Our day begins at 7:30am as your guide picks you up from your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas takes us towards Pisac. Our first stop is at the Taray Lookout Point, where you can savor the panoramic vista of the Urubamba valley and its timeless farming villages. It’s evident that agriculture in the Sacred Valley has seen minimal change over the past five centuries.

Next, we head to the Pisac archaeological site, home to an impressive Inca burial ground housing more than 2,000 tombs. Here, you can marvel at the meticulously constructed agricultural terraces etched into the mountainside, explore the Inca tunnel, and delve into the religious precincts of this significant citadel. We’ll dedicate approximately 2 hours to exploring the Inca city. Afterward, we descend to the vibrant Pisac market, where you’ll have about 20 minutes to browse before we proceed to Urubamba for lunch.

Our next destination is the captivating Moray archaeological site, also known as «The Greenhouse of the Incas.» It features a deep bowl with terraces of astonishing architectural prowess. These terraces create diverse microclimates based on their depth within the bowl. Archaeologists believe that the Incas used them to determine the ideal growing conditions for crops and experiment with hybridization.

Continuing our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we gaze down at the pre-Inca salt «mines» known as salineras in Spanish. These salt pans have been passed down through generations and utilized for salt extraction since before Inca times. A natural hot spring at the valley’s summit releases a stream of highly saline water, which is directed into the salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. It’s a rare location where naturally pink salt can be found!

Lastly, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the opportunity to explore the Inca village that has remained remarkably preserved since Inca times, along with the extensive Inca Ruins. Your guide will provide a tour, highlighting the grand architecture of the Sun Temple situated atop imposing terraces and recounting the site’s significance for the Inca during the early stages of Spanish conquest. Following some time for dinner, you’ll board your train to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay at your hotel. The train departs at 7:04pm and arrives at 8:45pm.

• 3* Accommodations: Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
• 4* Accommodations: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior
• Meals: Breakfast at your hotel ONLY

This is the day you’ve eagerly awaited! Following an early morning meal at your hotel, you’ll board one of the initial buses to Machu Picchu, ensuring you’re there to witness the sunrise. It’s an undeniably remarkable site and an experience you won’t want to forgo. Your guide will lead you on a tour lasting approximately two hours, allowing you to explore most of the significant facets of the Machu Picchu Citadel. You’ll also gain insights into how Machu Picchu is categorized into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.

After the tour, those who have pre-booked the additional hikes to Huayna Picchu Mountain will have the opportunity to relish those vistas independently. Once you’ve absorbed the exceptional views of Machu Picchu to your heart’s content, you’ll board a bus for the descent to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have some spare moments for shopping, sightseeing, or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will transport you back to Ollantaytambo at either 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, following the breathtaking Urubamba River. In proximity to Aguas Calientes, the canyon narrows, and the river features numerous enchanting stretches of whitewater. You may even catch sight of Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you cast your gaze upward toward the steep canyon wall! Upon returning to Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the train station exit to convey you back to your Cusco hotel in our private vehicle. You can anticipate arriving at your hotel around 7:00 pm.

• 3* Accommodation: Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina or Novotel
• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel

***IMPORTANT:

You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.

Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.

We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4am, commencing our captivating Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure. Our journey begins with a 3-hour drive through the South Valley, culminating at the trailhead in Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft). En route, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Inca terraces, picturesque villages, valleys, and towering Andean peaks.

In the early morning, you’ll be amused by the herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast spot. Once we arrive at the trailhead, our hike kicks off as we follow a charming stream. During the initial leg of your hike, you’ll have panoramic views of Ausangate Mountain and its glaciers. This is an opportunity to engage with the local people, who are dedicated to preserving traditional Quechua culture. Learn about their traditional attire and the significance of the various hats worn by the men. Feel free to ask your guide to teach you a few Quechua words!

After a 1.5-hour hike, we eventually arrive at our destination, Rainbow Mountain (5,020m /16,466ft). Following your admiration of its unique beauty, you’ll have ample time to explore the surroundings. Capture stunning photographs or simply bask in the breathtaking scenery. We’ll spend approximately 30 minutes at the summit. Following that, there’s an optional hike to the summit of the Red Valley, which adds an extra 45 minutes to our return to the trailhead.

Subsequently, we retrace our steps for a 1-hour hike back, followed by a delightful lunch prepared by our cook.

Our return journey entails a 3-hour drive back to Cusco, where we’ll drop you off at your Cusco hotel, with an estimated arrival time of around 6:00pm.

• Meals included: hot breakfast & lunch