Day 1 Cuzco/Sacred Valley
Early morning departure from Cusco. Option to visit the important market at Pisaq or take a moderate hike in the hills and mountains over the Sacred Valley. Later, enjoy exclusive access to the isolated community of Viacha, where you will learn about its unique farming practices. For lunch, delight in a traditional “Pachamanca” meal here, cooked under hot stones. Afternoon excursion to the archaeological complex at Pisaq, a wonderful opportunity to explore the complex free of crowds, with the sun setting behind the peaks. Highlights: Viacha, Pisaq archeological site.
Day 2 Sacred Valley
Go deeper into the heart of the Lares region. A road journey into the mountains will take you through remote archaeological sites. After lunch, choose between visiting a traditional weaver’s villager or a scenic drive and a moderate/strenuous hike amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi. Locals will give you insight into the evolving role of the original Andean people in both the culture and commerce of modern-day Cusco. Highlights: Ancasmarca, Choquecancha, Cuncani hike, Quelquena hike.
Day 3 Sacred Valley
Spend some time in the morning learning more about the heritage and day-to-day activities of the Huacahuasi community. Then, you can choose to embark on a spectacular hike through varied terrain and over a high pass, to the adjacent valley leading to the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, the oldest living city in Latin America; or try an easygoing hike from Lares Pass- through an astonishing authentic Inca trail- along a beautiful canyon down to the Local Community of Totora.
If you prefer to see more of the Sacred Valley, you can drive back for a visit to an ethnographic museum featuring the history of Peru’s rich civilisations of the past or choose to explore the valley on a mountain bike. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the Urubamba River countryside on your way to Ollantaytambo, where you can spend time meandering through its charming maze-like streets. Highlights: Ollantaytambo old town, Huacahuasi, Local communities.
Day 4 Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu
Early morning short hike to Inca storage structures high above Ollantaytambo for magnificent views of the town and the temple. After, enjoy a guided tour of the fortress, one of the best examples of Inca architecture and revel in its mystical history…a perfect introduction to the wonder of Machu Picchu. Midday, embark on a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River Valley to Aguas Calientes, a bustling town below the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Highlights: Ollantaytambo old town.
Day 5 Machu Picchu
At dawn, begin your visit to Machu Picchu with a rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the Sanctuary, the morning sun rises over the iconic Sun Gate and washes the structures and terraces with dazzling light. Prepare to be awed by the skilful architecture of the many 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. Let your imagination soar as you contemplate the history of Machu Picchu and its mysterious origins. Optional uphill hike on Huayna Picchu. Lunch in Aguas Calientes. Afternoon/Early evening return to Cusco by train and private coach. Highlights: Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu.
