Grand Peru Andean

Before the adventure, you will meet your guide and fellow travelers in Cusco for a detailed trip briefing. This session covers logistics, activities, and expectations, ensuring you will be  prepared for the journey ahead through the Andes.

Your journey really starts as you leave the historic city of Cusco behind and make your way down into the picturesque Sacred Valley, where the Incas once thrived. Next, get ready to make a choice: tackle a challenging hike from the village of Amaru to Viachu, or explore the vibrant artisan market of Pisaq and learn about the traditional Andean culture at Awanakancha. The two groups will come together to delve into the ancient farming practices of the Andean people and then set foot at the fascinating archaeological site at Pisaq. To wrap up the day, enjoy a mouthwatering traditional Pachamanca dinner.

Take a leisurely drive into the Andean wilderness, making your way to the isolated Lares Valley. Before deciding between immersing yourself in the traditional crafts of expert weavers or embarking on a scenic hike through vast, turquoise-dotted high-altitude landscapes, you’ll stop at the lesser-known archaeological site of Ancasmarca. Your day wraps up in the traditional, rural village of Huacahuasi, where you’ll spend a genuine overnight stay.

Start your day in the picturesque village of Huilloc, where you’ve got the unique opportunity to participate in a genuinely traditional Andean ceremony to honor Pachamama, or, if you’re up for it, tackle a moderately challenging hike towards the majestic Pumamarka. After grabbing a bite to eat and taking a short break, use the momentum to journey on foot or by vehicle to the vibrant town of Ollantaytambo. Spend the afternoon strolling through the breathtaking streets of this thriving living Inca town, surrounded by its rich history and culture.

So after you’ve explored the Quillarumiyoc digs, make your way to the mountain town of Mollepate for a mid-day meal at a local farmstead. As you wind up the mountain to Challacancha, you start a stunning hike on the historic Caminos Real, leading to Soraypampa and a world-famous lodge at the foot of some pretty impressive icy mountain peaks.

The main event of the day is the hike up to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, a real showstopper. The trek to the top offers unobstructed views of the dazzling turquoise Humantay Glacier. After unwinding and taking in the tranquility, engage in a heartfelt Pachamama ceremony, then head back to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon of complete relaxation in the midst of awe-inspiring mountain landscapes.

A very early start makes one of those days that you’ll look back on as particularly tough but also incredibly fulfilling. You steadily make your way up toward the Salkantly Pass, which represents the trek’s high point, situated amidst vast, expansive plateaus and stunning, rugged alpine landscapes. Once you reach the pass, you begin a gentle descent into the dramatic scenery of Wayra Lodge, where you can finally collapse and rest after all your hard work.

The scenery unfolds dramatically as you continue down the slope, the landscape morphing into a dense and vibrant cloud forest. The trail stays by the side of the meandering Salkantay River, weaving past quaint rural homes, exotic orchids, and delicate butterflies. As the sun reaches its peak, you arrive at the scenic Colpa Lodge, where a hearty traditional Pachamanca lunch awaits, along with a tranquil afternoon of breathtaking panoramic views of the picturesque valleys below.

Wander leisurely through lush valleys overflowing with fruit trees and sparkling waterfalls as the Santa River winds its way down. After a satisfying meal at the cozy Lucma Lodge, explore a nearby organic coffee plantation and step into the increasingly tropical atmosphere at the Amazon’s edge.

Make your way up crumbling Inca stone steps through the thick cloud forest to the Llactapата Pass, where the air is crisp and the trees block out most of the sunlight. Get your first bird’s-eye view of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel from this almost abandoned viewpoint. After you’ve finished delving into the mysteries of the ancient archaeological site, take a long, winding path down into the valley and hop on the train to Aguas Calientes, a bustling town snuggled up beneath the citadel.

You’ll cap off your trip with a comprehensive guided tour of Machu Piccu, taking in the sights of its most famous landmarks, such as the Sun Temple and the Lookout Tower. With some time to soak up the mystique of the sacred site, you also have the option of tackling the challenging hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. The adventure wraps up with a panoramic train ride back to Cusco, leaving you with lasting memories of an unforgettable journey through the Andes.