Peru with Giselle and Stephen

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place at a local restaurant, just a brief 15-minute walk from the hotel. The evening promises a delightful 3-course set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic Peruvian flavors. Please note that beverages are not included and should be purchased at the venue.

Overnight in Cusco.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After breakfast, meet your trekking guide in the hotel lobby for a brief 25-minute transfer to Tambomachay ruins, marking the start of your hiking adventure. Throughout the day, connect with four distinct archaeological sites on foot, traversing the hills surrounding Cusco. At Tambomachay, experience Inca water worship showcased through aqueducts and ceremonial baths. A mere 10-minute walk leads to Pukara Pukara, known for its red-hued defensive structures and strategic hilltop position, believed to have served as a military checkpoint, offering panoramic views. Descend for about an hour to reach Quinqu Qenqo, an enigmatic site featuring intriguing rock formations and ceremonial spaces with supposed ritual significance in Inca culture. Next, a downhill hike of 25 minutes brings you to Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca site flaunting monumental stone walls crafted with astounding precision. Conclude the hike with an easy 30-minute walk back to Cusco downtown. You'll have free time to enjoy lunch on your own at the nearby restaurants close to your hotel. Distance: 6.5 miles | Duration: 4.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy

Step into the heart of history with an afternoon walking tour through Cusco, starting right from your hotel. Follow your expert guide to discover the secrets of the city, known as the Capital of the Inca Empire. Along the tour, immerse yourself in remarkable sights, from the famous Stone of Twelve Angles to the awe-inspiring Qoricancha temple, the vibrant Plaza de Armas, and the grand Cathedral of Cusco. The exploration culminates in the enchanting San Blas neighborhood, renowned for its artistic allure, brimming with studios, artisan workshops, and an array of inviting bars and restaurants. Here, you'll have free time to savor dinner at your own pace. At the evening, a brief transfer will take you to your hotel. This tour covers approximately 0.5 to 1 mile on foot. Please note, restroom facilities are available at cafes and restaurants for an additional fee.

Overnight in Cusco.

The epic trekking adventure kicks off with an early sunrise pick-up, and a three-hour journey to the trailhead of Salkantay Trek in Soraypampa town. Along the way, we'll make a planned stop in Mollepata town for restrooms and a short break.

When you reach Soraypampa, take a moment to stretch your legs and savor a hearty breakfast prepared by our chef, who will be cooking all the meals during the trek. After breakfast, you'll be ready to begin the hiking adventure. Breakfast ingredients are defined by the chef on the ground and typically include pancakes, bread, jam, fresh fruit, and hot drinks.

After breakfast, there'll be an introductory meeting with your guide to organize equipment and mules. Our trekking day starts at Soraypampa (at an altitude of 12,600 feet), heading to Humantay Lake (at 13,780 feet). The hike offers views of the majestic snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains. It's about a 2-hour trek (covering 2 miles) to reach the stunning Humantay Lake. The sight of the turquoise waters nestled in the Andes is truly magical. We'll have time for pictures and offerings to the Apus. After admiring the lake, we'll return to Soraypampa (approximately 1.5 hours, 2 miles) for lunch. Post-lunch, our trek continues to Salkantaypampa (at 13,100 feet) for about 3.5 hours (covering 4 miles). Upon arrival, your camp will be set in a breathtaking location amidst glacier valleys, perfect for stargazing. You'll have free time to rest and explore the camp surroundings. Dinner will be served at the main tent. Please note that the camp's bathrooms are basic 'toilet tents,' and there's no electricity. The camp setup doesn't require your assistance upon arrival. Some camps are near local houses offering showers and Wi-Fi for an additional fee, but availability varies on the final confirmed camp. Hiking distance: 8 miles - Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging.

After visiting Humantay Lake, lunch will be ready for you at Soraypampa, prepared by our chef. The menu usually includes a soup as a starter and a main dish, served with water and tea. Soups often feature quinoa or noodles, while main dishes may include options like lomo saltado, trout fish, rice with vegetables, and other traditional Peruvian delicacies. After lunch, you will continue the trekking to Salkantaypampa camp.

Later in the afternoon, dinner will be served in the main tent at the campsite. Our chef prepares a three-course menu featuring a soup as a starter, a main dish, and a dessert, accompanied by water and tea. The menu may vary based on seasonal availability and the chef's specialties, offering a variety of soups, quinoa with vegetables, pasta, meat, and fish. Additional beverages may be available for purchase from locals, but this depends on the confirmed campsite.

Overnight at Salkantaypampa campsite.

Breakfast is included and is served in the main tent of the camp. Breakfast ingredients are defined by the chef on the ground and typically include pancakes, bread, jam, fresh fruit, and hot drinks.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast, then prepare your gear and lace up your boots. The morning hike gradually ascends, guiding you through a diverse terrain that includes rocky paths and lush valleys. As you continue, the trail becomes steeper and more demanding, culminating in the iconic Salkantay Pass, the pinnacle of this trek. This ascent, spanning roughly 3.5 miles from Salkantaypampa (13,100 ft) to Salkantay Pass (15,100 ft), can be physically challenging due to the altitude and rugged terrain, typically taking about 4 hours. Once you conquer Salkantay Pass, the journey transitions to a descent, revealing a contrasting landscape with rich vegetation and evolving ecosystems as you descend into lower altitudes. Descending approximately 3 miles along the winding serpent trail for about 3 hours, you'll arrive at Huayracmachay (12,600 ft), our lunch spot. Following lunch, the final leg of the hike leads you through captivating cloud forests, offering glimpses of diverse flora and potential wildlife sightings. The descent to the final campsite covers 5 miles and takes roughly 3 hours. This part of the trail can be steep, involving narrow paths and rocky sections. By afternoon, you'll arrive at Chaullay (9,500 ft), a picturesque village nestled in the cloud forest. Our campsite awaits, providing free time to relax before dinner. Hiking Distance: 12 miles | Difficulty: Challenging

During the descent, a stop at Huayramachay is planned for lunch. The menu usually includes a soup as a starter and a main dish, served with water and tea. Soups often feature quinoa or noodles, while main dishes may include options like lomo saltado, trout fish, rice with vegetables, and other traditional Peruvian delicacies. After lunch, you will continue the trekking to Chaullay camp.

Later in the afternoon, dinner will be served in the main tent at the campsite. Our chef prepares a three-course menu featuring a soup as a starter, a main dish, and a dessert, accompanied by water and tea. The menu may vary based on seasonal availability and the chef's specialties, offering a variety of soups, quinoa with vegetables, pasta, meat, and fish. Additional beverages may be available for purchase from locals, but this depends on the confirmed campsite.

Overnight at Chaullay Campsite.

Breakfast is included and is served in the main tent of the camp. Breakfast ingredients are defined by the chef on the ground and typically include pancakes, bread, jam, fresh fruit, and hot drinks.

Begin your day with a comforting cup of coca tea, followed by a delightful breakfast served in the main tent. Your guide will lead you on the hike linking Chaullay camp (9,500 ft) to Lucmabamba camp (6,800 ft). Leaving the campsite, you'll venture through dense jungle terrain, following the picturesque Salcantay River on a gradual trail. This leg of the hike may involve river crossings and the chance to witness stunning waterfalls along the way. After covering 6 miles, we'll reach La Playa, offering a well-deserved break, and a tasty lunch. Here, engage with local farmers, savoring delicious fruits like passion fruit, banana, avocado, mango, orange, and papaya. With luck, you might catch sight of the iconic 'Cock of the Rocks' bird. From La Playa, a scenic 4-mile trek leads through coffee trees and plantations, arriving at Lucmabamba camp in the early afternoon. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the surroundings, including the opportunity to roast and grind coffee beans, culminating in preparing your own espresso. Cap off the day with dinner served in the main tent. Hiking distance: 10 miles - Difficulty: Moderate

During the hike, a stop at La Playa is planned for lunch. The menu usually includes soup as a starter and a main dish, served with water and tea. Soups often feature quinoa or noodles, while main dishes may include options like lomo saltado, trout fish, rice with vegetables, and other traditional Peruvian delicacies. After lunch, you will continue the trekking to Lucmabamba camp.

Later in the afternoon, dinner will be served in the main tent at the campsite. Our chef prepares a three-course menu featuring a soup as a starter, a main dish, and a dessert, accompanied by water and tea. The menu may vary based on seasonal availability and the chef's specialties, offering a variety of soups, quinoa with vegetables, pasta, meat, and fish. Additional beverages may be available for purchase from locals, but this depends on the confirmed campsite.

Overnight at Lucmabamba Campsite.

Breakfast is included and is served in the main tent of the camp. Breakfast ingredients are defined by the chef on the ground and typically include pancakes, bread, jam, fresh fruit, and hot drinks.

Fuel up with a healthy breakfast as we set out for our ultimate day of hiking. Today's trail spans a steep 6-mile slope leading us to Llactapata (8,850 ft) in the morning. En route, we'll follow a well-preserved Inca trail, an ancient route to Quito. As we ascend the ridge, a breathtaking sight unfolds—the first view of the legendary Machu Picchu. Llactapata provides a restful pause, allowing us to marvel at the plethora of butterflies, citronella, orchids, rocky streams, and the stunning vistas of the Santa Teresa Valley. From here, a further 5-mile stretch takes us to La Hidroelectrica (6,100 ft), the end of this unforgettable trek. This part is a downhill enveloped by vines, jungle vegetation, and towering trees. Upon reaching La Hidroelectrica, your cook will have a tasty lunch prepared. After lunch, we'll walk to the train station, and embark on our journey to Aguas Calientes, arriving at our hotel by late afternoon. Hiking Distance: 11 miles | Difficulty: Challenging

Once the trek ends, a lunch will be served at La Hidroelectrica. The menu usually includes soup as a starter and a main dish, served with water and tea. Soups often feature quinoa or noodles, while main dishes may include options like lomo saltado, trout fish, rice with vegetables, and other traditional Peruvian delicacies. After lunch, you will take the train to Aguas Calientes.

After lunch, a short walk to the train station awaits, followed by a quick journey to Aguas Calientes town. Once arrived at Aguas Calientes train station, a transfer will take you directly to your hotel.

We'll be teaching you the basics of Travel Photography while exploring Machu Picchu!

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Start your day with an early breakfast and check out of the hotel, leaving your luggage stored there. A 30-minute transfer will take you to the Machu Picchu checkpoint. Upon arrival, your guide will lead a 3-hour tour showcasing the highlights of this ancient town. The exploration will cover the main attractions along a 2-mile trail, unveils awe-inspiring terraces and stone structures. Gain profound insights into the historical significance and architectural marvels. The tour offers stunning panoramas of the Andes Mountains and the Urubamba River, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Post-midday, return to Aguas Calientes by transfer, with a stop at a local restaurant for a delightful lunch. Restrooms are available at the site's entrance for an additional fee.

After your Machu Picchu tour, a short transfer returns you to Aguas Calientes, where a local restaurant awaits for lunch. The main dish is included, and beverages can be purchased at your own expense. Once done, a short 5-minute transfer will bring you to the train station.

After lunch, a short 5-minute transfer will bring you to the train station. Relax on a scenic 1.5-hour journey back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the train station, a vehicle will be ready for a 2-hour transfer to take you to your hotel at Cusco.

Later in the afternoon, a quick 10-minute walk will take you to a local restaurant for your final dinner with fellow travelers. Enjoy a delightful 3-course set menu featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine. Please note that a bottle of water is included, and additional beverages can be purchased at the venue. Keep in mind that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

Overnight in Cusco.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.