For Adults: Peru's Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Trip Summary
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Your adventure begins with a trek along the legendary Inca Trail, leading you through lush cloud forests, past ancient stone terraces, and toward Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Next, explore fascinating archaeological sites like the mysterious circular terraces of Moray and the stunning salt pools of Maras, before whitewater rafting down the Urubamba River. Step deeper into Peruvian culture with a visit to Chinchero, where skilled artisans share the ancient art of Andean textile weaving. Your exploration culminates in the lively streets of Cusco, the historic heart of the Incan Empire. Browse bustling markets, marvel at towering fortresses, and discover temples that still glow with ancient energy.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cultural exploration
After arriving in lively Cusco—once the epicenter of the mighty Incan empire—we’ll journey straight into the Sacred Valley, bound for Ollantaytambo, a village known as the “Living Inca City” where ancient stone streets and original Incan architecture remain alive.
This ancient stronghold was the site of one of the Incans’ last victorious battles against the Spanish conquistadors, and its remarkable terraced fortress still looms over the village.
Our day will be filled with exploration—wandering through towering ruins, touring local museums and markets, and immersing ourselves in Peruvian traditions. As you become acclimated to the high elevation of the Andes, soak in awe-inspiring views of Mt. Veronica, known as the “Protector of the Sacred Valley,” rising majestically at 19,226 feet. Indulge in authentic Peruvian cuisine and begin your deep dive into the rich culture and spirit of this extraordinary land.
- Meals: Lunch
- Lodging: Las Qolqas EcoLodge
Day 2: Raft the Urubamba River
After exploring another awe-inspiring Incan site, we’ll dive straight into adventure on the legendary Urubamba River. Known to the Incas as Willkamayu, or the “Sacred River” in Quechua, these waters were believed to mirror the Milky Way, flowing through the heart of the empire as a divine connection between the heavens and earth.
As you navigate class I–III rapids, you’ll pass through remote villages, lush strawberry fields, and ruins that stand as silent guardians of history. Keep an eye out for flashes of color soaring overhead—this region is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 400 species, including the Giant hummingbird, mountain tanagers, and the iconic Andean condor.
Head ashore for a scenic lunch beneath the towering presence of Huacay Huilcay—better known as Mt. Verónica—for a culinary tradition that dates back to the Incan era: Pachamanca, meaning “earth oven.” This ancient feast involves marinating meats and vegetables with native spices and baking them underground on hot stones—an offering of gratitude to Pachamama, the Earth Mother. It’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of heritage, connection, and natural beauty.
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch
- Lodging: Las Qolqas EcoLodge
Day 3: Hike the Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu
The morning opens with a scenic train ride weaving through the Sacred Valley, where snow-dusted peaks gradually give way to the lush cloud rainforest. Step off the train and onto the legendary Inca Trail, a path carved by the Incans in the 15th century. The trek covers approximately 6.5 to 7 miles, climbing nearly 2,500 feet—a challenging but rewarding ascent that connects you with the spirit of the ancient world.
Midway through the journey, we’ll stop for lunch at Wiñay Wayna—meaning “Forever Young” in Quechua—cascading terraces and meticulously crafted stonework harmoniously blended into the steep mountainside. Keep an eye out for wild orchids—hundreds (possibly up to a thousand) species bloom along this stretch of rainforest.
The trail continues upward toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, once the ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu for Incan pilgrims. As you step through the stone gate, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the ancient citadel—its iconic stone structures emerging from the bright green hillsides, surrounded by towering peaks and deep blue skies.
- Today's hike is about 6.5–7 miles with approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain.
The next day, we'll tour Machu Picchu itself, immersing ourselves in the ruins' intricate stone constructions, free-ranging llamas and alpacas, and 360-views! Down in the village, you may even see Peru's national bird, the rupicola, aka "cock of the rocks."
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- Lodging: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Day 4: Tour Machu Picchu
Today, relax in the wonders of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s greatest archaeological wonders. Built in the mid-15th century during the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, a powerful and influential ruler, the citadel is believed to have served as a royal estate, a religious sanctuary, or perhaps both—though its exact purpose remains shrouded in mystery!
At its height, the Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, stretching from modern-day Colombia to Chile. Yet Machu Picchu remained hidden from the outside world for centuries, spared from Spanish conquest—likely due to its remote and nearly inaccessible location, perched nearly 8,000 feet above sea level atop a narrow mountain ridge.
The site itself is a masterpiece of engineering and architecture. Constructed without the use of mortar, its precisely cut stones fit together so seamlessly that not even a blade of grass can slip between them. This sophisticated technique, known as ashlar masonry, allowed the structures to withstand centuries of earthquakes and weathering. The city was designed with deep respect for the surrounding landscape, aligning with astronomical events and integrating natural features into its layout.
Machu Picchu is divided into urban and agricultural sectors, with terraced fields to prevent erosion and maximize arable land. The citadel houses more than 150 structures, including temples, plazas, and homes, each built with purposeful design. The Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana Stone—a ritual stone believed to have been used as a solar clock—are among the most sacred sites, reflecting the Incas’ deep spiritual connection to nature and the cosmos. Free-roaming llamas and alpacas graze peacefully against a backdrop of panoramic views.
For centuries after the fall of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu remained hidden beneath dense jungle overgrowth, known only to local Quechua communities. It wasn’t until 1911 that American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham brought global attention to the site, though it had never truly been “lost” to the indigenous people living nearby.
Today, Machu Picchu stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, drawing visitors from around the globe. Beyond its breathtaking beauty, it serves as a powerful reminder of the Inca civilization’s enduring legacy—an architectural marvel that continues to captivate and inspire, perched on the edge of history and mystery.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- Day 4: Las Qolqas EcoLodge*
*On day 4, you may opt to sleep in the famous Natura Vive Sky Lodge instead, which are luxury capsules built into the side of the mountain, accessible by via ferrata! There is an additional charge for the sky lodge.
Day 5: Explore Maras and Moray Salt Mines
A visit to the Sacred Valley isn’t complete without a stop at the fascinating salt mines, where thousands of shallow pools filled with salt water sit in steep, stepped terraces across a sprawling mountainside. It’s a stunning site. These pools produce Peru’s famous pink salt, mined by local families for the last 500 years. A perfect souvenir and wonderful gift for those who love cooking!
We’ll also tour the intriguing ruins of Moray, where little is known about the circular, amphitheater-like terraces built by the Incans—though many agree the site was used for experimenting with different farming practices.
Later, we’ll stop in the traditional town of Chinchero, world-famous and widely respected for its talented weavers and beautifully made textiles. Master weavers will demonstrate how they extract vibrant colors out of plants to dye hand-spun wool from alpacas.
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch
- Lodging: Palacio del Inka
Day 6: Explore Cusco City
On our final full day in Peru, we’ll dive into Cusco’s local markets, where centuries-old traditions thrive amidst colorful stalls. Browse bustling alleyways filled fresh spices, handcrafted textiles, and intricate Andean jewelry.
The afternoon continues with a visit to some of Cusco’s most significant sites, beginning with Sacsayhuamán. Perched on a hill overlooking Cusco, these stone walls once played a vital role in protecting the Incan capital from invading forces. Constructed about 600 years ago during the reign of Pachacuti, the same ruler who commissioned Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán is renowned for its colossal limestone boulders, some weighing over 125 tons. Like Machu Picchu’s construction, these boulders were precisely fitted without mortar. The fortress’s design mirrors the head of a puma, an animal sacred to the Incas that symbolizes strength and protection. Even after centuries of earthquakes and human intervention, many of its massive walls remain intact, standing as a powerful reminder of the empire’s resilience.
Next, we’ll explore the mysterious site of Q’enco—also known as Q’inqu or Kenko, meaning “labyrinth” in Quechua. Carved into a sprawling limestone outcrop, the site features maze-like channels and ceremonial altars believed to have been used for ritual sacrifices—possibly involving chicha (fermented corn beer) or other offerings to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and other deities. At the heart of Q’enco lies an intricately chiseled ceremonial stone, where high priests may have conducted rituals under the alignment of the sun, moon, and stars.
A farewell celebratory dinner will be a fitting conclusion to this unforgettable journey through Peru’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and beauty.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- Lodging: Palacio del Inka
Day 7: Tour the Temple of the Sun and depart
This morning, we’ll visit one of the most sacred sites of the Incan Empire: Coricancha, or the Temple of the Sun. Once considered the spiritual heart of the empire, this magnificent temple was dedicated to Inti, the Incan sun god, and served as the most important religious site in Cusco. In its prime, Coricancha was adorned with walls covered in solid gold sheets, and its inner sanctuaries housed golden statues and offerings meant to honor the gods and reinforce the emperor’s divine connection to the sun. The temple’s advanced engineering reflected the Incas’ deep astronomical knowledge, with structures aligned perfectly to mark solstices and seasonal changes. Though much of the original temple was dismantled by the Spanish and repurposed into the Santo Domingo Convent, its impressive stone foundations remain, surrounded by beautiful flower gardens.
Depending on flight times, we can also tour an Andean art museum, which offers a glimpse into Peru’s artistic traditions, showcasing pre-Columbian artifacts, vibrant textiles, and colonial-era masterpieces.
As the afternoon sun sets over Cusco’s terracotta rooftops, we’ll bid farewell to the magical world of Peru, having deepened our connection to this magnificent culture.
- Meals: Breakfast
