Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley + Humantay 05 days

Upon arriving at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in the city of Cusco, our team will be waiting to give you a warm welcome and transfer you to the hotel of your choice.

Since Cusco is located more than 3,300 meters above sea level, it is important to take the first day easy to acclimate to the altitude. You will have free time to rest at the hotel, try a coca tea (a traditional drink that helps with altitude), or go out to explore the city at your own pace.

For those who want to start discovering Cusco we recommend taking a few simple walks through the emblematic places of the historical center of the city, this on your own, visiting the Plaza de Armas and San Pedro market.

After a delicious breakfast, we will begin our exciting excursion through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region full of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Throughout the day, we will visit some of the most impressive sites in this magical valley.

Chinchero: Culture and Tradition

Our first stop will be in Chinchero, a charming Andean village famous for its textiles and artisan markets. Here, a group of local women will give us a demonstration of traditional textile art, showing how wool from sheep and alpacas is obtained, how fabrics are spun, and how natural herbs are used to create vibrant dyes. We will also explore the Incan archaeological sites of Chinchero and its colonial church, built on ancient Incan structures.

Moray: The Inca Agricultural Laboratory

Next, we will head to Moray, an impressive archaeological complex that the Incas used as an agricultural laboratory. Here, we will see enormous circular terraces that were used to experiment with different microclimates to improve crop production in the Inca empire.

Salineras de Maras: A Salt Pond Spectacle

Our next stop will be the Salineras de Maras, an amazing collection of over 3,000 salt ponds that have been exploited since pre-Incan times. Here, we will learn about the process of salt extraction and have the opportunity to take photos of this unique landscape, where the sunlight creates a brilliant effect over the salt pools.

Lunch in Urubamba

Midway through the tour, we will take a break in Urubamba, where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with a variety of typical Andean dishes.

Ollantaytambo: The Living Inca City

In the afternoon, we will explore Ollantaytambo, known as the “Living Inca City,” as its inhabitants still maintain many ancestral traditions. Here, we will visit its impressive ceremonial fortress, with enormous terraces and stone structures that showcase the grandeur of Inca architecture.

Travel to Aguas Calientes

At the end of our tour, in the evening, we will take the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the small town at the foot of Machu Picchu. During the train ride, we will admire the spectacular landscapes of the Andes and the beginning of the Amazon rainforest.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, we will transfer to the selected hotel to rest and prepare for the grand experience of the following day: Machu Picchu.

Our day begins very early, with an energizing breakfast at the hotel before setting out on our great adventure to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Bus Ride to Machu Picchu

From Aguas Calientes, we will head to the bus station and board a vehicle for a scenic 30-minute ride along a winding road to the entrance of the archaeological wonder. Along the way, we’ll enjoy the lush vegetation of the high jungle and the towering mountains that surround the site.

Entrance to Machu Picchu

Upon arrival at the entrance to Machu Picchu, we’ll go through the access checkpoints, where it is mandatory to present your original passport or official ID to validate your entry. At this point, those who have pre-booked the Huayna Picchu mountain hike may begin this additional excursion (extra cost of $65 USD per person). Since access to Huayna Picchu is highly sought after, it is recommended to book several months in advance to ensure availability.

Important:

• The entrance time to Machu Picchu and the assigned circuit will be scheduled at the time of booking. The sooner you confirm, the better the availability of time slots and routes.
• To learn more about the different time slots and circuits in Machu Picchu, you can click the following link: Machu Picchu Timetables and Circuits.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Once inside, we will begin our guided tour of approximately 2 hours, during which we’ll uncover the best-kept secrets of this majestic Inca citadel. Alongside our expert guide, we will explore the temples, terraces, and sacred plazas that have amazed the world for centuries.

During the tour, we’ll learn about the historical and spiritual significance of Machu Picchu for the Incas and discover why its architecture continues to astonish engineers, architects, and archaeologists to this day. We will also visit iconic sites such as:

• The Temple of the Sun, where the Incas held ceremonies in honor of the god Inti.
• The Intihuatana, a mysterious carved stone that served as an astronomical observatory.
• The Temple of the Condor, a structure that represents this majestic Andean bird, a symbol of freedom and spiritual connection.
• The agricultural terraces, designed with advanced techniques for high-altitude farming.

Free Time and Photos

At the end of the guided visit, you’ll have free time to take stunning photos or simply sit and take in the beauty and mystery of this sacred place.

Return to Cusco

After our experience at Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll have the option to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before boarding the panoramic train back to Cusco.

Once we arrive in Cusco, our team will be waiting to transfer us to the hotel, where we can rest after a day full of history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.

Our fourth day of travel will take us to discover one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Peru: Humantay Lake, a turquoise mirror of water surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains. This is an ideal destination for lovers of adventure and photography.

Departure from Cusco

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel (7:30 a.m.), we’ll set off in our private transportation towards Soraypampa, the starting point of our hike. Along the way, we’ll pass through the scenic Peruvian Andes, crossing green valleys, crystal-clear rivers, and small traditional villages.

Hike to Humantay Lake

Upon arrival at Soraypampa (12,795 ft / 3,900 m.a.s.l.), our guide will give us a brief safety talk and some tips for the hike. The ascent to the lake takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the group’s pace.

The trail has a constant uphill grade, so we’ll proceed at a steady pace, taking in the scenery and pausing occasionally to stay hydrated. Along the way, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-covered Salkantay and Humantay mountains, part of the mighty Andes range.

Exploring Humantay Lake

At the summit, we’ll be greeted by an absolutely spectacular view: Humantay Lake, with its vibrant turquoise waters, framed by towering snowy peaks. We’ll have plenty of time to take photos and listen to our guide’s explanation of the lake’s ecological and spiritual importance to the Incas.

The Incas considered Humantay Lake a sacred site, believing its waters came directly from Apu Salkantay, one of the Andean protector deities.

Descent and Lunch in Mollepata

After soaking in the beauty of the lake, we’ll begin our descent back to Soraypampa. On the way down, we’ll stop in the village of Mollepata to enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. There, we’ll savor typical Andean dishes made with fresh regional ingredients.

Return to Cusco

After lunch, we’ll board our private transportation and begin the return journey to Cusco. We’ll arrive at our hotel in the afternoon, with time to relax or explore the city at your leisure.

This will be an unforgettable day of adventure, blending nature, culture, and physical challenge in a setting of incomparable beauty.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

To ensure the safety and comfort of all travelers, our guides will carry supplemental oxygen tanks during the hike. Humantay Lake sits at 13,780 feet / 4,200 meters above sea level, and although your body will have already started acclimating after visiting the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, it’s best to have extra oxygen available just in case.

On our last day in Cusco, we will enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel, making the most of our final moments in this city full of history and culture.

Transfer to the Airport

Depending on your flight schedule, our team will coordinate the transfer to Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Our private transportation will be ready to take you with the punctuality and comfort you need for your return journey.

If your flight is in the afternoon, you can take advantage of the morning to do some optional activities, such as a short walk through the Historic Center of Cusco, visiting a museum, shopping for souvenirs at the San Pedro Market, or simply enjoying a coffee with views of the Main Square (Plaza de Armas).

Flexible Itinerary and Final Tips

This itinerary has been designed to offer a balanced experience between adventure, culture, and relaxation. However, we understand that every traveler has different needs, so we’re always open to making adjustments according to your preferences and available time.