06 Day Andean Jewels of Cusco - Small Groups

Then, we will lead you to your hotel; you'll have a free day to acclimatize to the altitude and explore the city downtown by your own. This day is very important as it will serve for rest and acclimatization in the city.

The 1-hour-20-minute drive winds through the breathtaking Andes, past golden wheat fields and charming villages. Upon arrival, marvel at the Inca’s amphitheater-like terraces, carved deep into the earth to experiment with crop conditions. Next, we visit Maras (10,892 ft), an ancient salt-producing center with over 3,000 pools etched into the mountainside, fed daily by a trickling stream. The dazzling white terraces contrast beautifully with the red earth. Continuing to Chinchero (12,342 ft), we explore Inca walls, altars, and a colonial church adorned with stunning murals. Witness the art of Andean weaving, a tradition passed down since pre-Inca times. Later, we head to Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft) to board a train. As we descend through lush valleys, we reach Aguas Calientes (6,693 ft), the gateway to Machu Picchu, where we’ll spend the night.

Machu Picchu (2,430 meters or 7,972 feet). Upon entering the Inca citadel, your guide will lead you on an in-depth tour, sharing the captivating history of this iconic site and explaining its most remarkable features, such as temples, ceremonial areas, terraces, and storage structures. If you’ve secured an additional ticket in advance, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore either Huayna Picchu (2,720 meters or 8,924 feet) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 meters or 10,111 feet) for a breathtaking perspective of the surroundings. After the guided tour, the group will return to Aguas Calientes for a brief rest and lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll board a train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to take you to Cusco.

After a scenic 2.5-hour drive, we’ll arrive at Mollepata (9,200 ft) for a hearty breakfast to prepare for the adventure ahead. Our journey continues to Soraypampa (12,700 ft), the starting point of a rewarding 2.5-hour trek. During the ascent, you’ll marvel at the region’s diverse flora and fauna, spot native birds, and enjoy breathtaking Andean landscapes. Upon reaching our destination, we’ll pause to enjoy snacks while admiring the awe-inspiring Humantay Lagoon (13,800 ft), famous for its turquoise waters and serene beauty. After ample time to relax and take photos, we’ll return to Soraypampa via the same trail. Following a satisfying lunch, we’ll head back to Cusco in the afternoon, concluding this unforgettable journey.

Between 4:00 and 5:00 AM, we’ll pick you up from your hotel while Cusco is still asleep. As we travel south, the valleys awaken with golden morning light, revealing misty landscapes and quiet villages. After two hours, we’ll arrive in Cusipata (12,772 ft), where a warm breakfast prepares us for the journey ahead. From Cusipata, we’ll continue by van to Phuluwasipata, where our trek begins. The two-hour ascent immerses us in the breathtaking Andes, with herds of alpacas and llamas grazing freely. At the summit of Rainbow Mountain (16,470 ft), nature unveils a masterpiece—vivid red, gold, and turquoise hues stretch across the ridges, framed by endless valleys and snow-capped peaks. After taking in the views, we’ll descend for 1.5 hours back to Phuluwasipata. Our transport will then return us to Cusipata for a well-earned lunch before heading back to Cusco, arriving downtown between 4:30 and 5:30 PM.

Depending on your flight schedule, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your departure to Lima or your next destination.