Walking into Machu Picchu

Day 1

From Cusco to the Sacred Valley

Arrive early in Cusco where you will be met by your guide.  The history, culture and current life in Peru is all laid out before you as you ride in air-conditioned comfort across the countryside.  En route, we will stop to visit Ollyantatambo for a short hike to the Sun Temple, a spectacular introduction to the Peruvian ruins you will experience on your adventure.

Lunch will be at the Tanupa Restaurant along the Urubamba River.  Feast like royalty at the buffet while taking in the fresh air of the Andes Mountains. 

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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Sacred Valley Boutique Hotel

Day 2

Explore the Sacred Valley

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending a day acclimating to the elevation in the Sacred Valley.  Choose between numerous available activities including private hikes, ATV and horseback riding, zip lines, and white water rafting offered by independent adventure operators.  Or opt for a more relaxing day of cultural tours, art tours, private village visits or spa services.

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Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sacred Valley Boutique Hotel

Day 3

Travel to Machu Picchu

Rise and shine for an early departure to The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.  The Peru Rail Vistadome Train features panoramic windows for a morning of magnificent views.  You will be deposited at the KM104 trailhead for a full-day adventure on the Inca Trail.  This incredible 13 kilometer hike will end in the late afternoon, as you walk through the Sun Gate and enter the Machu Picchu Ruins. 

You will spend the night in Aguas Caliente, allowing for a second day of exploring the ruins.  

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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Aguas Caliente Boutique Hotel

Day 4

Return to Machu Picchu

Return to Machu Picchu from Aguas Caliente by bus.  Spend the morning on a guided walk through the ancient city with our expert Peruvian guide.  Return to Aguas Caliente in time for lunch before boarding the Vistadome Train for a scenic ride back to Cusco. 

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Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Cusco Boutique Hotel

Day 5

Explore Cusco

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby to continue your journey with a fantastic Cusco city walk.  The world famous Plaza de Armas is the historic center of the city and your first stop on a half-day walking adventure.  The Inka, a fountain in the main square, is a lively urban park surrounded by some of the city's finest colonial architecture. 

Cusco is home to several churches, including the small Iglesia del Triunfo, the city's Cathedral, completed in 1664, and the beautiful Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, built by the Jesuits in 1576.  Stroll a local market and the ruins at Sacsayhuaman. 

Enjoy an unscheduled independent afternoon in Cusco after the tour.  

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Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Cusco Boutique Hotel

Day 6

Depart

Your Walking Connection guide will meet you at the hotel and escort you to the Cusco airport.  From here you will depart to Lima for your international flights.  

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Meals Included: Breakfast

Optional Extension

Lake Titicaca

Choose between several transportation options to venture to the Puno area and Lake Titicaca:

1. Fly directly to Puno and be met by a Walking Connection guide.

2. Travel by private vehicle with sights along the way.

3. Ride the Belmond Andean Explorer train, spend the night on board and participate in provided touring activities.

4. A full day train ride through the countryside.

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Meals Included: Dependent on mode of travel

Accommodation: Puno Hotel

Day 2 of Optional Extension

Uros and Tequile Islands

After breakfast, sail from the harbor to Uros, the man-made reed islands, for a short visit to the people who built and have inhabited them for centuries.  Discover their culture, visit their homes and share experiences of your lives with each other.

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From there you will cross to the Taquile Islands located on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca.  Make sure you have your walking shoes or boots for a relaxed paced climb up the side of the island to an absolutely stunning view of the lake, surrounding mountains and across to Bolivia.  After a delicious lunch continue your hike across the island and down a steep staircase to a small harbor to catch your ride back to the hotel.

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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Puno Hotel

Day 3 of Optional Extension

Depart

Your Walking Connection guide will meet you at the hotel and escort you to the Juliaca airport.  From here you will depart to Lima for your international flights.  

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Meals Included: Breakfast