Gather for breakfast before transferring to the airport for your short flight to Cusco. Head into the Urubamba Valley, also known as the “Sacred Valley of the Incas.” Enjoy a boxed lunch in Chinchero, then hike down to Urquillos before transferring Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas (August 14 departure) or Del Pilar Ollantaytambo (September 12 departure). The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure and to adjust to the high altitude. This evening gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail party and dinner. (B,L,D) Hike: Approx. length 6 miles 2,770 ft descent.

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride from Lamay to Pisaq this morning. Your route follows the Urubamba River along a well-maintained dirt road that is mostly flat.

After this, gather in the small mountain village of Viacha to learn about potato cultivation and enjoy a lunch of “pachamanca” a traditional Peruvian meal cooked in an earthen pit with hot stones. This afternoon join a guided tour of the Pisac National Archaeological Park, its centerpiece is the fascinating Temple of the Sun, which was used by the Incas as an astronomical observatory. Wander among the remains of palaces, temples, plazas, temples, pools, terraces and irrigation system that were constructed between the 10th and 11th centuries AD. The city was strategically built overlooking the Urubamba Valley and views of the terraced countryside are simply spectacular. As the sun begins to set, return to the small town of Lamay and check in to the Lamay Lodge. (B,L,D) Bike: Approx. length 8 miles no significant ascent/descent.

Discover the celebrated “Inca Weaver’s Trail” where the Quechua people maintain their ancient way of life, farming, herding alpacas and llamas, and weaving superb textiles. As you travel through the Lares Valley, you may encounter traditional villages where the colorful ponchos of the men vie for attention with the exquisite “manta” shoulder garments of the women. Make a stop at the archaeological site of Ancasmarca, an ancient Incan citadel that was used for storage and as a trading post. This afternoon, choose to visit a traditional weaver’s village. Or choose one of two hikes amidst turquoise lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi. Check in to the Huacahuasi Lodge for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) Hike 1: Approx. length 2 miles 941 ft ascent, 278 ft descent. / Hike 2: Approx. length 5 miles, 1,437 ft ascent, 1,240 ft descent.

Spend the morning hiking along the Inca Trail from Lares Pass to the village of Totora. Or choose to explore Huacahuasi where you may observe daily life in this small, indigenous community. Mingle with locals at the colorful farmer’s market and visit a museum with informative displays describing Inca and pre-Inca culture. Both groups will meet at K’uychi Rumi Lodge for a delightful barbeque lunch. After this, set off on an afternoon bike ride, winding your way through agricultural fields dotted with small villages. Or, choose to explore the town of Ollantaytambo on your own. Return to the K’uychi Rumi Lodge for dinner and overnight (B,L,D) Hike: Approx. length 4 miles 1,810 ft descent. Bike: Approx. length 8.5 miles 300 ft ascent, 400 ft descent.

This morning explore the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, one of the best surviving examples of Incan city planning. Travel back in time as you wander the maze of narrow byways, past stone buildings and babbling irrigation channels. After this, board the train to the village of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Check in to the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore this pedestrian-friendly town on your own, relax at our exquisite 12-acre hotel, or join an optional guided hike. (B,L,D) 

Rise early and make the short trip to Machu Picchu to appreciate the full majesty of this remarkable site is during the morning hours, taking advantage of the soft light for dramatic photo opportunities. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the center of the site, recapping Machu Picchu's rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and explaining the current theories regarding the purpose and significance of the city. Those who wish may take a challenging hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak that soars above the city. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, located at the entrance of Machu Picchu. After lunch, board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue to Cusco. Check in to Casa Andina Premium Cusco for an evening at leisure. (B,L,D)

This morning visit Sacsayhuaman ruins, located on a hill overlooking the town, then walk back to Cusco proper via the San Blas district. Observe local artisans along the way, then visit the Cathedral and Koricancha (Temple of Sun). Lunch is on your own with the afternoon free to pursue your interests. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. Spend tonight at Casa Andina Premium Hotel. (B,D) Hike: Approx. length 1-2 miles 900 ft descent.