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| Peru: Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
A 9-Day tour starting from $3,698
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| About This Tour | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Cusco region of Peru combines Incan legacy with Spanish colonial architecture in an atmosphere at once provincial and sublime. The chaotic marketplaces where locals barter grain or potatoes for multicolored fabric belie the muted spirituality of the Lost Cities, where Incan stonework conveys order and balance. Such diversity makes this nine-day adventure stimulating yet restful. The blue sky radiates with an intensity achieved only at high altitudes (the city of Cusco lies at 11,400 feet above sea level), while the landscape offers its own intensity of exacting agricultural grids and tangled jungle masses. The Sacred Valley (Urubamba River Valley) lies ten miles north of Cusco. This area offers traditional Indian markets, Andean villages, and Incan sites as well as a pleasant climate thanks to the lower elevation and its location at the base of the Andes. Pisac and Ollantaytambo are the most memorable due to the combination of all of the above features. For most of the week, these small villages offer little activity other than relaxing in the plaza or visiting the bakery for hot, fresh bread from a clay oven. On market day the atmosphere becomes more festive as farmers and artisans in traditional dress come from miles around to sell their colorful sweaters, weavings, pottery, and produce. Machu Picchu is the most impressive and the least understood of the Incan sites. It was not discovered by the Spanish conquistadors (as were most other sites) and was accidentally stumbled upon in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Even today the site remains an enigma to archaeologists. It is obvious from the exceptionally high quality of stonework and the abundance of ornamentation that Machu Picchu must have been an important ceremonial center. Your visit here is the finale of a spectacular Peruvian adventure. |
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• Experienced, friendly and knowledgeable guides
• Transportation during the trip • Cusco Airport transfers • All accommodations while on tour • All meals included except one dinner; alcoholic beverages not included
DAY 1
Arrival in Cusco
Your guides greet you at the airport upon your arrival in Cusco and transfer you to your first hotel, a lovely colonial building in the heart of Cusco. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may choose to spend the afternoon exploring the wonders of Cusco; one of the highest cities in the world at 11,400 feet or just resting for the adventure ahead (no meals or activities are included this day). Novotel, Cusco DAY 2 Cusco and surrounding ruins; 4 miles, easy (approximate 1,000-ft elevation loss) 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 explorations take you over the cobbled streets as you visit the main cultural and religious sites within the city, both Inca and colonial. Later, a short drive brings you to the city’s outskirts where you explore the famous sites surrounding Cusco. You begin at Sacsayhuaman, the principal Inca temple in the region, where Incas held their religious celebrations; you then proceed to Quenko, a ceremonial site for important Inca 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, the site of ritual baths and the 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 featuring local specialties such as rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers) and chupe de quinoa (stew made with local cheese, vegetables, and the local power-packed grain called quinoa). Novotel, Cusco DAY 3 Pisac Ruins and Market; 2-5 miles, moderate, includes steep descent on stairs (approximate 2,000-ft elevation loss), Sections of walk may cause vertigo After breakfast, you transfer 1½ hours to begin a walking tour of the Sacred Valley at the mountaintop site of Pisac. This imposing site clings to steep, terraced fields far above the valley and offers one of the finest examples of Incan architecture in the Cusco region. Winding your way on foot through ancient ruins and temples towards the Urubamba Valley floor, you marvel at this Inca burial site ingeniously built into a steep cliff. Along the way you delight in spectacular views of terraced fields utilized by local farmers for the growth of maize, potatoes, and quinoa. Lunch is served at a local restaurant featuring a hearty buffet of salads, potato dishes, meats, and breads. Afterward, a short transfer to the village of Pisac is followed with time to peruse the Andean market or relax at a café. Late in the afternoon you drive (40 minutes) to your beautiful monasteryturned- hacienda in Yucay, where there may be time for a short walk around the farmlands before reuniting for a traditional Peruvian feast. La Posada del Inca, Yucay DAY 4 Chinchero Market; Maras to 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, you 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, complete with local wines. 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 snow-capped Andes and golden wheat fields provide a stunning backdrop for a walk to this unique site still mined for salt. Here you learn about the process of harvesting the 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 at a local restaurant. La Posada del Inca, Yucay DAY 5 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. You are warmly welcomed by its inhabitants as you visit their primary school and homes. 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. The walk follows ancient footpaths still used by rural farmers; you ascend through forest and terraced farmland. You encounter llamas, cows, and goats grazing alongside the trail, and the snowcapped peak of Mount Alacoma appears close enough to touch. You descend in time for 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. Please note: in order to minimize the environmental and cultural impact of our groups, the villages visited vary as do the mileage and terrain. La Posada del Inca, Yucay DAY 6 Train to Machu Picchu; 7.5 miles, moderate to challenging, sections of steep stair climbing (approximate 2,000-ft elevation gain and descent, sections of walk may cause vertigo) or continue on train for shorter walk into Machu Picchu After an early breakfast you transfer by bus to the Ollantaytambo station to board the 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 soaring eagles or the native condor. You 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 which 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, or the “Gate of the Sun” and the entrance to Machu Picchu. You enter the site, like the 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. Options for those who do not obtain a permit for the Inca trail (see page 7 for details), as well as for those who prefer a less challenging option, are to continue on the train from kilometer 104 to the riverside town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you check into your hotel, unpack, and eat lunch. You then board the bus to Machu Picchu and hike up to Intipunku to meet the rest of the group or hike Machu Picchu Mountain (which involves a challenging, 2,000-ft ascent along mostly stone steps). Your hotel for the next two nights is a lovely eco-property overlooking a river at the edge of the cloud forest. Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes DAY 7 Machu Picchu; walking options of 2-6 miles on varying 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. A bus brings you to Machu Picchu just as the gates open. After watching the sun rise 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 watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu, you eat 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 also time to explore the mystical temples, altars, terraces, and chambers in solitude. Some may choose to embark on one of the short walks leading from the ruins. 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 orchid trail leading from the hotel. Tonight you eat dinner while listening to Peruvian music in the property’s lovely dining room overlooking the river. Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes DAY 8 Machu Picchu or Cusco; 1-3 miles, easy Depending on the train schedule, today you can enjoy one last visit to Machu Picchu or return by train (1½ hours) and bus (1½ hours) to Cusco, arriving late in the afternoon. If there is not an early morning train option, you are free to visit Machu Picchu one final time, relax at the hotel, or browse the market in Aguas Calientes. The late afternoon departing train arrives into Cusco early evening. Both options culminate in a farewell dinner and celebration in a Cusco restaurant. Novotel, Cusco DAY 9 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. Please see the travel to and from sections for more details about options on your last day. Note: The above is a 2008 itinerary. The 2009 itinerary will be available soon - please call for details Itinerary Changes Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.
Tour Highlights:
• Historical tour of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – voted one of Travel & Leisure’s Top Ten Best Cities, World’s Best Awards 2008 • Inca sites and historic salt mines • Walks to remote Andean villages • Excursion to the colorful Pisac market • Exploration of Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Sacsayhuaman archaeological wonders • Historic hotel, colonial hacienda, and bungalows with cloudforest gardens Walk Ratings • Moderate terrain with a few challenging sections due to elevation, stairs and loose footing • Average of 4 to 9 miles per day, shorter and longer options available on most days. This tour is not recommended for those with severe vertigo. All tour prices are per person, in US dollars, based on double occupancy.
Single Supplement $800 As arrangements are confirmed at least a year in advance, the tour price is subject to change. Reserve early to guarantee the best available price. |
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
