Active Andes

This morning, your guide and driver will meet you at the Cusco airport before continuing down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the region’s fertile agricultural heartland. Along the way, you’ll stop at a conservation center dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating native Andean wildlife.

Continue to the mountain village of Pisac, where you’ll have time to wander through the colorful market and enjoy lunch before driving up to the impressive ruins set high above town. From this vantage point, you’ll take in sweeping views across the Sacred Valley below.

In the afternoon, continue onward to your hotel.

This morning, set out by bike to cross the high plains overlooking Sacred Valley. During your ride, you'll visit two of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites. Begin at Moray, where a series of striking circular terraces are believed to have served as an Inca agricultural laboratory, used to experiment with crops and microclimates.

​

Afterwards, make a stop for a delicious picnic lunch with locally sourced ingredients surrounded by the valley’s dramatic scenery, and enjoy a natural wool dying workshop led by a member of a nearby weaving community.

​

From there, continue to Maras, where thousands of salt pans cascade across the hillside and are still harvested by local families today.​

This morning, you’ll gear up for a whitewater rafting adventure along the legendary Urubamba River, surrounded by views of snow-capped mountains and passing Inca archaeological sites along the way.

After your descent downriver, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing to Ollantaytambo for an afternoon visit. Stroll through the village’s picturesque cobblestone streets, then climb the terraces of its impressive Inca fortress for sweeping views over the town and the valley below.

Today, you’ll explore one of the Sacred Valley’s lesser-known mountain routes, chosen according to your activity level and interests. Options may include the Perolniyoc or Poc Poc waterfalls, the archaeological sites of Huchuy Qosqo or Pumamarca, or another scenic route recommended by your guide.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the culture, history, and landscapes of the region while discovering a side of the Andes that most visitors miss.

This morning, depart early from your hotel and transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the train to KM 104 and begin your ascent along the trail towards Machu Picchu.​

​

By late afternoon, you'll have your first view of the site from the sun gate, as you descend in to the terraces below.

​

In the evening, return to town for dinner and an early night in preparation for tomorrow’s morning visit to the site.

Rise before the sun this morning and return to Machu Picchu for a second visit, experiencing the citadel in a quieter and completely different light. With your guide, continue exploring the site and take in the surrounding peaks as the morning unfolds.

​

You also have the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, two additional routes that climb above the citadel and offer spectacular views from higher vantage points.

​

In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel for the evening.

Early this morning, say goodbye to the Sacred Valley and begin the journey back up toward Cusco.

Along the way, stop at scenic Piuray Lake to spend some time on the water with paddleboarding or kayaking, or take a refreshing plunge into the cold lake if you’re feeling brave. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a lakeside pachamanca feast surrounded by open skies and mountain views.

​

Later in the afternoon, continue onward to Cusco, where you’ll have the evening at leisure in the historic capital of the Inca Empire.

This morning, set out to explore Cusco, one of South America’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. Begin on foot in the historic center, visiting its main squares and the Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, later incorporated into the colonial Church of Santo Domingo.

You’ll then continue to San Pedro Market, where colorful produce, fresh juices, produce, local breads, flowers, and everyday food stalls offer a lively look at daily life in Cusco.

After lunch, head into the hills above the city to visit Sacsayhuaman, the immense Inca ceremonial complex known for its massive stone walls and sweeping views over Cusco. From here, walk back down toward the city through the artistic neighborhood of San Blas, passing colonial aqueducts and other notable sites along the way.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, with plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from in the historic center.

Enjoy your last day in Cusco before heading back to the airport at the appropriate time for your flight.