Peru Sacred Valley Hiking Private Adventure 8 Days Peru Sacred Valley Hiking Private Adventure Enjoy the best of all worlds — scenic hikes along ancient pathways following in the footsteps of the Incas, and turning in at night to cozy accommodations surrounded by mountain vistas. Explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley on off-the-beaten-path hikes, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views, getting to know local cultures, and taking in the vibrant flora and fauna of the Andes. Experience the thrill of entering mystical Machu Picchu from Inti Punku, Gate of the Sun. There's no need to choose either comfort or adventure: this trip offers both! Details Testimonials Arrive: Cusco, Peru “We have traveled throughout the world, but never experienced a level of service and attention to detail Depart: Cusco, Peru as we did with MT Sobek.“ Dennis G. Duration: 8 Days Group Size: 2-6 Guests “I have taken 12 trips with MT Sobek. Each has left a positive imprint on me—widening my view of the Minimum Age: 15 Years Old world and its peoples.” Jane B. Activity Level: . REASON #01 REASON #02 REASON #03 MT Sobek has been crafting This unique adventure blends We have chosen excellent unique adventures in Peru Peru's vibrant culture with active accommodations to ensure that for over 40 years, working exploration of ancient sites, from you have a luxurious and relaxing with the best local guides for Quillarumiyoc to Machu Picchu. stay from beginning to end. immersive cultural experiences. ACTIVITIES LODGING CLIMATE Moderate high-altitude Nightly stays in boutique hotels April through October expect hiking from 3 to 7 hours a day and comfortable glamping tents. to see mostly sunny days followed by cooler nights and the possibility of morning frost. One of Peru’s most experienced adventure travel guides, with British/Peruvian and fluent in English and Spanish, will be more than 15 years of experience leading treks and whitewater your guide and companion for this trip. Ian is an outdoor rafting trips. A resident of Cusco, Manolo is well versed in the enthusiast with many interests, including photography, rich history of the Andes and the classic trekking routes that archaeology, and trekking in the Andes. His spirit, enthusiasm, trace the footsteps of the Inca trade paths. His knowledge and knowledge extend well beyond the borders of Peru. He of the region, people, and traditions immensely enrich the is the ideal guide for your Peruvian adventure, and weâ??re travel experience. He is fluent in English as well as Spanish, and confident heâ??ll enrich your experience in one of the worldâ?? conversant in Quechua—the historic language of the Incas, and s most interesting countries. Ian will be assisted by a local guide he has a gift for instilling confidence in every trekker. while at archaeological sites. Manolo Lazo Ian Lewis Colven Itinerary DAY 1 ARRIVE AND ACCLIMATE Take the day to rest and become accustomed to Cusco's high altitude of 11,152'. Since altitude affects digestion especially while acclimatizing, enjoy a light dinner of clear soups, plenty of water and tea. In early evening, meet the guide in the hotel lobby, become acquainted with one another, and learn about the exciting hiking adventures to come. Meals: D DAY 2 SOFT HIKE CUSCO’S BACKYARD AND TOUR THE CITY Start the day with an easy hike to explore the nearby, but little-known, ruins of Sacsayhuama. Ascend to the Huayllarcocha wetlands to observe the abundant birdlife in this bountiful marshy area - the highest point of today´s activity. Begin to descend toward the city, stopping to view the Cara del Inca, Temple of the Moon and Temple of the Monkey. Arrive in the main square of the artists' district of San Blas to enjoy a traditional Andean lunch and exploring Cusco, one of the most visited urban areas in South America. Activity: 3 hours/3 miles hiking Meals: B, L DAY 3 WALK QUILLARUMIYOC TO THE ZURITE TERRACES Explore the ancient pre-Inca site of Quillarumiyoc, a 3,000-year-old temple, built to honor Mama Quilla, the moon deity. Then begin an easy hike on the Qapac Nan, the main Andean road built by the Inca to traverse their vast lands. Pass through eucalyptus forests and enjoy pastoral Andean scenery of cultivated potato fields, ending at the village of Zurite, with its famed agricultural terraces. Arrive in Misminay for a tour from local couple Mari´a and Mario Mayhua, followed by a typical Andean dinner. Activity: 4 hours/5 mile hiking Meals: B, L, D DAY 4 HIKE THROUGH MORAY, MARAS, AND PICHINGOTO Head toward the Sacred Valley with the first stop at Moray. Explore the elegantly constructed spiraling circular terraces that ancient Peruvians used to nurture diverse food crops, centuries before the invention of modern greenhouse techniques. Hike toward the town of Maras where 3,000 bright white and multicolored salt ponds are mined for their famous salt, known for its beneficial health properties. Descend to Pichingoto, to explore ancient stone cave-like houses built into cliff walls; rock homes with several connecting rooms; and a Spanish colonial church dating from the 17th century. Activity: 5 hours/7.5 miles hiking Meals: B, L DAY 5 MEET THE HUAYLLAFARA COMMUNITY Enjoy an easy morning hike from La Base at Lamay village, ascending through a forested area to the community of Huayllafara. Take in sweeping views of local farms and typical Andean homes, while getting a sense of the community life of the villagers as they engage in their agricultural work, herding livestock, working on artisan projects, and caring for children. On the short return hike to La Base Lamay, enjoy breathtaking views of the village and the surrounding mountain peaks in the the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Activity: 3-4 hours/5 miles hiking Meals: B, L DAY 6 TAKE THE INCA TRAIL EXPRESS TO MACHU PICCHU Board the train for the trip alongside the Urubamba River toward Machu Picchu. Note the change in surroundings entering the misty cloud forest of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Cross the hanging bridge and visit the ruins of Chachabamba, a spiritual center dedicated to water deities. Make the 3-hour ascent to Winay Wayna, built into a steep slope on the way to the Sun Gate. Finally, cut across the ridge above Machu Picchu to reach Inti Punku, Gate of the Sun, for a first glimpse into a mystical, forgotten world. Activity: 6-7 hours/7 miles hiking Meals: B, L, D DAY 7 EXPLORE MACHU PICCHU Board the bus up to the extraordinary site of Machu Picchu, a half-hour ascending ride. Explore the breathtaking ruins while learning about the various structures and the lifestyles of its former inhabitants. Take in the sheer beauty of the complex and its surroundings, while breathing in the rarefied air of the cloud forest. Return to the village below in the afternoon to board the train back to Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Meals: B, L DAY 8 DEPART CUSCO After breakfast, say farewell to the city and transfer to the Cusco airport for homeward bound flights. Meals: B 2020 $ 4,595 per person Additional Cost $ 550 Single Supplement 2021 $ 4,595 per person Additional Cost $ 550 Single Supplement PRICE INCLUDES PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Expert leadership from experienced adventure International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess guides baggage charges Accommodations as noted in the itinerary Dinner on Day 2, 4, 5 & 7 Meals as noted in the daily itinerar Optional tips to your lead adventure guides Potable water and snacks throughout Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs All tips and gratuities for support staff with the exception of your lead adventure guide(s) Airport transfers if arriving outside of day 1 and departing outside of day 8 All group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation Optional travel protection Arrival and departure day airport transfers .