Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel: Free afternoon for acclimatization and individual exploration of Cusco.

Overnight stay in Cusco

After a good breakfast, an early morning bus ride through the Andean scenery beyond the city of Cusco will take us to Lake Piuray, located on the high plains above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. From here we will hike for between 4 and 5 hours to the colonial-era village of Chinchero, with its interesting archaeological site. The great plain of Chinchero is composed of a patchwork of different Andean crops, situated high above the valley and dominated by great snow-covered peaks. In the afternoon we will drive down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley

After a bus ride through the Sacred Valley of the Incas of less than an hour, we will arrive in the native community of Willoc. This community is famous for its traditional way of life, which has survived from the Inca period. We will visit local weavers and learn about their way of life, as well as observing their weaving techniques, before beginning the downhill hike through a narrow ravine where there are several Inca sites, including the ruins of Pumamarka. After hiking for about eight kilometers, we will reach the remarkable village of Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of Incas. Much of the village has retained the original street plan of the Inca settlement, and the whole community is located at the base of an enormous Inca temple complex, from where there are excellent views of the valley. In the afternoon we will be driven back to our hotel.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley

In the early morning, we will take the train to the Km 104, the beginning of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After showing our tickets and passports at the control point, we will head to the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2250 meters / 7,500 feet). Your guide will provide interesting information at all the archaeological sites visited during the itinerary. A steady three-hour climb will take us to the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna (2650 meters / 8,750 feet). This site is considered one of the most beautiful on the entire Inca Trail, due to its spectacular location and particularly fine architecture. We will visit this fascinating site and enjoy our box lunches, before continuing the hike through high cloud forest to the famous Sun Gate, or Intipunku. From here there is a panoramic view of the Lost City of the Incas:  legendary Machu Picchu (2400 meters / 8000 feet). After a short walk to the main entrance, we will board a bus to take us to the small town of Aguas Calientes, where you can choose to relax in the hotel or visit the natural hot springs.

Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes

After an early breakfast, we will take an early bus up to Machu Picchu to enjoy sunrise at this magical place. At the most famous attraction in South America, you will be escorted by an expert guide, who will explain the significance of this unique legacy of the great empire of the Incas. After the guided tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon for the train ride back to Cusco, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Cusco

After a great breakfast, transfer to the airport and end of our services.

2024 cost per person in US dollars