PERU - MACHU PICCHU & THE SACRED VALLEY ITINERARY:
DAY 1 Arrival in Cusco
Our guides greet you at the airport upon your arrival in
Cusco and transfer you to our first hotel, a lovely colonial
building in the heart of Cusco. Depending on your time of
arrival, you may choose to spend your afternoon exploring the
wonders of Cusco; one of the highest cities in the world at
11,400 ft or just resting up for your adventure ahead (no meals
or activities are included this day). Novotel, Cusco
DAY 2 Cusco and surrounding ruins; 4 miles, easy
(approximate 1000 ft elevation loss)
After breakfast and an orientation meeting, our Peruvian
guides acquaint us with the history and culture of this ancient
city on a walking tour. Our explorations take us over the
cobbled streets as we visit the main cultural and religious
sites within the city, both Inca and colonial. Later, a short
drive brings us to the city’s outskirts where we explore the
famous sites surrounding Cusco. We begin at Sacsayhuaman, the
principal Inca temple in the region, where Incas held their
religious celebrations, we 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. Our final visit is to
the impressive site of Tambomachay, the site of ritual baths and
the Temple of the Water.
After returning to our hotel, we have a bit of time to relax
before dinner. Our evening meal is at a wonderful restaurant in
Cusco featuring local specialties such as rocoto relleno
(stuffed peppers) and chupe de quinoa (stew made with local
cheese, vegetables, and a local power-packed grain called
quinoa). Novotel, Cusco
DAY 3 Moray to Maras to the Urubamba River; 7-9 miles,
moderate with easy option (approximate 600 ft elevation gain and
2000 ft elevation loss)
We begin today with a short visit to Moray, an impressive
Inca site once used for agricultural experimentation. We then
walk along ancient farming paths to the charming village of
Maras. Along the way we may spot shepherds herding flocks of
sheep or farmers threshing wheat. After a short break in the
shade of eucalyptus trees, we meander the narrow streets of the
village and begin our descent through a narrow canyon to the
Maras salt mines. The snow-capped Andes and golden wheat fields
provide the stunning backdrop for our walk to this unique site
still mined for salt. Here we watch women and men skimming 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 us to the Urubamba River, where we enjoy a gourmet picnic
lunch complete with local wines on the riverbank. La
Posada del Inca, Yucay
DAY 4 Pisac Market; 2-5 miles, moderate, includes steep
descent on stairs (approximate 2000 ft elevation loss)
After breakfast, we begin our walking tour of the Sacred
Valley at the mountaintop site of Pisac. This impressive site
clings to steep, terraced fields far above the valley and offer
one of the finest examples of Incan architecture in the Cusco
region. We wind our way on foot through ancient ruins and
temples towards the Urubamba Valley floor and marvel at this
Inca burial site impressively built into a steep cliff. Along
the way we enjoy spectacular views of terraced fields utilized
by local farmers for the growth of maize, potatoes and quinoa.
We arrive in the village of Pisac just in time to 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.
We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring a hearty buffet
of salads, potato dishes, meats, and breads. Late in the
afternoon we return to our hacienda, where there may be time for
a short walk around the farmlands before we settle in to enjoy a
traditional Peruvian feast. La Posada del Inca, Yucay
DAY 5 Traditional Andean Village; 5-7 miles, moderate to
challenging (approximate 620 ft elevation gain and loss)
Today we walk into the foothills of the Andes to visit a remote
Andean village. Following ancient footpaths still used by rural
farmers, we ascend through forest and terraced farmland. After a
few hours of steady climbing, our path levels out and we begin
to encounter llamas, cows, and goats grazing alongside the
trail. Our visit to a traditional village offers an intimate
view of mountain life in Peru and its inhabitants warmly welcome
us as we visit their primary school and homes. 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. The snow-capped peaks
of the mountain Alacoma appear close enough to touch. We descend
in time for a pisco sour (Peru’s national drink made with clear
white grape alcohol) by the fire before our final dinner in
Yucay.
Please note: in order to minimize our environmental and cultural
impact, the villages we visit will vary as will the mileage and
terrain. La Posada del Inca, Yucay
DAY 6 Train to Machu Picchu; 7.5 miles, moderate to
challenging, sections of steep stair climbing (approximate 2000
ft elevation gain and descent) or continue on train for shorter
walk into Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast we transfer by bus to the Ollantaytambo
station to board the train bound for Machu Picchu. Our 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. We
disembark from the train at kilometer 104, cross a footbridge
and begin our walk along the original Inca Trail towards Machu
Picchu. After visiting the ancient Incan site of Chachabamba, we
ascend steadily for three to four hours surrounded by lush
mountain valleys and snow-capped peaks. Along the way we pass
impressive waterfalls, delicate orchids, and may even spot
soaring eagles, or the native condor.
We stop to explore the impressive and 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, we have an
approximate two-hour walk 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. We
enter the site, like the Inca before us, through Intipunku and
the spectacular view of the citadel unfolds before us. After
taking in the impressive city, we descend to the valley floor by
bus.
An option available to those who do not get a permit for the
Inca trail as well as those that prefer an easier option, will
be to continue on the train from kilometer 104 to the river-side
town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we will check into our
hotel, unpack, and enjoy lunch. We then board the bus to Machu
Picchu and hike up to Intipunku to meet the rest of the group.
Our hotel for the next two nights is a lovely property
overlooking a river at the edge of the cloud forest. Machu
Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes
DAY 7 Machu Picchu; walking options of 2-6 miles on varying
terrain (approximate 900 ft elevation gain and loss)
For those wishing to experience the magic of sunrise over Machu
Picchu, an optional bus ride to the site will be offered in the
pre-dawn hours. A chartered bus will bring us to Machu Picchu
just as the gates open. After enjoying the ruins in near
solitude for two hours, we relax over breakfast at the nearby
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge before joining the full group for a
guided tour.
Those of the group not wishing to see the sunrise at Machu
Picchu will enjoy breakfast at our hotel before boarding a bus
for the breathtaking climb up a series of switchbacks to the
entrance of Machu Picchu. Our 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
also time to explore the mystical temples, altars, terraces, and
chambers in solitude. Some may choose to embark on one of the
short walks leading from the ruins.
Back at our hotel you may choose to relax on the verandas
overlooking the river and gardens, browse through the town’s
market or follow the orchid trail leading from our hotel.
Tonight we enjoy dinner while listening to Peruvian music in the
property’s lovely dining room overlooking the river. Machu
Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes
DAY 8 Machu Picchu or Ollantaytambo; 1-3 miles, easy
Depending on our train schedule, today we will enjoy one
last visit to Machu Picchu or a visit to the site of
Ollantaytambo. If we depart on the early train, we have time for
a visit to the village of Ollantaytambo en route to Cusco. The
spectacular Incan site above the village is famous as one of the
few places where the Inca defeated the conquistadors in battle.
Here we learn how the Inca maneuvered huge blocks of stone from
the riverbanks below to the steep cliffs above to build their
terraced temple. We then take the bus from Ollantaytambo back to
Cusco arriving late in the afternoon.
If there is not an early morning train option, you are free to
visit Machu Picchu one final time, relax at our hotel, or browse
the market in Aguas Calientes. The late afternoon train will
arrive into Cusco early evening. Both options will culminate in
a farewell dinner and celebration in a Cusco restaurant.
Novotel, Cusco
DAY 9 Departure
After breakfast we transfer to the Cusco airport where we
say farewell. Complimentary transfers to the airport will be
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.
Note: The daily itinerary of this Peru walking tour may
change slightly in order to incorporate market days and
festivals.
Please note that the tour itinerary, accommodations and
details are subject to change. Please call and inquire about the
latest available tour details.
Back to
ADVENTURE TRAVEL TOURS - Menu Page
Click Here to View Our Selection of
Italy Tours
