Arrival and Cusco Acclimation

Upon arrival in Cusco, the team will welcome the traveler and escort them to their accommodation. The day is dedicated to acclimating by taking it slow and easy while exploring Cusco city. Recommendations for historical sites or arranging a half-day city tour, which is optional and not included, can be provided.

1 min

Chinchero Pickup and Transfer

At 6:45 am, the traveler will be picked up from their hotel in Cusco and driven for 1 hour to Chinchero, where a local woman will be waiting.

60 min

Weaving Traditions and Alpaca Breakfast

Starting at 8:00 am, there will be about 1 hour to learn about alpaca wool weaving traditions and to feed alpacas and llamas.

60 min

Moray Potato Terraces Visit

At 9:30 am, the traveler will visit the scientific area of the Incas in Moray, where they will learn about more than 2000 types of potatoes. This stop includes access to viewpoints with views of the Urubamba mountains that are not commonly visited.

50 min

Salt Ponds of Maras

At 11:00 am, the traveler will see thousands of intact salt ponds with the Andes in the background. They will learn about the traditions involved in maintaining the site and have the opportunity to take photographs.

50 min

Lunch at Tunupa Landhouse

Lunch will be served at Tunupa, a well-known restaurant in the Sacred Valley, featuring a view of the garden where alpacas are kept.

45 min

Ollantaytambo Fortress Exploration

The day concludes with a visit to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, known for battles between the last Inca and the Spaniards. The traveler can hike the stairs to obtain views over the ruins and the village.

50 min

Train Station Drop-off

The traveler will be dropped off at the Ollantaytambo train station to board the arranged train to Aguas Calientes. If preferred, they can be returned to their accommodation in Cusco the day before Machu Picchu. The evening is reserved for rest in preparation for Machu Picchu.

1 min

Aguas Calientes Overnight Option

It is recommended to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu to avoid the 3.5-hour combined van and train trip from Cusco in the early morning. Staying in Aguas Calientes allows for a later start and is the only way to enter Machu Picchu at 6 am with the first sunlight. Staying in Cusco is still possible if preferred.

1 min

Machu Picchu Guided Tour

After a 30-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the entrance, the traveler will visit a viewpoint for a photo before entering the archaeological site with a guide. The guided tour lasts 2.5 hours instead of the typical 2 hours. After the tour, the traveler returns by bus to Aguas Calientes.

180 min

Lunch and Train to Ollantaytambo

Following the return from Machu Picchu, there will be time for lunch before boarding the train back. Full House is one recommended restaurant in Aguas Calientes, among other options. The train ride lasts 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo.

90 min

Return to Cusco Accommodation

A driver will meet the traveler outside the train station in Ollantaytambo and transport them safely back to their accommodation in Cusco to prepare for the next day's activities.

90 min

Accommodation drop-off

Drop off at the accommodation in Cusco. Overnight stay in the Sacred Valley is also possible if preferred.

1 min

Rainbow Mountain options info

After booking, information about two Rainbow Mountain choices will be provided to decide later which to visit: Vinicunca or Palccoyo. Pickup will be at the accommodation at 3:00 am to arrive before crowds.

1 min

Rainbow Mountain hike

The choice will be either Vinicunca or Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. Vinicunca requires a 1.5 to 2-hour hike uphill, while Palccoyo is a flat, short path of up to 1 hour to the main viewpoint. Both options include about 1.5 to 2 hours at the top before returning down.

120 min

Return to Cusco after Rainbow Mountain

Both options arrive back in Cusco at about 3.30 pm for an afternoon of rest. Guests may choose to rest the following day and hike Humantay Lake afterward, or complete the hike the next day.

1 min

Early morning pickup

Pickup from the hotel in Cusco at 3:00 am to arrive before the crowds.

1 min

Breakfast stop

After a 2-hour drive, an energetic and non-touristy breakfast will be served.

30 min

Humantay Lake hike

At the parking lot, there will be a briefing and distribution of hiking poles before starting the walk. After 1.5 hours, arrival at Humantay Lake as one of the first visitors to enjoy the calm and nature. Then proceed to upper viewpoints for photos before returning.

240 min

Lunch before return

Lunch will be at the same restaurant before heading back to Cusco.

30 min

Cusco arrival and airport drop-off option

Arrival in Cusco is expected around 3.30 pm. The airport drop-off can be scheduled either for the same day or for later, with arrangements made after the reservation due to its flexibility.

1 min