MAGICAL CUSCO 10D/9N

At 7:00 a.m., we’ll set out for Chinchero, known for its textiles and Inca and colonial architecture. Next, we’ll visit Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural experimentation center. We’ll continue on to Urubamba for a buffet lunch, and in the afternoon, we’ll explore the Ollantaytambo fortress, renowned for its architecture and strategic importance. Afterward, we’ll return to the town of Ollantaytambo and board the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to have dinner and rest before your day at Machu Picchu.

Early in the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, we’ll board the bus to Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the modern world. We’ll take a guided tour of the citadel and have some free time to take photos. After the tour, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to have lunch before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo. There, our transfer will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

Free day in Cusco to enjoy the city at your own pace. You can explore the main museums on your own and visit the traditional San Pedro Market, which is a great way to experience local life and Cusco’s cuisine. Overnight in Cusco.

We’ll leave the city of Cusco (3,400 meters above sea level) very early in the morning in our private minivan. We’ll travel through the fascinating inter-Andean valleys and Andean communities. We’ll visit the pre-Inca site of Ninamarca, then arrive at the town of Paucartambo (3,025 meters above sea level), known for its Spanish colonial architecture; the folkloric capital of Cusco, where we’ll visit the fascinating museum. Continuing on, we’ll reach the Acjanaco Pass (4,000 meters above sea level). From there, we’ll descend into the cloud forest to enjoy lunch along the way. This area is home to many endemic species, such as the cock of the rock (Peru’s national bird) so we’ll visit an observation deck. We’ll also be able to see orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. Continuing on, we’ll arrive at Bambú Lodge, located at 700 meters above sea level, where we’ll spend the night in double rooms with private bathrooms.

In the morning, after a delicious breakfast, we’ll continue our journey by minivan. Along the way, we’ll visit the Hummingbird Garden, then proceed to the port of Atalaya, where we’ll board a boat for a 30 minute cruise up the Upper Madre de Dios River until we reach Soga de Oro Lodge. During our trip, we’ll take in breathtaking scenery and enjoy the warm climate of the tropical rainforest. In the afternoon, we’ll set out on a 2-hour hike to reach the summit of a hill, where we’ll have an incredible view of the jungle, the Upper Madre de Dios River, and several villages. On the way to the summit, our guide will show us amazing plants and unique insects. If we’re lucky, we might even spot some monkeys. The 2 hour descent will take us back to the lodge.

Very early in the morning, we’ll take a 25 minute boat ride to a parrot clay lick, where we’ll see green parrots, parakeets, and—if we’re lucky—some other birds or small animals as well. After our activity, we’ll visit Lake Machuwasi, where we’ll explore and paddle across its waters in a wooden rowboat; around the lake, you can see various bird species, insects, monkeys, and more. We’ll return to the lodge in the afternoon, where we can choose to rest or take another walk to look for more animals. Optional night hike; overnight stay at the lodge.

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll pack our things to return to Cusco. First, we’ll take a 30 minute boat ride to the port of Atalaya, where we’ll board our minivan to head back to Cusco. On the way back, weather permitting, we can take another hike through the cloud forest for our last chance to see some animals. Our trip will last all day, and we’ll arrive in Cusco around 6 p.m.

Early departure (4:15–4:45 a.m.) from the hotel in Cusco toward Cusipata, where we’ll enjoy a local breakfast. We’ll then continue by private transport to the trailhead. The hike up to the Mountain of Colors takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with free time to enjoy the scenery and take photos. We’ll return via the same trail and head to Cusipata for a semi-buffet lunch. Finally, we’ll return to Cusco.

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport to board your flight to your next destination.