Today will be a full day of exploration into the Sacred Valley of the Incas! Guests will embark on a scenic drive to Chinchero, which is world-renowned for its native textiles. Here, they will observe a native textile demonstration by local mamitas before continuing to Maras where they will gear up for an adrenaline filled adventure through the Andean countryside! The group will partake in a 2-Hour ATV Ride with a guided 30-minute visit of the Moray Archaeological Site. This site is world-renowned for its perfectly constructed concentric circle terraces. It will then be time to make their way to lunch. A gourmet picnic lunch will be served at Mountain View Experience, which is located at a panoramic viewpoint above the Maras Salt Mines. Known for its friendly llamas (which you can feed!) and stunning views, guests will indulge in a (3) course gourmet picnic lunch. The tour will then conclude with the Maras Salt Mines. This unique landscape has been in use since pre-Incan times and is still harvested by the local community. After exploring the salt mines, guests will be transported to their boutique hotel located under the peaks of the Sacred Valley!

Activity: ATV Riding

Accommodation: Historic Hotel in Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 9,160 feet in Sacred Valley 

Guests will embark from the Ollantaytambo Train Station early this morning for an approximate 1 hour & 5-minute train ride to KM104, the start of the trail. This shorter version of the Classic Inca Trail Trek allows guests to enjoy the splendor of trekking along the world-famous Inca Trail as well as visit the most beautiful Incan ruins along the way to Machu Picchu - Winay Wayna. Sweeping vistas, perfectly constructed terraces and stunning views of Incan ruins make this an unforgettable trek through the Andes! After immersing into the cloud forest, guests will arrive to the Inca Citadel through the Sun Gate, which offers the first view of the Lost City of the Incas. Guests will then continue the scenic trek to the entrance of Machu Picchu where they will take a bus the remainder of the way to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Dinner is included at the hotel and the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.

Activity: 9.3 Mile Trek on Inca Trail to the Sun Gate & to Machu Picchu; 2,034 ft elevation gain 

Accommodations: Hotel near Machu Picchu 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After waking up amidst the tropical Andes, today will be dedicated to enjoying the splendor and beauty of the mystical Machu Picchu! Guests will have a privately guided tour of Machu Picchu as well as ascend to the Huayna Picchu precipice before returning to Machu Picchu Pueblo for a gourmet lunch. Transportation via train and private vehicle will be provided back to Cusco for an evening at leisure. Dinner will be provided for the group at the Cusco hotel.

Embedded within a dramatic landscape at the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere in the world. This masterpiece is the most significant tangible legacy of the Inca civilization. Recognized for outstanding cultural & natural values, this UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 32,592 hectares of the mountain slopes, peaks & valleys surrounding its heart – the spectacular monument of “La Ciudadela” (The Citadel) at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. It was not until 1911 that the archaeological complex was made known again to the world by Hiram Bingham III on an expedition funded by Yale University and the National Geographic Society.

Activity: Hiking around Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu 

Accommodations: Boutique Hotel in Cusco 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 7,972 in Machu Picchu 

The group will awake in the historical city of Cusco and enjoy a special experience this morning! At the beautiful Exhala Yoga Studio a sound healing ceremony will be performed for the guests. Sound healing is a conduit of frequency between worlds. Through musical sound baths the musician is able to connect each person’s energy field to their higher self and release energy blocks and toxins. The toxins are often released through the shedding of tears and guests come away from ceremonies refreshingly cleansed and renewed. The remainder of the day will be at leisure for guests to either relax or explore the city on their own. Sightseeing and restaurant suggestions will be provided for the guests. Cusco is world-renowned for its cuisine, rich history and colorful local markets! A pre-trek Ausangate briefing will also take place this evening.

Accommodations: Boutique Hotel in Cusco 

Meals: Breakfast

After departing Cusco in a comfortable coach, the group will head along the Vilcanota River to visit the temple of Checacupe. The drive will continue to the upper valley of Pitumarca. From here, the group will trek a short distance to view the picturesque Ausangate Cocha, a beautiful lake directly under the massive Ausangate glacier. The trek will continue through a valley filled with alpacas and surrounded by stunning scenery before arriving to Anantapata Tambo for the evening.

Activity: Hike 5.77 Miles (~3-4 hours); about 1,000 ft elevation gain 

Accommodation: Lodge along the trek

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

After breakfast, the group will ascend a mountain pass that stands at 4,985 meters (16,355 feet). After passing by several lakes and varying landscape they will then come to one of the highlights of the trek, Vinicunca, also known as “Rainbow Mountain”. The geology of this region is simply breathtaking with the mountains being striated with various different colors due to the complex mix of minerals. The trek continues through the red mountains to the last lodge, Huampococha Tambo. This lodge is fronted by a lake and it offers the last views of Apu Ausangate.

Activity: 6.3 mile hike; about 850 ft elevation gain 

Accommodation: Lodge along the trek 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

The morning begins with the ascension of the final mountain pass. From there the trek is all downhill. It is the last chance for trekkers to soak up the beautiful surroundings of the remote villages in the Peruvian High Andes. At the conclusion of the trek, lunch will be served and the private coach will be waiting for the return to Cusco. This evening will be the guests’ final night in Cusco and a group dinner will be held at Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse!

Activity: 5.2 mile hike; about 400 ft elevation gain 

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Cusco 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Guests will awake for their final time in Cusco and have the morning to relax, shop and explore the city prior to their departure to the Cusco Airport. If required, luggage can be stored at the hotel and a late check-out can be requested, but is subject to availability. A private vehicle and Peru Eco Expeditions staff will escort the group to the Cusco Airport for the final farewell. Safe travels home!

Meals: Breakfast