Hiking Through Ruins

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 6:00 P.M. to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. Keep in mind that Cusco and the locations you will be visiting sit at or above 9,000 feet above sea level. If you're arriving from sea level or are sensitive to altitude, it's a good idea to take precautions—consider arriving early to acclimate or bringing altitude sickness medication. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ).

Today, bid farewell to Cusco and begin your journey to the Sacred Valley. Travel along a picturesque route to the Amaru Community, where the local women will demonstrate ancient techniques for working with camelid fibers. After this enriching experience, enjoy a delightful lunch during a stop in Urubamba. Later, explore the mesmerizing ruins of Ollantaytambo, a truly extraordinary Inca site. You are expected to arrive at your Ollantaytambo hotel in the late afternoon. Be sure to dress comfortably in walking shoes, bring a rain jacket, and wear a hat. Carrying a day-pack with your essentials is highly recommended.

• Pisac Market & Archaeological Site

  After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the town of Pisac to wander through the local market, known for its multi-coloured textiles, local foods, and indigenous clothing - a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs, as well as take some great photos! Then, take a private vehicle from the town to the ruins where you'll see and learn about different aspects of Inca culture. You can see great fine art of stone works and impressive agricultural terraces all over!

  08:00· 180 min· Pisac
• Amaru Community Textile Demonstration

  Afterwards, head to the Amaru Community, close to Pisac town. Here, you'll learn about the weaving process where the women of the community will show you ancient techniques of weaving, dyeing, management and production of South American camelid fibers. With this activity, women can support and help their families, providing food, home, health and studies to their sons.

  11:00· 60 min· Amaru
• Ollantaytambo Ruins Tour

  After lunch, a scenic 30-minute drive along the Urubamba River leads to the captivating town of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, the magnificence of Incan urban planning becomes evident. Notably, Ollantaytambo stands as a historic site where the Incas successfully defended against the Spanish conquest. Your visit to the Ollantaytambo ruins reveals an essential Inca construction from their peak era. Ollantaytambo served not only as a religious and agricultural center but also stood as a strategic military fortress characterized by its remarkable stonework and towering 13-foot-high structures. Accompanied by your guide for approximately 1.5 hours, delve into the hidden narratives of this Inca marvel. Please be aware that this activity involves walking approximately 0.5 miles with several stairs amidst the mountainous landscape. Upon concluding the visit, a short 5-minute transfer returns you to the hotel, leaving the rest of the afternoon free for relaxation or personal exploration of the town at your leisure.

  15:00· 90 min· Ollantaytambo

Prepare your camera, as you embark on a visit to the breathtaking Machu Picchu site. The day begins with a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes, followed by a transfer to the hidden ruins nestled amidst towering mountains. You'll have the entire day to discover this historical gem, and lunch will be included. Please note that your main luggage should remain at the Ollantaytambo hotel, as you'll only need a carry-on for this full day visit to Machu Picchu.

• Machu Picchu Tour

  Your expedition to the 'Lost City of the Incas' commences with a 30-minute transfer to the Machu Picchu site. Upon arrival, your guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour showcasing the highlights of this ancient town. The explorarion will cover the main attractions along a 2-mile trail, unveils awe-inspiring terraces and stone structures. Gain profound insights into the historical significance and architectural marvels. The tour offers stunning panoramas of the Andes Mountains and the Urubamba River, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. The permit for this tour will depend on overall availability. Typically it will either be circuit 2-A or 2-B. Post-midday, return to Aguas Calientes by transfer, with a stop at a local restaurant for a delightful lunch. Restrooms are available at the site's entrance for an additional fee.

  10:00· 150 min· Aguas Calientes
• Transfer · Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes

  Following an early breakfast, a brief 5-minute transfer will take you to the train station. Enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, offering scenic vistas along the way. Please remember to leave your main luggage at the Ollantaytambo hotel. The train ticket permits only one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 17 pounds, so pack your essentials only.

  train · 90 min
• Transfer · Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo

  After lunch, a brief 5-minute transfer will take you to the train station. Enjoy a relaxing 1.5-hour journey back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, make your way back to your hotel for the night.

  train · 90 min

Today, you'll begin your return journey to Cusco. From there, you'll embark on a vehicle tour to explore the impressive Moray agricultural terraces, the awe-inspiring Maras salt flats, and Chinchero. Lunch is included and will be provided by the local community in Chinchero. You're expected to arrive at your Cusco hotel by late afternoon. For your comfort during transfers and tours, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a rain jacket, and a hat.

• Chinchero

  Afterwards, you'll be transferred to a local community in the rustic town of Chinchero. In this community, you'll see how locals work on the farm, plowing the land. This is one of the most important activities in the Sacred Valley -- the terraces were built for farming and agricultural purposes. The soil of Chinchero is some of the most rich and fertile in the Sacred Valley. The land is used to produce excellent potatoes, olluco, oca, quinoa and fava beans. Lunch is included at the community. Afterwards, continue traveling to Cusco. You are expected to arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon.

  11:30· 120 min· Chinchero
• Transfer · Hotel → Moray Agriculture Terraces

  Take a scenic 1-hour journey to our first stop -- the Moray Terraces. En route, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the valley from the comfort of your vehicle.

  60 min

Prepare for an unforgettable day of hiking! An early morning pick-up will take you to the trailhead of 'Humantay Lake,' renowned as one of Peru's most iconic hikes, offering breathtaking vistas of the Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks. This full-day excursion is demanding yet incredibly rewarding. After completing the hike, you'll enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. Anticipate arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon, leaving the evening free for dinner at your leisure. To adapt to changing weather conditions, we recommend dressing in layers: a synthetic t-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof jacket as outer layers, paired with long underwear, lightweight and quick-drying hiking trousers, and sturdy hiking boots.

• Humantay Lake Hike

  The hike commences at Soraypampa, situated at 12,800 feet. Under the guidance of your Tour Leader, a 2-hour trek leads to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, nestled at 14,000 feet. The trail, with its gentle slope, offers captivating vistas of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay Mountains. Upon reaching the lake, ample time is provided to unwind and marvel at the splendid water mirror amidst the Andean landscape. The descent back to Soraypampa takes approximately 1.5 hours and is more manageable than the ascent. Our transport will be ready for a short transfer to Mollepata. Afterwards, continue our return to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon. Carrying a small backpack with water and snacks is recommended, and trekking poles can be helpful. Please be mindful that hiking activities are subject to weather conditions. Hikes at high altitudes like this can pose challenges. We highly recommend consulting a doctor before the trip to discuss altitude sickness prevention and possibly obtain prescribed medication. Distance: 9 miles | Duration: 4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 1,150 ft

  08:30· 240 min· Humantay Lake
• Transfer · Hotel → Trailhead

  The epic journey begins with an early morning pick-up before sunrise, setting off on a 3-hour transfer to the headtrail of 'Humantay Lake.' Throughout the journey, a packed breakfast will fuel you, with a planned stop in Mollepata town for refreshments and a brief rest.

  180 min
• Transfer · Mollepata → Hotel

  Following your meal, you will begin your transfer back to Cusco.

  180 min

Get ready for another exhilarating hiking day! This time, the trails are conveniently close to the hotel, minimizing travel time. The hike will lead you through four different ruins surrounding Cusco—Tambomachay, Pukara Pukara, Quinqu Qenqo, and Sacsayhuaman. Along the hike, a stop is planned for you to enjoy a boxed lunch. Upon returning to the hotel in the afternoon, you'll have free time to unwind and explore at your leisure. It's recommended to carry a small backpack with water, lunch, and snacks. For attire, we recommend comfortable clothing and walking shoes, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Hiking Through Cusco Ruins

  After breakfast, meet your trekking guide in the hotel lobby for a brief 25-minute transfer to Tambomachay Ruins, marking the start of your hiking adventure. Throughout the day, connect with four distinct archaeological sites on foot, traversing the hills surrounding Cusco. At Tambomachay, experience Inca water worship showcased through aqueducts and ceremonial baths. A mere 10-minute walk leads to Pukara Pukara, known for its red-hued defensive structures and strategic hilltop position, believed to have served as a military checkpoint, offering panoramic views. Descend for about an hour to reach Quinqu Qenqo, an enigmatic site featuring intriguing rock formations and ceremonial spaces with supposed ritual significance in Inca culture. Pause at a serene hilltop spot to savor a delicious homemade boxed lunch with stunning views. Next, a downhill hike of 25 minutes brings you to Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca site flaunting monumental stone walls crafted with astounding precision. Conclude the hike with an easy 30-minute walk back to the hotel, arriving early afternoon. Distance: 6.5 miles | Duration: 5 hours | Difficulty: Easy

  09:00· 300 min· Cusco

Time to hit the trails again on a full day hike to Waqrapucara! This hike will take you up rugged terrain until you reach the unique site of Waqrapucara. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you hike up and then enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site at the top! After some free time to snap some pictures, return to Cusco for the night.

• Trek to Waqrapukara Site

  Your transfer finishes when you arrive at Rinconada Community. You will leave the vehicle behind and start your hike to Waqrapukara site, appreciating the flora and fauna typical of the area. This is a 5 hour hike, with incredible views of Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru. Once we reach our destination of Waqrapukara, you will have a guided visit to the Intipunku (Sun door), main square, towers, terraces, enclosure of Wiracocha and cave paintings with representation of llamas. Distance: 4.5 miles | Duration: 5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 1,444 ft

  08:30· 300 min· Peru
• Transfer · Hotel → Trailhead

  This striking full day adventure starts bright and early, with a pick up before sunrise. The transfer lasts for 3 hours, with a short stop for photos and stretch your legs at Pomacanchi Lagoon, and then a stop at Sangara to enjoy breakfast.

  180 min
• Transfer · Waqrapukara → Hotel

  After the visit to Waqrapukara and enjoying a complete boxed lunch with imposing views, you will start your journey back to Cusco. After a 4-hour transfer, you will arrive to the hotel in the evening.

  240 min

Get ready for your final day of hiking in the mystical mountains of Peru! An early morning pick-up will transport you to the trailhead of 'Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain,' where a short hike leads to breathtaking viewpoints of these vibrant mountains. Following the hike, enjoy a provided lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Cusco. Expect to reach your hotel in the late afternoon, allowing time to freshen up before the farewell dinner. To adapt to Andes weather, we recommend dressing in layers: a synthetic t-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof outer layer, along with long underwear, lightweight, quick-drying hiking trousers, and sturdy hiking boots.

• Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike

  Once on the trail, a 1 hour (one-way) hike leads to a viewpoint revealing three rainbow mountains, a panoramic vista of the Red Valley, and the majestic Ausangate snow mountain. A further 20-minute walk takes you to the 'Stone Forest,' a captivating rocky attraction. Spend two hours exploring these stunning viewpoints and attractions. On the return journey to Cusco, stop by Combapata Community to witness the colonial Rumichaca bridge dating back to 1604. Finally, conclude the tour at Checacupe village, admiring three bridges from different periods (Inca, Colonial, and Republic times). A lunch stop in Cusipata town precedes the return to Cusco, arriving late afternoon at your hotel. Hikes at high altitudes like this can pose challenges. We highly recommend consulting a doctor before the trip to discuss altitude sickness prevention and possibly obtain prescribed medication. Distance: 2.5 miles / Elevation Gain: 656 feet / Duration: 2.5 hours / Difficulty: Difficult / Palcoyo Elevation: 16,070 feet

  08:15· 200 min· Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
• Transfer · Hotel → Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

  Your final hike in the Peru Andes commences with an early pick-up before sunrise, embarking on a scenic 3-hour transfer through various communities, offering picturesque farmlands, Andean landscapes featuring Alpaca farms, and breathtaking views of the red river. Midway, a planned stop in Cusipata Town provides restroom facilities and shopping opportunities. Continuing, we head directly to Palcoyo, situated at 16,000 feet.

  180 min
• Transfer · Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain → Hotel

  After your Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain concludes, begin your transfer back to Cusco.

  180 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ).