaving the town.