Day 2

City and Ruins Tour in Cusco

After breakfast and a relaxing group flow, we explore the ancient city of Cusco as a group. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Korikancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center. We then travel to the edge of the city where we’ll visit the Inca sites of Q’uenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco.

A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers us to a late lunch and an afternoon at leisure before we reconvene for a pre-dinner mat session.

Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.

DAY 5

Sacred Valley of the Incas | Hiking Among Authentic Inca Trails

Begin the day with a scenic drive from Huacahuasi to the remote village of Huilloc. From there, choose a morning hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka, or explore the village and nearby sheepherding community of Marcacocha before regrouping for lunch and a midday exploration of the Pumamarka archaeological site. After lunch, choose to hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo or drive and spend the afternoon exploring Ollantaytambo’s maze-like alleys and passageways.
Note: Afternoon hikers will meet the rest of the group at the hotel upon arrival in the Sacred Valley.

ACTIVITY OPTIONS

Morning

/ Cultural: Visit the village of Huilloc and nearby sheepherding community of Marcacocha to participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and her blessings for the health of the community livestock. Drive from Marcacocha to Pumamarka for an all-group tour of the archaeological site and picnic lunch.

/ Active: Hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka.
Approximately 3 hours
Moderate

Afternoon

/ Cultural: After lunch, take a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo and spend the afternoon exploring this charming Sacred Valley town.

/ Active: Hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo.
Approximately 3 hours
Moderate

/ Optional All-Group Activity (late afternoon): Visit a locally-sourced Sacred Valley craft brewery (subject to additional cost).

Overnight: Kuychi Rumi Lodge (9,284’ / 2,830m)

DAY 6

Sacred Valley of the Incas | Discovering Ollantaytambo

Begin your day with an optional early morning hike to the Inca storage houses high above the town for an impressive view of the Ollantaytambo fortress and ceremonial site. Afterwards, the entire group will meet at the entrance of the site for a guided tour before embarking on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. Alternately, opt for an all-day hike from train marker KM 104 to the Machu Picchu Sun Gate on the classic Inca Trail (subject to additional cost).

ACTIVITY OPTIONS

Early morning

/ Active:
Option A: Hike up Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo
Approximately 1.5 hours
Moderate

Option B: Hike up Pinkuylluna Mountain above Ollantaytambo
Approximately 2.5 hours
Moderate to challenging

Late morning

/ All-Group Cultural Activity: Guided exploration of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site.

Afternoon

/ Scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to the charming town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.
Approximately 1.5 hours

All-day activity (subject to additional cost)

Note: This is a full-day hike that replaces the standard program day itinerary.

/ Active: Hike on the classic Inca Trail, from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu.
Approximately 6 hours
Moderate to challenging

Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel (6,232’ / 1,900m)

Day 7

Machu Picchu | The Sanctuary

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a rollicking morning uphill bus ride, followed by a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. After the tour you will have free time to explore on your own or hike up Huayna Picchu*, the iconic mountain that looms overhead. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before the return train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours).

*Note: Permits for Huayna Picchu are subject to availability; please consult with your MLP travel specialist when you confirm your reservation. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, Machu Picchu Mountain (the second peak within the sanctuary) permits will be secured instead.

Morning

/All-Group Cultural Activity: Guided exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel (7,872’ / 2,400m)

Late morning

/Cultural: Free time for further exploration.

/Active: Hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.

DAY 8

Depart the Sacred Valley for Cusco and flight to Lima

After breakfast and a final yoga session, we transfer to the Cusco airport for our departing flight to Lima. Our time in Peru will leave your rooted to your inner self, fellow travelers and a deeper wellness practices.

El Mercado
Cusco

El Mercado is a 4-star property located three and a half blocks from the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the heartof picturesque Cusco. Formerly part of the city’s old farmer’s market, El Mercado’s 32 rooms and quaint atmosphere guarantee personal and friendly service, and will inmediately immerse our guest in the cultural and historical traits of Cusco and Peru.

Mountain Lodges
Lamay + Huacahuasi

Accommodations along the Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure are located both in remote places as well as in traditional towns, yet always surrounded by stunning sceneries and local living culture. As a reference, all the lodges are comparable to a 4-5 star property. The following information might be useful for additional things to expect. If you have any questions about the accommodations, please contact your Travel Specialist.

• Complimentary internet is available in every room.

• Each room has a safety deposit box.

• Some lodges have Jacuzzis.

• Massage service.

• Toilet equipped with hair-dryers and full amenities.

• There are 110V compatible sockets in the lodges (220V is the official voltage).

K’Uychi Rumi Lodge
Sacred Valley

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes

K’uychi Rumi offers an exclusive lodging alternative for your stay in Peru. It consists of seven luxurious and individually designed rustic Andean lodges surrounded by beautiful gardens and native fruit orchards. The property is nestled at the foot of some of the most picturesque mountain peaks in all of Peru and is within short distance from the Urubamba River.

We are located outside the quaint town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We are one hour away from the historic and world famous city of Cusco. We are half an hour away from the train station to the unforgettable one-hour scenic ride to Machu Picchu. Other nearby historical sites and cities include Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras, Paucartambo, and Manu National Park.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. Member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, the property has 12 acres of exquisite natural beauty, where 214 bird species – such as the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock – and the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species) have been registered.

After exploring the Historic Sanctuary and in-house excursions, guests can enjoy the Unu Spa, which combines the classic nurturing with a mystical Andean approach. Natural products are derived from local botanical extracts (mint, eucalyptus and orchids), thus providing a pleasing spiritual, sensual and soothing experience. The first-class restaurant features stunning views of Vilcanota River, and shares the secrets of Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist.