ANDEAN ADVENTURES 6D/5N

Early in the morning, upon your arrival in the city of Cusco, we will pick you up from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport and then head to your hotel in the city of Cusco. There, you can rest, acclimatize, and have a meal before starting with the scheduled activities.

At the agreed time, we will come to pick you up from your respective hotel to begin the tour. We will start by visiting the Cathedral of Cusco (optional), where we can explore the Temple of the Sagrada Familia and the Temple of Triumph, spaces filled with myths and legends that also hold historical significance from the conquest period. Next, we will head to the “Qoricancha,” a marvelous temple considered one of the most important constructions of the ancient inhabitants. It was adorned with gold sheets and decorations and served as a dwelling for Andean priests who worshipped Andean deities such as the sun, the moon, the stars, lightning, and the rainbow.

After concluding the city tour, we will proceed to the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, located to the north of the city. Sacsayhuaman is one of the most significant archaeological sites due to its massive construction made of enormous stone blocks. It is known that the construction of Sacsayhuaman lasted for more than 50 years and involved the labor of over 20,000 men. Later, we will continue our journey and head to the archaeological complex of Q’enqo, carved caves by the ancient Incas, which probably served as a place for the mummification of important figures. Then, we will visit Puka Pukara, a place used for access control, similar to customs nowadays. The last site to visit will be Tambomachay, a ceremonial site with flowing water sources, and it is known to have been a resting place for the Inca. After concluding the tour, we will return to the city of Cusco.

Later in the evening, we will gather to provide you with instructions and details for your Sacred Valley and Inca Trail journey.

At the agreed time, we will pick you up from your hotel to start the Sacred Valley tour. We will pass through the Saqsayhuaman Archaeological Park and continue until we reach the Taray viewpoint, a beautiful space where you can appreciate Inca terraces and vast cultivated lands surrounded by the “Wilkamuayu,” the sacred river of the Incas. We will then proceed to the famous Pisac artisan market, known worldwide for its silver jewelry. We will also visit the Pisac archaeological site, where we will discover distinct neighborhoods, impressive two-level constructions, and one of the most stunning cemeteries in the region. After the visit, we will return to the vehicle, which will take us to Urubamba, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.

After lunch, we will continue the journey to the last living Inca village, Ollantaytambo, where we can explore impressive terraces and staircases leading to the ritual area. Here, we will find megalithic structures that showcase impressive precision in cutting and some reliefs. In front of the archaeological park, you will also discover the Qolcas or storehouses. You will also learn about the love story between General Ollantay and Cusi Qoyllor. At the end of the tour, the guide will provide you with instructions, and we will drop you off at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, where you can rest and relax for your next adventure.

Early in the morning, after you have enjoyed your breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. Here, you will board the train that will take you to Km 104 “Chachabamba,” where, after receiving instructions and going through the INRENA control center, you will begin your adventure on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

You will start the hike and enter the Chachabamba archaeological complex along with your guide, where you will receive a detailed explanation of this important site. You will then continue on a walk that will immerse you in the high jungle. Along the route, you will have the opportunity to observe various species of orchids, including one known as Wiñayhuayna or “Forever Young,” which is also the name of the next archaeological complex situated on a steep slope of the Urubamba River valley. This Inca archaeological group is located on the way to the Sun Gate and is believed to have been the ancient residence of the priests of Machu Picchu.

You will continue the hike until you reach the “Inti Punku” or Sun Gate, where you can enjoy the first breathtaking view of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary in all its splendor. From this point, you will begin your descent to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where you can marvel at a beautiful sunset and take stunning photographs.

After enjoying the views, you will board a bus with your guide to the town of Aguas Calientes, where your hotel is located. Here, you can settle in, rest, have dinner, and receive further explanations from your guide regarding the activities for the next day.

At the agreed time, we will meet and head towards the bus station, where you will board the vehicle that will take you to the entrance gate of the Machu Picchu citadel. Your guide will provide some recommendations, and then you will pass through the access control to the Inca citadel, immediately beginning the guided tour lasting 2 to 2.5 hours. During this time, you will discover the history of Machu Picchu, visit different temples, plazas, and the Machu Picchu quarry. If you’re lucky, you may also spot orchids and species like the vizcacha or Andean rabbit. After some time for photography and capturing the experience, the visit will conclude, and we will guide you back to the bus station, where you will board the vehicle that will take you back to the town of Aguas Calientes. There, you can enjoy lunch (not included) and explore the town before heading to the train station, where you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. At the Ollantaytambo station, a representative from our company will be waiting for you and will guide you to the bus that will bring you back to the city of Cusco.

At the agreed time, we will pick you up from your hotel in the city of Cusco to begin the adventure towards the impressive salt mines of Maras and the agricultural experimentation center of Moray.

We will embark on a 50-minute journey to the town of Cruz Pata, where we will have the opportunity to practice on the ATVs for 15 to 20 minutes. Once we are ready for this unique journey, we will start the ATV tour towards the experimental terraces of Moray, where our guide will tell us about the origin and importance of this archaeological site. After visiting Moray, we will return to the base to board the tourist transport, and then head to the Maras Salt Mines, an incredibly beautiful place where salt is produced manually. During this tour, we will have magnificent views of the Veronica and Chicon snow-capped mountains, accompanied by a magical landscape in contact with nature. At the salt mines, the guide will explain the natural process of salt production. Once the tour is finished, we will return to the city of Cusco.

After having breakfast at your hotel, you will have free time to explore the city of Cusco and do some last-minute shopping. Later, at the agreed time (according to the flight itinerary), we will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport, where you will board your return flight home.