Cusco's Cloud Forests: Coffee and Cacao Route

Upon arrival in Cusco, head down into the Sacred Valley and continue to the mountain village of Pisac. Here, you’ll have time to browse the colorful market and enjoy lunch before driving up to the impressive ruins set high above town, with sweeping views across the valley below.

In the afternoon, continue to the picturesque Inca village of Ollantaytambo. Stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets before climbing the terraces of the great fortress, where you’ll take in expansive views over the village and surrounding mountains. At the end of the day, head to your hotel to settle in for the evening.

Depart this morning from the Sacred Valley and travel over the high Andean pass, descending into the lush cloud forest of Huayopata en route to Quillabamba. Along the way, take in dramatic mountain scenery as the landscape shifts from highland peaks to green tropical valleys.

​

Arrive at a family-run coffee farm for a hands-on introduction to organic coffee production. Walk through the coffee fields, learn about local varieties and growing conditions, and see how coffee is harvested, processed, roasted, and brewed.

​

After a traditional lunch with the family, enjoy a tasting session and learn what makes a high-quality cup of coffee. In the afternoon, continue onward to Quillabamba.

Depart Quillabamba this morning for Echarati, a lush area known for waterfalls, fruit farms, cacao, and birdlife. Begin with a stop at Siete Tinajas, a series of natural rock pools carved by water, before continuing toward Illapani Waterfall.

​

Set out on an easy to moderate walk through tropical vegetation and farmland to reach the waterfall, a beautiful 75-meter cascade with a large natural pool at its base. There will be time to swim, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.

​

Afterward, continue to a local cacao farm for lunch and an introduction to cacao chuncho, one of the region’s native cacao varieties. Learn how cacao is grown and transformed into artisanal products, followed by a tasting of locally made cacao treats.

In the late afternoon, return to Quillabamba.

Depart Quillabamba this morning and travel toward Santa Teresa through the warm cloud forest landscapes of La Convención. Along the way, stop at Cocalmayo hot springs, a beautiful series of thermal pools set beside the river, with time to soak and relax before continuing onward.​

​

After a lunch stop in Santa Teresa, continue to Hidroeléctrica, where you’ll board the short train to Aguas Calientes or take a scenic 2.5 hour hike along the tracks and Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.​

​​

Enjoy dinner in the evening and an early night in preparation for tomorrow’s morning visit to the site.

Rise before the sun this morning and make the journey by bus up to Machu Picchu, experiencing the citadel in a quiet, morning light. With your guide, explore 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.

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

​

Later, you'll enjoy a scenic picnic with fresh, local products and dishes in the heights of Maras with panoramic views of the mountains.

​

In the afternoon, continue to Cusco, the imperial city of the Incas.

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.