Day 2

City and Ruins Tour in Cusco

After breakfast and a relaxing group flow, we will 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 that evening for a pre-dinner mat session. Half of our group will also be attending a short briefing to prepare them for the next leg of their adventure, as they will be departing for the Sacred Valley the following day.

Group Activity: Early morning fitness session, half-day city tour, evening gathering

Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.

DAY 6

Sacred Valley of the Incas | Hiking Among Authentic Inca Trails

After breakfast, we'll spend some time learning a bit about the heritage and day-to-day activities of the Huacahuasi community. From here, you’ll have a choice for how to spend the day. Hikers can choose to embark on a spectacular trail that runs over a high mountain pass into an adjacent valley, eventually leading to the ancient town of Ollantaytambo (the oldest living city in Latin America). Or for hikers preferring a little less intensity, there’s also a shorter option to hike from Lares Pass along an authentic Inca trail leading deep into a beautiful canyon and finally ending at the Local Community of Totora.

For those who prefer to see more of the Sacred Valley, you can drive back for a visit to a wonderful ethnographic museum featuring a dramatic presentation on the history of Peru’s rich civilizations. Afterwards, lunch will be served in the Urubamba River countryside followed by a visit to Ollantaytambo town, where you can spend the afternoon meandering its charming maze-like streets. 

We'll all gather together again late in the day for an outdoor fitness class in the gardens of our next lodge before sitting down to dinner. 

Activity Menu (all day, choose one):

• Cultural activity: Drive back to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit a local farmer’s market and a Pre-Inca and Inca cultural museum. Enjoy a Barbeque for lunch at Kuychi Rumi Lodge and in the afternoon explore the town of Ollantaytambo.
• Inca Trail hike: Beautiful hike from Lares pass to the village of Totora / Duration 3 hrs. / Easy to moderate. Enjoy a Barbeque for lunch at Kuychi Rumi Lodge. 
• Hike: From Huacahuasi to Patacancha / Duration 7 h. / Moderate to challenging / Mountain pass at an elevation of 14,646’ - 4,464m. Route lunch at Ipsaycocha lake. Afternoon arrival in Ollantaytambo. 

Note: Guests that opt for the cultural activity and guests that opt for the Inca trail hike excursion will meet for lunch in Urubamba at a countryside restaurant and visit the town of Ollantaytambo together in the afternoon. Guests that opt for the Huacahuasi to Patacancha hike will meet up with the rest of the group late in the afternoon at Kuychi Rumi lodge in Urubamba. 

Overnight: Kuychi Rumi Lodge, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (el. 9,284’ – 2,830 m.)

DAY 7

Sacred Valley of the Incas | Discovering Ollantaytambo

Start the day with an early morning fitness session in the garden before breakfast. From here, we'll head off to the temple ruins of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important ceremonial centers for the Inca (first as the royal estate of Inca-Emperor Pachacutec and later as a stronghold against the Spanish conquistadors for Manco Inca Yupanqui), where we'll receive a thorough introduction to its mystical history and the strategic architectural planning behind the design. The sense of awe that overtakes you here will be the perfect introduction to our next stop... Machu Picchu!

A late morning scenic train ride along the famous Urubamba River will deliver us to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, by the early afternoon. A short, rollicking bus ride uphill from the train depot will deposit us at the gates of the “Sanctuary” (as locals refer to it), where we'll enjoy our first views of the world-famous Incan ruins. Prepare to be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among many others. You might even take a moment to quietly sit and listen to the wind…or to meditate and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. Your imagination will soar as you contemplate the history of Machu Picchu and its mysterious origins. And thankfully our late arrival ensures we have the best chance to enjoy a quiet window away from the crowds, as most visitors arrive into the complex in the early morning and begin to leave by lunchtime.

Group Activity: In the morning, after the optional early morning activities, explore the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, before boarding the train to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).

Train: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes / Late morning train / Duration 1h30m approximately. 

Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, located in the town of Aguas Calientes (el. 6,232´- 1,900m.), the base town of Machu Picchu.

Day 8

Machu Picchu | The Sanctuary

This morning you will return to Machu Picchu for one more look around the complex and, for those who choose, a hike up Huayna Picchu (the iconic towering mountain often seen in photographs for its dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle). Either way, the morning will leave you with a sense of peace and rejuvenation which will linger even as you board the train back to the city lights and hustle of Cusco. After a late day arrival back in the city, we will have the chance to clean up before enjoying a celebratory Farewell Dinner in a local hot spot.

Group Activity: Early in the morning, visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. 

Activity Menu (late morning, after the group activity, choose one):

• Cultural Activity: free time to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (el. 7,872´ - 2,400m.).
• Hike: Guided hike of Huayna Picchu Mountain / Duration 2-2.5 hs. / Moderate to challenging / Mountain pass at an elevation of 8,924´ - 2,720m. 

Train: Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo / Early afternoon train / Duration 1h30m approximately. 

Transfer: Ollantaytambo - Cusco and drop-off at hotel (arriving approximately at 6pm).

Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.

DAY 9

Cusco Departure

After breakfast and a final group fitness class, we say our final farewells. 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).

Kyuchi Rumi
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.

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.