Day 1: WELCOME TO CUSCO
Meet and greet service on arrival at Cusco Airport is followed by transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure to get to know the city.
CITY TOUR CUSCO – SACSAYHUAMAN AND ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES In the afternoon at 13:00, enjoy a guided tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Qoricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to the worship of the sun and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit the cathedral. It features an elaborate Renaissance façade and, like other important monuments in the city, was built over a demolished Inca temple.
Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, the ruins of temple and amphitheater of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practiced agricultural rituals. Finally, visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls and towers can still be appreciated. Return to Cusco. Night in Cusco
Day 2: SACRED VALLEY – PISAC – URUBAMBA – OLLANTAYTAMBO
At 07:30am we’ll begin our tour to Sacred Valley of the Incas. We’ll make a stop on route to enjoy an impressive view of the Vilcanota River snaking around the patchwork fields of family crops. Upon arrival at the colorful Pisac town you’ll have free time to interact with locals and artisans and option to purchase souvenirs, then we´ll head to Pisac archaeological complex an impressive building built in the boom period of the Inca Empire. Here we can see the great work achieved by the Incas.
Afterwards we´ll go to Urubamba town, driving along the Vilcanota River, where we´ll stop for a buffet lunch (optional) at local restaurant. Approximately 1 hour after the next stop will be Ollantaytambo which is considered a “living Inca town”. With intact buildings and agricultural terraces. After the amazing time in the sacred valley your departing train is at 19:00 you will need to head to the train station and catch your train to Aguas Calientes, The train trip to Aguas Calientes is just under two hours. Our representatives will meet you just outside the train station, upon arrival and lead you to your hotel. Night in Aguas Calientes
Day 3: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA
Walking distance: 21,2km Altitude: 3360m to 4050m Time: 6 to 7hrs
You will be picked up from the hotel at approx 4:30am and transferred to Mollepata by bus (2985 meters above sea level). where we stop for breakfast and then it’s time for a full day of hiking mostly uphill, we will meet with our muleteers and begin our expedition. Including our lunch stop, the day’s trek will last about 6 – 7 hours as we make our way towards our first campsite in Soraypampa (4050 meters above sea level). From this point we will enjoy a view of the impressive snow-capped peak of Humantay and enjoy our dinner.
Day 4: SORAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY
Walking distance: 20,8km Altitude: 4050m – 4608m – 2860m Time: 7-8hrs
Early in the morning after the breakfast we will have a difficult hike, as we need to ascend to Humantay Pass, you will reach the highest point of the trek at an impressive 4608 meters. Here, the guide will explain a little bit about the history of Salkantay Mountain and the Andean people. This little history break is an excellent excuse for you to catch your breath, recover from the climb and eat some well-deserved snacks. From the pass, we’ll be able to observe snowy Salkantay, the valley of Santa Teresa, the mountain peaks and lagoon. During the trek we will make a stop to have lunch and enjoy a brief rest before continuing with a descent through the jungle brow until reaching the place known as Chaullay (2860 meters above sea level), where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and set up camp.
Day 5: CHAULLAY – SANTA TERESA
Walking distance: 13,8km Altitude: 2860m to 1972m Time: 4 to 6hrs
After a very early breakfast scenary will impressed us with its green vegetation, we’ll continue our hike, with the option of visiting the area hot springs. We’ll pass tropical orchards and coffee crops, among the region’s other plantations. Our stop for lunch in La Playa known for its relaxing climate, Our transport will be waiting for us to bring us to the village of Santa Teresa. We’ll have the last night of camping
Day 6: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES
Walking distance: 14,3km Altitude: 1972m to 1680m Time: 4 to 6hrs
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll head to the town of Aguas Calientes, observing the plantations of the region. After a lunch stop and comfortable rest we’ll continue our hike towards the hydro-electric station of Machu Picchu, which will take about 3 hours or enjoy Zip line (extra cost) and continue in Van. There, we’ll hike the last 2 hours before reach out Aguas Calientes. We’ll enjoy a delicious dinner in town, after which you’ll have free time should you wish to enjoy the town’s hot springs.
Day 7: MACHU PICCHU
On this day, we’ll visit one of the world’s most evocative sites: Machu Picchu Archeological Complex. In the morning you will start your 1 hour ascent to the citadel to arrive in time for sunrise, or at the time you desire (you could opt to take the bus, a 25 minute trip $12 each way, first bus departs at 5:30am). The 2-hours guided visit is an unforgettable experience, as our professional guide will recount history enveloping this mysterious and enchanting site. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the site independently. If you have purchased a pass for Huayna Picchu in advance you will have the opportunity to climb the mountain the Temple of the Moon, or the Sun Gate. You need to return to Aguas Calientes at least 30 minutes prior to your train departure. There will be a transport waiting for you in Ollantaytambo to bring you back to Cusco.
Day 8: CUSCO / LIMA – INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Thank you for choosing us, transfer to Cusco Airport for flight to Lima after breakfast at the hotel. Assistance provided at airport.
