Luxury Peru Walk & Cycle Adventure (Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu) 8D7N, Fully Guided

Level 1, Approx. 5km (3 miles), Elevation loss: 335m (1100ft)

Level 2, Approx. 21km (13 miles), Elevation gain: 305m (1000ft) ; Elevation loss: 641m (2100ft)

To begin this trip, meet your tour leaders at 9am in the courtyard of Belmond Palacio Nazarenas. Pleas ensure you arrive dressed in your biking clothes and come along with your luggage and daypack containing any gear for today’s bike ride. It is highly recommended you arrive in Cusco at least one full day before the start of the trip to allow for acclimatization to the elevation as most of your activities will take place between 9000-1100 feet. An arrival later, may impact you full enjoyment to your thrilling activities ahead.

Begin with acclimating to Cusco's elevation (11,200 feet) as we shuttle to the Maras Valley. You’ll be briefed and fitted to your biking gear before your adventurous journey begins. Venture west on quiet altiplano roads offering mesmerizing sights of farming villages, several large pueblos, and fields to spectate. Be captivated as spectacular mountain peaks and glaciers looming in the distance culminates your views along the way. Enjoy lunch at a longtime friend’s home near the town of Maras where you’ll be treated to a delicious farm-to-table lunch. Continue with a walk towards the famed Inca salineras (salt pans) where you’ll marvel at the breathtaking honeycomb of white rimmed tiered pool. Admire how these are fed by underground spring where each salt-encrusted basin has been raked, scraped and harvested for centuries and passed down from generation to generation. Cap off today's journey with a short shuttle to Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba with the option to visit Pablo Seminario's ceramics workshop.

You’ll stay at a hillside boutique hotel set in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas on a 10-acre organic farm. Bask in the serenity rooted in national history and embraced by regal mountain views. Unwind in the lounge lit by wrought-iron chandeliers or cozy with a drink in hand by the flames of its wood burning fireplace. Pamper yourself at the all-organic spa in a foothill between orchard and peppertree forest for ultimate relaxation.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 152m (500ft)
Level 1, Approx. 5km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 183m (600ft)
Level 3, Approx. 6.5km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 458m(1500ft)

Start your day with a swift drive to the exhilarating town of Ollantaytambo on the north end of Sacred valley which is a fountainhead of Inca city planning. Let yourself be guided by the elite locals at the Ollantaytambo ruins to unleash its historical treasures. Right after the orientation, ascend the temple’s 200 stone steps and have a pash on the outlying mountain contours before descending back into town.

Begin your hike meandering alongside the Patacancha River as your constant. Savor the melodious music of river water and immersing views of terraced mountains. Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the serenity. Come afternoon, venture off the beaten path to unique Huilloc, a small Quenchua weaving community. A cultural immersion that will have you tapping into authentic rural Andean life and gain insight into their mountain culture.

Spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding at your quaint boutique hotel. Take a lovely stroll along the lush 10-acre farm, relax with a drink at the bar or indulge in its all organic spa. Tonight, delight your taste buds with the hotel chef’s invitation to an exemplary cooking demonstration. Enjoy watching him prepare local delicacies from pisco sours, to quinoa soup before indulging the fare!

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 16km (10 miles), Elevation Gain: 122m (400ft)
Level 1, Approx. 21km (13 miles), Elevation Gain: 152m (500ft), Elevation Loss: 213m (700ft)
Level 4, Approx. 35km (22 miles), Elevation Gain: 305m (1000ft), Elevation Loss: 488m (1600ft)

Level 1, Approx. 3.3km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 61m (200ft); Elevation loss:153m (500ft)

This day awaits the shutterbugs as it’s filled with plenty of photography opportunities. In the morning, take in the sights of the hilltop ruins of old Pisac, the site of the largest known Inca cemetery. Travel back in time as you wander at the top while grasping the awe-inspiring views of steep terraces. This outstanding location lets you have panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

A brief journey will lead you to the delightsome Hacienda Sarapampa, where you can acquire knowledge about the traditional Cusco Giant White Corn farming techniques followed by the owners for as long as three generations. Grasp some facts about the traditional hacienda life and taste some toothsome food at a farm-to-table lunch.

After lunch, get on your bike to ramble alongside the Sacred Valley. Catch sights of potato, maize, and quinoa fields on your way as you follow the outsized river of Urubamba. Depending on how afar you choose to ride, you’ll arrive by shuttle or on bike back at your hotel.

This evening, relish on another sumptuous dinner at a favorite restaurant featuring fine local delicacies.

Level 4, Approx. 11km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 641m (2100ft); Elevation loss: 335m (1100ft)

Wake up early to board a train that takes you to the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo). Shuttle to the mouth of ruins located high above the river valley. The path ascending to Intipunku, Machu Picchu's original entrance ‘Gate of the Sun’, follows stone-paved Inca trails used by messengers and pilgrims for centuries. As you reach the top, fix your gaze below upon the citadel and soak in the iconic postcard view of Machu Picchu flanked by shadows, light and fog. Home to many sacred temples, step back in time and gain insight into this mystical site filled with many theories of why the great empire created the wonder of Machu Pichu.

It is easy to watch the Inca trail's beauty if you have scheduled your vacation far in advance to acquire a trekking permit. Get a thrill out of the view of the highland trails that lead to the famous Inca Path. In the past, religious ceremonies were held at Huiy Huayna, an ancient terraced complex in the cloud forest that is home to an abundance of orchids.

After soaking in the beauteous nature of the hiking trail, arrive at the gate of the Sun to immerse into the panorama. Give some rest to your feet as the next day will be reserved for further exploration of the extensive complex. Descend from the ruins to the main entrance, to board the shuttle buses awaiting you to take to the town of Aguas Calientes.

A short walk through the vibrant core of Aguas Calientes leads you to your enchanting hotel set on its own 12 acres densely wooded reserve of pristine cloud forest. A tranquil location at the foot of the mountains and beside the Urubamba River. Unwind in your ensuite room completed with marble bathrooms with inside and open-air showers. Whisk away in their onsite library or pamper yourself at the‘Andean eucalyptus sauna and pool. This evening, at your leisure, enjoy dinner at the hotel bursting fusion cuisine including local trout, alpaca meat and local cheeses with views over the railway line.

Spend today’s morning at your discretion. Either continue to rest under the covers for a little longer or regale yourself with a spa treatment, shop for souvenir at the artisan market or simply unwind at the pool. Alternatively, embark on a morning walk around the hotel’s premises with a naturalist. Get clued up about the on-site tea plantations, birds, and local orchids.

Come afternoon, take winding ride up the road on Machu Pichu shuttle bus to indulge on a delicious lunch at Tinkuy restaurant located at the entrance to the citadel. Embark on a guided afternoon walk of

In order to fully capture the magic, marvel at this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Macchu Picchu on a guided afternoon walk. Marvel at the incredible views, admire the intricate architecture and traverse the fascinating ruins as you learn of its history. Gain insights from the local guide on the astrological artwork designed by the sun-worshiping Inca, the splendid stonework of the temples, the Inca drawbridge, and the intriguing tale of how Machu Picchu was discovered.

After relishing the exquisite blend of art amidst a one of the seven wonders of the world, board the scheduled bus to return to Aguas Calientes. Tonight, enjoy another tantalizing dinner at the hotel.

Embark on a morning train journey to encounter the scenic views of Sacred Valley for one last time passing the splendid mount Veronica having an altitude of 18,600 feet. Arrive in Ollantaytambo, and take the bus for the rest of our venture back to Cusco. Our post-lunch adventure begins with a guided walk through the historic city center. Grasp the amazing facts about many prominent sites. Gain the historical and current insights about the captivating neighborhood of San Blas.

Cusco, at one time a center of the pre–Columbian Inca Empire, was later transformed by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Observe the gripping blend of historical and contemporary Cusco as you stroll this historic wonder. Feel the contrast between Inca and colonial architecture. Roaming through the artists' district, give a visit to the 16th-century adobe church of San Blas. The ornate cedar pulpit here is regarded as one of the epitomes of the finest wood carvings in America. As we promenade along the narrow streets surrounded by the centenarian Inca walls, be fascinated by the two significant sites in town - Coricancha, and the main cathedral. Coricancha is a colonial church built on the ruins of the Inca temple. The main cathedral is a grandiose construction including a work of art that blends Spanish and Inca influences.

Be captivated by the bustling central square of Plaza de Armas. Extend your exploration if you wish by doing some shopping, or alternatively head straight to your hotel and indulge in its luxuries with a dip at the pool or enjoy the spa. This evening, visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum boasting of gold crafts, jewelry and unique artifacts that illuminate the lives of ancient Peruvian civilizations. This evening, delight yourself to a dining affair at a favorite restaurant in town.

You’ll stay at a restored 17th century palace and convent. An elegant hotel set around cloistered courtyards. Relax in one of the tranquil terraces, take a dip in Cusco’s only heated outdoor pool or enjoy browsing through the books and artifacts in the library and lounge complete with a snooker table.

Level 1, Approx. 4.82km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 92m (300ft); Elevation loss: 122m (400ft)

Level 2, Approx. 8.04km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 92m (300ft); Elevation loss: 213m (700ft)

Level 3, Approx. 9.65km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 92m (300ft); Elevation loss: 335m (700ft)

Enjoy a delightful breakfast as today is filled with hiking delights. Shuttle a few miles to the ruins of Tambomachay featuring aqueducts, fountains and terraces to start our hike. A gradual climb see’s you traversing Quechua village where the rest of the today’s route is mostly downhill with spectacular views of Cusco Valley. Enjoy a picnic feast before continuing your walk to Sacsayhuamán, an extraordinary fortress of massive stone blocks was used for religious and military purposes and ranks as one of the most impressive sites in all of South America.

End the day returning to Cusco where you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon as you please. Unwind back at the hotel or delve deeper into explorations at Plaza de Armas, a short stroll away. This evening, gather together at the hotel for a final celebratory dinner as you toast to an inspiring adventure.

Enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing over breakfast or embark on a walk to one of the local food markets in town, famous for specialty exotic fruit drinks and an amazing array of local products and produce. Our trip ends this morning at the hotel in Cusco. The trip concludes this morning at Cusco. Preserve the memories of your exciting time in Peru and wave goodbye to the town of Cusco.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.