Active Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley Tour

We’ll be waiting to greet you at the Cusco airport. From there, transfer to your charming hotel in the city’s fascinating historic center. During the drive, your guide will provide an overview of your trip and basic city orientation. After time to refresh and get settled, depart on a private walking tour of Cusco’s most famous highlights, including the Plaza de Armas, cathedral, Qoricancha and San Pedro Market. There is quite a lot to see in Cusco, so we have allowed for flexibility in your schedule. Evening free to explore on your own.

After time for breakfast, meet your guide and depart for the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. First, we’ll visit the Inca site of Moray, which is thought to have been created for agricultural research. Next, begin a pleasant hike to the Salineras, a complex series of spring-fed, terraced salt pans, build into a steep mountainside. You will most likely observe locals preparing the pans and harvesting salt in the traditional manner.

From the Salineras, break for a traditional lunch, before continuing to the lesser known Pumamarca ruins.  Spend the afternoon exploring the rural Sacred Valley on foot ( 5 km), before descending to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo. Here, active canals run along Inca constructed stone-paved streets and passageways. interestingly, many original Inca buildings here remain in use today. You’ll have the evening free to relax, explore the village, and prepare for the world famous Inca Trail the following morning!
Meals: B, L

This morning we depart for a gorgeous hike along the world famous Inca Trail (10km)! From Ollantaytambo you will travel with your guide by train to kilometer 104, the point of entry for the official Inca Trail. During the hike we will pass through incredible natural scenery, visit the Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna and arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Enjoy your first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from above, then descend to the town of Aguas Calientes. Check into your hotel, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and rest up for our visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Today you’ll return to Machu Picchu for a private tour of the complex. You will ascend stone steps, through heavy tree cover to finally emerge at the top of the world – Machu Picchu! The incredible Inca stone construction will spread below, alternately hidden and revealed by clouds. You`ll have a 2.5 hour private tour with your guide, and the option to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. From there, descend to Aguas Calientes for your return train to Ollantaytambo. We’ll be waiting in the station for transfer to your Cusco hotel.
Meals: B