Cusco Manu to Machupicchu 8 days

Itinerary

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be greeted by our professional representative, holding a sign with your last name. After a smooth transfer to your hotel, enjoy a pre briefing about your upcoming trip and receive all necessary vouchers. The morning is free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude.

In the afternoon, a half day City Tour will take you to the San Cristobal Plaza for panoramic views of Cusco. You'll then visit the San Pedro Markets to experience local flavors and learn about the products grown in the region. We will also explore the Koricancha Temple, known as the ‘Gold Enclosure’, which was once entirely covered in gold. We continue to the Santo Domingo Church, stroll through the artisan neighborhood of San Blas, visit the Inca Roca Palace (now the Archbishop’s Palace), and end with a visit to the main square and the Cathedral, home to numerous colonial masterpieces.

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

After breakfast, we embark on a full day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop is Awanacancha, where you'll admire Andean camelids like alpacas and llamas, and learn about ancient dying techniques. We’ll then visit the Pisac Ruins and the Pisac Markets, one of the largest arts and crafts markets in South America. After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, we’ll continue to Ollantaytambo, a town that has been inhabited since Inca times. Here, we’ll visit the main temple, used as a fortress during the Inca resistance, followed by a visit to the Chinchero ruins. In the evening, we return to Cusco.

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

After breakfast, we take a scenic 2-hour train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. The train ride offers stunning views of Andean mountains transitioning to lush tropical jungle. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide, enjoy a delicious lunch, and check into your hotel. You’ll have the afternoon and evening free to explore Aguas Calientes, and can visit the natural hot springs if desired.

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

After an early breakfast, we board the first bus to Machu Picchu for a sunrise view. Led by expert guides, we will explore this ancient citadel, learning about its architectural complexities and significance in Inca culture. You will have free time to wander around before taking the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco by train and then transfer back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

We depart from Cusco by bus to the folkloric town of Paucartambo. Along the way, we visit the pre Inca funeral towers of Ninamarca and drive through the impressive cloud forest, home to exotic plants, orchids, and wildlife such as the national bird, the Cock of the Rocks, and monkeys. With luck, we might even spot the Spectacled Bear. In the evening, we arrive at our Rainforest Lodge for the night.

Accommodation: Rainforest Lodge

After breakfast, we travel by bus to Atalaya, where we board a motorized boat for a 3-hour journey along the Alto Madre de Dios River to our Palotoa Amazon Lodge. Enjoy the lush rainforest surroundings, and take a swim in the river if you wish. After lunch, we embark on a 2-hour jungle exploration, encountering insects, monkeys, birds, and medicinal plants. We will return to the lodge to relax for the evening.

Accommodation: Palotoa Amazon Lodge

Today we explore the vast trail system within the jungle, spotting various animals such as monkeys, peccaries, and toucans. We may also have time for fishing and swimming. As night falls, we’ll go on a search for caimans. The evening will feature a bonfire, BBQ, and refreshing drinks as we unwind in nature.

Accommodation: Palotoa Amazon Lodge

After a final breakfast, we take the motorized boat back to Atalaya, where a bus will be waiting to transport us back to Cusco, passing through the cloud forest and magical mountains on the way. We will arrive in Cusco in the afternoon and transfer you to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco