DAY 1: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY FULL-DAY TOUR

• Upon your arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, our tour guide will greet you with a smile and make sure you have a smooth ride to the amazing Sacred Valley. We’ll head north from Cusco toward our first stop: Manos de la Comunidad. Here, you’ll have the chance to feed and interact with llamas and alpacas—a fun and educational experience where you’ll learn about the different camelid species of South America.
• Next, we visit the town of Pisac, home to one of the most impressive Inca archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. You’ll explore the ancient ruins.
• Our journey continues with a visit to the famous Pisac market, known for its handcrafted textiles, colorful souvenirs, and local artisan goods—perfect for shopping and cultural immersion.
• Afterward, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley. In the afternoon, we head to the historic town of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll explore one of the most important Inca fortress sites, known for its massive terraces and stunning mountain views.
• We’ll finish the day with a scenic walk through the town of Ollantaytambo, where ancient Inca architecture still blends with modern life.
• You’ll spend the night in the Sacred Valley, helping you acclimate to the altitude and prepare for your next day’s adventure.

Meals: Buffet Lunch

Overnight: Ollantaytambo Pueblo.

DAY 2: INCA TRAIL TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU – KM 104 TREK

• After breakfast, you will need to go to the station. From there, enjoy a scenic ride on the Sacred Valley Railway to KM 104, the starting point of your short Inca Trail hike. We’ll follow the ancient path of the Incas through the breathtaking mountains. Your first stop is Chachabamba, a small but important archaeological site that once protected the entrance to Machu Picchu.
• The trail gradually ascends for about 2.5 hours to an altitude of 8,690 feet (2,650 meters). You’ll reach Wiñay Wayna, meaning “Eternal Youth” in Quechua. This spot is considered one of the most beautiful sites on the Inca Trail. “Wiñay Wayna” features three main areas:

Urban sector: 25 ancient Inca buildings

Agricultural terraces: once used to grow crops

Religious sector: includes a sacred tower dedicated to the Rainbow God

• After exploring the ruins and enjoying lunch, continue your hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here, you’ll experience your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, the amazing Inca sanctuary.
• Walk downhill for about 45 minutes on the original Inca stone path, soaking in unforgettable panoramic views. Once you arrive at the Machu Picchu citadel, you’ll explore its main structures. Follow circuit 1.
• Finally, take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at a comfortable Machu Picchu hotel.

• Overnight in Machupicchu Pueblo.
• Meals: Breakfast – Box lunch – Dinner.

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU TOUR—EXPLORING THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS

• Start your day early for an unforgettable experience at Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas. Your expert local guide will lead you through the most iconic areas of this ancient Inca sanctuary, sharing fascinating stories about its history, construction, and the mysteries that still surround it today.
• Spend approximately 2 hours exploring this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit its highlights, including the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plazas, agricultural terraces, and more—all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes Mountains. The places to visit depend on the circuit available at the time of booking.
• After soaking in the beauty of Machu Picchu, you’ll return by train, taking in your final views of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
• You have the afternoon in the city to walk and explore.

Optional Upgrades:

1. Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning, panoramic views
2. Add an extra day in Machu Picchu for more in-depth exploration at the Inca citadel.

Please review all inclusions and upgrade options in advance.

• Overnight in Cusco
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 4: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE – CUSCO

• To maximize time, the Rainbow Mountain Trek starts before daybreak. We pick up our group from their Cusco hotel between 3:45 and 4:00 am and drive 3.5 hours throughout the South Valley (4,630 m/15,190 ft). You are free to relax at our stops and have breakfast.
• We continue for roughly one more hour to reach the head trail; once we get there, our climb will start, and we will view numerous local farms that have been farming Quechua for decades. Chinchillas or vicunas could show up here. This section of the path, with the red mountains all around, is breathtaking.
• After 1.5 hours of challenging ascent, Wininkunka’s Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m/16,466 ft.) is reachable. excellent application of natural colors.
• We slow down at the summit to snap photos, explore, or simply savor the wonderful views.
  Our guide will suggest when you should come back.
• After we reach the trailhead, we travel one hour to a little café near Cusipata for lunch.
  It takes two hours to get back to Cusco. At about 4 p.m., we leave you at your hotel.

If you choose to travel in our luxury version, we arrange a picnic glamping experience in the heart of the mountains.

• Overnight in Cusco
• Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 5: CUSCO

• Get your breakfast at the hotel and have an early morning by yourself.
• Pack all your luggage for the way back to Lima.

Transfer out – conclusion of the trip.

• Overnight: –
• Meals included: Breakfast

Note: This Apu Experience itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events that are beyond our control. At Inca Soul, we’ll always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.

Your preferences will determine the pricing that we offer. At Inca Soul, we will search for the most suitable accommodations and the most convenient locations to guarantee that you have an experience that you will never forget.