Great People. Amazing Expeditions. Beautiful Peru.
8 DAYS
FROM $ 1,455
Expedition Type
Activity Level
Service Level
CASUAL
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Despite being a region of classic journeys, not every holiday to Cusco has to follow the same paths. Our Experts have explored the main sights and the lesser known ones. Travel across the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, and get a glimpse of the ancient traditions that continue to endure in the misty valleys, and set off through the stark and beautiful landscapes of the Andes, where otherworldly colors that mimic a rainbow were painted over the top. Hike through lesser known Inca sites to the famous Sun Gate, where you can take in your first views of Machu Picchu and explore the fabled Inca citadel with an expert guide.
Arrive at any time at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, the gateway to Peru’s Inca heartland. Settle into your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax or explore Cusco’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site on your own.
Embark on a sightseeing excursion of the sacred city of Cusco this morning with your Local Specialist, admiring the 16th century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the site of the Saqsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. In the afternoon, explore this captivating city further at your leisure. This evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the vital role that astronomy played in the lives of the ancient Inca. Weather permitting, peer through the planetarium’s telescopes for a dazzling look at the stars.
Follow the Sacred Valley’s most scenic roads, passing through a patchwork of verdant fields set beneath snowcapped peaks. At a weaving center supported by The Center of Traditional Textiles of Cusco, attend a private demonstration on the production of Andean textiles. Traditional weaving and wool-dying practices have been recently revived thanks to the efforts of Nilda Callañaupa, a master weaver native to the valley and her family. See the terraced remains of impressive Inca agriculture systems at Chinchero and Moray. Then visit the white salt mines stacked on the slopes of Maras.
Make your way to Machu Picchu, the renowned 15th-century Inca citadel rediscovered by a local farmer, Agustín Lizárraga in 1902 and excavated by Hiram Bingham in 1912. Take the scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and disembark early for an amazing short trek on the Inca Trail with a private guide. Hike through lesser known Inca sites to the famous Sun Gate, where you can take in your first views of Machu Picchu.
This morning, delve into the mysteries of this once-great civilisation, admiring the 15th century stone site of temples, palaces and terraces perched high amidst the clouds. Join your Local Expert for an exploration of the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. After being taken through this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, return to Cusco by train.
An exhilarating morning car ride takes us along the Mollepata valley, passing through a patchwork of verdant fields and between steep slopes on the way to gorgeous Humantay Lagoon. Isolated among mountain peaks, Humantay is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring places that was unknown until someone explored the area and recomended to visit it. Enjoy a pictureque hike to this turquoise glacial lagoon and feel the great vibes at the Cordillera de Los Andes mountain range.
Head south on an early and scenic drive to Vinicunca, perched on the western slope of Vilcanota Mountain Range of Cordillera de los Andes. Depart Cusco by van to Cusipata Village where we have a buffet breakfast overlooking the farmlands, and continue to LLactoc for the begining of this epic adventure. The journey will take us through picturesque Andean villages, agricultural platforms from the Inca time, fertile valleys, and beautiful Rolling mountains. Colorfully decorated, this mountain was known recently by melting the snow which covered since the begining, and becoming famous rapidly.
After breakfast, transfer to the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and connect with your flight home or consider extending your holiday.
In keeping with the nature of an expedition, we keep our schedule flexible to take advantage of the unexpected, adapting our course to the conditions and opportunities that arise. Your Expedition experience can be tailored to the activity level you choose, whether it’s light or moderate or a little of both. Travelers should be in good health, comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time and over uneven surfaces, and able to get in and out of unstable expedition landing craft. Daily activities may include easy hikes, walking tours, and visits to cultural or historic sites, with options for more physical activities such as longer hikes, dependant on conditions. All departures are family friendly.
Expedition Team
A Natventure expert and a Leader will accompany you throughout the Expedition.
Our Natventure Journeys, line blends fun, hands-on exploration, meaningful encounters with people and cultures, and more free time and choices—with the structure and security of traveling in a small group.
MY OWN ROOM
During your Expedition, sometimes it’s just more convenient and comfortable to have your own room. That’s why we offer the «My Own Room» option – a single room all to yourself.
My Own Room Option: From $1,659
