Megalithic Journey in Peru with Wandering Wolf & Nikkiana Jones

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place at the hotel 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.

Kick off our group tour with the "First Night Unveiling" – a casual get-to-know-you event after dinner. Connect with fellow travelers, share stories, and start building the bonds that will make our journey together extraordinary. Let's set the stage for unforgettable experiences!

Overnight in Pisac.

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

After enjoying breakfast, check out of the hotel and take a seat on the private bus for a brief 5-minute transfer to Pisac Market. The 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 before continuing to Ollantaytambo for lunch. 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.

After departing from the Amarú community, a 1.5-hour journey will take us to Urubamba town, where a delightful lunch awaits at a local restaurant. Served buffet-style, you'll have a choice of various traditional Peruvian dishes. Please note that beverages are not included and can be purchased at the restaurant. Following lunch, we'll continue our journey with a 30-minute transfer to the Ollantaytambo hotel.

Gather for a pre-Machu Picchu dinner where we'll explore what to look out for, ensure everyone gets the coveted Machu Picchu passport stamp, share expectations, and express our excitement. Let's indulge in a hearty dinner, setting the stage for a well-deserved night's rest!

Overnight in Ollantaytambo.

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

Following an early breakfast, a brief 5-minute transfer 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 transfer will bring 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 transfer from the hotel to the Machu Picchu site. Upon arrival, your guide will lead a 3-hour tour showcasing the highlights of this ancient town. Exploring Circuit Two, covering 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, including the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana Stone. 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 free time to lunch at your leisure. Restrooms are available at the site's entrance for an additional fee. Drinking water is available in the vehicle; ensure you carry a refillable bottle to stay hydrated throughout the journey.

Embark on an enchanting journey through the charming town of Aguas Calientes. Join me in exploring markets (keep an eye out for the Peruvian Inca Orchid hairless dogs!), indulging in fresh juice delights, sampling local cuisine, and discovering unique shops. Our adventure culminates at Plaza Manco Capac, where we'll soak in the vibrant local atmosphere together!

Calling all adventurous foodies! Join us for a unique dinner meet-up featuring the local delicacy, cuy (guinea pig). Embark on a culinary journey as we savor this traditional dish together, creating memories and stories to last a lifetime. Are you up for the challenge?

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. El Mapi Hotel breakfast includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, and fresh fruit. 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, 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. 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: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft

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, a vehicle will be ready for a quick 5-minute transfer to take you to your hotel.

Join us for an evening of reflection as we gather for dinner. Share your favorite Machu Picchu moments, delve into thoughts on its construction, and reveal if you've secured the iconic Machu Picchu passport stamp. Unwind in the perfect setting to exchange experiences from this extraordinary adventure!

Overnight in Ollantaytambo.

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

After visiting Ollantaytambo ruins, a vehicle transfer will take you on a scenic 1.5-hour journey to Moray Terraces. En route, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the valley from the comfort of your vehicle. 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 1.5 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.

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 for about 45 minutes to explore these terraces, 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.

Stroll along the megalithic street block featuring the iconic 12-angled stone, then enjoy a relaxing dinner in the heart of the historic district at Plaza de Armas, surrounded by its captivating beauty. Cusco's cityscape is a blend of megalithic, historic, and modern sites, seamlessly coexisting. After a fulfilling day, a brief walk leads us to a delightful dinner spot at the picturesque Plaza de Armas in the center of the Historic District.

Overnight in Cusco.

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

After breakfast, you'll visit the huge “Inca Ceremonial Center of Sacsayhuaman”. This enormous structure overlooks the city of Cusco. Its constructions are amazing, with huge rocks perfectly fitted. It is said that it took over 10,000 workers 50 years to build it. The origin of the temple of Sacsayhuaman is still today unknown. The archaeologist attributed its construction to the Period of the Inca Pachacutec. Later, you continue visiting another important Inca site known as “Qenqo”. This is a place with subterranean passages and carved stone channels in a zigzag pattern. In its inner part there is a carved stone table where it is said the Incas mummified their dead. Afterwards you will do a short visit to the archaeological Inca sites of “Tambomachay” a temple dedicated to the God of Water and “PucaPucará”. After these visits, you will return to Cusco.

Time to unwind! The trip is nearly over, but not quite, and we can enjoy a leisurely morning the next day and relax, explore Qorikancha and museums or for the more hardcore you can do the optional gorgeous Rainbow Mountain hike – your choice! It's been a wild week, filled with incredible sites. Let's celebrate the journey together!

Overnight in Cusco.

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

This memorable hike in the Peru Andes commences with an early pick-up before sunrise, embarking on a scenic 3-hour transfer through various communities, offering picturesque farmlands, Andean landscapes featuring Alpaca farms, and breathtaking views of the red river. Midway, a planned stop in Cusipata Town provides restroom facilities and shopping opportunities. Continuing, we head directly to Palcoyo, situated at 16,000ft. Once on the trail, a 50-minute hike leads to a viewpoint revealing three rainbow mountains, a panoramic vista of the Red Valley, and the majestic Ausangate snow mountain. A further 20-minute walk takes you to the 'Stone Forest,' a captivating rocky attraction. Spend two hours exploring these stunning viewpoints and attractions. On the return journey to Cusco, stop by Combapata Community to witness the colonial Rumichaca bridge dating back to 1604. Finally, conclude the tour at Checacupe village, admiring three bridges from different periods (Inca, Colonial, and Republic times). A lunch stop in Cusipata town precedes the return to Cusco, arriving late afternoon at your hotel. Hikes at high altitudes like this can pose challenges. We highly recommend consulting a doctor before the trip to discuss altitude sickness prevention and possibly obtain prescribed medication. Distance: 2 miles | Duration: 2.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Cusco Elevation: 11,150ft | Palcoyo Elevation: 16,070ft

For those skipping Rainbow Mountain (though it's an incredible experience!), join Mike for an informal group tour exploring museums and local megaliths in historic Cusco. Visit the vital ruins of Qurikancha, delve into the Inca Empire's history, and explore several museums. Interested participants can extend the journey to the Sapantiana Aqueduct, concluding the day with a group dinner to reflect on and celebrate our week of exploration together!

Bid farewell in style with a Chifa dining experience for our last dinner together. Indulge in the fusion of Chinese and Peruvian flavors, savoring every bite as we celebrate the memories we've created during our journey. Join us for a culinary farewell that will leave a lasting taste of our time together.

Overnight in Cusco.

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

Join us for a heartwarming farewell as we share a group hug, expressing gratitude after creating lasting memories with all our new friends. It's a touching moment to cherish the connections forged during our incredible journey together.