7 Magical Days, Exploring Machupicchu and its Surrounding

Welcome and Introduction – Temple of the Sun and the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuamán

A representative from Qori Qilka Adventures will be waiting for you at the Cusco airport to take you directly to your hotel. Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), so you will need some time to acclimatize. We recommend spending the morning relaxing at your hotel and perhaps drinking some coca tea.

After lunch, we will pick you up from your hotel to explore the city of Cusco, starting with the Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, which became the base of the Santo Domingo convent after the arrival of the Spanish. During the Inca period, it was dedicated to the worship of Inti.

Next, we will visit Sacsayhuamán, an iconic construction of the Inca Empire, ordered by Pachacuteq in the 15th century, made up of enormous stones up to 9 meters high. We will continue to the archaeological park of Qenqo, a center for worship of Mother Earth, where it is believed ceremonies were held and mummies of important leaders were deposited.

The next stop will be Puca Pucara, known as the “Red Fortress,” likely a military control center, featuring archaeological structures such as aqueducts and fountains. Finally, we will visit Tambomachay, which boasts a beautiful system of channels and fountains, and was a place of water worship.

Chinchero, Rainbow Village – Moray Terraces – Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu (B,L)

After picking you up at your hotel at 8:00 a.m., we will head to Chinchero. First, we will visit the archaeological center with well-preserved Inca altars, followed by a tour at the Textile Center, where local weavers will teach us the ancestral art of Andean textiles.

Then, we will stop at the Maras salt mines, an important production center with over 3,000 salt pools that are filled daily with filtered water from the earth. We will continue to Moray, an agricultural experimentation center with concentric terraces that helped understand the different temperatures for crops.

After lunch in Urubamba, we will arrive at the majestic archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, which features an impressive set of terraces, ceremonial centers, and fountains that whisper stories of ancient civilizations.

Finally, we will take our train to Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu, the Mysterious City of the Incas (B,L)

After a delicious breakfast, we will take a bus to the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu, known as “The Crystal Condor.” After a 25-minute journey, we will present our tickets and passports.

Our guide will take us to the best viewpoints during a tour of approximately 2 hours, highlighting the spiritual significance of the site for the Incas. 

At the end, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private bus will take us to Cusco and our hotel.

If you wish to hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu, remember to book your tickets in advance.

Laguna Huamantay, a Pearl in the Andes (B,L)

We will begin the day by picking up participants from their hotel at 4:00 a.m. for a journey of about 3 hours to Mollepata, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then, we will head to Soraypampa, where we will begin the hike to Laguna Humantay. Our guide will provide instructions, and if desired, you can rent horses.

During the ascent, we will observe the flora and fauna of the area. The hike is challenging, with rocky paths, so it’s advisable to use trekking poles and take your time. Upon reaching Laguna Humantay, at 4,200 meters above sea level, we will enjoy stunning views and take photos. We will also make an offering of coca leaves to Pachamama and the Apus.

After relaxing, we will descend to Soraypampa, where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Mollepata for lunch, and finally return to Cusco, concluding our excursion.

Kayaking and Picnic at Laguna Piuray (B,L)

We will leave the hotel at 8:30 a.m., and in approximately 45 minutes, we will arrive at Laguna Piuray. Upon reaching the shores of Laguna Piuray, we will be welcomed with a station of hot drinks, water, and snacks (fruits and appetizers). 

We will start with a welcome briefing, followed by a stretching session to warm up. Once the stretching session is complete, the necessary equipment will be provided: kayak, paddles, skirts, and life jackets. The guide will conduct a technical and safety briefing.

After the kayaking tour, we will enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by the opportunity to participate in an Andean ceremony known as the Haywaricuy, which is an offering to Pachamama.

The Rainbow Mountain (B,L)

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. to enjoy the beautiful landscape on the way to the Rainbow Mountains in Peru, which will take approximately 3.5 hours by bus.

We will make a brief stop for a nutritious Andean breakfast before beginning the ascent. The route to the Rainbow Mountains is clear and safe. The hike to the top takes about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace, and our guides will ensure you have a pleasant experience.

Once at the top, you can enjoy stunning views and take photos. After a moment of rest and a snack, we will begin the descent and then enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to Cusco.

Farewell(B)

Our private transport service will take you safely and comfortably from your hotel to the airport at the agreed time.