Peru

Upon arrival at Cusco airport, follow the signs for the baggage claim area, after collecting your luggage you will be in the arrivals area, where our staff will welcome you and drive you to the Sacred Valley, the most comfortable area to adjust to the altitude. On the way to your hotel, you will enjoy visiting Awanacancha center and Pisac village and Market. Cusco – Awanacancha Farm. Feed Llamas and Alpacas! Our staff will drive you to Awanacancha farm. The fun can’t wait, here you will feed Llamas and Alpacas, take pictures with them and learn about the amazing textiles made by the Quechua weavers in the Peruvian Andes. Awanacancha – Pisac Market & Empanadas After visiting Awanacancha you will be driven to the peaceful Quechua village of Pisac, a perfect place to immerse yourself in the Quechua world!  Here you will explore its famous Indian market and interact with Quechua families who sell unique handicraft and amazing souvenirs, some of them wearing their traditional outfit. You will also have the chance to try the delicious Empanadas made in a wood-burning oven! After visiting Pisac you will be driven to your hotel located in the sacred valley, the most comfortable area to adjust to the altitude. Free afternoon to rest to adjust to the altitude of the Andes. Welcome Dinner in the sacred valley. Overnight in the sacred valley at Casa Andina Premium Valle Hotel or similar. *Cusco city is located at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) above sea level. **The Sacred Valley is located at an altitude of 2,870 meters (9,416 feet) above sea level. Please note that the domestic flight is not included. If you require help in arranging flights or support in Lima, kindly let us know.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up and taken on a short drive to Pachar village, where your extraordinary adventure in the Sacred Valley begins! The Sacred Valley zip-line experience offers people of all ages the opportunity to soar through this enchanting and awe-inspiring valley, ensuring both safety and excitement. With a total of 7 lines or cables ranging from 150 meters to 700 meters, covering 2800 meters, this exhilarating activity promises an unforgettable journey. Your adventure will commence with a 30–40-minute hike, followed by a brief via Ferrata climb of four meters, providing you with a taste of the Ferrata climbing experience. Each zip-line offers a unique and varied experience, starting with a gentle and short line, and progressively increasing in difficulty, allowing you to enhance your ziplining skills along the way. Prepare for a thrilling three-hour zip-line excursion that will leave you with lasting memories. Afterward, we will transport you back to your hotel, ensuring a comfortable end to your day of excitement. Ollantaytambo and Qosqo Ayllu This afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Ollantaytambo. There, your guide will accompany you to explore the Inca terraces of the Ollantaytambo fortress. As you take in the breathtaking views, you will also learn about the historical significance of this site, particularly how the Incas made a final stand against the Spanish. Your tour also encompasses a visit to Qosqo Ayllu, an ancient Inca town that has preserved its original walls and layout since Inca times. Remarkably, this town is still inhabited to this day, providing a unique glimpse into the enduring legacy of the Inca civilization. Overnight in the sacred valley at Casa Andina Premium valley Hotel or similar.

Today, you will explore the Sacred Valley by rafting down the Urubamba River. Whether you are a seasoned rafter or a first-time adventurer, rafting on this river offers an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling rapids, stunning scenery, and a deep connection to the remarkable surrounding landscape. After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and drive (approx. 20 min) to Pachar. There, you will receive the necessary gear (wet-suits, jackets, helmets, life jackets, paddles) and the safety briefing by professional guides who are experienced in river navigation. As you set off on the raft, you will immediately be immersed in the rushing waters of the Urubamba River. The river flows through a picturesque landscape of towering mountains, lush valleys, and remote villages, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The rapids of the Urubamba River vary in intensity (II-III rapids), catering to both beginners and experienced rafters. Your skilled guides will navigate the raft through the twists and turns of the river, maneuvering through exhilarating rapids and providing expert guidance along the way. You will finish in the Cachiccta area, from where you will be driven back to your hotel. Rafting duration: two hours. Meeting the Huilloc Community In the afternoon, you will have the unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage and traditions of the Huilloc community that boasts a vibrant culture. You will visit this village and immerse yourself in their ancient customs, embracing the concept of "allin kausay," which embodies “living in harmony”. During the community visit, you will marvel at the remarkable Inca terraces with their thousand steps, situated at an elevation of 3,600 meters. Throughout the activity (expected to last around 5 hours), you will actively participate in Andean rituals, expressing reverence for the Earth through offerings to Pachamama while accompanied by traditional chants. This connection with nature fosters a sense of unity and enables us to appreciate the significance of Andean Medicine. You will gain insights into the healing properties of medicinal plants, as well as the local flora and wildlife. Witnessing agricultural practices in the fields, you will learn about ancient harvesting techniques that serve as the foundation of sustenance. Overnight in the sacred valley at Casa Andina Premium valley Hotel or similar.

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel to embark on a fascinating journey through history and culture by visiting the Pisac ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This immersive experience (expected duration: 4 hours) will transport you back in time to explore the ancient Inca civilization and marvel at the impressive architectural wonders they left behind. The tour begins with a scenic drive through the picturesque Sacred Valley, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and traditional Andean villages. Upon reaching Pisac, you will be greeted by the majestic ruins perched on a mountainside, overlooking the valley below. Led by knowledgeable and passionate guides, you will walk along ancient stone pathways, learning about the history, significance, and engineering marvels of the Pisac ruins. As you ascend the terraces and intricate structures, you will be captivated by the intricate stonework and ingenious agricultural terraces that once sustained the Inca civilization. At the top of the site, you will be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, offering a glimpse into the strategic significance of Pisac as a military and agricultural stronghold. After the guided tour, you will have some free time to explore the site at your own pace, allowing you to soak in the spiritual atmosphere and capture stunning photographs of this ancient wonder. After lunch, you will be embarked on a captivating journey through some of the most fascinating archaeological sites and traditional villages in the Sacred Valley- Maras and Moray. The first destination, Maras. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the stunning sight of the Maras salt mines, a series of intricately terraced salt evaporation ponds that have been in use since ancient times. You will have the opportunity to explore the site, learn about the salt extraction process, and witness the striking natural beauty of the contrasting white salt pools against the surrounding mountains. Next, the tour takes you to Moray, an archaeological complex known for its unique circular terraces. These terraces, arranged in concentric circles, were used by the Incas for agricultural experiments due to the varying microclimates they created. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the Inca farming techniques and the significance of Moray as a center for agricultural innovation. After enjoying these amazing Inca sites, you will be driven back to your hotel. Overnight in the sacred valley at Casa Andina Premium valley Hotel or similar.

This morning you are picked up by your guide from your hotel and embark on a smooth train ride through the spectacular sacred valley of the Incas to Km 104 of the railroad to Machu Picchu, the trailhead of your Inca trail adventure. Morning Expedition train journey from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 Estimated train journey time: one hour and forty minutes. Upon arrival at Km 104 (trailhead), we will cross the foot bridge over the Vilcanota River, pass the checkpoint (you need to show your passport), and start our adventure on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Our first stop will be by the Inca Ruins of Chachabamba, considered an important religious site and a guardhouse to control access to Machu Picchu. Then we embark on a four-hour uphill hike to Wiñaywayna Ruins, the largest and most amazing Inca site on the Inca Trail, here you will have enough time to explore its terraces, and houses and enjoy the magic scenery. After our box lunch, we continue hiking through the cloud forest until reaching the stone threshold of Inti Punku, known as “The Sun Gate,” located at an altitude of 2,745 meters (9,005 feet) above the sea level and a unique place to enjoy the most beautiful picture of Machu Picchu. We arrive in the “Hidden City” of Machu Picchu late in the afternoon. Overnight at Casa Andina Standard – Traditional Room or similar. Hiking details: Hiking distance: 11 kilometers (7 miles). Hiking time: 7 hours. *Aguas Calientes is located at an altitude of 2000 meters (6,562 ft) above sea level. *Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 2400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level.

After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and take a 30-minute bus journey to Machu Picchu, from where you will start your hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain. Machu Picchu private tour: Designed Royalty Route Circuit: 3 Route: 3-B Estimated guided touring time: 2.5 hours Walking distance: 1.3 km (0.81 mile) This morning, you’ll delve into the remarkable Inca city of Machu Picchu, immersing yourself in its fascinating history, from the inhabitants of this sacred site to its rediscovery in the modern era, and the mystery of why the Spanish conquerors never uncovered it. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of its spiritual significance while having ample time to appreciate the stunning surroundings, making it an experience that will leave a lasting impression. The Designed Royalty Route tour leads you through the Inca royal structures located in the lower sections of the city. Starting with awe-inspiring views of Machu Picchu from the agricultural terraces, you'll capture iconic photos before moving on to explore the religious district. Key highlights include the Sun Temple, the Inca’s House, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor. This moderate hike is accessible to travelers of all ages, offering a perfect blend of culture and adventure. Afterward, you’ll board a bus to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the town at your leisure. Overnight at Casa Andina Standard Hotel – Traditional Room or similar.

In the morning, you will board the train back to the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo train station, you will be welcomed by the driver who will take you to Cusco. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the ancient capital of the Incas at your own pace. Overnight Casa Andina Premium Cusco or similar.

Enjoy a relaxing morning, strolling through the streets of Cusco: one of the most beautiful towns in Latin America. In the afternoon, you will go on a guided tour around the town (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visiting its most remarkable landmarks like the main square known as Plaza de Armas, and the 16th-century Cathedral that boasts an impressive collection of more than 400 paintings from the Cusco art school dating to the 16th and 17th century. The tour includes a visit to one the most impressive Inca temples: Koricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun. During the Inca times, the walls of this temple were lined with sheets of solid gold, and its courtyard was decorated with golden statues and ornaments. You will finish with a visit to the Santo Domingo Church built by the Spanish colonists, before moving outside the city for an exploration of other famous Inca monuments. First, you will head to Sacsayhuaman, an amazing Inca fortress whose main walls, built with massive stones, are perfectly fitted. You will learn more about the Incas’ construction and engineering secrets, before continuing to Qenko, Puca Pucara (an Inca lodging site), and Tambo Machay (known as the Baths of the Inca). Overnight Casa Andina Premium Cusco or similar.

In the morning, you will head to Cusco airport for your departure flight. End of trip. Optional:

• Extension to join the Explore the Amazon Magic Trip
• If you need support in the extra day between the two trips, whether resting in Cusco or trekking the rainbow mountain, please let us know.
• Please note that we can also offer a lighter trekking option of one day instead of the full Inca trail. Let us know if you are interested in this customization option.