Cusco & Machu Picchu Active Cultural Tour

Touch down in Cusco and transfer to your charming boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Take the afternoon to rest and acclimatise to the high altitude (11,150 ft), perhaps with a revitalising cup of coca or muña tea. Watch the city glow in the golden light of sunset from your terrace or a scenic viewpoint. In the evening, you’ll be gathered for a welcome dinner at one of Cusco’s finest restaurants, where you can sample reimagined Peruvian classics made with fresh local ingredients.

Ease into the altitude with a gentle 3–4 hour walking tour through Cusco’s historic centre. Stroll past colourful market stalls and winding cobblestone streets, ending at the remarkable Qoricancha, once the Incan empire’s most sacred temple. The afternoon is yours to explore with your boleto turístico—visit local museums, browse artisan shops, or relax in one of the city’s vibrant cafés. For dinner, choose from an array of restaurants offering everything from traditional Andean fare to international cuisine.

Note: Hikers should prepare for an early start tomorrow; non-hikers, pack your day bags for the Sacred Valley.

Hikers: Rise early to meet your bilingual guide and transfer to the trailhead at Wayllabamba, arriving by mid-morning. Today’s hike offers a moderate start with breathtaking views of La Verónica and the Patallacta ruins. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Tarayoc before reaching Huayllabamba, where you’ll camp and share a well-earned dinner under the stars.

Trekking: 11 km / ~6.8 miles | 5–6 hrs
Max Elevation: 3000m (8984 ft)

Non-Hikers: Spend the day in the Sacred Valley exploring Pisaq’s lively market and stunning ruins. Discover centuries-old terraces and sacred temples before returning to Cusco in the evening. Enjoy dinner at leisure and prepare for tomorrow’s Sacred Valley adventures.

Hikers: Prepare for the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. You’ll ascend steeply through high-altitude terrain, reaching the famed Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215m (13,779 ft), the trail’s highest point. The landscape transitions from high desert to cloud forest. After taking in sweeping views of the Vilcabamba range, descend into the Pacasmayo valley to camp for the night.

Trekking: 12 km / ~7.4 miles | 6–7 hrs
Max Elevation: 4215m (13,779 ft)

Non-Hikers: Travel deeper into the Sacred Valley. Explore Moray’s striking agricultural terraces, then continue to the salt pans of Maras, thousands of shallow pools glistening on the hillside. In the afternoon, enjoy a light walk to the Temple of the Sun or wander through town before dining at your leisure.

Hiking: The third and final full hiking day offers a more moderate challenge, as you traverse the “Incan Flats”, a series of rolling landscapes. You’ll pass Inca ruins like Runquracya, explore Sayacmarca, and enter a tunnel at Phuyupatamarca. The scenery is rich, with diverse flora and fauna, and though the day is long, it’s less demanding than the previous one. Camp at Wiñayhuayna, your last stop before Machu Picchu.

Trekking: 16 km / ~9.9 miles | 9 hrs
Max Elevation: 3550m (13,123 ft)

Non-Hikers: Visit the small community of Patacancha, where you’ll learn about alpaca breeding, wool dyeing, and traditional weaving techniques. Enjoy a delicious local lunch before heading to Ollantaytambo to explore its lively market and enjoy some of the best food in the Sacred Valley.

Hiking: Today is a momentous day. You’ll rise at 3:30 a.m. for an early breakfast before heading to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, to catch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. The view from here often brings people to tears, as it marks the culmination of your journey. After soaking in the breathtaking view, descend for a guided tour of the site. You’ll meet up with the non-hiking group and take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for a celebratory lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo for the night.

Non-Hiking: Rise early for a train ride to Aguas Calientes, where a bus will take you up to Machu Picchu. After a 4-hour guided tour of the ruins, you'll reunite for lunch in Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll spend the night.

Enjoy a slow morning before visiting our community partner, a local school that emphasises sustainability and social responsibility through its programs. You will learn about its Quechua curriculum and the efforts the school is making to preserve this ancestral language by teaching it to younger generations and integrating Andean culture into its standard subjects. You’ll also enjoy a leisurely farm tour and a pachamanca lunch at its organic farm project. We’ll learn about local cooking traditions and enjoy numerous foods from the area, including camote (local sweet potatoes), grilled meats, and chicha morada (a purple corn drink). In the afternoon, you’ll make the drive back to Cusco, arriving by early evening to check back into your accommodation and enjoy a restful night.

Enjoy your last full day in Cusco! The day is yours to relax, shop, or explore more of the city. Consider a walk or taxi ride up to Sacsayhuamán, just outside of town, or make use of your boleto turístico to visit museums and archaeological sites. In the evening, you'll be gathered for a final group dinner and farewell.

Depart from Cusco today, with a transfer to the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) based on your flight time.