Peru with Haley Faulkner

Let's raise a glass and cheers to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place at a local restaurant. The evening promises a delightful 3-course set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic Peruvian flavors. Please note that a cold tea or infusion is included, and additional beverages should be purchased at the venue.

Overnight in Cusco.

Breakfast is included and is typically served buffet-style. Hotel breakfast typically includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, and fresh fruit. The exact style of breakfast and offerings 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: Moderate

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, with vivid examples of the mixture of Inca and Spanish cultures. On the way you will see the Stone of Twelve Angles at the Inca Roca Palace, on Hatun Rumilloc Street. You'll visit the Qoricancha temple, considered the most sacred Inca building. According to archaeologists it housed over 1,000 priests and attendants. It was built over an Inca palace dedicated to the worship of the Sun.Then, you will visit the heart of the city, “the Plaza de Armas”, surrounded by colonial arcades and four churches. Here, you will find the beautiful “Cathedral” of Cusco. This enormous Cathedral was built in the XVI. Afterwards, head back to your hotel for overnight. 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.

Breakfast is included and is typically served buffet-style. Hotel breakfast typically includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, and fresh fruit. The exact style of breakfast and offerings will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Pisac Market.

Pisac market itself is a vibrant tapestry of colors, scents, and sounds, boasting a diverse array of handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, pottery, and traditional Peruvian goods. Stroll through the lively stalls, engaging with local artisans who often craft their wares right before your eyes. This tour offers more than a shopping experience; it's a cultural immersion. Follow your guide to explore the tantalizing aromas emanating from food stalls and indulge in sampling freshly prepared Peruvian dishes like empanadas, corn delicacies, and other Andean specialties. After we finish at the market, we'll head straight to the Pisac Ruins. Please note that access to your luggage won't be available during the day, so it's recommended to carry a day pack with your essentials. Additionally, bathrooms are available at the market for an additional fee.

After your exploration of the Pisac market, a brief 20-minute transfer will take you to the mesmerizing Pisac Ruins. Perched high on a mountainside, these ruins showcase the architectural brilliance of the Incas, featuring magnificent terraces carved into the steep slopes. These terraces, once used for agriculture, offer breathtaking views and highlight the ingenious techniques of this ancient civilization. Accompanied by your guide, traverse through remnants of temples, residential areas, and ceremonial spaces, admiring the precision of Incan stonework. Alongside the historical marvels, the vistas from the Pisac Ruins provide panoramic views of the Sacred Valley below. Please note that the tour covers approximately 0.5 miles by foot on mostly flat terrain with some stairs. Drinkable water will be available on the bus for refills, ensuring you stay hydrated. Following the ruins visit, the journey continues with a transfer to the Amaru community.

Our Sacred Valley exploration moves forward with a brief 20-minute transfer from the Pisac Ruins to the Amarú Community. Upon arrival, the community's women warmly welcome you, showcasing the intricate art of weaving. They'll share ancient techniques of weaving, dyeing, and handling South American camelid fibers such as alpaca and llama. Through these crafts, the women play a pivotal role in supporting their families, ensuring sustenance, shelter, healthcare, and education for their children. This immersive visit lasts approximately an hour and then you will enjoy a traditional lunch in the community. Seize the chance to acquire unique textile items like traditional ponchos; however, please note that only cash payments are accepted. As the routes wind through mountainous terrain, if you're prone to dizziness, having necessary medication is advisable.

During your visit to the Amaru Community, a full regional lunch is included. Please be aware that it consists of a one-dish set menu, hearty and flavorful. The dish served may vary depending on the cook of the day and seasonal ingredients.

Take a private transfer to Ollantaytambo.

After arriving in Ollantaytambo and settling in at your hotel, you'll join your guide for a scenic walking tour through the cobblestone streets of this quaint town. Ollantaytambo is quite small, so in just one hour of walking, you'll cover the main streets and key attractions such as the main square, the cathedral, and the local market. This tour serves as an introduction to the town, and your guide will also provide recommendations for dinner tonight and other important information such as ATM locations. You'll then walk back to your hotel, covering approximately 0.5 to 1 mile during the tour. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo.

Breakfast is included and is typically served buffet-style. Hotel breakfast typically includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, and fresh fruit. The exact style of breakfast and offerings will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Following an early breakfast, a brief 5-minute walk will take you to the train station. Enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, offering scenic vistas along the way. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a short 5-minute walk will take you to your hotel for check-in, bag drop-off, and a chance to freshen up. Please remember to leave your main luggage at the Ollantaytambo hotel. The train ticket permits only one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 17 lbs., so pack only your essentials for your one-night stay in Aguas Calientes.

Your expedition to the 'Lost City of the Incas' commences with a 30-minute public bus transfer from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu site. Upon arrival, your guide will lead a 3-hour tour showcasing the highlights of this ancient town. During the exploration you will cover the main attractions along a 2-mile trail, unveiling 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. The permit for this tour will depend on overall availability -- typically, it will either be circuit 2-A or 2-B. Post-midday, return to Aguas Calientes by transfer, with free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. Restrooms are available at the site's entrance for an additional fee. Drinking water is available in the vehicle, so please ensure you carry a refillable bottle to stay hydrated throughout the journey.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Breakfast is included and is typically served buffet-style. Hotel breakfast typically includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, and fresh fruit. The exact style of breakfast and offerings 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, the last opportunity for restroom facilities. From there, embark on a 25-minute journey to the trailhead, beginning your hike through the lush Andean cloud forest, teeming with diverse flora and fauna. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, granting unique perspectives of Machu Picchu. The trail comprises steep stone steps and narrow paths, suitable for moderate fitness levels and a steady pace. Upon reaching the summit of Montaña Machu Picchu, take your time to savor the unparalleled views—a bird's-eye perspective of the ancient citadel, the Urubamba River valley, and the stunning Andean landscapes. Descend along the same path and take a transfer back to Aguas Calientes, where your luggage awaits. Enjoy some free time for lunch at your own expense before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. The permit for this tour will be circuit 1-A but is subject to change based on overall availability. Carrying a small backpack with water and snacks is recommended, and trekking poles can be helpful. Distance: 2.5 miles | Duration: 3.5 hours | Difficulty: Difficult | Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft

After finishing lunch, head to the train station to catch your train back to Ollantaytambo. Enjoy a relaxing 1.5-hour journey back. Upon arrival, it's just an easy 5-minute walk to your hotel, leaving the rest of the day free for you to unwind.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo.

Breakfast is included and is typically served buffet-style. Hotel breakfast typically includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, and fresh fruit. The exact style of breakfast and offerings will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, a simple 15-minute walk will lead you to the Ollantaytambo ruins. This historic site holds significance as the place where the Incas successfully defended against the Spanish conquest. Your visit to the Ollantaytambo ruins reveals an essential Inca construction from their peak era. Ollantaytambo served not only as a religious and agricultural center but also stood as a strategic military fortress characterized by its remarkable stonework and towering 13-foot-high structures. Accompanied by your guide for approximately 1.5 hours, delve into the hidden narratives of this Inca marvel. Please be aware that this activity involves walking approximately 0.5 miles with several stairs amidst the mountainous landscape. After concluding the visit, a 1.5-hour transfer will take you to our next attraction, the Moray Agricultural Terraces.

Take a private transfer to Moray.

The visit to Moray unveils a testament to Inca innovation and agricultural mastery. Nestled in the Andes mountains, this archaeological site showcases impressive concentric terraced circles, a testament to the Incas' advanced farming techniques. Each terrace creates distinct microclimates, highlighting the Incas' experimentation with crops and adaptation to varied environments. You'll explore these terraces, marvel at stunning landscapes, and gain insight into the ingenious agricultural practices that sustained the ancient civilization. Plan to spend around 1 hours at the terraces, covering approximately 0.5 miles on foot. Afterward, a 30-minute transfer will take you to the next highlight: the Maras salt ponds.

Continue 15 minutes by vehicle to Maras. Upon arriving at the Maras Salt Ponds, embark on an intimate exploration led by your guide through this unique, centuries-old salt production site. Nestled within the Sacred Valley, these iconic terraced salt pans offer a mesmerizing landscape, featuring thousands of shallow pools adorning the mountainside. Discover the intricate process of salt extraction, dating back to pre-Incan times, observing locals employing traditional methods to harvest salt from the natural springs that nourish these ponds. Approximately 4,500 individual salt ponds line the steep hillside, each belonging to families within the community and passed down through generations. A fascinating aspect of this tradition is the creation of new ponds for newly married couples, highlighting the community's customs. These ponds, roughly 13 square feet each, are crafted with stone and mud mortar walls. Plan to explore these terraces for about 1 hour, covering approximately 0.5 miles on foot. After concluding the visit, you'll board the vehicle for your journey back to Cusco, pausing at Maras Village for lunch at your own expense. After lunch, enjoy a 1.5-hour transfer back to your Cusco hotel, allowing for free time to enjoy a leisurely dinner.

Take a private transfer back to Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Breakfast is included and is typically served buffet-style. Hotel breakfast typically includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, and fresh fruit. The exact style of breakfast and offerings will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After breakfast, join your professional chef for a memorable cooking experience. A short 15-minute walk from the hotel leads you to the vibrant San Pedro Market, renowned in Cusco for its bustling atmosphere. Guided by the chef, wander through the market's colorful stalls, gathering the necessary ingredients for the day's recipes. Spend an engaging 40 minutes amidst the vibrant sights and aromas before a brief transfer to the cooking studio. At the studio, under the expert guidance of the chef, delve into the preparation of traditional Peruvian dishes like Ceviche, mashua cream, rocoto souffle, an exotic fruit salad, and enjoy typical drinks such as the Pisco Sour. Following this hands-on experience, gather around to savor lunch with your fellow travelers, relishing the dishes you've crafted. After lunch, a short transfer will return you to the hotel, leaving the afternoon free for leisurely exploration or relaxation.

It's time to savor your own creations! Lunch will be served at the cooking studio, featuring a starter, main dish, and dessert. The menu includes one drink, and extra beverages can be purchased on-site. After lunch, you'll be picked up and transferred back to your hotel.

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 is included and is typically served buffet-style. Hotel breakfast typically includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, and fresh fruit. The exact style of breakfast and offerings will be determined by your finalized hotel.