Following in the footsteps of the Inca civilisation, we trek along the famous mountain trail to Machu Picchu. We also explore the ancient capital of Cusco and visit the colourful Pisac Market. Stepping off the beaten track we experience traditional life with an overnight stay in a mountain village. Along the way there’s the opportunity for rafting and mountain biking in the Sacred Valley.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Lima
Arrive Lima and check-in at hotel
Overnight Hotel (Standard)
Day 2 to 4:
Fly Cusco, in Cusco
This morning we head to the airport and fly to the beautiful city of Cusco. The old capital of the Inca Empire survives only in its ruins, imbued with an atmosphere of mystery and grandeur. The Spanish-style city of today, with its attractive pink tiled roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundation stones. The interlocking stones, assembled so carefully that a knife blade cannot be forced between the multi-sided joints, were highly functional as well as beautiful – they are earthquake-proof! During our stay, we plan to visit the remarkable market at Pisac, perhaps the most famous indigenous market in Peru. We will also visit Cusco’s temple-citadel Sacsayhuaman which broods high above the town, its huge, zigzagging stone walls broken into 66 sharply projecting angles to catch attackers in a withering crossfire. 20,000 conscripted workers toiled for 90 years to finish it. We also plan a walking tour of this lovely city to see important Inca monuments, such as the Inca wall of Hatunrumiyoc with its famous twelve-sided stone. The stone, measuring some 5 feet across, has the typical bevelled joints which create the patterns of light and shadow on Inca walls. You can also visit the Koricancha to see the perfect fusion of Inca and Spanish architecture. Your included Cusco pass allows you to visit this beautiful building without extra cost.
Overnight Hotel (Standard)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
Drive from Cusco to Misminay via Chincheros
Leaving Cusco this morning we drive through the Andes to arrive at “Chequerec Community”, a typical Andean village where we will start to trek through narrow paths traditionally used by the Indians. During this hike, we will see small indigenous villages, cultivated fields, peasants working, curious children and a variety of animals as well as a varied flora. This is a great opportunity to discover different lifestyles and be in contact with the natural atmosphere of the Andes and its people.
After a few hours of walking, we will arrive at the Indian Community of Misminay, located at 3,700m, its location is spectacular as a natural balcony from where we can look at the splendid landscape and snow – capped mountains that surround the Sacred Valley; this view certainly astounds and leaves a deep impression on all those who visit this place. We will be received by the people of the village, and welcomed with a typical sweet spearmint tea; this agreeable herb is edible and medicinal for this people.
Families live together in tiny, one or two-room adobe homes raising guinea pigs, cows and sheep. Fathers work as porters for hikers during the dry season and tend crops of potatoes, corn beans and quinoa during the wet months, while mothers watch the herds, take care of the household and raise their children. Women also weave, producing the family’s colorful ponchos, chullos, skirts, shawls and other items, on their backstrap looms.
After lunch we will have a demonstration of weavings made by the women of the community who will show us traditional & ancestral techniques. There will be also the opportunity to learn more about the local agriculture, they will show us instruments used by the Incas and still used today, especially in the highlands. Tonight we will take dinner at the community meeting room before overnighting at a local house.
Overnight Village House (Basic)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Bike to Moray and Maras, on to Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, we leave Misminay for some easy downhill biking . We will drive from Misminay to Cruzpata in the pampas of Chinchero. Here we will practice with the bikes before beginning our route along a hilly track (single track , dirty road and down hill). We pass the Huaypo Lagoon to reach the experimental Agricultural Site of Moray a very unique archaeological site which consists of enormous natural depressions or hollows in the ground surface that the Inkas used for constructing irrigated farming terraces around them. This place was an important center of domestication, acclimatization and hybridization of wild vegetable species that were modified or adapted for human consumption. After a short visit at this site we continue by bike toward the town of Maras. We will have a picnic lunch and ride downhill all the way to the Salineras of Maras (Salt mines). After visiting the Salineras, we have a 30-40 minute descent walking to Pichingoto in the Sacred Valley, crossing the Urubamba River where our private bus waits to transfer us to Ollantaytambo town
Overnight Hostel (Standard)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7:
In the Sacred Valley; free for optional activities
Our base at Ollantaytambo makes the perfect place from which to discover the sites and activities around the Sacred Valley. Today there is the option for a full days rafting of the white waters (grade 2-3) of the Urubamba River before returning to our comfortable accommodation in Ollantaytambo to prepare for the forthcoming Inca Trail.
Overnight Hotel (Standard)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This morning we visit the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo before we drive to 82km. The major highlight of the trip is without doubt the trek along the Inca Trail. The trail was first explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970. The famous ruins of Machu Picchu are not the only historical remains within the area: many other interesting sites are hidden in places which can only be reached on foot, and have scarcely been explored. Our trek starts by crossing the Urubamba river, then follow its rapids down the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Llaqtapata (2700m). Here we camp below the ruins of Llaqtapata.
(6km 2.5 hours)
Overnight Camping (Basic)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9:
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Following the course of the Kusichaca river the trail leads to Huayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca origins and the last settlement on the route. We continue to Llulluchapampa (3800m) which affords stunning views of the snowy peaks around us. Here we set up camp for the night. 2nd Camp 3,800m
(10km 5.5 hours)
Overnight Camping (Basic)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10:
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Today we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman) Pass (4200m), to the valley of the Pacamayo river with its tropical vegetation. We then cross the Runkuraqay Pass (3950m). Here the selva (jungle) becomes visible on the slopes of the mountains. Sayacmarca ruins are on a rocky promontory. They command an imposing view and have only one means of access, a narrow granite stairway. Our trail goes through cloud forest with vines, exotic flowers (among them orchids) and luxuriant trees, then on through an Inca tunnel and along a ridge above the Urubamba river to the lovely Phuyupatamarka ruins (3579m). The views of the Urubamba and (if we are lucky) the snowcapped peaks of Veronica (5750m) and Salkantay make these ruins one of the most beautiful places on the trail. 3rd Camp 3600m
(15km 8 hours)
Overnight Camping (Basic)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11:
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
We descend to Winay-Wayna ruins (2591m), a small Inca city which, like Machu Picchu, was abandoned for unknown reasons. Then from Inti Punku – the Gate of the Sun – there is a sudden and fantastic view of the ‘Lost City’ itself, Machu Picchu, set in a grandiose landscape that amazes all spectators. We walk down through the site, then travel down to our simple accommodation in the town of Aguas Calientes situated on the valley floor below Machu Picchu.
Overnight Guest House (Simple)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12:
In Machu Picchu to Cusco
Our final morning is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. Train and permit permitting, there may be time to climb the steep peak of Wayna Picchu to look down on the Temple of the Sun. Later we return the short distance by train to Ollantaytambo and on by bus to Cusco.
Overnight Hotel (Standard)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13:
In Cusco
Today has been left free for some rest and relaxation in Cusco after your trek. It will also be the perfect time to visit the markets and shops in the old City to take back some lovely souvenirs before your flight home tomorrow.
Overnight Hotel (Standard)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14:
Fly to Lima, tour ends
Depending on flight times we may have some free time in Cusco this morning before flying to Lima, where the tour ends.
Included meals: Breakfast
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