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 7

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.

We'll all gather together again late in the day for an outdoor yoga session 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.

• Inca Trail hike: Beautiful hike from Lares pass to the village of Totora / Duration 3 hrs. / Easy to moderate.

• 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.

Overnight: Wilka T’ika, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near the town of Urubamba (el. 9,420´)

DAY 8

Sacred Valley of the Incas | Discovering Ollantaytambo

Start the day with an early morning yoga 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), 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 reprieve 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´), the base town of Machu Picchu.

Day 9

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 and the eventual departure for home.

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´).

• Hike: Guided hike of Huayna Picchu Mountain / Duration 2-2.5 hs. / Moderate to challenging / Mountain summit at an elevation of 8,924´.

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

Overnight: Wilka T’ika, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near the town of Urubamba (el. 9,420´)

DAY 9

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).

Wilka t’ika
Sacred Valley

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes

Wilka T’ika, the original premier luxury wellness retreat & yoga center of Peru's Sacred Valley, is an exquisite eco-friendly sanctuary for rejuvenation, relaxation and for cultivating optimal well-being.

Willka T'ika's peaceful energy and mystical surroundings are sure to inspire, refresh and revitalize, offering a wonderful connection to Mother Nature, revered by the Quechua as Pachamama. Located in one of the most energetically charged places on earth, Willka T'ika prides itself on serving the spiritual and cultural needs of all guests seeking a genuine mind, body, spirit experience. Nearby ancient Inkan ruins, ceremonial sites, temples and an abundance of cultural activities beckon. For hikers, winding rivers, charming villages and high mountain meadows where herds of llama and alpaca graze await exploration. 

The facilities include elaborate and vibrant Chakra Gardens for healing relaxation, state-of-the-art sunlit yoga studios for practice, outstanding service from our professional Quechua staff and more. 

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.