Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

Upon arrival in Cusco you will be met and escorted to your hotel in the city. Cusco was the capital of the great state established by the Incas, the most extensive empire ever seen in the pre-Hispanic Americas. Today it is known as the continent’s archaeological capital and the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America. Its long history has given the city a unique sense of mystery and grandeur.

When you have had time to freshen up, we will take you on a short orientation tour of the city, before leaving you free once more to continue exploring the streets and plazas independently. As we walk through the narrow streets of the historic center of the city, we will see some its most iconic attractions, including the main square, bordered by the renaissance style cathedral and baroque Jesuit church, Santo Domingo church (which contains the remains of the Inca Temple of the Sun, or Coricancha), and streets lined with original Inca walls, such as Hatunrumiyoc (with its famous twelve-angled stone) and Loreto.

In the evening we will present a briefing, during which we will tell you more about what to expect over the coming few days, and introduce you to your English-speaking guide.

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas – Full Day

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most popular tours in the vicinity of Cusco. Located less than an hour from the city, the Urubamba river valley is home to many Inca archaeological sites, as well as fine scenery and traditional Andean culture. The valley was very important during Inca times, when it functioned as an agricultural, spiritual and political center. During this full day tour, we will visit the handcraft market and spectacular hilltop ruins of Pisac, the small town of Urubamba, the Inca village of Ollantaytambo with its imposing Inca temple complex, the pre-Inca salt pans of Maras, the Inca concentric agricultural terraces of Moray, and the charming traditional village of Chinchero, which has a beautiful church, interesting Inca ruins and a lively Indian market on Sundays. In Chinchero local women continue the weaving traditions of the Andes, and they offer visitors demonstrations of the ancient techniques they use to this day to spin, dye and weave wool.

Many travelers opt to experience the Sacred Valley tour before continuing on to Machu Picchu, because the Sacred Valley offers an excellent introduction to Inca history and the culture of the Andes. It is possible to catch the train to Machu Picchu from the village of Ollantaytambo.

Days 3 to 6: Cachora – Choquequirao Trek

After driving in our private vehicle through the typical Andean scenery between Cusco and the village of Cachora, we will begin this spectacular trek down into the Apurimac canyon and up to the ruins of the Inca city of Choquequirao. After trekking all afternoon through an arid landscape dotted with cacti, we will make our first camp deep inside the canyon.

The following day we will hike back out of the canyon, this time through a lush cloud forest habitat, and we will camp that night close to the ruins of Choquequirao.

The next day our guide will provide us with a detailed tour of the Choquequirao archaeological site, followed by plenty of free time to explore the ruins independently before making our way back to the campsite for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Day 6: Choquequirao – Cachora – Cusco

After trekking back out of the canyon, we will eat in the village of Cachora before returning to Cusco.

Day 7: Depart Cusco

After checking out from your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.

Please note:

This itinerary is referential. Changes may be made before or during your tour in order to improve the services we offer, or due to any unforeseen circumstances.