“Sooner or later we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip.”
Detailed itinerary for this 8 day package. Or email us today to customize!
Day 1 – Cusco
Welcome to Cusco – the capital of the Inca Empire. Your adventure begins at Cusco airport where we will meet you and take you to your hotel. You will have the evening on your own to get acclimated to the high altitude.
Day 2 – Cusco City Tour
After breakfast, we will pick you up at your hotel for a 4 hour walking tour of the city. We combine stops at all the highlights with visits to local shops and restaurants so you can chat with native Peruvians and sample some of their amazing cuisine.
We will have lunch together before taking you back to your hotel.
You will have the afternoon free and dinner on your own.
Day 3 – Sacred Valley (Maras, Moray, & More)
Today we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will travel in the opposite direction of a typical tour in order to avoid tuns of tourists. We will start by visiting Moray & Maras salt mines. Along the way, we will stop for lunch in a local community where we will eat traditional foods. We may also make a stop at a chicharia to learn the process of making Inca BEER.
We will go back to Cusco for the night with dinner on your own.
Day 4 – Sacred Valley (Llamas, Ankasmarkas, & Ollantaytambo)
Your adventure begins with a morning exploration of the beautiful ride back into the heart of the Sacred Valley.
We will make a stop at a llama farm before arriving at an off-the-beaten-path location called Ancasmarca. This truly unique archaeological site is not often visited by tourists so you will have lots of time to explore and have the site to yourself.
After lunch, we will make a few more stops on our way to Ollantaytambo – our last tour of the day. This still-thriving Inca village sits below an ancient Inca fortress and temple with stunning views over the valley. We will sleep in Ollantaytambo and dinner will be on your own.
Day 5 – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast in your hotel, we will embark on a 1 hour scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. After settling into your hotel and exploring the town, we will take you to Machu Picchu’s Treasure Museum.
After the museum, you will have the option to visit the natural hot springs or return to your hotel to explore on your own. We will spend the night in Aguas Calientes and dinner will be on us!
Day 6 – Machu Picchu
Today is the big day! Enjoy a guided tour and prepare to be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture.
After your guided tour, you will have the option to explore on your own or walk to the Inca Bridge, Sun Gate, or hike the famous Huayna Picchu Mountain (requires advanced ticket purchase – $30).
When you are ready, head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes to meet up with your guide. Take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo to meet the van for the ride back to Cusco. Lunch and dinner are on your own this day.
Day 7 – Free Day!
After your exhausting Machu Picchu journey today is the day to do what ever you want!
Sleep without an alarm o’clock, buy some souvenirs, get a massage, or add on one of our easy one-day trips.
Day 8 – Home
On this day, we say “hasta luego!” to our new friends and take you back to the Cusco airport for your flight home.
Included
- Round trip transfers between the airport and your hotel
- Private transportation
- Private, English speaking guide
- All entrance fees
- All meals as specified in the itinerary (dietary preferences honored with proper notice)
- Basic First Aid equipment
Not Included
- Alcoholic beverages of any kind
- Travel insurance
- Some dinners as specified in the itinerary
- Tax
- Tips
- Optional Huayna Picchu climb (+$30)
