DAY 1 SACRED VALLEY
Upon landing into Cusco, a city located more than 11,000 feet above sea level, our clients will be met by one of our team representatives and transfer down to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route you will visit an animal sanctuary as well as Sacsayhuaman, which is the largest and the most impressive of the four archaeological ruins on the outskirts of Cusco. Built by the Incas, it served as an important military function and was the site of a major battle with the Spanish in 1536. The complex was constructed out of massive stones, some weighing as much as 300 tons, cut to fit together without the use of mortar. From here, clients will head to a private hacienda for lunch, the residence of the descendants of one of the most prestigious families in Cusco. Built in the fifties, it is set amidst beautiful surroundings, breath-taking garden views over the Sacred Valley, and an impressive collection of Inca and colonial art and artifacts before checking into their hotel for a 3 night stay.
Hotel: Sol Y Luna
DAY 2 SACRED VALLEY
After breakfast at your hotel, our clients are picked up by their private driver and expert guide for a full day of adventure. First up is a two hour rafting experience. The river you will raft on flows from the high Andes down through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, past Machu Picchu and straight into the jungle. You will be rafting on the “Ollantaytambo” section of the river, one of the finest, clearest and most scenic sections with rapids that range from a class I to III.
After you freshen up and have lunch you will make your way to the town of Maras for a brief informational orientation on ATV operation and safety. Your expert guide will lead you across the fields to visit the “agricultural laboratory” of Moray, which consists of circular concentric geological depressions, reinforced by agricultural terracing that follows the shape of these geological lines. There are considerable temperature differences between each level, which facilitated the adaptation of plant species in different ecological levels, notably the important Sacred Leaf of Mama Kuka.
Next is the journey to the salineras of Maras (Maras Saltpans), where the bright white glow can be seen from a distance. Over 3,000 salt ponds, locally owned by 600 local families, make up the picturesque Maras, all connected through an impressive underground network of canals that fill these pools with salt water. Over time, the intense sun will slowly evaporate the water leaving behind the salt that is later extracted through ancestral techniques by local family members.
*This activity can also be done by bike for those who do not want to ATV.
DAY 3 SACRED VALLEY
Today you will embark on a half day climbing and zip-lining adventure across the beautiful Sacred Valley. You will begin by climbing 400 meters of via ferrata. Via ferrata is the name used to describe the high paths founded in the Alps, using fixed cables and iron ladders to climb difficult sections. Originally, ferrata routes were built in the Italian Dolomites for the movement of troops during World War I. When the war ended, these routes were then used by mountain guides to take customers by foot through the mountains. Today, a Via Ferrata is a path used to climb a mountain with a safety system permanently installed. It allows people, without any climbing experience, the opportunity to move safely through spectacular mountain scenery. Enjoy the breath-taking view and then descend the mountain, flying across the valley using 6 different ziplines.
This is your final night in Sacred Valley so it is a perfect time to unwind at the spa before packing your bags as you will depart early in the morning for your next destination.
DAY 4 MACHU PICCHU
Today you will head out early with your expert guide to board the Vistadome train, a 90 minute ride that will take you to km.104 on the Cusco – Machu Picchu railroad, the starting point for your 6-7 hour, ascending 8 mile Inka Trail hike. On the way up you will enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River Valley, the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex and beautiful waterfalls until you reach Sun Gate. It is here that you will first witness one of the 7th wonders of the world, the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.
Hotel: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
DAY 5 THE BINGHAM TRAIN
Our clients will spend the first part of their day exploring the main temples and hidden corners of Machu Picchu before embarking on a short hike to the Huayna Picchu Mountain, where they will experience the spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the surrounding valleys and mountains. After the hike you will have lunch and then head into town to explore the colorful, local artisan markets. Later in the evening you will board the glorious Hiram Bingham train to Cusco and relive a 19th century novel journey. Clients will enjoy welcoming aperitifs, a gourmet dinner and an excellent selection of wines. After dinner the real fun begins as passengers dance the night away while sipping on Peru’s famous Pisco Sours. Upon arrival into Cusco, clients will disembark and transfer to their hotel in Cusco for one night.
Hotel: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
DAY 6 CUSCO
Clients will meet their private expert guide and head out into Cusco to visit the city’s main highlights which include the legendary Koricancha Temple, the Cathedral and the bohemian quarter of San Blas, an area that is home to the workshops and stores of the most renowned artisans in Cusco, including Mendivil and Merida. After the tour, clients will head to lunch and then make their way to the Airport to board their one hour flight to Lima. Upon arrival, you will be met by one of our team members and transferred to downtown Lima to explore the city for a short time and have dinner at one of our recommended restaurants before making your way back to the Airport for your red-eye flight home.