Challenge of the Incas 15 days

Today, we will visit some of the most interesting sites in Cusco and the surrounding area. We will begin with a visit to the Cusco cathedral found on the Plaza De Armas and is the principal church in this imperial city. It was built on the foundations of the temple of The Inca Wiracocha.

The cathedral displays over 300 paintings belong to the Cusco school of art. We will then head on to the Qoricancha which is the Quechua Word for “Temple of Gold”. This was the first temple to be constructed by The Incas, and was originally covered with large amounts of silver and gold. We will next head out of Cusco City to the close by ruins of Sacsayhuaman, famous for its enormous megaliths and giant stones, that weigh over 150 tonnes. During Inca times, it was considered the “Temple of lightening”, in honour to the deity Illapa. We will then head to the nearby ruins of Q’enqo, a religious site dedicated to the Mother Earth where you can still see carved stones and constructions. There is also a sacrificial altar where the Incas were thought to make offerings and sacrifices to The Mother Earth. After this, we will visit the to the impressive Inca fortress of Puka Pukara, which means “Red Castle” in the ancient Inca language of Quechua. Our final visit will be to Tambomachay, where we can appreciate a sacred temple dedicated to an ancient water cult which probably also functioned as a purification bath for the Inca governors. We will then return to Cusco City, where we Will drop you off at your hotel or in the central “Plaza de Armas. 

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

Meals included: Breakfast.

Early, at an agreed time, we will pick you up from your hotel to go to Cruz Pata, near Chinchero, it will be a trip of approximately 45 minutes in our tourist transport.

Once in Cruz Pata, our representative will give you the ATV and give you some instructions. We will also have some time to practice before starting our half-day excursion to two privileged places in the Sacred Valley, Salineras Moray.

We will start the tour in the direction of Moray, passing through Andean crops and enjoying the impressive landscapes and animals of the area. Arriving at Moray, we will have time to take pictures and videos. We will continue the tour taking the motorcycles to go close to the salt mines of Maras. Once in the salt mines, you will have enough time for photos and videos. Finally, we will return to Cruzpata, board the transportation to Cusco and leave you in your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast.

This day you will discover the wonderful Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as Vilcanota Valley. We will start the day visiting the archaeological complex of Pisaq, located on top of a mountain. This wonderful place is made up of groups of terraces and architectural structures scattered along its slopes, it is a wonderful mix of beautiful landscape and Inca constructions. Then we will go to its famous craft market where we can appreciate a wide variety of crafts that maintain the styles of our ancestors. We will pass through Urubamba, a charming place guarded by imposing mountains, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. We will delight in typical Peruvian cuisine with a variety of dishes that will include salads, soups, main courses, and delicious desserts. After lunch, we will visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, a living town built to guard the entrance to this part of the valley, and prevent possible invasions. We will have a clearer idea of ​​what this military, religious and cultural center was like during the Inca Empire. We will also walk through its stone streets that will take us back to the past and after the visit, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, the hotel representative will drive you to the accommodation.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch.

In the morning at the agreed time, we will go to the bus station to take the tourist bus to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (400 meters uphill along a zig zag path), after 30 minutes we will arrive at the incredible wonder. of the world “Machu Picchu” also known as “The Lost City of the Incas”.

Upon arriving at Machu Picchu, we will show the entrance tickets and your identity document with which you made the reservation, and then begin the tour in Machu Picchu, this lasts more than two hours throughout the Inca citadel, we will visit the main places among many other attractions that the wonder of “Machu Picchu” has. At the end of the guided tour, you will be given free time to take a walk around the citadel.

In the afternoon you will return to the town of Aguas Calientes where you will have free time to enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants or if you wish at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel (lunch is on your own). At the end of the afternoon we will take the train back to Cusco (according to the availability of the train schedule, 2:55 p.m. or 6:20 p.m.), the return will follow the same outward route.

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast.

Early, at the agreed-upon time, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to go to Collasuyo, south of the ancient Inca capital (Cusco), which was part of Tawantinsuyo (4 ancient regions of the Incas). Our first stop will be after 2 hours (78km), in the community of Paucarpata (CUSIPATA), where we will rest and buy water or energy drinks, snacks, cereals, etc., and also enjoy our buffet-style breakfast. Later, we will continue in our transport along the road for about 1 hour, where we will reach the base camp of PHULAWASIPATA and prepare for the walk, an ascent of approximately 2 hours (3.5km). During this route, we will have the opportunity to see the impressive glacier of Hatun Ritti (4825m), the different varieties of South American camelids, and the wonderful reflection of the landscape accompanied by Laguna Puka Qocha and Qomer Qocha.

Upon reaching Rainbow Mountain, we will have enough time to take photos of this enigmatic and incredible place. Then we will return to the base camp, descending for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (3.5km), where we will take our transport to Paucarpata and enjoy our delicious lunch. Finally, around 6:00 pm, we will be in the imperial city of Cusco, where we will take you to your hotel.

Overnight : Hotel in Cusco

Meals Included: breakfast and box lunch.

This day will be free to relax, shop and see tourist attractions any way you want.

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast.

At the agreed time, around 4:30 AM, we will pick you up at your hotel to start our journey heading northwest of the city of Cusco. We will pass through different villages and hamlets until we reach the town of Limatambo. From this point, we will ascend to the town of Mollepata, where we will have breakfast and lunch. On the way, we will stop at the Miraten de Markahuasi to observe the archaeological remains of the same name. Here, the guide will provide us with detailed information about the site. After breakfast, we will head to Soraypampa. During the journey, the guide will talk about the local flora, fauna, and customs.

Upon arriving at Soraypampa, the starting point of our hike, the guide will explain the proper way to walk at high altitudes, the duration of the hike, and the distance. He will provide a small snack and walking sticks for a better hike, which will last about 2 hours. Upon reaching the beautiful Humantay Lagoon, we will be able to appreciate the wonderful scenery and the imposing view of the Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains. After a brief rest and a photo break, we will return by the same route to Soraypampa, where we will take our vehicle back to Mollepata and have lunch at a buffet restaurant. After lunch, we will return to Cusco.

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

At agreed time, our tour guide Will pick you up from your hotel to go to Tambomachay area, where you’ll enjoy a nutritious breakfast to energize you for the journey ahead. The hike starts with a route that crosses the majestic Sicllacasa Pass, located at 4,200 meters above sea level (13,780 ft). Here, panoramic views are a gift for photography enthusiasts and mountain landscape lovers. 

We descend toward the enigmatic ruins of Pucamarca, a place that holds the secrets of Inca history. Its ancient structures, surrounded by stunning natural scenery, invite you to explore and connect with a past filled with mysticism.

We’ll take a break to enjoy lunch amidst the serene mountain surroundings a perfect moment to recharge and admire the peaceful environment.

The journey continues to Huchuy Qosqo, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll uncover the secrets of Inca architecture with a detailed explanation while capturing unique photos of this magical place overlooking the Andean landscapes.

The tour concludes with a descent to Lamay, a picturesque village located in the heart of the Sacred Valley. At the end of the day, comfortable transportation will take you back to Cusco.

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

On this day you will visit places in Cusco and its surroundings.

Overnight : Hotel in Cusco

Meals included: breakfast.

Early morning, around 3:30 am, we will pick you up from your hotel to start our 2.5-hour hike to the Acomayo province, where we will appreciate the four lakes of the Acomayo circuit. We will continue for another 30 minutes until we reach Lake Qenterococha (4,330 meters, 14,138 feet), where we will take a delicious breakfast.

After breakfast, we will begin our hike to the Waqrapukara archaeological complex. Along the way, we may identify the local flora and wildlife. When we reach the first viewpoint of Waqrapukara, we will take a break and continue to the archaeological site. Finally, we will arrive at this incredible place, rest, explore the archaeological center with our guide, who will provide detailed information, and you will have free time to explore and take photos. Then, we will start our return hike, taking a different trail that is easier and also offers views from another point in the Apurimac Canyon.

We will return to the starting point around 1:40 pm, where our transportation will be waiting for us and we will have lunch. We will arrive in Cusco around 7:00 pm.

Important: Travelers who take the Waqrapukara trip must be in good physical condition and well-acclimated to high altitudes.

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Early in the morning, we will collect you from your hotel to head to the bus terminal for our journey along the “Route of The Sun” along which, we will visit the most impressive sites between Cusco and Puno.

Our first stop will be at the Temple of Andahuaylillas, where we will visit the famous 16th century church, known as “The Sistine chapel of The Americas” due to the massive number of religious paintings on the walls and roof. The church is home to an ornately decorated organ, with angels and surrounded by the prodigious murals painted by the famous artist, Tadeo Escalante. We will then continue along our way to the archaeological site of Raqchi, which was a temple built in honour to the pre-Inca deity, Wiracocha. Here we will be able witness remains of the Inca Civilization and the Wari Civilization. Our next stop will be at Sicuani, where we will enjoy a traditional lunch of the region. After lunch, we will head to “La Raya” which is the highest section of the journey to Puno, and marks the official border of Cusco and Puno. Here, we will make a brief stop to appreciate the magnificent views of the surrounding snow-caps.  Our final stop along the journey, will be at Pukara, where will learn all about the ancient civilization of the same name, who lived there. We will also visit the church in the village and the attached museum.  We will arrive at the City of Puno, early evening, where our guide will be waiting to take you to your hotel for the night.

Overnight : Hotel in Puno

Meals included: Breakfast  and lunch.

At about 06:45 hrs, we will make the transfer from the Hotel to the Port. At approximately 07:15 hrs we will leave by boat ” Titicaca Express ” south of the island of Taquile , where we will arrive at a white sand beach paradise.

We will walk through spectacular Pre-Inca landscapes and meet local families, their crafts, their culture and their textile activities.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. we will arrive at the community of Santa María , in the Capacheca Llachón peninsula , where we will be introduced to a cultural experience, we will see their dances, traditions and we will be able to participate in an ancestral ceremony. Next, we will participate in the preparation of the ” Pachamanca “, which is a traditional way of cooking meat, fish and potatoes, where we will observe the different way of cooking in this town, with an underground oven.

For adventure lovers, optional to kayak along the coasts of Llachón .

We will depart from Santa María and at approximately 2:30 p.m. we will arrive at the island of Los Uros Titono , located in the Titicaca Lake Reserve, considered one of the last floating islands. The inhabitants of the islands of “Los Uros” are descendants of one of the oldest cultures in South America.

Optional ride on rafts of ” Totora “.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. we will be back to Puno, where we will leave you at your Hotel.

Overnight : Hotel in Puno

Meals: breakfast, lunch

At an agreed time, our transport will stop at your hotel to continue to Juliaca airport. Upon your arrival at Lima airport, our team will wait for you to finally go to your hotel in Lima.

Overnight: Hotel in Lima

Check In: ​​12:00 Check Out: 9:00 Am

NOTE: If your departure time is after check-out time, you can use the hotel’s common areas while you wait.

NOTE: If your arrival time in Lima is before check-in time, you can use the hotel’s common areas while you wait.

Depending on your flight time, our representative will stop by your hotel to go to the airport.

End of our services.

Meals: breakfast

Check in: 12:00pm Check out: 9:00am

NOTE: If your departure time is after check-out time, you can use the hotel’s common areas while you wait.