Walking into Machu Picchu
6-DAY/5-NIGHT ADVENTURE IN PERU
Walking
Nestled deep within the Peruvian Andes is the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a true South American gem. Prepare to see the sights in Cusco, walk into the famed Incan ruins at Machu Picchu and bask in the wonder of the Sacred Valley. Choose to extend your adventure and set sail on Lake Titicaca to the man-made reed islands of Uros and Taquile.
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Only 1% of visitors to Machu Picchu enter the Citadel via the Sun Gate (Intipunku) by way of the Inca Trail. Fewer still have the opportunity to do so with a professional local resident guide who can share history, ancient and current culture, and geology in an interpretive experience. Thousands of years before being named as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu was a royal estate fit for a great Incan ruler. Marvel at the unique and splendid coupling of architectural achievement and natural majesty.
Connection
Peru is home to Javier and Jessica. They are professional colleagues and long-time friends of Walking Connection owners, Gene and Jo Ann Taylor. For you, they are your personal lead guide(s) during your adventure with us. For the past 8 years they have been leading our adventures in Peru for a reason. Because they are good at what they do and they're a pleasure to be with.
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Come Walk With Us to Machu Picchu!
Itinerary
Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
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
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