Peru Inca Trail Pilgrimage - 15 Days
In Association with Travel and Healing
The next adventure starts on 1st - 15th September 2021
A SPIRITED ADVENTURE!
Peru will expand your world beyond your imagination - the mountains (Apus) in this place have a strength of their own and at times you may feel pushed outside your comfort zone and be discovering new things about yourself! Many of the people in this place do not have many material possessions but are warmhearted, compassionate and deeply connected to the land so be open to all the new and wonderful experiences to be had
Inca Trail
Please Note : The Inca Trail needs to be booked at least 6 months in advance as they have a restriction of only 200 people a day. It is getting busier as time goes on so you need to plan well in advance
How Fit do I need to be?
We will be trekking at approximately 3,500m above sea level so you need to be a reasonable level of fitness. Taking it steady at your pace and drinking lots of water is the best advice! Good hiking boots and gear are a good place to start, for more details on what to pack and all about altitude sickness see our FAQ
Are you ready for this journey of transformation?
Karen
Itinerary
Day 1 Our adventure begins - Lima
Day 2 Cusco/Urubamba (Sacred Valley)
Day 3 Pisac / Ollantaytambo
Day 4 Start the Inca Trail
Day 5 Ayapata / Chakicocha
Day 5 Machu Picchu
Day 7 Machu Picchu / Cusco
Day 8 Cusco (free day)
Day 9 Cusco (free day)
Day 10 Sacsayhuaman / Inca ruins
Day 11 Puno
Day 12 Lake Titicaca
Day 13 Amuro Muni
Day 14 Lima
Day 15 Lima - Departure Day
Peru will expand your world beyond your imagination - the mountains (Apus) in this place have a strength of their own and at times you may feel pushed outside your comfort zone and be discovering new things about yourself! Many of the people in this place do not have many material possessions but are warmhearted, compassionate and deeply connected to the land so be open to all the new and wonderful experiences to be had
Inca Trail
Please Note : The Inca Trail needs to be booked at least 6 months in advance as they have a restriction of only 200 people a day. It is getting busier as time goes on so you need to plan well in advance
How Fit do I need to be?
We will be trekking at approximately 3,500m above sea level so you need to be a reasonable level of fitness. Taking it steady at your pace and drinking lots of water is the best advice! Good hiking boots and gear are a good place to start, for more details on what to pack and all about altitude sickness see our FAQ
Are you ready for this journey of transformation?
Karen
Itinerary
Day 1 Our adventure begins - Lima
Day 2 Cusco/Urubamba (Sacred Valley)
Day 3 Pisac / Ollantaytambo
Day 4 Start the Inca Trail
Day 5 Ayapata / Chakicocha
Day 5 Machu Picchu
Day 7 Machu Picchu / Cusco
Day 8 Cusco (free day)
Day 9 Cusco (free day)
Day 10 Sacsayhuaman / Inca ruins
Day 11 Puno
Day 12 Lake Titicaca
Day 13 Amuro Muni
Day 14 Lima
Day 15 Lima - Departure Day
Day 1 - Our adventure begins - Lima
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Our journey starts in Peru's cosmopolitan, ever-changing and culinary capital, Lima. Lima the capital of Peru, sits on the countrys arid Pacific Coast
Though its colonial center is well preserved, today Lima is a bustling metropolis that's one of South America’s largest cities. It’s known for its vibrant food scene, encompassing specialities from ceviche and traditional coastal cooking to refined global fare. It's also home to the fascinating Museo Larco collection of pre-Columbian art and the Museo de la Nación, tracing the history of Peru’s ancient civilizations. Limas Magic water show is also well worth a visit and only a short distance from where we will be staying - here locals gather whilst a spectacular fountain show is put on each night! Tonight will be a great opportunity to learn about the journey ahead, some tips for travelling in Peru and to get to know your fellow travellers as we dine together overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Lima is situated 10km from Jorge Chavez International Airport As there are many activities in Lima from culinary tours, to visiting the historic centre, sea lion spotting and ancient temples you might want to arrive to Lima a day or two early to take everything in. |
Monasterio de San Francisco - Lima
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Day 2 - Cusco/Urubamba (Sacred Valley)
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Today we fly into the energy-fused Andes Mountains to the beautiful City of Cusco and will journey through winding roads straight to the lower altitudes, warmer climes and more peaceful environment of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. Set in the valley and surrounded by mountains this is a beautiful pictureque spot to start our adventure. Blessing for Pachamama & Ceremony in the Sacred Valley. Participating in a Pachamama ceremony is something you will never forget. Today we will participate in a genuine Andean offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) facilitated by an Andean priest. The ceremony is a ritual where gifts are offerings to Pachamama, thanking for the food and protection she provides, asking for abundance, releasing negative energies and apologising for any offence committed against the Earth. The gifts are charged with intention and love. After the offering to Mother Earth, the priest will take the package and gently place the package with all the offerings into the fire. It is a magical and spiritual scene - a blessing to participate! After the ceremony you will have the chance to purchase handmade items from the Andean Priest which have been made by family and other members of the community in support of their traditional way of life. Included Meals - Breakfast |
Pachamama Ceremony
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Day 3 - Pisac / Ollantaytambo
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Travel through the Sacred Valley stopping at the Shrine of Senor de Huanca or Lord of Huanca Temple, located on the Apu Huanca mountain. He is considered the 'Protector of health' in this part of the Andes.
Pisac is also home to one of the Sacred Valley’s most vibrant markets which takes place daily, here there are lots of great restaurants and cafes to explore for lunch! Ollantaytambo, one of the gems of the Sacred Valley, is the only continuously inhabited Inca Town that is still laid out to its original Inca design. Climb up to the top of the 'Wind Temple' and enjoy the beautiful panoramic view from the top. Before dinner you will have the opportunity take in the ambience and to wander its quaint cobbled stone streets lined with water channels that have been running since the time of the Incas. After a day of exploring we will return to our retreat centre at Urubamba to relax before the start of the trek tomorrow Included Meals – Breakfast |
Ollantaytambo - Inca Ruins
The Wind Temple
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Inca Trail
Camping is for 3 nights only with reasonable comfort and 5 star food!
NB - If the traditional Inca Trail is booked out we will do the Lares Trek instead (Please click on Lares Trek tab for more information on Lares Trek)
Day 4 - Start the Inca Trail
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Today we will start the incredible 4-day adventure on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The energy infused mountains and the scenery are indescribably beautiful - you do need to be physically fit to do the trek but it's 'doable' for most people, and the rewards are well worth it !
In the early morning, travel with our experienced guides and Shamans to Piscacucho, the trailhead for the trek. Before departing on your journey, we will participate in a traditional Andean Blessing ceremony to guarantee safe passage. Meet the porters (or Chaskis) and the team who will be carrying your luggage and setting up camp for us. Cross the bridge over the Urubamba River and walk along the south bank, shortly arriving at Miskay and ascending to the highest part of the look-out, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata. Continue through the valley and climb until you reach Ayapata, our first campsite. Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
At the start of the Inca Trail
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Day 5 - Ayapata / Chakicocha
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After a traditional Andean breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek, climbing landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high grassland with little other vegetation).
On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca, see domesticated llamas and alpacas and cross an area of cloud forest, the habitat for many different kinds of birds, like hummingbirds and sparrows. Descend into the Pacaymayo valley and enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch. On our way over the second will pass Runkurakay, a small look-out point as well as a small lagoon that according to legend is home to sirens who used to drag sleeping porters into its icy waters as they sleep!! The porters are the modern day version of the 'chaskis', or runners that used to do a type of relay run to pass messages to Cusco. Each year they run a marathon race on the Inca trail and what takes us three and half days takes the record holderof this marathon only 7/8 hours! Our campsite will provide us with a view of Salkantay, one of the most important Apus (Mountains) of Cusco. It is traditional to honour the mountain and your achievement when you reach the top, or the pinnacle by building a small (or large) stack of stones - you will see lots of these as you travel around Peru. Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Inca Trail
Lunch on the trail!
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Day 6 - Machu Picchu
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Prepare yourself for what is possibly the most impressive day of your trek.
We begin with a gentle ascent, arriving at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca, meaning town over the clouds. Immerse yourself in the ethereal shroud of mist and easily lose yourself in its mystery and in the moment. Follow our guides through a short tour of the site, fully engulfing yourself in the energy and experience before descending the long stone stairways that lead you to the Winay Wayna campsite. Winay Wayna is well worth the visit and is an impressive Inca complex of the same name, made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, and an irrigation system very much still in operation. It is close to where the camp is located and a wonderful way to end the day. The next morning continue along the path to the Inti Punku or Sun Gate where nothing will prepare you for the moment you see Machu Picchu coming out of the mist, an emotional moment and a dream come true!! Included Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Inca Trail - stone pathways
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Day 7 – Machu Picchu / Cusco
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From the Sun Gate we will descend to Machu Pichhu
Machu Picchu (Quechua - old mountain) stands at 2,430 above sea level, in the middle of a tropical rainforest - it is a staggeringly beautiful setting. It was the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height. Built in a volcanic area, this magnificient structure built of interlocking stones with different angles all fitting together perfectly, allows for movement and you can see how the Incans adapted to nature using existing rock formations. Built around 1450 Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spaniards in the 16th Century. It was discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham after remaining hidden from the Spanish for many years. The Inca trail was the original access to Machu Picchu and if you are lucky you may see the Condors flying through the valleys and mountains. There is also an opportunity today to climb Huayna Picchu (young mountain) before meeting in the town of Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night Included Meals – Breakfast |
Machu Picchu
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Day 8 - Agua Calientes/ Cusco
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In the morning we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then onto Cusco city by bus
Experience the magic of Cusco with its stunning views and a land rich in cultural heritage, it is also known as the City of the Sun and Incas considered this the navel of the world. Located at an altitude of 3,400m Cusco was built in the shape of an enormous Puma! (one of the three archetypes important in Inca culture) Today you are free to explore the streets of this beautiful city, visit the Cathedral, and also Qoricancha, (Quechua for golden courtyard, in Incan times it was literally covered in gold!) which as well as being an important temple was also an important astrological observatory. Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in the square and wander down the enchanting streets and drink in the atmosphere! San Blas is very pretty and quaint and as you wonder the cobbled streets you can see all the different layers of history in the local buildings where the present day Spanish Moorish style has been built upon the foundations of the Inca Temple ruins Group Dinner this evening Included Meals - Breakfast |
Cusco - main square
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Day 9 - Cusco - free day
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Cusco is very easy to get around once you find the Plaza de Armes there is much to explore!
Around Cusco
Optional Extra Activities during your stay in Cusco You can select these before you travel if you wish
For tonight we recommend that everyone participate in a cooking class to learn not only how to cook the food but also a bit of the history behind the ingredients. Included Meals – Breakfast |
Rainbow Mountain
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Day 10 - Sacsayhuaman / Inca ruins
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This morning we will visit the Inca sites of Saqsayhuaman, Q'enqo and the temple of the water or Tambomachay.
Lying on the northern outskirts of the city of Cusco lies the walled complex of Saqsayhuaman. The site is over 3,000 hectares and is remarkable for its large stone walls with boulders carefully cut to fit together tightly without mortar(without the use of our modern tools) We will explore the intricacies and importance of Saqsayhuaman and these age-old sites with our guide who will provide an explanation as to how each site fits into the greater plan of an amazing culture. As Cusco is full of great restaurants, we will go for dinner tonight as a group and appreciate some of the incredible flavours that the skilful Peruvian chefs are able to create. (Opposite Tambomachay channelling crystalline spring water through fountains that still function today) The Incan King would visit here once a year (in the New Year) for a cleansing and purification ceremony and gain all the information he needed for the following year. Included Meals – Breakfast |
Tambomachay - El Bano de Inca
The temple of water
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Day 11 - Puno
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Travel overland from Cusco to Puno stopping along the way at the impressive Inca site of Raqchi, the temple of Wiracocha and the largest structure to be found within the Inca state.
Built in the 15th Century it is considered by the historians to be one of the most audacious Inca constructions. The remarkable Wiracocha Temple, 100 metres long and 20 metres wide is made of adobe walls built on top of volcanic stone foundations. The complex also includes a residential area made for Inca nobles. Enjoy lunch along the way and for our last stop we will visit the village of Pukara, famous for its pre-Inca culture and the ceramic bulls that adorn the roofs of many family’s homes in the highlands. Arrive in Puno between 5:00pm and 6:00pm and will be transferred to the hotel for a relaxing evening. Meals – Breakfast, Lunch |
Temple of Wiracocha
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Day 12 - Lake Titicaca
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This morning we visit the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca, which according to legend, gave birth to the Inca civilization.
Here there are thousands of local inhabitants making a living fishing its icy waters, growing potatoes along its edge or herding llama and alpaca. The turquoise blue lake was the most sacred body of water in the Inca Empire and is now the natural separation between Peru and Bolivia. During our time here we will visit the Uros Islands, the floating islands of reed named after the people who live here. The Uros build canoe-shaped boats from tightly bundled reeds for transport and fishing. A well-constructed boat can carry a whole family for about 6 months before beginning to rot! Amanti island is the location for our homestay where we will spend the night with locals and experience first hand how they live. We also visit the southern side of Taquile Island which still has a more authentic feel to it. Taquile was part of the Inca Empire and is still home to a number of Inca ruins, these people are known world wide for their weaving and knitting tradition. Included Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Locals on Uros islands
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Day 13 -Amuro Muni
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We will return to the mainland today but this time to the Chucuito peninsula and will continue south towards the border of Bolivia to explore the AMURO MUNI GATE, a pre inca doorway carved in solid rock near Lake Titicaca.
In the Quechua culture Amuro means snake which represents knowledge. The serpentine-like rock formations make this a special and magical place. There are different theories about why Amuro Muni exists but many agree that it is a gateway/portal to somewhere else as the energy of the area is very special. We will take advantage of this energy by spending several hours here meditating and enjoying the calm of the area on our last day in the Andes. Tonight we will return to Puno for dinner Included Meals – Breakfast, Lunch |
Amuro Muni Gate
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Day 14 - Lima
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Today we will transfer to the airport in Juliaca, near Puno for our flight back to Lima.
Here we will be able to enjoy our last dinner together and take in the energy of the ocean while saying good-bye and reflect on this life-altering journey. If you are staying on in Lima you may want to enjoy some of the many activities this lively city has to offer. Lima has some fantastic award winning restaurants, Central Restaurante in Miraflores is voted number 4th best restaurant in the world. Also in Lima is Maido voted 8th best restaurant in the world! Limas Magic water show is also well worth a visit and only a short distance from where we will be staying - here locals gather whilst a spectacular fountain show is put on each night! Included Meals – Breakfast |
Tuk tuk ride!
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Day 15 - Lima - Departure Day
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Today you will transfer back to Lima Airport for your return flight home.
A magical journey to Peru - A journey of transformation and discovery! If you have some extra time in Lima make sure you visit all the wonderful museums and churches and sample the sumptuous award winning peruvian cuisine. If you are feeling more adventurous try paragliding off the cliff tops of Miraflores! Also well worth a visit and only a short taxi ride away is Barranco, which has a more 'bohemian' feel than downtown Lima. Here local vintage bars and chic lounges feature art exhibits, film screenings and great live music by local acts. Included meals - Breakfast (Please note if you have an early morning flight - breakfast will be forfeited) |
Mural artwork Barranco, Lima
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What is included
- Floating islands of Uros visit
- Lake Titicaca guided tour and homestay Taquile Island
- Sacred Valley and Pisac ruins guided tour and Lord Huanca Temple.
- Inca Trail guided hike with cooks and porters (4-day)
- Supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Inca Trail
- Inca Trail Traditional Cuisine
- Machu Picchu guide tour
- Machu Picchu Entrance ticket
- Cusco and Sacred Valley ticket
- Temples Visit in Cusco (Moon Temple, Monkey temple, Water Temple, KenkoTemple, Saqsayhuaman temple
- Internal flights Lima/Cusco - Juliaca/Lima
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What is not included
- International Flights are not included and will need to be booked seperately either by yourself or your Travel Agent
- If you would like any assitance booking your flight please contact Karen
- Cancellation and Medical Insurance
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Cost to obtain a valid passport
- Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls
- Tips and gratuities
- Tourist tickets in Cusco
- Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or final itinerary
Activities
- Inca Trail 3 days to Machu Picchu (If the Inca Trail is booked Lares Trek)
- City Tour Cusco
- Walk to temple of the Moon Cusco
- Sacred Valley Tour Pisac, Ollantaytambo Snr de Huancha
- Meeting different Shamans (Sacred Valley) and Puno
- Ceremony in Amaru Muru
Accommodation
- 3 star hotels (10 nights), camping (3 nights), local family (1 nights)
- Meals - 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners - Food allowance USD 330-430 FOR MEALS NOT INCLUDED
Meals
- 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners. Allow US$330-US$430 for meals not included
Transportation
- Public bus, private van, hiking. Domestic flights
Staff & Experts
- Tour leader throughout, Inca Trail on the hike, local guides.