Your adventure begins in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and gateway to the Andes. After arriving and settling into your hotel, we begin the Cusco City Tour at 1:00 PM, a perfect way to acclimate to the altitude while exploring some of the city's most important landmarks.

We start in the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) and visit the majestic Cusco Cathedral, a colonial masterpiece built over an Inca palace, filled with religious art and carved altars. Next, we walk to Qoricancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun, once the most important spiritual site of the Inca civilization. Its original stone walls still stand, now integrated into the Santo Domingo convent.

Afterwards, we drive to the upper part of the city to explore the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, known for its massive stone blocks and panoramic views of Cusco. The tour continues to Qenqo, a ceremonial site carved into rock, followed by Puka Pukara, an ancient military outpost, and finally Tambomachay, a sacred spring believed to be a place of ritual bathing and water worship.

By late afternoon, we return to Cusco, giving you time to relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the days of exploration ahead.

After breakfast, we begin your South Valley adventure with an 8:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Today’s route takes you off the beaten path to explore a mix of Inca and pre-Inca sites, colonial art, and living Andean traditions.

Our first stop is at a local alpaca farm, where you'll meet llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas up close. Learn how their soft wool is woven into beautiful textiles by local artisans using ancient techniques.

We then continue to the impressive Pisac Inca site, perched on a mountain ridge with sweeping views of the valley. Your guide will lead you through its temples, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial centers. From there, we head to Pikillacta, one of the few remaining pre-Inca Wari sites, featuring a vast urban layout of adobe walls and wide avenues.

Next is Andahuaylillas, a charming colonial town known for its stunning Church of San Pedro, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” for its detailed murals, gold leaf altars, and baroque architecture.

Our final stop is Tipón, an outstanding example of Inca hydraulic engineering, where ceremonial fountains, canals, and terraced gardens still function today. It's a peaceful site that blends innovation and spirituality.

We return to Cusco around 5:30 PM, with the rest of the evening free to relax and reflect on a full day of culture and discovery.

We begin today’s journey with an 8:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Get ready for a fascinating day as we explore the cultural and agricultural heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting some of the most remarkable sites on the route to Machu Picchu.

Our first stop is Chinchero, a picturesque Andean village known for its well-preserved Inca terraces and colonial church, built atop ancient foundations. You’ll also have the chance to observe traditional textile weaving using natural dyes and time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

Next, we visit Moray, a mysterious Inca site featuring giant circular terraces that are believed to have served as an agricultural laboratory. Nearby, we explore the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools have been harvested by local families for centuries. The glistening white terraces are a stunning contrast to the surrounding Andean scenery.

We then head to Ollantaytambo, one of the most important surviving Inca towns, featuring a majestic archaeological site and charming cobbled streets. Your guide will lead you through the impressive ruins and share the history behind its role as a strategic military, agricultural, and religious center.

After the tour, we board the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Enjoy scenic views of the Urubamba River valley as we descend into the cloud forest. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a relaxing evening and overnight stay in preparation for the highlight of your journey, Machu Picchu.

Today is the highlight of your journey, a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, we board one of the first shuttle buses to reach the sanctuary in the peaceful morning light, when the site is at its most magical and least crowded.

Upon arrival, we complete the official check-in process, where you'll present your passport and entrance ticket. From there, we ascend to the upper viewing terraces, the perfect vantage point for those unforgettable postcard shots of Machu Picchu surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Andes.

👉 Important: We strongly recommend booking this tour at least 4 months in advance to secure access to Circuit 2, the most complete and scenic route available, offering a rich overview of the site’s major attractions.

Your expert guide will lead a 2.5-hour immersive walking tour through the citadel’s most iconic areas, including the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Royal Quarters, and agricultural sector. Along the way, you’ll learn about the spiritual, astronomical, and architectural brilliance of the Inca Empire and gain insights into their deep connection with the natural world.

For those seeking an extra adventure, you may choose to hike Huayna Picchu, the towering peak seen in most Machu Picchu photos (must be reserved at time of booking; $75 USD extra). This challenging 2-hour round-trip hike offers aerial views over the citadel, but it includes steep, narrow paths and is not recommended for travelers with vertigo. The best season for Huayna Picchu is May through October, when weather conditions are dry and views are clearest.

After your exploration, return by shuttle to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at your leisure (not included). In the afternoon, take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transfer to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the early evening.

A truly unforgettable day filled with wonder, discovery, and the spirit of the Incas.

Today brings one of the most unforgettable and visually striking experiences of your entire journey. We begin with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 am, followed by a scenic 2-hour drive through the Southern Andes to the village of Cusipata, where you'll enjoy a nourishing local breakfast to prepare for the day’s adventure.

From Cusipata, we continue by vehicle for approximately 1 more hour to the trailhead at Llaqto, located at over 4,600 meters (15,000 ft). The hike begins with a gradual 2-hour ascent across dramatic high-Andean terrain, surrounded by snowcapped peaks, grazing alpacas, and expansive valleys. As you approach the summit, the awe-inspiring colors of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) begin to reveal themselves.

At the top, 5,100 meters (16,732 ft) above sea level, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of this natural marvel. The mountain’s vibrant layers of red, orange, yellow, and turquoise are created by mineral deposits and are truly a sight to behold. Take your time to soak it all in and capture the perfect photos.

But the journey doesn’t end there. After taking in Rainbow Mountain, we continue hiking for about 45 minutes toward the spectacular Red Valley, a hidden gem known for its otherworldly crimson landscapes and far fewer visitors. The contrast between the vibrant reds and soft green patches is surreal, offering a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path experience.

After exploring both sites, we return by the same trail to the base, where our transport awaits. A well-deserved lunch in Cusipata awaits before we make the return journey to Cusco. Expect to arrive back at your hotel around 5:00 pm, filled with memories of one of the most stunning hikes in Peru.