Peru Unbound

Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions. All times indicated are approximate and are also subject to change.

Lima to Cusco - Pisac + Urubamba + Ollantaytambo

From Lima, we’ll take a 90-minute flight over the majestic Andes Mountains to Cusco, which sits at an elevation of 11,000 feet (3,353 meters). Upon arrival in Cusco, you’ll be met and driven to the Sacred Valley, where the altitude is slightly lower at 9,000 feet (2,743 meters). This lower elevation will help your body adjust more comfortably to the high-altitude environment.

You will then visit the archaeological complex of Pisac. Begin your tour of this historic site with a hike around the area, where you’ll marvel at the impressive Andean terraces—constructed to expand agricultural lands and enhance crop production.

Next, enjoy a brief visit to the Pisac artisan market. This vibrant local event has attracted traders and communities from across the valley for centuries, with vendors dressed in colorful traditional attire. Take the opportunity to interact with the locals and admire their handmade crafts, as well as the fresh produce and unique goods available at the market stalls.

Lunch will be served at Alqa restaurant, where the culinary offerings pay tribute to the Andean farmer. The restaurant highlights the pre-Hispanic nutrition practices, which, based on current knowledge, were far ahead of their time in comparison to modern science.

Afterward, head to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll explore its well-preserved Inca urban layout. Visit the religious, astronomical, and military complex, and learn about the incredible feat of the ancient Peruvians who transported massive boulders weighing nearly 60 metric tons across mountains and the valley to their construction sites.

Sacred Valley

Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the exciting biking adventure ahead! For those who prefer a more relaxed day, there’s the option to explore the Sacred Valley at your own pace.

Our journey begins with a transfer to Cruzpata on the Maras plateau, where we'll kick off our mountain bike adventure. As we pedal through this scenic area, enjoy stunning views of the impressive Andean peaks, passing by vast cactus plants and observing Andean villagers going about their daily routines. Along the way, you'll have the option to visit the Inca experimental agricultural terraces of Moray, a fascinating archaeological site with terraces that resemble massive corn mazes.

A delicious box lunch will be provided as we continue our ride towards the charming village of Maras. Here, we’ll take time to visit the famous Inca salt terraces, where salt is still harvested in the same traditional methods used for centuries. Afterward, we’ll cycle through the landscape, enjoying the gentle inclines and breathtaking vistas.

Finally, we’ll return to your hotel, where a well-deserved dinner will be served, allowing you to reflect on the unforgettable day of exploration and adventure in the Sacred Valley.

Chachabamba + Wiñay Wayna + Inti Punku + Machu Picchu

Early this morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board a train to Kilometer 104. This marks the beginning of an exciting and challenging ascent to the ancient archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. Expect a rewarding yet demanding journey, as you will gain approximately 3000 feet (914 meters) in elevation over the course of 8 hours.

As you reach Wiñay Wayna, take in the stunning terraced hillsides, a testament to the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas. After exploring Wiñay Wayna, you will continue your trek for another couple of hours, making your way to Inti Punku, or the "Sun Gate." Here, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a sight that will surely leave you in awe. The full tour of the Sanctuary will be provided the following day.

Finally, you will take a shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will overnight. Dinner is included at the hotel’s restaurant.

Hiking Details:

• Chachabamba / KM 104: Elevation 2,150 m / 7,052 ft (starting point)
• Wiñay Wayna: Elevation 2,650 m / 8,692 ft (approx. 5 miles / 8 km, 4 hours, moderately strenuous)
• Inti Punku (Sun Gate): Elevation 2,720m / 8,923ft (2 additional hours from Wiñay Wayna)

Note: If you prefer not to hike, you can take the train from KM 104 to Aguas Calientes, where you can catch a bus to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu + Return to Cusco

Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the most celebrated treasures of Peru. After a 20-minute shuttle ride up the hill, you'll arrive at this ancient archaeological site, which first captured the world's attention when Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. The citadel is nestled between the majestic Machu Picchu (Old Mountain) and Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain), with the Urubamba River flowing below, surrounded by lush jungle. The stunning location of Machu Picchu, covered in vegetation and flanked by two towering peaks, presents an awe-inspiring challenge for the imagination.

You’ll begin with a guided tour of the Sanctuary, immersing yourself in the history and culture of Peru as you explore the complex. After the two-hour tour, you’ll have some free time to wander at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere of this remarkable site.

Following the tour, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at the Tinkuy Restaurant at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, offering views of the surrounding landscape. After lunch, you’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where a local guide will assist you in boarding the train to Ollantaytambo.

From Ollantaytambo Station, the journey to Cusco takes around two hours. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax before heading out for dinner to conclude a truly unforgettable day in the Andes.

Cusco - Juliaca - Puno

At a coordinated time, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Sacsayhuaman, the site of a massive Inca fortress built on three overlapping platforms, each stretching over 360 meters in length.

Next, you’ll continue to Kenko, which is believed to have been a religious site. One of the highlights here is a massive 59-meter high stone block shaped like a puma. As you explore, you’ll also discover a network of passages, canals, and stairways, all adorned with intricate stone carvings depicting various animals.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Juliaca, via Lima.

Upon arrival at Juliaca airport, a transfer will take you to your hotel in Puno. The remainder of the day is free for you to acclimatize to the altitude.

Dinner is included at the hotel’s restaurant.

Kayak Lake Titicaca + Local Village Visit

After a traditional local breakfast, we’ll embark on a picturesque paddle from Amantani Island to Taquile Island, enjoying stunning views of the distant snow-capped mountains that surround Lake Titicaca. The tranquil journey across the lake offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape.

Upon reaching Taquile, we’ll explore the welcoming village, where the local people have preserved their culture and ancestral traditions. You’ll have the chance to witness a fascinating weaving demonstration and learn about the intricate techniques passed down through generations. After a delicious lunch showcasing regional flavors, we’ll descend a staircase of 500 steps to the port, where we’ll board the boat to return to Puno.

We’re expected to arrive around 4:30 pm, after which you’ll have some time to relax before dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, marking the end of an unforgettable day exploring the wonders of Lake Titicaca.