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1 Cusco

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and taken to your hotel. Your adventure starts in Cusco with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Cusco is the historic heartland and former capital of the Incan Empire. If you arrive early, maybe visit Q'orikancha (Temple of the Sun), an Inca temple later incorporated into the Church of Santo Domingo, or wander through San Blas – a neighborhood of narrow streets, artisan workshops and art galleries. You could even drop into Casa Intrepid and refill your drink bottle or enjoy a coffee within the historic walls of House Casanova Lastarria, featuring Inca interiors, and take some time to acclimatize to the city's 3450-metre high (11,150 ft) altitude. After your meeting, you’ll head to the renowned Cicciolina (a farm-to-table sustainable restaurant that works with local organic farms) for a welcome dinner with your group and leader.

2 Cusco

Today, you’ll explore the Inca’s two most well-known archaeological sites an an ‘acclimatization walk’. First, visit Qenqo – a fascinating place with underground tunnels and carved stone channels that twist and zigzag. Inside, there’s a stone table where it’s believed the Incas once mummified their dead. After visiting Qenqo, enjoy an easy downhill walk back to Cusco. On the way, stop at Sacsayhuaman – a huge ceremonial site built by the Incas. It’s said that over 10,000 workers spent 50 years building it and to this day, no one knows exactly how it was made. Continue your walk to Cristo Blanco – a tall white statue that looks over Cusco (locals call it the protector of the city). Then, head to 7 Borreguitos Street. This picturesque lane is great for photos, so have your camera ready. Continue through San Blas, a traditional area known for its art studios, craft shops and cafes, before continuing to L’atelier (a small cafe near the main square), to enjoy a homemade desert and coffee. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind at the hotel or maybe join your leader for an orientation walk around the rest of town. See iconic sites like the Stone of Twelve Angles at the Inca Roca Palace on Hatun Rumilloc Street and admire Qoricancha – the most sacred Inca temple. Explore the vibrant heart of Cusco at the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by arcades and four historic churches, including the Cusco Cathedral, built in the 16th century.

3 Cusco & Kinsa Cocha Lagoon

After breakfast, you’ll travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Pisac. On the way you’ll stop at El Mirador for stunning views over the entire Sacred Valley – a key area of settlement to the Inca. Known for its fertile plains and the high Andes (mountain ranges), the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation channels. Start your hike outside Pisac, making your way to Kinsa Cocha – a peaceful lagoon tucked high in the Andes, near the local community of Paru Paru. This hike is a perfect alternative if you’re looking for unique trails in Peru. Along the way, you’ll pass two beautiful lagoons – Azul Qocha (the blue lagoon) and Puma Qocha – surrounded by mountain views and Andean plants and wildlife. When you reach the lagoons, watch the local women from Paru Paru perform a traditional Andean ceremony called the ‘payment to the Mamacocha (‘the Mother Water’). This ancient ritual is a way to honour nature and show gratitude for the land. Your hike finishes back in Pisac where you’ll have lunch at a traditional restaurant, before exploring Pisac’s market at your own pace. Wander through the stalls of handmade textiles, local food and traditional clothing before returning to Cusco for the evening.

4 Chincheros & Ollantaytambo

Today, you’ll continue exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Starting with a drive to the small mountain town of Chinchero (3750m), you’ll see Inca ruins, large carved stones and the beautiful adobe church in the town’s main plaza. It is also home to the famous Peruvian weaving you will see throughout your journey. Next, visit a nearby Andean community, where you’ll meet a few friendly llamas before enjoying a mostly downhill hike along an old section of the Inca Trail to Urquillos, stopping at the Poc Poc Waterfall along the way. This section of trail sees very few tourists and is a great way to experience hiking in the valley without the crowds. Then, depending on timing, you’ll have lunch either at a traditional restaurant or at a picnic in a scenic spot with views of the mountains. At the end of the hike, drive to Ollantaytambo (2790m) – a town built over original Inca foundations. When you arrive, take your time to explore on a short orientation walk around town and, if you’re still feeling energetic, perhaps visit the archaeological site, located just next to the main square - the upper terraces offer great views of the town below. Then, head back to your hotel later today and unwind with a well-earned Pisco sour with your fellow travellers.

5 Inca Trail Trek & Aguas Calientes

Today, you’ll walk what is considered the best section of the famous Inca Trail – the same path once used by Inca messengers and travellers to reach the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Early this morning you’ll ride the train through the Sacred Valley. This train ride is a highlight in itself and one of the most beautiful journeys that visitors can experience as you travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and alongside the Urubamba River to Kilometer 104 – the starting point of today’s hike. After checking in at the control point you'll set off, walking along the stone paths originally used by the ancient Incas to move people and goods . Along the way, you’ll explore Chachabamba and then Winay Wayna (2650 m) – one of the most impressive sites on the whole Inca Trail with its carved terraces, temples and water channels. Then, continue for an hour to Intipunku – the Sun Gate. If the weather is clear, you’ll catch your first view of ‘Lost City of the Incas’, Machu Picchu, from above – the perfect vantage point to take in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Later today, take a short bus ride down to the town of Aguas Calientes (2040m), where you’ll spend the night in your 4 star feature stay hotel

6 Machu Picchu & Cusco

This morning, you’ll take the bus back up the winding road to Machu Picchu. When you arrive, set off on today’s guided tour of this archaeological site. As you walk, take in the surrounding views of the Andes, cloud forest and the Urubamba River flowing through the valley below. As you walk through the site, your leader will share the story behind its the 200 stone houses, temples and terraces. Later, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have some free time to wander the town at your own pace – maybe visit the local market or relax with a coffee. This afternoon, relax on the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo, then continue by private vehicle to your beautiful hotel in Cusco. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at Nuna Raymi – a sustainable restaurant in Cusco that supports local farmers and uses organic ingredients. Here you'll try dishes inspired by different regions of Peru and taste the classic drink of staple of Peruvian street culture, emoliente (a traditional warm herbal drink made with barley, herbs and spices).

7 Cusco

Your trip comes to an end today. As there are no activities planned, you are welcome to leave at any time. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

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