Inca Adventure: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Best Views Ever
7 days, Cusco to Cusco
Itinerary
Day 1Cusco
Arrive at any time, and kick back at the hostel or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. After the welcome meeting you've got plenty of amazing food and drink options nearby the hostel and around the main plaza - who's in?
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco (or similar)
Day 2Cusco
Bust out the walking shoes as today we’re going to hit the pavement! Set out on foot with your CEO to the San Pedro market before heading up into the narrow cobblestone backstreets to check out the Sapantiana aqueduct and stairway waterfall, a hidden gem of the city. Continue to San Blas for killer views and scarf down a delicious local lunch at one of the restaurants near the small plaza. Take the rest of the day to continue exploring or grab a drink near the main plaza and watch the world go by.
Backstreets walk of Cusco: San Pedro, Sapantiana and San Blas with Lunch
Head out on foot with your CEO today to the backstreets of Cusco along the cobblestone alleyways and plazas. Take in the sights and smells of the sprawling San Pedro market and try out a glass of fresh fruit juice from one of the stalls. Head up through the oldest part of the city to the huaca and aqueduct of Sapantiana with a cascading waterfall tumbling over the stone steps. Carry on to the San Blas neighborhood for awesome views over the city and to eat a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Cusco/Ollantaytambo
You may have seen the typical day tours to the Sacred Valley, well today is definitely not one of them! Head out in a private ride and make the first stop at the lesser-visited (but awesome) Inca ruins of Killarumiyoq, a sanctuary dedicated to the moon. After a visit with our expert guide we'll carry on to another site at Iglesia Ñaupa before setting off on foot along a trail through the mountains to the beautiful waterfall of Perolniyoc. Soak in the scenery while eating a tasty boxed lunch before hiking back out to the bus and continuing to the nearby town of Ollantaytambo. Still want more? Check out the Ollantaytambo ruins at sunset, have a drink at a cafe or just hang out with friends at the hostel.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit to Killarumiyoq
Located 50km to the west of Cusco, the ruins of Killarumiyoq may not be as well-visited but they are no less impressive than some of the other Inca sites in the area. Thought to be a ceremonial centre dedicated to the moon and the divinity of womanhood, Killarumiyoq demonstrates how the Incas used the lunar cycles to plan agricultural calendars and to celebrate the fertility of the earth.
Iglesia Ñaupa and Hike to Perolniyoc Waterfall
A hidden gem of the Sacred Valley, Iglesia Ñaupa is a small Inca temple that roughly translates to "old church" in a mixture of Spanish and Quechua. We'll access the site by walking up through a series of ancient terraces with the temple on top, carved out of a natural cave. After exploring the site with our local guide, continue on to embark on a short trek into the mountains to the spectacular Perolniyoc watervall. The hike is about an hour up the mountain trail until reaching the waterfall, where we'll have plenty of time to rest, take pictures and eat a delicious boxed lunch before returning on the same trail out.
Accommodation
Las Orquideas Ollantaytambo (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes
All aboard! Jump on the morning train and sit back for stunning views of the valley along the Urubamba River. For the hikers amongst us who have pre-booked the 1-day Inca Trail option, you'll get off the train early at km 104 to hike to the Sun Gate with a local guide and see Machu Picchu in the afternoon before meeting up with everyone again in the evening. For the rest of us, we'll arrive in town before lunch and will have the rest of the day to explore, shop, see a nearby waterfall or soak in the local hot springs. Don't stay up too late tonight though, tomorrow's the big day!
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Hot Springs Visit
6USD per personSoak your sore muscles in the local hot springs for which the town, Aguas Calientes, was originally named.
Mandor Waterfall Hike
20PEN per personHead out on a nature walk to Mandor Waterfall with your CEO. See how many different types of butterflies you can spot along the way. Enjoy the waterfall set in lush green jungle before returning to Aguas Calientes.
1-Day Inca Trail Hike
Traverse cloud forests while enjoying spectacular views on this '1-day Inca Trail' trek. Start by disembarking the train at km 104. Follow the local guide as the trail rises steeply up into the mountains and winds past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata. Gain insight into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek's culmination at the Sun Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way, and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore a bit of Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following day. After, take one of the blue buses from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel in town. Opt to visit nearby hot springs to soak sore muscles, if time permits.
**Please note this must be pre-booked as it requires an Inca Trail permit, which is on request and subject to availability. Please speak to your GCO or travel agent for more information.
Accommodation
Machu Picchu Inn (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Aguas Calientes/Cusco
Rise and Shine! The early start today might be a bit painful but it's more than worth it, we swear. Before dawn, take a bus from town up the mountain to Machu Picchu for a guided tour with our local expert. Grab some lunch in Aguas Calientes at one of the many restaurants and then head back to Ollantaytambo by train to catch the bus back to Cusco. If you haven't noticed by now, the nightlife is pretty great in Cusco, and if not.. well, now's your chance to see for yourself.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Cusco
Free day in Cusco, yes please! For those that have not gotten enough hiking and feed-worthy moments, you could take on the full-day trek to Rainbow Mountain. Otherwise there are plenty of other things to keep you busy like mountain biking, or exploring the city's museums, markets and shops - or you may just want to relax at the hostel with friends. It's pretty win-win no matter what.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip
Lookout over these colourful Andean mountains striped with maroon, turquoise, lavender, and gold. The sediment, elevation, and proximity to the ocean create a landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Get started early to drive around 3 hours approximately to the starting point of this challenging, yet rewarding full-day hike. Reaching 5,029m (16,500 ft) this 8 km hike is no walk in the park, but these unique mountains do not disappoint. The ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Cusco City Tour
45PEN per personEnjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
130PEN per personThis ticket allows admission at 16 sights of the city of Cusco including many popular museums and cathedrals, the ticket also provides entrance to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, and sights in the South Valley of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Horseback Riding
150PEN per personHop in the saddle and explore Cusco’s archaeological sites by horseback on a 3.5 hr tour – no previous experience needed. Dress for the weather, and bring sunblock and a hat, just in case.
Mountain Biking
Take to two wheels and head out into the hills around Cusco for some nature-meets-adrenaline fun. Try a trip to the Sacred Valley, perhaps, visiting an Inca ruin along the way.
Inka Museum
10PEN per personGet ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.
Accommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Cusco
Depart at any time, or maybe extend your stay in the hostel for a few more days to keep the good times rolling.