Upon your arrival in Cusco, once the bustling capital of the Incan Empire, our friendly driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Immerse yourself in the blend of Incan and Spanish heritages evident in the city's architecture as you stroll through its historical streets. 

Cusco's unique charm lies in its status as South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, rich with indigenous foundations crowned by colonial and modern structures. Spend your first day acclimating to Cusco's significant elevation of 3,450 meters above sea level, discovering its array of ornate Baroque churches and timeworn temples amidst the urban landscape.

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza
• 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco

Embark on an exhilarating 4x4 quad bike excursion showcasing the marvels within the Sacred Valley. Take command of your rugged quad bike, traversing the diverse Andean terrain from mountainous paths drenched in mud to pastoral countryside framed by quaint villages, all while basking in the invigorating highland air. Your journey begins with a convenient pick-up from your stay, leading to the starting point at Cruz Pata. A brief on safety and handling of the quad bikes sets the tone for an adventure filled with discovery and empowerment.

Your first destination is Moray, where the Incan mastery of agriculture is exhibited in the form of concentric circular terraces, each a testament to their advanced engineering. Immerse yourself in these serene settings to understand how the Andean people maintain their sacred bond with the Earth – Pachamama. Here, knowledge and the spirit of the land interlink, and you’ll have some time to engage in the ambiance of this historical site.

Continue the adventure to the Salineras, where you will grasp the essence of traditional salt extraction, a practice that local communities have sustained for generations. This is a chance to witness the harmony of human labour with nature and perhaps to purchase some unique souvenirs. After a fulfilling visit, you will ride back to Cruz Pata. Finally, you will conclude your day's adventure by returning the quad bike and heading back to the comfort of your accommodation in Cusco.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza
• 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco

Prepare for a day of heart-pounding excitement as you’ll be collected from your accommodation in Cusco, with pickup times scheduled between 8:30 and 9:00 am. Join fellow adventurers on a brief journey to Oropesa—an enchanting Andean hamlet celebrated for its artisanal bread—to gather some freshly baked goods for your midday meal. A short drive later, your rendezvous with the wild Vilcanota River awaits, where your rafting escapade is set to unfold.

Upon arrival at the rafting site, gear up and absorb critical safety information delivered by your seasoned rafting guide. Then it's time to plunge into the Vilcanota's roaring waters. Navigate through an exhilarating sequence of class III, III+, and IV rapids, with the stunning Andean landscape as your backdrop and camaraderie fuelling your journey. Following an invigorating session on the water, retreat to the camp to slip into something comfortable and refuel with a well-deserved lunch.

The adventure isn’t over yet—embrace the adrenaline rush as you soar across two zip lines at the campsite, adding an aerial dimension to your day's thrill. Once completed, you'll sit back for a tranquil drive returning to Cusco's urban scene, where you will be dropped off in the city centre to reflect on a day filled with enduring memories and unbridled adventure.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza
• 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco

This morning marks the beginning of your deep dive into the enchanting Sacred Valley. After being picked up from your hotel, your first port of call is El Mirador—an exceptional viewpoint providing panoramic snapshots of the entire valley along with enriching narratives about Inca history. Recognized as the Inca’s precious heartland due to its favourable climate and fertile lands, the Sacred Valley showcases the Inca's expertise in mountain terracing and water management—your guide will be ready to identify picture-perfect moments to capture these feats.

Next, you will advance towards the impressive ruins of Pisac, a site brimming with Inca stone-masonry and substantial agricultural terraces. Here, delve into layers of Inca culture, its architecture, and agronomy. The adjacent town of Pisac presents a vibrant market where the weaving of multicoloured textiles, local culinary traditions, and indigenous attire provide excellent souvenir shopping and photo opportunities.

As the day progresses, you will follow the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, a living testament to Inca urban design and one of the rare sites that witnessed an Inca victory over the Spanish. Here, you will explore the remarkable ruins of Ollantaytambo, including edifices dedicated to Wiracocha, the Inca god. This exploration serves as a prelude to the majestic constructions you will soon encounter further on your journey.

Returning to your hotel in Cusco, the afternoon segment includes an essential briefing session for your upcoming trek. During this orientation, you'll have the opportunity to clarify the trek path, discuss necessary preparations, confirm logistics, and pose any pending inquiries to ensure you're fully equipped for the adventure that lies ahead.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza
• 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco

Your day commences early, with pick-up from your lodging slated for 05:00-06:00hrs. Ensure that every necessary arrangement and packing is finalized the night prior. A bus ride brings you to the vibrant town of Ollantaytambo, allowing you some personal time to enjoy breakfast and gather any snacks, water, and trekking poles you might need for the day's journey.

Next, the bus continues to Piscacucho, known as KM 82, marking the famed starting point of the Inca Trail. Here, it's essential to have your original passport and student card (if pertinent) on hand as you clear the trail's initial checkpoint, where your guide will present your entry tickets.

Embark on a 10-kilometer, roughly 6-hour trek that meanders along rolling hills and traces the curve of the Vilcanota River Valley, interspersed with captivating small archaeological sites. Half-way through, take a break to replenish with lunch and rest, before completing the final stretch to Wayllabamba camp, perched at an altitude of 2,980 meters.

This moderate trek offers a gentle ascent from Piscacucho, with sweeping views and a progressive climb to the welcoming Wayllabamba Camp. Although your route to Machu Picchu is accompanied by a guide, note that bus and train transfers will be independent excursions without guided accompaniment.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Wayllabamba Camp
• 4* Hotel: Wayllabamba Camp

After an early breakfast around 6:00hrs you will start off on the most challenging day along the trail, with a vertical hike of 6 km (approx. 5 hours) to reach Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m followed by a 3 km hike down stone steps to reach Pacaymayo camp at 3,600m (approx. 2 hours). 

Take your time and rest as much as you need, as you will ascend more than 1,200 meters over the course of the morning. Just after you cross Dead Woman's Pass you will be rewarded with spectacular views of nearby snow-capped mountain peaks and roaring waterfalls. Stroll slowly down to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) to enjoy the scenery. Arrive in time for lunch and a well-deserved nap. Then you will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the camp before dinner and an early bedtime. 

Trekking: 10 kilometres / 7 hours Difficulty: Difficult trekking day starting at Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) with a constant and demanding ascent of 6.4 KM to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m), an elevation gain of 1,200 vertical meters. Descend another 2.4 KM along a stone staircase to reach Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m), a decrease in elevation of 800 vertical meters.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Pacaymayo Valley Campsite
• 4* Hotel: Pacaymayo Valley Campsite

Begin day seven with rejuvenated spirits as you hike uphill for an hour, greeting the day with a visit to the intriguing Pacaymayo archaeological site. Your adventure continues with another hour's ascent to the Runquracay Pass, perched at 3,950m, offering a mountaintop spectacle with panoramic vistas of the undulating Andean peaks.

The trail carries you forth to two more historical vestiges, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, where your guide will breathe life into the stones with tales of the past. Enjoy a nourishing lunch en route amidst these remnants of a bygone civilization.

As the late afternoon sun begins its descent, you will arrive at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp. Nestled at 2,650m and enveloped by a lush, high jungle climate near a scenic river valley, it’s the ultimate setting for tranquillity and reflection. Conclude your day with appreciative gestures to the porters and guides who have been your pillars throughout this journey.

Today's trekking route spans 15 kilometres over 9 hours, balancing moderate climbs and descents on time-worn Incan stairways, interspersed with storied archaeological sites—the very essence of Incan trailblazing from Pacaymayo Camp, across Runquracay Pass, to the verdant embrace of Wiñayhuayna Camp.

Guide: Included for the day

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Winay Wayna Camp
• 4* Hotel: Winay Wayna Camp

Arise in the pre-dawn stillness between 3:30 and 4:30hrs for an early breakfast before embarking on the day's spiritual trek. With the early morning mist as your companion, join fellow trekkers at the Wiñaywayna checkpoint, eagerly awaiting the opening of the final gate to Machu Picchu at 5:30 am. Once granted passage, an approximate one-hour hike leads you to Intipunku, commonly known as the Sun Gate. Here's hoping for favourable weather as you behold the first ethereal light casting its glow on the iconic citadel—a profoundly memorable sight.

After soaking in the sunrise, a short 40-minute descent brings you to the heart of the Machu Picchu complex. A two-hour guided tour offers insights into the history and mysteries of this ancient architectural marvel. Post-tour, bask in some independent time to explore, ponder, and capture the essence of the Inca sanctuary at your leisure. The adventurous spirits might choose an additional climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to advance booking.

Your journey back begins at Aguas Calientes, where a train awaits to usher you to Ollantaytambo. From this quaint town, a bus will carry you on the final leg back to Cusco, with Plaza San Francisco marking the end of today's voyage by 8:30 pm. From here, you'll navigate your way back to your chosen accommodation, reflecting on the ambient experiences of the day.

Today’s gentle trek covers 7 kilometres over 2 hours, traversing a straightforward, serene path from Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp through to the captivating panorama at the Sun Gate, and descending towards Machu Picchu—your passage through time and landscape culminating in the embrace of an Incan wonder.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza
• 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco

On the penultimate day of your Peruvian odyssey, embark on a morning exploration of Sacsayhuaman, a colossal testament to Inca engineering that dominates the skyline of Cusco. Marvel at the vast stone blocks impeccably joined without mortar, an architectural feat rumoured to have required the strength and skill of tens of thousands over decades—evidence of the empire's power and sophistication during the era of Pachacutec.

From Sacsayhuaman’s grandeur, your cultural pilgrimage leads you to Qenqo, a site shrouded in mystique with its underground passages and meticulous stonework carved in labyrinthine designs. Discover the chilling yet captivating altar where the Incas are believed to have performed mummification rituals.

Your journey continues with a brief sojourn to other significant Inca landmarks—Tambomachay, a sanctuary dedicated to water worship, and PucaPucará, a military ruin standing as a sentinel over the valley. Each site unveils another layer of the fascinating Inca civilization.

With these profound experiences etched in memory, you'll return to the vibrant energy of Cusco, granted the freedom of the afternoon to leisurely absorb the city's modern-day pulse as your adventure nears its completion.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza
• 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco