07 Day “Andean Experience” Through the Living Culture of the Incas
Easy
These activities are a walk in the park! You will be able to enjoy the scenery, history, and time with loved ones without exhausting yourself. You do not need any special training, gear, or acclimatization for an “Easy” trek or tour. Terrain will be generally flat and comfortable, highly traveled.
Mild
A step up from “Easy,” these tours require a little more physical effort but are still 100% manageable to anyone with or without adventure experience. Again, you do not need special training, gear, or acclimatization for a “Mild” trek or tour. Terrain is generally flat but with possible gentle up- and downhills.
Moderate
Before embarking on a “Moderate” trek or tour, you should be at least partly acclimatized to the high altitude of the Andes as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. These tours are still very manageable without special training as long as you have spent a day or two at high altitude. Terrain often includes moderate up- and downhill walking with possible rough patches or infrequently-traveled sections.
Challenging
“Challenging” treks or tours require that you are acclimated to the Andes’ high altitude before leaving as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 2-3 days or more at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. You will need to be in good physical shape, and it’s recommended that you train at least some beforehand, possibly with running, biking, or strenuous workout videos. Terrain is often rough, sometimes with steep up- and downhills and often not highly traveled. Generally, these last several hours.
Formidable
These “Formidable” treks are our most difficult treks and require serious effort but are also the most rewarding. It is necessary to be in pristine physical condition. Again, you must be acclimated to the Andes’ high altitude before leaving as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 4-5 days or more if possible at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. It is important to train physically before these treks so that your body is prepared for the strenuous nature of the trip. Generally, these last at least an entire day in infrequently-traveled areas with rough paths.
Highlights
07 Day “Andean Experience” Through the Living Culture of the Incas
The 07 Day Andean Experience Through the Living Culture of the Incas. This itinerary is a combination of the most popular and visited archaeological Inca places of Cusco. It allows travelers to experience much of the culture, history, and beauty of the Incas legacy in 7 days.
We will visit the archaeological sites closest to the imperial city of Cusco, all of the archaeological sites located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and The Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu. We will also visit many more important sites that will end up making us connect with the magical and imposing Inca culture. A package that will immerse you with the best of the Cusco region, and leave you unforgettable memories.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO NAVEL OF THE WORLD
Upon your arrival at the airport in Cusco, an Inkayni Peru Tours member will be there to greet you and take you to our partner lodge, located in the charming historic district of San Blas. The lodge is centrally located and only a few minutes walk from the Plaza de Armas, the beautiful and bustling town center. This day will be reserved for resting and acclimatizing to the altitude, approximately 3400 meters (11,000 feet).
Meet your expedition group at 5:00 pm
Lodging: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
DÍA 2: CITY TOUR (D)
This trip starts at Sacsayhuaman, one of the typical buildings of the Inca Empire (just a few minutes from the centre of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) built by the Inca Pachacutec in the 15th Century. It is a vast fortress built from huge stones; how they were transported and worked is still a mystery. It has been calculated that what we see today is only twenty percent of the original structure because when the Spanish arrived, they used its stones for new buildings such as the cathedral.
Places that are visited:
- Sacsayhuaman.
- Qenko.
- Tambomachay.
- Puca Pucara.
In the afternoon we will travel by car to the town of Ollantaytambo where the train station to Machu Picchu awaits our transfer to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).
Lodging: Aguas Calientes Golden Sunrise*** or similar.
DAY 3. MACHU PICCHU
Today, we will rise very early for breakfast and ascend to the citadel Inka of Machu Picchu (approx 25 minutes by bus) to appreciate sunrise at this magical place, a famous masterpiece of architecture and engineering, believed to have been a sanctuary and energetic center. Today, Machu Picchu is recognized by UNESCO as one of the seven wonders of the world and a World Heritage site.
Optional: The trek to the peak of Huayna Picchu, a rigorous climb on steep trails with impressive ruins and spectacular views, a round-trip of 2 hours.
Lodging: Aguas Calientes Golden Sunrise*** or similar.
DAY 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO – MORAY-SALT MINES
Return to “living” Inka town of Ollantaytambo by train and continue by car to Moray, an ancient construction designed for agricultural investigations and studies of different crops in a range of altitudes. Here, the many concentric “rings” of terraces produce a fine gradient of micro-climates; the warmth of the lowest central ring slowly dissipates as the rings ascend outward and upward, creating reductions in temperatures until reaching the ground-level norm.
Places that are visited:
- Ollantaytambo
- Maras (Salt Mines)
- Moray.
Lodging: Chinchero Boutique
DAY 5: CHINCHERO (TEXTILE INTERPRETATION CENTER)
Chinchero: the rainbow village, home of the ruins of the royal palace of the Inka Túpac Inca Yupanqui, a picturesque community located on a high plateau overlooking the many snowcapped peaks of the Cusco region. Here we can admire the well-preserved Inka walls of the main square as well as the many altars. We will also visit the beautiful colonial church, unique for its interior artwork and imagery.
Moving on, we will participate in a beautiful introduction and learning experience of the art of Andean textiles; throughout the afternoon, we will become acquainted with the wisdom of Andean weavings as maintained since long before Inka times. Traditional food will be prepared for lunch here.
Lodging: Cusco Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
DAY 6: ANIMAL SANCTUARY – PISAQ – PISAQ MARKET
Travel to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas towards the town of Pisaq. We will stop on the way to visit the animal sanctuary of Cochawasi: here we may observe many of the native Andean species such as the puma, Andean cóndor, alpacas, and many more. Further en route, we will stop for at a spectacular viewing location to observe the Urubamba river as it curves like a serpent through the mosaic-like agricultural lands.
As we continue towards the town of Pisaq, we may also observe the construction design of the archaeological site of Pisaq, which many say portrays the profile of a condor. Pisaq is known mainly for two reasons – for its famous craft market and its archaeological site. Here we will have free time to wander the market and to interact with the many local artisans. The ruins of Pisaq, high above the modern town on the mountain, is one of the most important of the Sacred Valley.
Lodging: Cusco Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
DAY 7: FREE WALKING TOUR -FLY TO LIMA
Free morning to relax, This afternoon transfer to the airport for your departure to Lima
What is Included?
INCLUDED:
- 06 night’s accommodations in 03 stars hotels (based in double occupation)
- Small Groups anywhere between 2 – 12 people, to keep your experience unique and assure personalized attention.
- 06 breakfasts, 01 dinners
- Entrances to Machu Picchu.
- All transportation.
- All transfers.
- All entrances fee.
- Executive (Incarail) or Expedition train to Machu Picchu.
- Buses to Machu Picchu. (Round trip)
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu.
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide during the whole trip
NOT INCLUDED:
- International & Local Flights
- Single supplement: US$300 (03 stars hotel)
- Huayna Picchu entrance fee US$35
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
THINGS TO BRING:
- Original Passport
- Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
- Insect repellant
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
Availability
Extensions
PERU AMAZON JUNGLE- FROM US$ 880.00
Head to the heart of the Amazon to spot monkeys, go star-gazing, and listen to the sounds of the jungle. This extension can be added to any of our Peru expeditions.
Day 1: Take a 45-minute flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, followed by a 30-minute motorized canoe ride to one of our partner lodges in the Tambopata National Reserve, a conservation area within the Amazon. Enjoy an afternoon walk through jungle trails where you will discover exotic birds and insects. After dinner, head back out on the boat for an evening star-gazing tour.
Day 2: Explore the jungle, home to macaws, monkeys, toucans, and caimans during the Canopy Walkway Tour. Included as well is an optional nighttime rainforest excursion to experience the nocturnal animals.
Day 3: Visit the Butterfly House before taking a boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado Airport. Catch a plane to Cusco to conclude your Peru Jungle extension.
INCLUDED:
- Transportation to/from airport in Puerto Maldonado.
- Lodging.
- Excursions.
- All food at lodge, and domestic airfare.
*Single supplement of $85 USD applies*
NOTE: Extensions and extra nights are confirmed immediately upon receipt of payment. All extensions and extra nights are 100% non-refundable, non-transferable.
Packing List
Sturdy shoes, a good raincoat, and warm layers for the evening are the only essential items. Bring comfortable and modest clothes for the time in Cusco. There is no need to bring a sleeping bag or any gear as you’ll be staying in lodges throughout the expedition.
Documents and Logistics:
- International flights booked and confirmed to Cusco
- Flight information submitted
- Passport valid through the end of the trip (*Passport and entry receipt must be carried at all times during expedition!)
- Medical insurance card
- Cash for tipping guides, buying souvenirs, incidental costs, etc. (*Note: Please bring crisp US bills. Many places will not accept torn, wrinkled, or worn bills)
