Machu Picchu Explorer

Machu Picchu Explorer Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Cusco, Peru. Located high in the Andes at an elevation of 11,200’, this beautiful red-tile-roofed city was founded in the 12^thcentury by Manco Capac, the original Inca considered to be a child of the sun god himself. For almost 400 years, Cusco served as the flourishing capital of the Inca Empire and still retains its centuries-old appeal with numerous sections of original Inca stonework still visible in the streets and buildings. Upon arrival in Cusco, we’re greeted by our local guide and transferred to our centrally-located hotel where a brief orientation meeting will be held. After a light lunch, we depart on a walking tour of the city’s most intriguing sites including the bustling Plaza de Armas, the Santo Domingo Church (built atop the great Inca temple Koricancha), and the imposing hilltop ruins of the monolithic Sacsayhuaman fortress. Considered by many to be one of the greatest examples of stonemasonry in human history, the 60-ton limestone boulders used in the construction of the fortress walls fit together so perfectly without mortar that even a blade of grass can’t be inserted between them. Overnight in Cusco tonight. Lunch and dinner included.
  
  Walking: 2 miles.

• Day 2

  We set out this morning for the Urubamba Valley and famous market village of Pisac (approximately one hour’s drive from Cusco) where authentic shopping and photographic opportunities abound.  This region is well-known for high quality local crafts including handknit wools, ceramics, leather goods and jewelry - all available in Pisac as we time our visit to coincide with one of the liveliest market days in South America.  This afternoon, we hit the trail for an uphill hike to the nearby Pisac ruins.  One of the most important and well-preserved ruins in the Sacred Valley, our guide helps us identify the various structures at the site including the fascinating Temple of the Sun, used by the Incas as an astronomical observatory.  We climb to the top of the ruins to take in the spectacular views of the terraced countryside before heading back down the trail to Pisac town.  We spend the next two nights at the lovely Posada del Inca Hotel, a converted 18^th-century monastery located in the village of Yucay. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3 miles.

• Day 3

  This morning we visit Chincheros, a high Andean town that once served as a country estate for Tupa Inca, one of the early Incan rulers. Known for its commanding view of the surrounding snowcapped mountains and traditional centuries-old houses, Chincheros’ inhabitants continue to honor their Inca ancestors by passing their weaving skills from generation to generation and dressing in traditional Quechua clothing. Following our stop in Chincheros, we drive to the nearby village of Maras where we begin a two-hour downhill hike to the multi-tiered Pichincoto mines, local salt mines used by the Inca as a mineral source and still visited by local residents today. This afternoon, we travel through the Sacred Valley, past Incan terraces and fields of corn, wheat, barley and quinoa, ultimately arriving in the small town of Ollantaytambo, whose street plan still maintains its original Incan layout. After Cusco was overtaken by the conquistadors, Manco Inca and his army of approximately 30,000 retreated to Ollantaytambo and were victorious here against the forces of Spanish commander Hernando Pizzaro in the Battle of Ollantayambo.  After a guided walking tour of the town, we return to Yucay for dinner. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 5 miles.

• Day 4

  We return to Ollantaytambo this morning by private van (approx. 25 minutes) and connect with the scheduled daily train to Machu Picchu. We arrive at the village of Aguas Calientes at the base of the Lost City in mid-morning and take a shuttle up to this spectacularly perched archeological treasure. Our knowledgeable guide leads us through the center of the site, recapping Machu Picchu's rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and explaining the current theories regarding the purpose and significance of the city. Later this afternoon, we’ll have additional time to explore the ruins on our own before returning to Aguas Calientes and the always welcoming Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 2-3 miles.

• Day 5

  Perhaps the best time of day to appreciate the full majesty of this remarkable site is during the early hours, taking advantage of the soft morning light for dramatic photography or just some quiet meditation.  Our goal is to ride one of the first shuttles of the day up to the complex before the first tourist train from Cusco arrives.  As the sun continues to climb, we can choose from a variety of different active explorations including a challenging hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak the soars above Machu Picchu itself or a hike up to Intipunku (Gateway of the Sun), the location on the Inca Trail where trekkers gain their first glimpse of the magnificent ruins spread out below their feet. After lunch, we head back to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Ollantaytambo, connecting there with our private van to Cusco, arriving in early evening. Dinner is on our own allowing us to choose from the variety of local restaurants serving Peruvian and international cuisine. Overnight in Cusco again tonight. Breakfast and lunch included.
  
  Hiking: 3-4 miles.

• Day 6

  After breakfast, we transfer to the Cusco airport for our return flight to Lima (not included) or perhaps extend our Peruvian adventure with an Amazon Lodge Extension. Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including unexpected weather and terrain conditions.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

Hotel accommodations with private bath; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; bilingual guides; all ground transportation within Peru as noted; airport transfers in Cusco; all sightseeing excursions as noted (including daily admission to Machu Picchu).

Air transportation to/from Lima/Cusco; 1 dinner; guide gratuities; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; airport taxes and items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry fees, immunizations or insurance of any kind.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Participants should enjoy hiking/walking and arrive in good physical condition. Daily hikes/walks will be on-trail and may include some short, steep ascents and descents and climbing numerous flights of stairs at various ruins complexes. Please keep in mind that we spend all of our time at moderately high altitude (7,800’ -12,300’) where most trip members will feel the effects of the thinner air. We highly recommend a conditioning regimen consisting of activities such as hiking, jogging, stair-climbing or cycling beginning several months prior to departure to get in shape for the adventure. The better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy all this trip has to offer!

Average daytime temperatures in and around Cusco generally range from 55° - 75° F with Andean evenings cooling down into the 40s and 50s.  Much of the itinerary takes place in the mountains where weather can change very quickly.  During the months of May-October, days are typically clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds occasionally building and leading to small amounts of precipitation.  While rainfall is more common during the months of December-April, all-day rain is unlikely.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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