Peru: Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

Accommodations while on tour including a four-star hotel in Cusco and small charming hotels in Aguas Calientes and the Urubamba Valley

All meals included except one dinner; alcoholic beverages not included

DAY 1
Arrival in Cusco
Your guides greet you at the airport upon your arrival in Cusco and transfer you to your first hotel, a lovely colonial building in the heart of Cusco. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may choose to spend the afternoon exploring the wonders of Cusco, one of the highest cities in the world at 11,400 feet, or just resting for the adventure ahead (no meals or activities are included this day).
Novotel, Cusco

DAY 2
Cusco and surrounding ruins; 4 miles, easy, approximate 1,000-ft elevation loss
After an early breakfast and an orientation meeting, your Peruvian guides acquaint you with the history and culture of this ancient city on a walking tour. Your explorations take you over the cobbled streets as you visit the main cultural and religious sites within the city, both Inca and colonial. Later, a short drive brings you to the city’s outskirts where you explore the famous sites surrounding Cusco. You begin at Sacsayhuaman, the principal Incan temple in the region, where the Inca held religious celebrations. You then proceed to Quenko, a ceremonial site for important Inca families. Although Quenko was virtually destroyed by the Spanish, remains of ceremonial altars and gods worshiped by the Inca are still visible. Time permitting you may visit the impressive site of Tambomachay, the site of ritual baths and the Temple of the Water.
After returning to the hotel, you have a bit of time to relax before dinner. The evening meal is at an inviting restaurant in Cusco featuring local specialties such as rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers) and chupe de quinoa (stew made with local cheese, vegetables, and the local power-packed grain called quinoa).
Novotel, Cusco

DAY 3
Pisac Ruins and Market; 2-5 miles, moderate, includes steep descent on stairs, approximate 2,000-ft elevation loss, sections of walk may cause vertigo After breakfast, you transfer 1½ hours to begin a walking tour of the Sacred Valley at the mountaintop site of Pisac. This imposing site clings to steep, terraced fields far above the valley and offers one of the finest examples of Incan architecture in the Cusco region. Winding your way on foot through ancient ruins and temples towards the Urubamba Valley floor, you marvel at this Inca burial site ingeniously built into a steep cliff. Along the way you delight in spectacular views of terraced fields utilized by local farmers for the growth of maize, potatoes, and quinoa. Lunch is served at a local restaurant featuring a hearty buffet of salads, potato dishes, meats, and breads.
Afterward, a short transfer to the village of Pisac is followed with time to peruse the Andean market or relax at a café. Late in the afternoon you drive (40 minutes) to your beautiful monastery-turned-hacienda in Yucay, where there may be time for a short walk around the farmlands before reuniting for a traditional Peruvian feast.
La Posada del Inca, Yucay

DAY 4
Chinchero Market. Maras. Moray to the Urubamba River; 7-9 miles, moderate with easy option, approximate 600-ft elevation gain and 2,000-ft elevation loss, sections of walk may cause vertigo
A visit to Chinchero begins the day (a 40-minute transfer) where you experience a traditional Andean market. Here Indians from the surrounding communities come to barter or sell their handicrafts and products. Colorful assortments of weavings, fruits, vegetables, beans, and livestock make this a truly unforgettable experience.
Afterward, you transfer to the charming village of Maras, from where you begin a walk along ancient farming paths. Along the way you may see shepherds herding flocks of sheep or farmers threshing wheat. You stop to refuel on a gourmet picnic lunch, complete with local wines. A short transfer takes you to the fascinating Inca site of Moray, once used for agricultural experimentation (and today preserved by UNESCO). After a walking exploration of the site, you begin a descent through a narrow canyon to the Maras salt mines. The snow-capped Andes and golden wheat fields provide a stunning backdrop for a walk to this unique site still mined for salt. Here you learn about the process of harvesting the salt from terraces of pools created by an underground salt-water spring. The entire process is done by hand, and the methods have not changed since pre-Hispanic times. A final 30-minute descent brings you to the Urubamba River and the village of Pichingoto, where you are met by your bus driver for the short transfer back to the hotel. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.
La Posada del Inca, Yucay

DAY 5
Traditional Andean Village; 5-7 miles, moderate to challenging, approximate 620-ft elevation gain and loss
The village of Ollantaytambo is the first stop today. The spectacular Incan site above the village is famous as one of the few places where the Inca defeated the conquistadors in battle. Here you learn how the Inca maneuvered huge blocks of stone from the riverbanks below to the steep cliffs above to build their terraced temple.
Afterward you transfer (one hour) to a remote, traditional village, which provides an opportunity for an intimate view of mountain life in Peru. You are warmly welcomed by its inhabitants as you visit their primary school and homes. The walk follows ancient footpaths and life here continues as it has for hundreds of years as farmers still work the high Andean terraces harvesting wheat and a variety of vegetables. Residents still wear the traditional dress of the area, and houses are made of stacked stone. You encounter llamas, cows, and goats grazing alongside the trail, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Alacoma appears close enough to touch.
You descend in time for a pisco sour (Peru’s national drink made with clear white grape alcohol) by the fire before a final dinner in Yucay. This afternoon there is also an optional visit to the renowned Pablo Seminario pottery studio.
Please note: in order to minimize the environmental and cultural impact of our groups, the villages visited vary as do the mileage and terrain.
La Posada del Inca, Yucay

DAY 6
Train and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; 7.5 miles, moderate to challenging, sections of steep stair climbing, approximate 2,000-ft elevation gain and loss, sections of walk may cause vertigo. Option to continue on train for shorter walk into Machu Picchu After an early breakfast you transfer by bus to the Ollantaytambo station to board the train bound for Machu Picchu. The train follows the river and offers magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way the landscape magically transforms from vast highlands into lush cloud forest. You disembark from the train at kilometer 104, cross a footbridge, and begin a walk along the original Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu. After visiting the ancient Incan site of Chachabamba, you ascend steadily for three to four hours in the midst of lush mountain valleys and snow-capped peaks. Along the way you pass rushing waterfalls, delicate orchids, and perhaps even spot the native condor.
You stop to explore the well-restored Winay Wayna ruins, perched precariously on a steep mountain slope and flanked by ancient farming terraces. Winay Wayna, meaning "Forever Young" in Quechua, was named after a brightly colored orchid which blooms year-round. From here, you continue walking approximately two more hours along a mostly shaded section of the Inca Trail before arriving at the stairs leading to Intipunku, or the "Gate of the Sun" and the entrance to Machu Picchu. You enter the site, like the ancient Inca themselves, through Intipunku and the spectacular view of the citadel unfolds before you. After taking in the fantastic ruins of this city, you descend to the valley floor by bus.
Options for those who do not obtain a permit for the Inca Trail (see page 7 for details), as well as for those who prefer a less challenging option, are to continue on the train from kilometer 104 to the riverside town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you check into your hotel, unpack, and enjoy lunch. You then board the bus to Machu Picchu and hike up to Intipunku to meet the rest of the group or hike Machu Picchu Mountain (which involves a challenging, 2,000-ft ascent along mostly stone steps). Your hotel for the next two nights is a lovely eco-property overlooking a river at the edge of the cloud forest.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes

DAY 7
Machu Picchu; 2-6 miles, easy to challenging, approximate 900-ft elevation gain and loss
To experience the magic of sunrise over Machu Picchu, an optional bus ride to the site is offered in the pre-dawn hours, just as the gates open. After watching the sun rise over the site, you then eat breakfast at the nearby Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge before joining the full group for a guided tour.
If you choose not to join the sunrise visit, you have breakfast at your hotel before boarding a bus for the breathtaking climb up a series of switchbacks to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Your guide provides a comprehensive tour of the site including exploration of the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, and the astronomical observatory. There is time to explore the mystical temples, altars, terraces, and chambers in solitude, or to embark on one of the short walks leading from the site.
Later back at your hotel you may choose to relax on the verandas overlooking the river and gardens, browse through the town’s market, or follow the fragrant orchid trail at the hotel. Tonight you eat dinner while listening to Peruvian music in the property’s lovely dining room above the rushing river.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes

DAY 8
Machu Picchu or Cusco; 1-3 miles, easy
Depending on the train schedule, today you may enjoy one last visit to Machu Picchu and return by late afternoon train to Cusco. Alternatively, you will board the early morning train to Cusco allowing opportunity to further explore this celebrated city in the afternoon. Both options include a 1½ hour train ride and 1½ hour bus ride to Cusco.
This evening your journey culminates in a farewell dinner at a Cusco restaurant where you bid farewell to this magical land.
Novotel, Cusco

DAY 9
Departure
After breakfast you transfer to the Cusco airport. Complimentary transfers to the airport are provided throughout the morning depending on the time of your departing flight. Please see the travel to and from sections for more details about options on your last day.

Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
11/5/2010 - 11/13/2010	$3,898
11/19/2010 - 11/27/2010	$3,898
12/24/2010 - 1/1/2011	$3,898
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Remote Andean villages, colorful markets, Inca sites

Inca Trail hiking

Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Sacsayhuaman

Andean flute music as accompaniment along the trail

Cultural immersion, including invitations into Peruvian homes

Cusco -UNESCO World Heritage Site

2009 Single Supplement $800

2010 Single Supplement $950

Walk Rating: Moderate terrain with a few challenging sections due to elevation, stairs, and loose footing. Average of 4 to 9 miles per day, shorter and longer options available on most days. This tour is not recommended for those with severe vertigo.

Your Guides
Fredy Delgado: Born in Cusco, Peru, Fredy has spent his life living between cities and rural areas where he learned Quechua, the Inca native language. After several other careers he studied tourism and archaeology. He has enjoyed his job over the last 10 years, developing his expert knowledge of the region. His kindness and love for his country inspire fond memories—his goal as a guide.

Juan Carlos Yanez: Guiding runs in the family for Juan Carlos, who is a certified professional tour guide of Cusco and has been leading tours in the Andes for many years. Trained in his mother city of Cusco, Juan Carlos enjoys sharing his vast knowledge and love for his ancestral culture; evident from his enthusiastic smile and warm sense of humor. When not guiding, Juan Carlos spends time researching the Peruvian Andes with his father, also a well-known tour guide.

Pavel Pumacayo: Pavel lives in San Blas, the city's artistic and handicraft center. After graduating as a tourist guide from the University of San Antonio de Abad of Cusco, he started working as a field assistant in field operations. He is now a full-fledged guide leading treks and tours. His interest include strengthening Andean culture through tourism, and he enjoys participating in religious festivals in the southern Andes.

Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

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