Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Aguas Calientes
Your epic Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour kicks off with an early morning transfer from your cozy hotel in Cusco. We’ll embark on a scenic 45-minute drive to the picturesque Chinchero, nestled in the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Chinchero:
Home to renowned Andean textile weavers, we’ll begin our adventure with a short stop at a local weaving center. You’ll witness the fascinating process of extracting wool from Llamas and Alpacas, and then observe the skilled artisans as they meticulously transform that raw material into their renowned handicrafts.
After this captivating experience, our knowledgeable guide will take you on a tour of the Inca site, where a whitewashed church now stands. During the Inca civilization, Pachacutec, the mighty Inca emperor, built his summer palace here, only to be torn down during the Spanish conquest. The church you’ll see today was erected on the remains of that once-grand structure.
Among all the sites in the Sacred Valley, Chinchero boasts the most fertile soil. Here, you’ll gain insight into the innovative farming methods employed by the ingenious Incas.
Moray:
Our next stop on this unforgettable tour will be the nearby village of Moray, home to the intriguing circular farming terraces dug deep into the earth. These terraces feature different levels, each with its own unique temperature.
The Incas ingeniously used this as an agricultural laboratory to determine the optimal weather conditions needed to grow various crops.
Maras Salt Mines:
Continuing our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, we’ll visit the renowned and most photographed Salt Mines. These geometric pools, built on the slope of a hill, have been in existence since the Pre-Inca times.
Salt farmers here continue the traditional Solar Evaporation method, allowing natural spring water from nearby hot springs to flow into these pools. They then wait patiently for the water to evaporate, leaving behind crystals of salt that are manually harvested.
The salt here boasts a distinct pinkish hue and a unique taste.
Urubamba:
Once you’ve had your fill of these alluring sites, we’ll drive to Urubamba. Here, we’ll stop at a local restaurant to savor a delightful buffet lunch. These restaurants are owned and managed by local farmers, ensuring you’ll relish a farm-fresh meal.
Ollantaytambo:
After lunch, we’ll whisk you away to Ollantaytambo, the former administrative capital of the Incas. This beautiful town is snugly tucked between two hills, each home to an Inca ruin. We’ll visit the temple of the Incas here.
This architecturally stunning place was sacred to the Incas. We’ll explore the remains of the main plaza and some ceremonial sites. This was the very site of the infamous battle of Ollantaytambo, where Manco Inca and Hernando Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador, clashed in 1531.
Although the Incas emerged victorious, fearing a stronger attack, they abandoned this place and sought asylum in Vilcabamba, deep in the Peruvian jungle.
Aguas Calientes:
After our Sacred Valley tour, we’ll drive you to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the tourist train bound for Aguas Calientes.
The one-and-a-half-hour ride offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks as the train winds its way through remote villages, descending into the Amazon basin where Aguas Calientes lies.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our friendly representative will greet you and escort you to your comfortable en-suite hotel room for the night.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will begin the second day of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour bright and early in the morning. After fueling up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you’ll board the 25-minute bus ride up the winding hill to the entrance of the legendary Machu Picchu.
Our knowledgeable tour guide will greet you here and assist you in entering the citadel. The local authorities will verify your Machu Picchu ticket against your original passport, ensuring a seamless entry process.
Machu Picchu Tour:
Once inside, you’ll witness the breathtaking sight of the rising sun’s rays shimmering on the Inca walls. Our two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu will begin with a brief introduction to the citadel, setting the stage for the wonders that await.
We will explore the remains of the main square, ceremonial sites, temples, royal quarters, sundial clock, and more. After this immersive guided tour, you’ll have some free time to continue exploring the citadel at your own pace or simply find a quiet spot to soak in the awe-inspiring views.
If you have booked the optional climb to Huayna Picchu or a journey to Machu Picchu mountain, our knowledgeable tour guide will direct you to the respective trailhead.
Alternatively, you can embark on a hike to the Sun Gate without needing a permit – it’s free of cost. This is the point of entrance to the citadel for those hiking the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the citadel, nestled between the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu peaks.
After our tour, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Here, you’ll have some free time to indulge in the relaxing waters of the natural hot springs or savor a delicious lunch at one of the local restaurants.
At 4:00 PM, we’ll board the tourist train for our journey back to Ollantaytambo. Our friendly representative will meet you upon arrival and transfer you back to your cozy hotel in Cusco. We expect to reach Cusco by around 9:30 PM, capping off an unforgettable adventure in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Day 3: Cusco – Bambu Lodge
Bright and early at 5:00 AM, our private transport will whisk you away from your hotel in Cusco, embarking on a journey to the awe-inspiring Manu National Park.
Our trip will take us through the breathtaking valleys of the Andes and the picturesque countryside communities.
We’ll explore the pre-Columbian funeral towers at the archaeological site of Ninamarca, also known as the Chullpas of Ninamarca (a pre-Inca burial tower) located in Paucartambo, a charming traditional colonial town. A short museum visit here will provide insights into the local culture.
We’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local house in this small town. Once refueled, we’ll continue our journey to the entrance of Manu National Park called Ajanacu (a place to offer chicha to the mountain) on the Manu road, observing the fascinating changes in ecosystems along the way until we find the perfect spot for our delicious lunch, savored amidst the lush cloud forest.
Subsequently, our descent through the cloud forest, renowned for its rich endemic species like the spectacled bear and the cock of the rock (the Peruvian national bird), will continue. We’ll encounter fascinating plant species, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and more. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at our first lodge, “Bambu Lodge“, where we’ll spend the night.
If the weather permits, an optional night walk will be available to explore the nocturnal wonders.
Day 4:Bambu Lodge – Soga de Oro Lodge
Early in the morning, after a satisfying breakfast, we’ll continue our journey to the Pico’s de Oz Birds Center, where we’ll have the opportunity to observe the diversity of hummingbirds and fauna, including monkeys and other exotic birds.
Following our hike, we’ll visit a coca plantation, lagoon, and then continue to the Atalaya River dock.
We’ll embark on a boat ride, and during this aquatic adventure, you’ll have the chance to spot distinct species of birds and animals along the shores of the Manu River.
Upon arrival at our lodge, we’ll settle into our accommodations, followed by lunch at 1:30 PM.
Later, we’ll take another boat ride until we reach our destination to visit the tallest tree in the Peruvian Amazon, the Ceiba tree, which soars over 66 meters tall and can live up to 800 years.
Once we arrive, we’ll embark on a 1-hour hike, keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife such as monkeys, birds, insects, and towering trees. After witnessing the breathtaking sunset, we’ll return to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner. At night, we’ll embark on a short night tour to encounter nocturnal creatures.
Day 5: Soga de Oro Lodge – Lago Machuhuasi
After savoring a typical Amazonian breakfast, we’ll set out on a 1-hour hike to visit a small lake called Machuhuasi, surrounded by beautiful scenery and offering opportunities to spot different types of birds, monkeys, and even a small viewing tower for spectacular pictures.
Your knowledgeable local tour guide will provide insights into the ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Our local guide will also share jungle survival lessons, teaching you how to climb trees and recognize edible plants and fruits.
We’ll return for lunch at 1:30 PM.
After refueling, we’ll explore ponds along the river and enjoy a refreshing shower. Then, we’ll return to our lodge and embark on a night walk before dinner, searching for night monkeys and immersing ourselves in the nocturnal experience.
Day 6: Soga de Oro Lodge – Cusco
Early morning, we’ll witness the spectacular show put on by parrots and macaws at the clay licks. Later, we’ll return for breakfast, pack up our belongings, and take our boat to the Atalaya River dock.
Our driver will be waiting here with the minivan for our drive back to Cusco City. Along the way, we’ll make a stop in Ajanacu for lunch.
We’ll arrive in Cusco City later in the evening, capping off an unforgettable adventure in the Manu National Park.
