An incredible nine days of exploring, history, and Andean culture are combined in perfect harmony on the Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lares Trek with Llamas, and Short 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You can explore the famous Machu Picchu, see distant Andean villages, and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Lares Valley thanks to this extraordinary tour that departs from the traditional path. For those looking for adventure and cultural immersion, this adventure offers the chance to hike with llamas, trek the Short Inca Trail, enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and culminate in the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain. This journey promises an unforgettable odyssey through the heart of Peru's rich heritage and natural beauty. It promises to be an unforgettable and authentic experience.

Highlights of this adventure include:

Trekking through the Sacred Valley: Immerse yourself in the rich pastoral regions of the Urubamba Mountain range and witness the snow-capped peaks and breathtaking landscapes.

Llama Trekking: Embark on a unique journey alongside llamas, adding an authentic and memorable touch to your trekking experience.

Short 2-Day Inca Trail: Explore the wonders of the Inca Trail on a condensed 2-day adventure, allowing you to witness beautiful Inca sites, diverse flora and fauna, and the panoramic vistas of the Andes mountains.

Cultural Immersion: Connect with the local people of Peru, experience the lifestyle and customs of traditional Peruvian villages, and soak in the rich Andean culture along the Lares and Inca Trails.

Vibrant Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley: Witness the breathtaking, multicolored landscapes of Rainbow Mountain, a natural wonder that promises a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

This expedition promises an unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking a perfect blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty in the heart of Peru.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

As soon as you arrive in Cusco, located at an incredible altitude of 11,154 feet (3,400 meters), your kind Incatrekkers guide will welcome you and take you to your hotel right away. Give yourself a moment to acclimate to the high altitude and get ready for the amazing experience that lies ahead. Once you've settled down, explore the historical treasures of the Inca civilization's capital.

You might want to take it gradually to adjust on this first day. However, this is a great opportunity to explore the central plaza, which is lined with numerous cafes and shops, or maybe go to a museum. There are lots of options.

Day 2: Cusco City Tour

This day begins early in the morning, around 8:00 a.m., before the crowded visit to the revered Qoricancha temple. This sacred site served as one of the principal religious buildings for the Incas, offering a glimpse into their profound spiritual beliefs and practices.

Continue your discovery of the Inca Empire's architectural marvels as you make your way to Saqsayhuaman. Marvel at the sheer brilliance and precision of the Inca stonework, where colossal walls were meticulously crafted without the use of mortar. The awe-inspiring craftsmanship will leave you in awe.

Extend your adventure by exploring the nearby Inca sites of Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. Each location boasts its own unique significance and provides valuable insights into the daily lives and rituals of the ancient Inca civilization.

Conclude your day of exploration and cultural immersion by returning to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the captivating experiences of the day. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon, savoring the beauty and charm of Cusco at your own pace.

Day 3: Sacred Valley Tours

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel at 07:30 am, embarking on a journey that will reveal the wonders of the Sacred Valley. Your first destination is Chinchero, a charming village and the ancestral home of the Quechua people. Immerse yourself in their vibrant culture as you witness traditional dyeing and weaving techniques passed down through generations. Experience first-hand the intricate craftsmanship that has been preserved over centuries.

Next, venture to the remarkable site of Moray, an essential Inca archaeological complex that served as an agricultural experimentation center. Marvel at the ingenuity of the Incas as you explore the concentric terraces, each varying in microclimate and designed to cultivate different crops. Gain insight into the advanced agricultural practices employed by this ancient civilization.

Continue your journey to the awe-inspiring Maras Salt Ponds, a testament to the enduring traditions of local families. Each individual salt pond is owned and operated by a local family, who proudly carry on the salt-harvesting techniques passed down by their ancestors. Witness the intricate process and learn about the cultural significance of salt production in the region.

After lunch, your next stop is Ollantaytambo, known as the "Living Inca Town." Set atop the mountains, this formidable stone structure boasts massive terraces that offer panoramic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore the intricate architecture and imagine the lives of the Incas, who once thrived in this remarkable setting.

Conclude the day's adventures in Ollantaytambo, where you can relax at your own pace. Take time to soak in the tranquility of this ancient town, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, reflecting on the enriching experiences of the day and preparing for the excitement that lies ahead. Rest comfortably overnight in Ollantaytambo.

Day 4: Trekking with Llamas to Auroray Cocha

We will arrange for your hotel pickup in Cusco promptly at 5:30 am, and from there, we will embark on a scenic drive through the captivating Sacred Valley of the Incas in our private transportation. Our first stop will be at Urubamba (2870 m/9,416 ft), where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast and acquire any last-minute supplies you may need for the trek.

Continuing our journey, we will drive to the Yanahura-Pucara community (3300 m/10,826 ft), which serves as the starting point of our trek. As we commence our ascent, we will trek through the breathtaking Mantanay valley, taking in the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the flourishing native vegetation, including the captivating polylepis trees. Along the way, you will encounter streams nourished by lakes and waterfalls.

During our trek, keep an eye out for llamas and alpacas grazing peacefully along the trail, offering a glimpse into the typical high Andean scenery. After a rejuvenating lunch break, we will continue our trek, ascending towards the first picturesque lake, Yuraq Cocha. But the journey doesn't end there; we will make our way to yet another stunning lake, Auroray Cocha (4480 m/14,692 ft), where we will set up camp for the night.

Trekking Distance: 10 km/6.21 miles

Campsite Altitude: 4480 m/14,692 ft

Estimated Time: 6-7 hours

Day 5: Trekking with Llamas to Patacancha

Following a hearty breakfast, we will begin on a gradual ascent towards the magnificent Huayruruyoc pass (4600m/15,091ft). From this vantage point, you will be treated to awe-inspiring views of the shimmering lake and the majestic mountains that surround it.

Continuing our trek, we will make our way downhill, passing by enchanting lakes that are teeming with diverse bird species. Take this opportunity to observe and appreciate the vibrant wildlife that inhabits these scenic surroundings. Eventually, we will arrive at Patacancha community (3750m/12,303ft), where we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch and spend the night.

Patacancha is a community deeply rooted in the Quechua culture, where the local families engage in traditional agricultural practices and tend to their herds of alpacas and llamas, just as their ancestors did. After lunch, immerse yourself in their rich culture and gain insights into their daily lives. You will have the chance to learn about their time-honored weaving techniques, passed down through generations.

Trekking Distance: 7km/4.34 miles

Campsite Altitude: 3750m/12,303ft

Estimated Time: 3-4 hours

Day 6: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

After an early breakfast, we will make our way to the train station in Ollantaytambo via our private transportation, with a departure around 7:00 am. Our destination is Km 104, which serves as the starting point for our hike.

As we commence our ascent, we will gradually walk for approximately 4 hours, reaching the remarkable Inca Site known as Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at an elevation of 2650m/8,694ft. This archaeological marvel consists of an agricultural center adorned with numerous terraces, as well as urban and religious sectors. Along the way, we will be treated to breathtaking views of the Urubamba River valley, accompanied by glimpses of other Inca sites dotting the riverside.

Upon exploring the captivating Inca site, we will continue our journey towards the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at an elevation of 2720m/8,923ft. This will provide us with our first panoramic view of the iconic Machu Picchu, allowing us ample time to bask in the splendor of this mysterious Inca city at sunset. Subsequently, we will descend to Machu Picchu and take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we will indulge in a well-deserved dinner and spend the night.

Trekking Distance: 14km/8.69 miles

Aguas Calientes: 2040m/6,692ft

Estimated Time: 6-7 hours

Day 7: Machu Picchu to Cusco

We will start the day by waking up early and enjoying a satisfying breakfast at the hotel. Our goal is to catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, as the early morning hours offer a tranquil and serene atmosphere in the ancient city. This early arrival is well worth the effort, as it allows us ample time to capture stunning photographs and witness the mesmerizing sunrise over Machu Picchu.

Following our arrival, a knowledgeable guide will accompany us on a comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu. During this guided exploration, you will learn about the intriguing history of Machu Picchu while visiting its most significant structures and temples.

Our guided tour of Machu Picchu will conclude around 10:00 am. It's important to note that new regulations implemented in 2021 have introduced time slots for entrance to Machu Picchu, which are regulated by the Peruvian government. Our tour is scheduled between 6:00 am and 10:00 am. If you wish to embark on additional hikes within Machu Picchu, such as Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will need to purchase an extra ticket.

After fully immersing yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu, we will take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where a delicious lunch awaits. Before departing from Machu Picchu, please ensure you are aware of the designated meeting time and location in Aguas Calientes, where you will receive your train tickets for the return journey to Cusco. From there, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo, and our private transportation will transport you to your hotel in Cusco.

Total Distance by Bus: 6km/3.37 miles

Machu Picchu Altitude: 2400m/7874 ft

Day 8: Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Cusco

At five in the morning, we pick you up in our comfortable private transportation from your hotel to start your tour. Our route passes through the quaint traditional towns of Cusco's South Valley, which offers incredible views of the high Andes. You'll have time to take in the stunning natural surroundings as we head towards the hike's beginning location.

Our private van ride will take us through beautiful scenery for about three hours before arriving at the trailhead. Here, we'll take a breather and refuel for the impending walk with a delectable box breakfast. It will take around two hours to climb to the peak of Rainbow Mountain, which is proudly located at 5,050 meters (16,568 feet). You'll be rewarded with an amazing vista of vivid hues spanning the horizon when we approach the summit. This natural marvel offers the ideal setting for taking stunning pictures and immersing yourself in its alluring beauty.

The Rainbow Mountain is not the end of our search. We go down the right side of the trail, which takes us closer to the enchanted Red Valley, after discovering and making amazing memories. You can see even more gorgeous scenery and take amazing images by traveling this lovely route.

Following this enlightening encounter, we will start our descent, which will take us back to the trailhead where our journey began, and it should take about 1.5 hours. After that, we'll get back in our private van and head an hour out to a delicious lunch location. After a delectable lunch, we'll set out to return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at approximately 4:00 pm, with countless memories from this incredible adventure.

Starting Altitude: 4,330 meters (14,206 feet)

Trekking Distance: 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) roundtrip

Estimated Time: 4 hours

Maximum Altitude: 5,050 meters (16,568 feet)

Day 9: Depart from Cusco
After breakfast, one of our guides will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport so you may take a flight back home or continue to your next destination.