DAY 1: Arrive in Cusco and Tour of Cusco

You will be met upon arrival at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel for check-in. Later in the afternoon a guide will meet you for a half day Cusco city tour. The Cusco City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun, at the Korikancha. Then, we walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) where we will see the impressive cathedral—the Square’s focal point. We then tour the Inca sites of Q’uenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco: El Mercado or similar
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Sacred Valley: Exploring Pisaq

You will be picked up from your Cusco hotel in the morning.

The town square is often the center of activity throughout this region, but so too is the town market, and none is more alive than the famous market at Pisaq. A morning visit to check out its unique array of products will inspire you with a small taste of the rich culture yet to be explored on your journey. Travelers seeking inspiration in nature can opt for an invigorating morning hike surrounded by amazing views of the Andes Mountains that guard this magnificent valley. Later, enjoy exclusive access to the isolated community of Viacha, where you will learn about its artisanal potato farming practices and enjoy a traditional “Pachamanca” meal, cooked under hot stones. After lunch you will visit the archaeological complex at Pisaq, an afternoon excursion that offers a unique opportunity to explore the complex free of crowds, with the sun setting behind the peaks.

Morning: Choose from Activities A or B

Activity A (Awanacancha – Pisaq Town – Viacha) After breakfast, you depart Cusco to visit the textile center and camelid exhibition of Awanacancha and then the town of Pisaq and its market. After a short drive you reach the village of Viacha.

Activity B (Amaru – Viacha Hike) After breakfast, you depart Cusco and head to the community of Amaru to start a moderate hike to the village of Viacha. (2.5 hours, moderate)

Afternoon: Shared Activity

Visit to the community of Viacha to learn about its agricultural activities and take a guided tour of the archaeological site of Pisaq. You will also enjoy a traditional meal cooked under hot stones called Pachamanca. (Optional: hike from the ruins to the town of Pisaq – about 1.5 hours downhill). From here, you will take a drive to Lamay Lodge where the balance of the afternoon is at your leisure. Guide briefing followed by dinner.

Overnight at Lamay Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Lares Valley: Trekking, Inca Sites, & Villages

After breakfast, you take a walk around the small town of Lamay before driving to the archaeological site of Ancasmarca for a guided tour of the ruins. You then take a drive to the town of Lares for lunch, after which you can choose from three activities (below).

Morning: Shared Activity

Now that you have gotten a glimpse of the rich Andean tapestry, today you will have the opportunity to go even deeper with an exploration into the heart of the Lares Valley. A scenic drive into the mountains, along the celebrated “Inca Weaver’s Trail”, allows you to visit the unique and uncrowded archeological site of Ancasmarca along the hub-town of Lares.

After lunch, you can choose between visiting the traditional and ancient weavers’ village of Choquecancha, or opt for hiking amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi, where we all meet to spend the night. This lodge, which is run in joint venture with the local community and aims to protect the cultural heritage and the environment, provides an interesting insight into the evolving role of the original Andean people in both the culture and commerce of modern-day Cusco.

Afternoon: Choose from Activities A, B, or C

Activity A (Choquecancha Visit) Drive to the small town of Choquecancha for a guided tour of the community and the imposing Inca ruins and colonial church. You then arrive at the Huacahuasi Lodge after about an hour drive.

Activity B (Quelquena to Huacahuasi Hike) Drive to the small village of Quelquena before heading to the Huacahuasi Lodge. (2 – 2.5 hours, easy to moderate)

Activity C (Cuncani to Huacahuasi Hike) Drive to the village of Cuncani for a hike before heading to the Huacahuasi Lodge. (3.5 – 4 hours, moderate)

Overnight at Huacahuasi Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Lares Valley: Trekking Inca Trails & Travel to Ollantaytambo

Begin the day with a scenic drive to the community of Huilloc. From there, choose a morning hike from the village of Huilloc to the historic ruins of Pumamarka, or an extended visit to Huilloc and the nearby sheepherding community of Marcacocha before regrouping for lunch and a midday exploration of the Pumamarka ruins. After lunch, choose to hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo or drive and spend the afternoon exploring Ollantaytambo’s maze-like alleys and passageways.

All Day: Choose from Activities A, B, and C

Activity A: Visit the village of Huilloc and community of Marcacocha to participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and her blessings for the health of the community livestock. Continue on to Pumamarka for an all-group tour of the archaeological site and picnic lunch. After lunch, explore the farming terraces on your way to Ollantaytambo.

Activity B: Hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka. (3 hours, moderate)

Activity C: Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo (3 hours, moderate)

Optional All-Group Activity (late afternoon): Visit a locally sourced Sacred Valley craft brewery (subject to additional cost).

Overnight in Ollantaytambo: Kuychi Rumi
 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5: Exploring Ollantaytambo & Train to Aguas Calientes -or- Hike the Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

From its beginnings as the royal estate of Inca-Emperor Pachacutec, to a stronghold against the Spanish conquistadors for Manco Inca Yupanqui, the temple at Ollantaytambo was regarded by the Incas as one of their most important ceremonial centers. On this day, an optional and short early morning hike to Inca storage structures high above Ollantaytambo will give you a magnificent view of the town as well as of the main archeological site across the valley. Afterwards, as your guide leads you through a morning tour of the temple and explains its strategic architectural planning, you will also get a sense of its mystical history…a perfect introduction to the wonder of Machu Picchu. Around noon you will embark on a scenic train ride along the famous Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, whose charm lies in a history that began as a small railway stop and evolved into a bustling town still bisected by the train tracks.

Early Morning: Choose from Activity A or B

Activity A: Hike to lower Pinkuylluna Ruins and to Pinkuylluna, an Inca site with great views of the valley. After the hike, you meet the rest of the group at the archaeological site in Ollantaytambo. (1 – 1.5 hours, moderate)

Activity B: Hike to higher Pinkuylluna Ruins (higher ruins) for even better views. After the hike, you meet the rest of the group at the archaeological site in Ollantaytambo. (2 – 2.5 hours, moderate to challenging)

Mid-Morning & Afternoon: Shared Activity

Ollantaytambo Archeological Site and Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes): After the guided tour of the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo you have free time to explore the town and market on your own. In the late morning, you walk to train station to board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo with a box lunch. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes), you check in at the Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel and enjoy a free afternoon.

-or-

Hike the Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (all day activity) — This hike has an additional cost. See “DATES / PRICES” tab for details.

5:30 Breakfast at Hotel
6:30 Depart hotel for 30 min transfer to Ollantaytambo train station
7:22 Depart by train from Ollantaytambo for an hour and twenty-minute ride to KM 104 station
9:30 Cross the Chachabamba bridge to begin your hike on the Classic Inca Trail from KM 104. You’ll first ascend to Wiñay Wayna, a dramatic archaeological complex featuring ancient houses, fountains, and agricultural terraces overlooking the Urubamba river, before continuing on toward Intipunku, the Sun Gate, for your first glimpse of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu from above.
16:00 (approximately) – Descend and exit the citadel, enjoying spectacular views of the site en route. (Note: hikers will not have additional time to explore the ruins this same afternoon, but will return the following morning for a more in-depth visit.)
16:30 (approximately) – Board the shuttle bus to arrive at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel by approximately 5:00 p.m.

Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Elevation range: 2,160 – 2,670 ft / 7,116 – 8,094 m

Overnight in Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo): Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Tour and Return to Cusco

At dawn, you begin your journey to Machu Picchu with a short and rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the “Sanctuary” (as locals refer to it), the morning sun rises over the iconic Sun Gate and washes the structures and terraces with resplendent light. Prepare to be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among many others. Take a moment to quietly sit and listen to the wind…or to meditate and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. Your imagination will soar as you contemplate the history of Machu Picchu and its mysterious origins. Some may even choose a hike to Huayna Picchu, the iconic towering mountain often seen in photographs, for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. Either way, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation which will linger even as you journey back to the city lights, and hustle and bustle of Cusco.

Early Morning: Shared Activity

Depart from the hotel for the bus ride to Machu Picchu Sanctuary for a guided tour of the Inka citadel.

Late Morning: Choose from Activities A or B

Activity A: Free time in Machu Picchu to explore the ruins on your own and take a recommended excursion to the Sun Gate.

Activity B: Guided hike of Huayna Picchu peak and ruins from where you have amazing views of the sanctuary below. (2 – 2.5 hours, moderate to challenging)

All travelers will meet for lunch at the Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel before walking to the train station to board the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you board the private vehicle for the return drive to Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco: El Mercado or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7: Free Day in Cusco and Depart

Enjoy your free morning in Cusco. You will be picked up and taken to the airport in time for your flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 1: Arrive in Cusco and Tour of Cusco

You will be met upon arrival at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel for check-in. Later in the afternoon a guide will meet you for a half day Cusco city tour. The Cusco City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun, at the Korikancha. Then, we walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) where we will see the impressive cathedral—the Square’s focal point. We then tour the Inca sites of Q’uenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco: El Mercado or similar
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas: Cusco – Chinchero – Moray Ruins – Maras Salt Pans

Shared Program: Depart Cusco for a guided visit of the archaeological site of Chinchero. After visiting the site, you can choose from one of two activities (below). Begin your adventure with a journey from the urban setting of Cusco into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields and surrounded by striking mountain peaks. Explore the beautiful archeological site of Chinchero, where colonial buildings rest atop Inca foundations. Enjoy an astonishing hike through authentic Inca trails from Chinchero to the town of Urquillos. Also, you can go back in time and study the natural Inca salt mines of Maras and the astonishing circular terraces of Moray, believed to be an Inca laboratory dedicated to the study of foreign plant species.

Activity A (Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Sacred Valley): After extending your visit of Chinchero by a half hour, you take a guided tour of the Moray Inca Agricultural site. You will have your lunch by the Maras Salt Mines before visiting the salt mines with an optional hike to Pichingoto. You will be picked up at Pichingoto by the river and taken to the Lamay Lodge.

Activity B (Hike): Hike from Chinchero to Urquillos (Duration 3 hrs. Easy to Moderate)

Overnight at Lamay Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Sacred Valley of the Incas: Exploring Pisaq

The town square is often the center of activity throughout this region, but so too is the town market, and none is more alive than the famous market at Pisaq. A morning visit to check out its unique array of products will inspire you with a small taste of the rich culture yet to be explored on your journey. Travelers seeking inspiration in nature can opt for an invigorating morning hike surrounded by amazing views of the Andes Mountains that guard this magnificent valley. Later, enjoy exclusive access to the isolated community of Viacha, where you will learn about its artisanal potato farming practices and enjoy a traditional “Pachamanca” meal, cooked under hot stones. After lunch you will visit the archaeological complex at Pisaq, an afternoon excursion that offers a unique opportunity to explore the complex free of crowds, with the sun setting behind the peaks.

Activity A – Visit the town of Pisaq and local market, and experience an encounter with members of the local community of Viacha.

Activity B – Bike ride along the Urubamba river from Lamay to Pisaq Town (Duration 2 – 2.5 hrs. Easy to moderate)

Activity C (Amaru – Viacha Hike): After breakfast you depart the Lamay Lodge for the community of Amaru, where you will take a moderate hike to Viacha. (Duration 2.5 – 3 hrs. Moderate)

Shared Activity: Group lunch in the local community of Viacha. In the afternoon, the whole group visits the Pisaq archaeological site together, before heading back to the lodge.

Overnight at Lamay Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Lares Valley: Trekking, Inca Ruins, & Villages

Now that you have gotten a glimpse into this rich Andean tapestry, today you will have the opportunity to go even deeper with an exploration into the heart of the Lares Valley. A scenic drive into the mountains along the celebrated “Inca Weaver’s Trail” allows you to visit the unique and uncrowded archeological site of Ancasmarca to the hub-town of Lares. After lunch, you can choose between visiting the traditional and ancient weavers’ village of Choquecancha, or opt for hiking amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi, where you will spend the night. This lodge, which is run in joint venture with the local community and aims to protect the cultural heritage and the environment, provides an interesting insight into the evolving role of the original Andean people in both the culture and commerce of modern-day Cusco

Shared Program (Lamay to Ancasmarca and Lares): After breakfast, you walk around the small town of Lamay before a drive to the archaeological site of Ancasmarca and a guided tour of the ruins. After the tour, you drive to the town of Lares where you will have lunch and choose your activity for the afternoon (below).

Activity A (Choquecancha Visit): You take a drive to the small town of Choquecancha for a guided tour of the town, its Inca ruins and the colonial church.

Activity B (Quelquena to Huacahuasi Hike): You drive to the small village of Quelquena for an easy 2- to 2.5 hour hike to the Huacahuasi Lodge.

Activity C (Cuncani to Huacahuasi Hike): You drive to the village of Cuncani for a moderate 3.5 – to 4 hour hike to the Huacahuasi Lodge.

Overnight at Huacahuasi Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Lares Valley: Exploring Huacahuasi

If you’re in the mood for a cultural experience today, you can walk through the village of Huacahuasi and learn more about its heritage and daily activities, with a possible visit to a farmer’s home. The expert weavers and farmers will share their stories, each depicted in artful textiles full of traditional Incan symbols and imagery. Then take a Peruvian cooking class and test your skills during lunch with the rest of the group. For those who want to go deeper into these remote mountains, challenge yourself with an all-day hike from the community of Quiswarani onto the “Trail of 1,000 Lakes”. Although a strenuous hike, you will be amazed and awakened by the simple but majestic beauty of this eden, as you enjoy the company of herds of alpacas and llamas grazing on hillsides, and make your way over challenging mountain passes.

Activity A (Explore the village and cooking class): You visit the community of Huacahuasi and meet local people in their homes. After returning to the lodge, you take a cooking class, eat lunch and have the afternoon at your leisure.

Activity B (Hike to Huacahuasi Waterfalls): You visit the community of Huacahuasi and take an easy walk to a nearby waterfall, where you have a snack. You then return to the lodge for lunch and have the afternoon at your leisure. (1 – 2 hours. Easy)

Activity C (Quiswarani to Quelquena): You take a drive to the village of Quiswarani for a moderate to strenuous hike to Quelwacocha Lake, where you eat lunch by the lake. After lunch, you hike to the small community of Quelquena to where the vehicles are waiting to take you back to the Huacahuasi Lodge. (6 – 7- hours. Challenging)

Overnight at Huacahuasi Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Lares Valley: Trekking Inca Trails & Travel to Ollantaytambo

Begin the day with a scenic drive to the community of Huilloc. From there, choose a morning hike from the village of Huilloc to the historic ruins of Pumamarka, or an extended visit to Huilloc and the nearby sheepherding community of Marcacocha before regrouping for lunch and a midday exploration of the Pumamarka ruins. After lunch, choose to hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo or drive and spend the afternoon exploring Ollantaytambo’s maze-like alleys and passageways.

All Day: Choose from Activities A, B, and C

Activity A: Visit the village of Huilloc and community of Marcacocha to participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and her blessings for the health of the community livestock. Continue on to Pumamarka for an all-group tour of the archaeological site and picnic lunch. After lunch, explore the farming terraces on your way to Ollantaytambo.

Activity B: Hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka. (3 hours, moderate)

Activity C: Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo (3 hours, moderate)

Optional All-Group Activity (late afternoon): Visit a locally sourced Sacred Valley craft brewery (subject to additional cost).

Overnight in Ollantaytambo: Kuychi Rumi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Exploring Ollantaytambo & Train to Aguas Calientes -or- Hike the Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

From its beginnings as the royal estate of Inca-Emperor Pachacutec, to a stronghold against the Spanish conquistadors for Manco Inca Yupanqui, the temple at Ollantaytambo was regarded by the Incas as one of their most important ceremonial centers. On this day, an optional and short early morning hike to Inca storage structures high above Ollantaytambo will give you a magnificent view of the town as well as of the main archeological site across the valley. Afterwards, as your guide leads you through a morning tour of the temple and explains its strategic architectural planning, you will also get a sense of its mystical history…a perfect introduction to the wonder of Machu Picchu. Around noon you will embark on a scenic train ride along the famous Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, whose charm lies in a history that began as a small railway stop and evolved into a bustling town still bisected by the train tracks.

Activity A (Hike to lower Pinkuylluna Ruins): You take an easy hike to Pinkuylluna, an Inca site with great views of the valley. You meet the rest of the group at the archaeological site in Ollantaytambo. (Duration 1-1.5 hrs. Moderate)

Activity B (Hike to higher Pinkuylluna Ruins): You take a moderate hike to Pinkuylluna (higher ruins) for even better views. You meet the rest of the group at the archaeological site in Ollantaytambo. (Duration 2-2.5 hrs. Moderate to challenging)

Shared Program (Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site and Machu Picchu Pueblo): You take a guided tour of the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, after which you have free time to explore the town and market on your own. Late morning, you walk to the train station to board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. You arrive at Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) and check in at the Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, and then enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

-or-

Hike the Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (all day activity) — This hike has an additional cost. See “DATES / PRICES” tab for details.

5:30 Breakfast at Hotel
6:30 Depart hotel for 30 min transfer to Ollantaytambo train station
7:22 Depart by train from Ollantaytambo for an hour and twenty-minute ride to KM 104 station
9:30 Cross the Chachabamba bridge to begin your hike on the Classic Inca Trail from KM 104. You’ll first ascend to Wiñay Wayna, a dramatic archaeological complex featuring ancient houses, fountains, and agricultural terraces overlooking the Urubamba river, before continuing on toward Intipunku, the Sun Gate, for your first glimpse of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu from above.
16:00 (approximately) – Descend and exit the citadel, enjoying spectacular views of the site en route. (Note: hikers will not have additional time to explore the ruins this same afternoon, but will return the following morning for a more in-depth visit.)
16:30 (approximately) – Board the shuttle bus to arrive at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel by approximately 5:00 p.m.

Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Elevation range: 2,160 – 2,670 ft / 7,116 – 8,094 m

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Tour and Return to Cusco

At dawn, you begin your journey to Machu Picchu with a short and rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the “Sanctuary” (as locals refer to it), the morning sun rises over the iconic Sun Gate and washes the structures and terraces with resplendent light. Prepare to be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among many others. Take a moment to quietly sit and listen to the wind…or to meditate and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. Your imagination will soar as you contemplate the history of Machu Picchu and its mysterious origins. Some may even choose a hike to Huayna Picchu, the iconic towering mountain often seen in photographs, for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. Either way, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation which will linger even as you journey back to the city lights, and hustle and bustle of Cusco.

Shared Program: Depart from the hotel for the bus ride to Machu Picchu Sanctuary for a guided tour of the Inka citadel.

Choose an optional activity A or B

Activity A: Free time in Machu Picchu to explore the ruins on your own and take a recommended excursion to the Sun Gate.

Activity B: Guided hike of Huayna Picchu peak and ruins from where you have amazing views of the sanctuary below. (Duration 2-2.5 hrs. Moderate to challenging)

All travelers will meet for lunch at the Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel before walking to the train station to board the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you board the private vehicle for the return drive to Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco: El Mercado or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9: Free Morning in Cusco and Depart

Enjoy your free morning in Cusco. You will be picked up and taken to the airport in time for your flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast