Cusco, Sacred Valley and Discovery Trek

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Cusco

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the Casa Andina Koricancha Hotel.

Overnight: Casa Andina Koricancha Hotel

Day 2 - Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley Peru is understood to be the land that extends between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. This past heart of the Inca Empire starts just 10 miles outside of Cusco, and trips here reward visitors with incomparable Inca ruins, stunning Andes Mountains vistas, charming towns, a good climate, and plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the countryside. This full-day excursion includes a visit to the famous Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo fortress and surrounding ruins. Return to Cusco for overnight.

Overnight: Casa Andina Koricancha Hotel (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Day 3 - Inca Trek: Chillca – Huayllabamba

A spectacular drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas takes us to Chillca, our trailhead. Crossing a footbridge, we take an undulating trek through a dry cactus zone beneath soaring views to the snows of Mt. Verónica, with the turbulent Urubamba river on our right. We pause on a bluff high above the Cusichaca valley for a view of the imposing sculpted terraces of Llaqtapata, a massive Inca farming complex. Then we turn south and follow this side valley upstream to the village of Huayllabamba, where we make camp.

(All Meals Included)

Day 4 - Inca Trek: Huayllabamba - Pacaymayo

From Huayllabamba we begin a steeper ascent, climbing the Llullucha valley along a stream that rushes through enchanted native unca woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. Here a stretch of open trail climbs beneath mighty crags to our first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200m/13,776ft). From Warmiwañusca we can look back to the spectacular snow peaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif, and ahead to a distant view of tomorrow’s trail to the second pass. Descending a stepped stone trail we encounter our campsite in a clearing of the forested Pacamayo valley.

(All Meals Included)

Day 5 - Inca Trek: Pacaymayo - Phuyupatamarca

We pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. As we reach the second pass the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snow peaks of the Pumasillo range. We descend again to the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town), an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley. The Inca trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At the third pass we camp by pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms, overlooking the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town).

(All Meals Included)

Day 6 - Inca Trek: Phuyupatamarca - Machu Picchu

We explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways spilling down the mountainside at Phuyupatamarca then begin a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally to the site of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites. In the afternoon we follow the last stretch of trail across a steep mountainside through a lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation. Suddenly we cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry –a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu. After enjoying your first visit of Machu Picchu, spend the night at Andina Luxury Hotel in nearby Aguas Calientes.

Overnight: Andina Luxury Hotel (All Meals Included)

Day 7 - Inca Trek: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Overnight: Casa Andina Koricancha Hotel (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Day 8 - Cusco – Lima

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima.

Accommodation Information

Casa Andina Koricancha Hotel

The hotel is removed from the traffic, hustle and bustle of the center but still just 3 blocks from Cusco Plaza de Armas. An atmosphere of spaciousness and serenity, spread across 2 sprawling, connected 18th-century manor houses and 2 peaceful interior colonial patios. Just steps from Koricancha (the Inca Temple of the Sun) and Santo Domingo church.

Andina Luxury Hotel

For travelers looking for convenience but with a touch of luxury during their Machu Picchu travel adventure, they can not do better than this excellent hotel. Situated just 200 meters from the train station, the transportation hub in the quaint town of Aguas Calientes, guests can enjoy the convenience that Andina Luxury Hotel has to offer during their visit to Machu Picchu. With modern touches everywhere, from the art to the entertainment and security measures, guests can not ask for more convenience and comfort during their Machu Picchu vacation.