Machu Picchu Explorer 7D

Longing for a great adventure but short on time? Our active exploration of Machu Picchu and environs provides a memorable escape to the Peruvian Andes where the wonderful landscapes and archaeological wonders bring you out to an adventurer in all of us.

Itinerary offers the better part of two days and one night at Machu Picchu

We begin in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Civilization and South America’s oldest continually inhabited city, and learn about the fascinating history and architectural skills of its founders. As we make our way deeper into the Urubamba Valley – the Sacred Valley of the Incas – more Andean treasures are revealed. We hike to well-preserved archaeological site and appreciate the handicraft market at Pisac one of the largest traditional markets in Peru, we admire the handicrafts of the Quechua people and perhaps bargain for a treasure, visit Chincheros to see a small demonstration of dying and doing textiles traditionally since the Inca times. Ultimately arriving at Machu Picchu itself, we have the better part on 7-days to discover the most spectacular ruins complex on the continent. Who says a week-long vacation isn’t worth it?

Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.

Day 1

Your trip begins today in Cusco, Peru. Located high in the Andes at an elevation of 11,150′, this beautiful red-tile-roofed city was founded in the 12th-century by Manco Capac, the original Inca considered to be a child of the sun god himself. For almost 400 years, Cusco served as the flourishing capital of the Inca civilization and still retains its centuries-old appeal with numerous sections of original Inca stonework still visible in the streets and buildings. Upon arrival in Cusco, we’re greeted by our local guide and transferred to our centrally-located hotel where a brief orientation meeting will be held. Early morning, we depart on a walking tour of the city’s most interesting sites including the Colonial main square, the Santo Domingo Church (built on the great Inca temple Koricancha), and the imposing hilltop site of the monolithic Sacsayhuaman Temple. Considered by many to be one of the greatest examples of stonemasonry in human history, the 60-128 tons limestone boulders used in the construction of this temple walls fit together so perfectly without mortar that even a blade of grass can’t be inserted between them. Overnight in Cusco tonight. Dinner included.

Walking: 2 miles.

Day 2

We set out this morning for the Urubamba Valley and famous market village of Pisac (approximately one hour’s drive from Cusco) where authentic shopping and photographic opportunities abound. This region is well-known for a local crafts including hand knit wools, ceramics, leather goods and jewelry – all available in Pisac as we time our visit to coincide with one of the liveliest market days in South America. This afternoon, we take our transportation to the upper part and hike down through the nearby Pisac archaeological spot. One of the most important and well-preserved sites in the Sacred Valley, our guide helps us identify the various structures at the site including the fascinating Temple of the Sun, used by the Incas as an astronomical observatory. We climb to the top of the site to take in the spectacular views of the terraced countryside. We spend the nights in Cusco. All meals included.

Hiking: 3 miles.

Day 3

This morning we visit Chinchero, a high Andean town that once served as a country estate for Tupa Inca, one of the early Incan rulers. Known for its commanding view of the surrounding snowcapped mountains and traditional centuries-old houses, Chinchero’s inhabitants continue to honor their Inca ancestors by passing their weaving skills from generation to generation and dressing in traditional Quechua clothing also is the place where the weavers will show you the natural dying process of the textiles. Following our cultural experience, we drive to the nearby archaeological site of moray for a quick visit them we continue to visit the salt mines used by the Incas as a mineral source and still local communities are extracting the salt traditionally. This afternoon, we travel through the Sacred Valley, past Incan terraces and fields of corn, wheat, barley and quinoa, ultimately arriving in the small town of Ollantaytambo, whose street plan still maintains its original Incan layout. After Cusco was overtaken by the conquistadors, Manco Inca and his army of approximately 30,000 retreated to Ollantaytambo and were victorious here against the forces of Spanish commander Hernando Pizaro in the Battle of Ollantaytambo. We past the night there for dinner and you have free time to explore the town. All meals included.

Hiking: 5 miles

Day 4

We visit the main temple of Ollantaytambo Archaeological site on a guided tour them we take the train to Machu Picchu. We arrive at the village of Aguas Calientes at the base of the Lost City in mid-morning and take a shuttle up to this spectacularly perched archeological treasure. Our knowledgeable guide leads us 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. Later this afternoon, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes and the always welcoming Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel. All meals included.

Hiking: 2-3 miles.

Day 5

Maybe the best time to amaze this remarkable site is during the early hours, taking advantage of the soft and fresh morning and take spectacular photography or just gets some nice meditation time. Our goal is to ride one of the first bus of the day up to the sanctuary and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere before the firs tourist train from Cusco arrives. Them we can choose from a different active exploration including a challenging hike to the top of Huayna Picchu from where you have a spectacular view of Machu Picchu and surrounding areas, hike to the temple of the moon, located inside a cavern part way down the north face of Huayna Picchu or the Inca bridge. In the afternoon we’ll head back to Machu Picchu town about midday for lunch. After lunch we board the train to Ollantaytambo, connecting there there with our private transportation to Cusco, arriving in early evening. Dinner is on your own that you can choose from the diversity of local restaurants serving Peruvian and international cuisine. Overnight in Cusco. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 2-3 miles.

Day 6

We take our private transportation to the temple of the moon near Cusco for a nice mystical experience or meditation on the area have a final opportunity to explore Cusco city late in the afternoon we’ll go to Centro Qosqo de Arte nativo to enjoy the typical dances of Cusco and Per�. All meals included.

Day 7

After breakfast, we transfer to the Cusco airport for your return flight (not included). Breakfast included.

What Is Not Included?

• Air transportation to/from Cusco
• 1 breakfast 1lunch and 1 dinner
• guide gratuities
• excess baggage charges
• alcoholic beverages
• airport taxes and items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry fees, immunizations or insurance of any kind.

Single Travelers

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

Price Includes

Hotel accommodations with private bath (6 nights of lodging included); meals as noted in the daily itinerary; bilingual guides; all ground transportation within Peru as noted including one group airport transfer upon arrival/departure (scheduled to coincide with the arrival/departure time of the majority of trip members); all sightseeing excursions as noted (including daily admission to Machu Picchu).

Qualifications

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Participants should enjoy hiking/walking and arrive in good physical condition. Daily hikes/walks will be on-trail and may include some short, steep ascents and descents and climbing numerous flights of stairs at various ruins complexes. Please keep in mind that we spend all of our time at moderately high altitude (7,800′ -12,300′) where most trip members will feel the effects of the thinner air. We highly recommend a conditioning regimen consisting of activities such as hiking, jogging, stair-climbing or cycling beginning several months prior to departure to get in shape for the adventure. The better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy all this trip has to offer!

Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets and Huayna Picchu Hiking Permits

Effective immediately, all visitors to Machu Picchu are required to have entrance tickets valid for the specific date(s) of their visit. These tickets are included in the price of your trip and will be purchased for you in advance by Alternative Inca Trails. In order to purchase entrance tickets on your behalf, we must have your valid passport number as soon as possible after your initial trip sign-up. Any delays in submitting your passport information may result in our inability to procure entry permits for you on the trip dates. Permits are now also required for the popular hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak that rises above the ruins of Machu Picchu. The number of daily permits issued for this hike is extremely limited. Please be advised that we will automatically obtain a Huayna Picchu hiking permit for all trip participants when we obtain your Machu Picchu entrance permit. While you will not be obligated to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, those interested will have the opportunity to do so at some point during your visit to the Sacred City, based on the hiking time noted on the permit. If you should choose to participate in this hike, be advised that you may miss the included guided tour of Machu Picchu. Your trip leader will provide specific schedule details and options upon your arrival in Peru. Please note that the Huayna Picchu hike is challenging, steep (with some exposure) and unguided.

Weather

Average daytime temperatures in and around Cusco generally range from 55� – 75� F with Andean evenings cooling down into the 40s and 50s. Much of the itinerary takes place in the mountains where weather can change very quickly. During the months of May-October, days are typically clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds occasionally building and leading to small amounts of precipitation. While rainfall is more common during the months of December-April, all-day rain is unlikely.

General Information

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current Alternative Inca Trails Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase your travel insurance. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the ‘Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion’ is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.