DAY 1Cusco and surrounding ruins; 4 miles, easy (approximate 1,000-ft elevation loss) After an early breakfast and an orientation meeting, your Peruvian guides acquaint you with the history and culture of this ancient city on a walking tour. Your meeting hotel is a lovely colonial building situated in the heart of Cusco, one of the highest cities in the world at 11,400 feet. Your explorations take you over the cobbled streets as you visit the main cultural and religious sites within the city, both Inca and colonial. Later, a short drive brings you to the city’s outskirts where you explore the famous sites surrounding Cusco. You begin at Sacsayhuaman, the principal Incan temple in the region, where the Inca held religious celebrations. You then proceed to Quenko, a ceremonial site for important Inca families. Although Quenko was virtually destroyed by the Spanish, remains of ceremonial altars and gods worshiped by the Inca are still visible. Time permitting you may visit the impressive site of Tambomachay, the site of ritual baths and the Temple of the Water.
After returning to the hotel, you have a bit of time to relax before dinner. The evening meal is at an inviting restaurant in Cusco featuring local specialties such as rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers) and chupe de quinoa (stew made with local cheese, vegetables, and the local power-packed grain called quinoa).
Novotel, Cusco
DAY 2Pisac Ruins and Market; 2-5 miles, moderate, includes steep descent on stairs (approximate 2,000-ft elevation loss), sections of walk may cause vertigo After breakfast, you transfer 1½ hours to begin a walking tour of the Sacred Valley at the mountaintop site of Pisac. This imposing site clings to steep, terraced fields far above the valley and offers one of the finest examples of Incan architecture in the Cusco region. Winding your way on foot through ancient ruins and temples towards the Urubamba Valley floor, you marvel at this Inca burial site ingeniously built into a steep cliff. Along the way you delight in spectacular views of terraced fields utilized by local farmers for the growth of maize, potatoes, and quinoa. Lunch is served at a local restaurant featuring a hearty buffet of salads, potato dishes, meats, and breads.
Afterward, a short transfer to the village of Pisac is followed with time to peruse the Andean market or relax at a café. Late in the afternoon you drive (40 minutes) to your beautiful monastery-turned-hacienda in Yucay, where there may be time for a short walk around the farmlands before reuniting for a traditional Peruvian feast.
La Posada del Inca, Yucay
DAY 3Chinchero Market; Maras and Moray, to the Urubamba River; 7-9 miles, moderate with easy option (approximate 600-ft elevation gain and 2,000-ft elevation loss), sections of walk may cause vertigo A visit to Chinchero begins the day (a 40-minute transfer) where you experience a traditional Andean market. Here Indians from the surrounding communities come to barter or sell their handicrafts and products. Colorful assortments of weavings, fruits, vegetables, beans, and livestock make this a truly unforgettable experience.
Afterward, you transfer to the charming village of Maras, from where you begin a walk along ancient farming paths. Along the way you may see shepherds herding flocks of sheep or farmers threshing wheat. You stop to refuel on a gourmet picnic lunch, complete with local wines. A short transfer takes you to the fascinating Inca site of Moray, once used for agricultural experimentation (and today preserved by UNESCO).
After a walking exploration of the site, you begin a descent through a narrow canyon to the Maras salt mines. The snow-capped Andes and golden wheat fields provide a stunning backdrop for a walk to this unique site still mined for salt. Here you learn about the process of harvesting the salt from terraces of pools created by an underground salt-water spring. The entire process is done by hand, and the methods have not changed since pre-Hispanic times. A final 30-minute descent brings you to the Urubamba River and the village of Pichingoto, where you are met by your bus driver for the short transfer back to the hotel. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.
La Posada del Inca, Yucay
DAY 4Traditional Andean Village; 5-7 miles, moderate to challenging (approximate 620-ft elevation gain and loss) The village of Ollantaytambo is the first stop today. The spectacular Incan site above the village is famous as one of the few places where the Inca defeated the conquistadors in battle. Here you learn how the Inca maneuvered huge blocks of stone from the riverbanks below to the steep cliffs above to build their terraced temple.
Afterward you transfer (one hour) to a remote, traditional village, which provides an opportunity for an intimate view of mountain life in Peru. You are warmly welcomed by its inhabitants as you visit their primary school and homes. The walk follows ancient footpaths and life here continues as it has for hundreds of years as farmers still work the high Andean terraces, harvesting wheat and a variety of vegetables. Residents still wear the traditional dress of the area, and houses are made of stacked stone. You encounter llamas, cows, and goats grazing alongside the trail, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Alacoma appears close enough to touch.
You descend in time for a pisco sour (Peru’s national drink made with clear white grape alcohol) by the fire before a final dinner in Yucay. This afternoon there is also an optional visit to the renowned Pablo Seminario pottery studio.
La Posada del Inca, Yucay
DAY 5Train and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; 7.5 miles, moderate to challenging, sections of steep stair climbing (approximate 2,000-ft elevation gain and loss), sections of walk may cause vertigo. Option to continue on train for shorter walk into Machu Picchu After an early breakfast you transfer by bus to the Ollantaytambo station to board the train bound for Machu Picchu. The train follows the river and offers magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way the landscape magically transforms from vast highlands into lush cloud forest. You disembark from the train at kilometer 104, cross a footbridge, and begin a walk along the original Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu. After visiting the ancient Incan site of Chachabamba, you ascend steadily for three to four hours in the midst of lush mountain valleys and snow-capped peaks. Along the way you pass rushing waterfalls, delicate orchids, and perhaps even spot the native condor.
You stop to explore the well-restored Winay Wayna ruins, perched precariously on a steep mountain slope and flanked by ancient farming terraces. Winay Wayna, meaning “Forever Young” in Quechua, was named after a brightly colored orchid which blooms year-round. From here, you continue walking approximately two more hours along a mostly shaded section of the Inca Trail before arriving at the stairs leading to Intipunku, or the “Gate of the Sun” and the entrance to Machu Picchu. You enter the site, like the ancient Inca themselves, through Intipunku and the spectacular view of the citadel unfolds before you. After taking in the fantastic ruins of this city, you descend to the valley floor by bus.
Options for those who do not obtain a permit for the Inca Trail, as well as for those who prefer a less challenging option, are to continue on the train from kilometer 104 to the riverside town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you check into your hotel, unpack, and enjoy lunch. You then board the bus to Machu Picchu and hike up to Intipunku to meet the rest of the group or the intrepid might choose to hike Machu Picchu Mountain (which involves a challenging, 2,000-ft ascent along mostly stone steps). Your hotel for the next two nights is a lovely eco-property overlooking a river at the edge of the cloud forest.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes
DAY 6Machu Picchu; 2-6 miles on easy to challenging terrain (approximate 900-ft elevation gain and loss) To experience the magic of sunrise over Machu Picchu, an optional bus ride to the site is offered in the pre-dawn hours, just as the gates open. After watching the sun rise over the site, you then eat breakfast at the nearby Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge before joining the full group for a guided tour.
If you choose not to join the sunrise visit, you have breakfast at your hotel before boarding a bus for the breathtaking climb up a series of switchbacks to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Your guide provides a comprehensive tour of the site including exploration of the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, and the astronomical observatory. There is time to explore the mystical temples, altars, terraces, and chambers in solitude, or to embark on one of the short walks leading from the site.
Later back at your hotel you may choose to relax on the verandas overlooking the river and gardens, browse through the town’s market, or follow the fragrant orchid trail at the hotel. Tonight you eat dinner while listening to Peruvian music in the property’s lovely dining room above the rushing river.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes
DAY 7Machu Picchu or Cusco; 1-3 miles, easy Depending on the train schedule, today you may enjoy one last visit to Machu Picchu and return by late afternoon train to Cusco. Alternatively, you will board the early morning train to Cusco allowing opportunity to further explore this celebrated city in the afternoon. Both options include a 1½ hour train ride and 1½ hour bus ride to Cusco.
This evening your journey culminates in a farewell dinner at a Cusco restaurant where you bid farewell to this magical land.
Novotel, Cusco
DAY 8Departure After breakfast you transfer to the Cusco airport. Complimentary transfers to the airport are provided throughout the morning depending on the time of your departing flight.
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This trip to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley exceeded my expectations in beauty, fun, enjoyable hiking, and history. Our guide Juan Carlos was wonderful and knowledgeable. He helped everyone in our group have a great time. The trip was a total adventure!
- S. Ronayne, ColoradoI have thought about this trip for many years and am so pleased that it exceeded my expectations.
- R. Tolf Ansell, New HampshireHiking was a marvelous way to experience the country, culture, and the people. The guides made it come alive with their historical knowledge and tails of the past. It was clear they love their country and want their guests to love it too!
- C. Macho, ArizonaLocal guides share their love of country and much history as well. The walks, picnics and cultural activities with congenial people make a wonderful combination.
- C. Aspray, New JerseyThe Peru trip provided a superlative mixture of hiking, sightseeing, interaction with local indigenous people, cultural traditions, authentic foods of the region, shopping.
- J. Knaus, MichiganCaring and knowledgeable guides enthusiastic about their countries and cultures make the Country Walkers trips special.
- S. Sonne, New York