Cusco and surrounding ruins; 3 miles, easy

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 Incan and colonial.

San Pedro Market is a must-see while in the fascinating city of Cusco. Colorful flowers, aromatic herbs and an astonishing variety of fruits are on display. The brave might enjoy a stroll through the meat section of this market—where everything from choice steaks to pig heads are displayed.

Later, a short drive brings you to the city’s outskirts, where you can 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 Incan 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, where ritual baths and aqueducts surround the ancient 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 and features local specialties such as rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers) and chupe de quinoa (stew made with local cheese, vegetables, and a local power-packed grain called quinoa).

Pisac Market visit and horseback riding (3 hours)

After breakfast, you transfer to Pisac, stopping at Awanacancha en route for a short visit of this bustling weaving center. Pet llamas and alpacas and feed them alfalfa while learning the differences between these two South American camelids. Pisac Market offers colorful textiles, paintings, silver jewelry and friendly local people. It’s the perfect spot for picking up a few souvenirs and for doing some people watching.

Lunch today is plentiful with local dishes and the best desserts in the area.  Afterwards you enjoy a horse show featuring the Peruvian paso horse—a unique breed with a gentle gait. Their unique dance provides a compelling insight into Peru’s fascinating traditions. After a short orientation you can ride yourself, exploring countryside paths through small villages.

Late in the afternoon you drive 40 minutes to your beautiful monastery-turned-hacienda accommodations in Yucay, where there may be time for a short walk around the farmlands before reuniting for dinner.

Chinchero 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, 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. 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 snowcapped Andes and golden wheat fields provide a stunning backdrop for a walk to this unique site, still mined today. Here you learn about the process of harvesting 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 a hands-on experience as you make your own down for pizza tonight.

Traditional 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. 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 are warmly welcomed by its inhabitants as you visit their primary school and homes. The kids in this area only play soccer and this is your chance to join them in the fun!

After finishing your descent, adults can unwind with 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.

Train 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 a 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.

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 that 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, “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.

Walking the Inca Trail requires a permit, which is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits are limited and your passport details will be required to apply. We recommend booking as early as possible to acquire a permit. If CW is unable to obtain an Inca Trail permit, we will automatically request a permit for the optional walk which is Machu Picchu Mountain, located to the south of the archaeological site (not to be mistaken with Huayna Picchu which is the mountain behind Machu Picchu). In this case you and a CW guide continue on the train from kilometer 104 to the riverside town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival you board the bus to Machu Picchu, where you start your hike. This two-mile trail involves a challenging 2,000 foot ascent and descent along mostly stone steps. The hike takes about three and a half hours with spectacular views of Machu Picchu throughout. Additionally, less challenging options are available. Your hotel for the next two nights is a lovely eco-property overlooking a river at the edge of the cloud forest.

Machu 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 sunrise 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 can 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 after 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. You may also visit the hotel’s tea plantation, harvest your own tea and make some iced tea from scratch.

Tonight you eat dinner while listening to Peruvian music in the property’s lovely dining room above the rushing river.

Transfer to Cusco, 3 hours; free afternoon

Following a hearty breakfast you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the many activities offered at your hotel, including a guided nature walk through the orchid gardens. Mid-morning you will board the train to Cusco, arriving in time to further explore this celebrated city in the afternoon.

This evening your journey culminates in a farewell celebration and dinner at a Cusco restaurant where you bid farewell to this magical land.

Departure

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.