8-Day Ancient Altars of the Incas: Mysticism, Rural Communities & Machu Picchu

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco (morning flights are recommended). Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in and acclimatize.

In the afternoon, embark on an exclusive city tour, beginning at San Cristóbal Square, where panoramic views of Cusco await. Next, explore the vibrant San Pedro Market, absorbing the rich scents, colors, and flavors of local products. From there, visit the magnificent Qorikancha Temple, once adorned with walls of gold.

Stroll through the charming San Blas artisan district, and walk along Hatun Rumiyoc Street to admire the famous Twelve Angled Stone at the Inca Roca Palace. Conclude the tour at the Plaza de Armas with a visit to Cusco Cathedral, home to priceless colonial art.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Start your day with breakfast before heading out to explore the remarkable Sacsayhuaman fortress. Its colossal stone walls and stunning surroundings offer a sense of grandeur and harmony with nature. Next, visit the mysterious Q’enqo, where you'll discover an ancient sacrificial altar carved into a cave.

From there, the journey continues to the Puca Pucara viewpoint and Tambomachay, a site showcasing the impressive Inca mastery of water engineering, deeply tied to their Andean worldview.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the mystical side of Cusco with a visit to the village of Huasao, known for its Andean priests, or "paqos." Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to meet one of these spiritual healers and gain insight into their practices.

Your adventure concludes with a visit to Tipon, an impressive archaeological site dedicated to water. Marvel at the intricate canals, terraces, and waterfalls that flow through this sacred Inca site, embodying the vital role water played in the Andean cosmology.

You'll begin your day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to the Village of Chinchero, one of the most authentic and colorful places in the region. Known for its traditional weaving, Chinchero is a living testament to the Inca heritage. You'll make a short but enriching stop at a local textile center, where you'll witness skilled women practicing the ancient Inca techniques of dyeing and spinning alpaca wool. This brief visit will offer you a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant cultural traditions that continue to thrive in this picturesque village.

After visiting the Inca plaza and its beautiful colonial church, you'll head to one of the most intriguing sites in the Sacred Valley—Moray. This remarkable Inca site features vast concentric terraces that resemble an ancient amphitheater. But Moray is much more than a visual marvel; it was an advanced agricultural laboratory. The Incas ingeniously used these terraces, each at a different height, to replicate up to 20 distinct microclimates. This allowed them to experiment with growing a variety of crops—grains, vegetables, and even fruits—by adapting them to different conditions. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the sophisticated agricultural practices of the Inca civilization.

After a delightful lunch at a typical local restaurant (buffet-style), you’ll continue your journey to the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, the last living village of the Incas. This fascinating site was once conquered by the Inca ruler Pachacuti, who transformed the settlement by demolishing the old structures and constructing new homes and a ceremonial center. Positioned strategically on the route to the jungle, Ollantaytambo holds great historical significance. It was from here that Manco Inca Yupanqui, the leader of the Inca resistance, retreated with his treasures and the mummies of his ancestors to the legendary—and still undiscovered—city of Vilcabamba.

During your visit, you’ll explore the Temple of the Ten Windows, the Bath of the Princess, and the magnificent Sun Temple. As you ascend the heights of Ollantaytambo, you’ll capture postcard-perfect photos of the breathtaking landscape, providing the perfect conclusion to this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. 

Ollantaytambo is remarkable for being one of the very few Inca-era towns still inhabited today. Some of the buildings in the modern town date back to the late 15th century, offering a living connection to the past.

In the evening, you'll board a comfortable tourist train at the Ollantaytambo station, which will take you on a scenic 1.5-hour journey to the village of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel.

You'll spend the night in a cozy hotel in the village of Machu Picchu, resting up for the adventure that awaits you tomorrow.

Depending on the season, your journey will start from either Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station. As the train departs, you'll be treated to a scenic ride through the Peruvian highlands, where the landscape shifts from rugged peaks to lush green valleys. The train winds alongside the Urubamba River, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and the river’s winding course, each moment building anticipation.

Your destination is Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, our staff will assist you in boarding the bus that will take you up the winding road to the Lost City of the Incas. The journey offers spectacular views of the Urubamba River and its dramatic canyon, perfectly setting the stage for what awaits at Machu Picchu.

As you arrive at the entrance, the Lost City of the Incas reveals itself in all its enigmatic glory. Machu Picchu existed for just over 100 years before it was abandoned around 1532 when Spanish colonizers invaded the Inca Empire. The inhabitants mysteriously disappeared around this time. One theory suggests that the city, heavily reliant on food supplies from the capital, Cusco, was gradually abandoned due to famine when these supplies were disrupted by the Spanish invaders. Another theory posits that 5,000 commoners left to fight the Spaniards, while 3,000 nobles retreated to the legendary Vilcabamba, taking their treasures with them.

Prepare to be captivated by this ancient citadel, where history and mystery hang thick in the air. Perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu will astonish you with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steep steps, and intricate urban areas, all seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape.

During your guided tour, you’ll explore the sacred temples, royal quarters, and agricultural terraces that once sustained this remarkable city. The energy of this sacred place surrounds you as you walk among the ruins that have endured through the centuries.

After taking in the incredible sights and stories, you'll enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the nearby restaurants, where you can savor local flavors while reflecting on your experience.

With your visit complete, you'll descend back to Aguas Calientes and board the train for a picturesque return journey to Cusco. As you make your way back to your hotel, the memories of this extraordinary day will linger, leaving you with a deep appreciation for the wonders you've witnessed.

Enjoy a leisurely morning after breakfast. If you plan to revisit Machu Picchu, it's essential to book entrance tickets in advance, as availability is limited. We recommend securing these when booking your tour to avoid congestion or lack of access.

For an additional visit, explore areas like Intipunku (Sun Gate), the entrance to the citadel from the Inca Trail, offering stunning views of Machu Picchu. For those seeking more adventure, consider climbing Huayna Picchu for a breathtaking perspective, but remember that only 400 daily spots are available and must be reserved early.

At the scheduled time, you'll return to Cusco and transfer to your hotel for a restful evening.

After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, you'll be assisted and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant capital at your leisure. 

Wander through the colonial streets of the historic center, visit one of the many museums, or relax at a seaside café in Miraflores with views of the Pacific Ocean. Lima's culinary scene is world-renowned, so consider trying a local dish like ceviche. End your day with a peaceful evening back at your hotel. Lodging in Lima.