Day 1: Cusco
Welcome to Cusco! After hotel check-in and some free time to settle in, our adventure begins with a late afternoon tour of the city, followed by a trip briefing and welcome dinner at El Mercado.
Day 2: Journey to Qoyllor' Ity
After an early breakfast, we begin our journey to Qoyllor' Iti with a scenic drive to Wakarpay Lake, including a stop at the Tipón archaeological site along the way. Once at Wakarpay, enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of the lake and a visit to the adjacent Totoracocha archaeological site. After lunch, we continue our drive and explore Pikillaqta archaeological site en route to Mahuallani to join our Andean neighbours for the festival procession to the Qoyllor' Iti shrine, followed by a campsite dinner under the full solstice moon.
Day 3: Sinakara
The celebration continues at Qoyllor' Iti as we embark on an early morning hike to the Sinakara Glacier and glacier lagoon. Upon arrival, we will join an Andean Q’ero (shaman) and participate in a Pachamama gratitude ceremony. Midday, a picnic lunch will be served before we begin our hike from Sinakara back to Mahuallani to meet our MLP driver for a late afternoon return drive to Cusco.
Day 4: Inkilltambo
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day round-trip hike to the fascinating and newly restored Inkilltambo archaeological site near Sacsayhuaman on the outskirts of town. Inkilltambo served as an important ceremonial huaca (Quechua for ‘site’, or ‘gathering place’), and is a fascinating example of Inca architecture.
Day 5: Viacha & Pisaq
Today we will spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In the morning, enjoy a scenic ride and brief tour of the charming town and vibrant marketplace of Pisaq. Afterwards, we continue by car to the Andean community of Viacha for a traditional Pachamanca lunch, followed by a workshop/lecture on age-old Andean farming techniques including a ceremony alongside the locals to honor Mother Earth for her bounty. In the afternoon, we will hike to the Pisaq archaeological site for some of the best views of the valley, before meeting our MLP driver for the ride to Lamay Lodge.
Day 6: Ancasmarca & Choquecancha
From the Sacred Valley, we begin our exploration into the remote Lares region. First, we will visit the unique Ancasmarca archaeological site and then continue on to Choquecancha for lunch and an introduction to traditional Andean weaving techniques from the all-women master weavers of the community. Afterwards, a community leader will take us on a walk to learn about harvesting medicinal plants, along with an explanation of their amazing properties and applications. Mid-afternoon, our driver will again meet us for a breathtaking drive to Huacashuasi Lodge and some relaxation time. Before dinner, we will gather again for a lecture on ‘Andean Celebrations’ and a traditional Winter Solstice ceremony.
Day 7: Marcacocha, Pumamarka & Ollantaytambo
Today we will drive further into the Lares region before circling back to the Sacred Valley. Our first stop will be in the sheep herding community of Marcacocha to participate in their unique gratitude ceremony for the Apus (Inca gods) to ensure the health of the flock. Afterwards, we will continue on to Pumamarka for a picnic lunch before exploring the archaeological site. Our next stop will be the fascinating town of Ollantaytambo, where we will catch a late-afternoon train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 8: Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins at dawn with a rollicking uphill bus ride, followed by a fascinating two-hour guided tour of the citadel. After the tour, we will embark on a hike up Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain that looms over the site for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit we will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before catching an afternoon train to Ollantaytambo followed by a sunset drive back to Cusco.
Day 9: Inti Raymi Festival
Prepare for an exciting day of pageantry and celebration! After breakfast, the day begins with a front-row seat to the morning festivities at the Koricancha (Inca temple of the sun). From there, everyone will move on to the Plaza de Armas in the center of town for an impressive re-enactment of the ancient Inca winter solstice ceremony before beginning the procession to Sacsayhuaman for the main event. A lavish tribute to Inti, the Inca god of the sun, you will watch as the ‘Inca emperor’ and his entourage perform sacred rituals in a moving ceremony accompanied by musicians and dance troupes from the entire region—truly a sight to behold! Afterwards, we will follow the procession back to Cusco for a farewell lunch and late-afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day 10: Depart
In the morning, have breakfast at hotel and transport to the Cusco airport.
