“9 Days Peruvian Legends Rainbown Mountain”

DAY 1.- ARRIVAL IN CUSCO & TRANSFER TO YOUR HOTEL.

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru!

Your adventure begins with a welcoming greeting at Cusco airport to transfer you to your hotel.
Enjoy the arecheological city of Cusco, known particularly for its excellent cuisine
and good museums, as well as the historic down-town areas. your Travel
Designer can arrange a tour for you should you wish and you’ll have all
of our recommendations at hand for the best things to see and do in the
city to make the very most of your stay.

Lodging: Cusco –Sonesta Hotel Cusco**** or similars.

DAY 2.- CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY – OLLANTAYTAMBO.

Guiding you through to the fertile Sacred Valley, once the spiritual and commercial heartland of the Inca Empire. You will be collected from your hotel by your expert, local guide and private vehicle to be driven firstly to Chinchero, on this site we will appreciate the Inka walls that are very well preserved in the main square as well as many altars directed to the four cardinal points. We will also visit the beautiful colonial church, unique for its work of art. Continuing, we will participate in a wonderful exposition of Andean weaving art; During the weaving we will become familiar with the wisdom of Andean weavings, such and as they are maintained long before Inka times.

Our next stop is going to be Moray, Inca terraces for some soft hiking in these spectacular landscapes, which has been proven to be an experimental center for understanding the various climates and temperatures of different crops or agricultural plants, perhaps even used for domestication of different crops. After exploring Moray, we will descend lower in elevation to the salt mines of Maras, an important production center dating back to pre-Inca times. Here there are over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountain side, filled daily by water seeping from the Earth, what we call the tears of Mother Earth!

Finally we will desend to base of the Sacred Valley to the living town of the Incas “Ollantaytambo”.

Places That Are Visited:

• Archeological site of Chinchero.
• Chinchero andean weaving art.
• Terraces of Moray.
• Salt Mines of Maras.
• The Living inca town of Ollantaytambo.
• Andean village visit.

Lodging: Ollantaytambo – Casa Blanca Lodge*** or similars.

DAY 3 TO 6.- “4 DAYS LARES TREK TO MACHUPICCHU”

DAY 3.- FIRST DAY TREK: PUMAHUANCA – PUYOC.

Our first day of the trek starts of in the small village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley. We’ll gently make our way up one of the side valleys covering about 14km in total and climbing about 1150m / 3373ft as we make our way towards the village of Puyoc. On our way up we’ll visit the small Inca site of Pumahuanca and learn about the native plants, flowers and birds that inhabit this region.

This particular route for the Lares trek is not commonly done by other companies so we can enjoy the peace and tranquility of our surroundings without any distractions or disturbance. Because so few people visit the area there is a good chance of seeing Viscachas (a rabbitlike Chinchilla) and we may also spot Andean Fox. Our campsite for the night is at Puyoc (4100m / 13451ft); it’s quite barren at this altitude and it is not uncommon for it to snow up here during the dry season so gloves and a hat are recommended.

Lodging: Campsite.

DAY 4.- SECOND DAY TREK: PUYOC – YANACOCHA – CUNCANI.

Today is the most spectacular day of the trek and quite a bit easier going than yesterday. From our campsite it’s about a 13km walk to the village of Cuncani but most of that is downhill as the pass is only about a 2 hour walk right at the beginning.

As we make our way to Cuncani we’ll pass by snowcapped peaks high above us, serene mountain lakes (including Yanacocha – Black Water) and get to meet the local people dressed in their traditional bright red clothing. This side of the pass is completely different culturally to the other side and as we wind our way down from the pass your guide will teach you about the people and their way of life. You’ll also get to learn a few Qhechua phrases so that you can interact with the local people.

Lodging: Campsite.

DAY 5.- THIRD DAY TREK: CUNCANI – LARES.

The focus of today is to meet the local people. Waking up early we’ll be taken by our guide to one of the houses where we’ll get to meet a local family. The people are incredibly welcoming and are just as eager to learn about you as you are of them – hopefully by now you’ll have mastered a few phrases and be able to ask a few questions (much to everyones delight and amusement). After the visit you’ll have the opportunity to give any gifts you’ve brought for the local people and also to buy some of the locally made alpaca products that the region is famed for.

Leaving Cuncani it’s just a short distance (6km) until we reach the hot springs of Lares. Along the way we’ll pass through several small communities and see the people growing a variety of foods such as Quinua and Tarwi, we’ll also probably spot flocks of Andean parrots flying overhead (they’re easy to spot thanks to their piercing calls). After a relaxing dip in the hot springs we’ll be picked up by our bus and driven back to the Sacred Valley from where we’ll catch our train to Machu Picchu.

Lodging: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu.

Waman Hotel Machupicchu *** o similars.

DAY 6: PRIVATE TOUR OF MACHUPICCHU.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel your private guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the Machupicchu citadel, really bringing it to life by detailing the history, significance and myths surrounding it as well as taking you to the hidden corners and best viewpoints. Then after your guided tour, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before an afternoon at your leisure. You can explore the areas around Machu Picchu or carry on exploring the ruins.

We will coordinate the time to meet in Aguas Calientes to board our train back to Ollantaytambo and then we will transfer you in our private bus or van back to The Sacred Valley of The Incas – Chinchero.

Optional:

The trek to the peak of Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep, if you are scared of heights. This is done after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $35 per person to hike. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance, due to popularity.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.

The trek to Machu Picchu Mountain: It has the most spectacular view, It is a 1.5 hours hike to the top. Located to the southwest of the citadel of Machu Picchu with a height of 3,050 m (10,007 ft.), This trek offers unparalleled views of the famous Inca sanctuary and also panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. The cost is $35 per person to hike.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.

Finally we will be transported to the heart of the Sacred Valley of The Incas to spend the night in the living inca town of Chinchero.

Lodging: Sacred Valley – Chinchero Boutique Hotel*** or similars.

DAY 7.- DAY AT LEISURE IN CUSCO.

Explore the beautiful city of Cusco at your own pace with a day at leisure. It´s time to explore the Incan Puma City.

One of the Highlights of Cusco is our central market, a wonderful way to discover the Andean culture and daily life. This vibrant spot, with its dazzling displays of fresh produce and fascinating local products, could keep you entertained for hours.

Lodging: Cusco – Sonesta Hotel Cusco**** or similars.

DAY 8.- RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR.

Pick up from your hotel in Cusco very early, and we will undertake a trip to the south of Cusco through the beautiful landscapes of the valley and agricultural communities. The trip will take approximately 2 hours to reach the community of Pitumarka. Once there in the community, we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef from the agency INTI PERU ADVENTURES.

After breakfast we will begin our trek, following a beautiful pass
between mountains, you will enjoy incredible views of the Andes, glacial peaks, red mountains, accompanied by Ausangate, the fifth highest peak in Peru. Also you wil appreciate llamas and alpacas that graze throughout the valley. Occasionally we will be observing local people moving for their daily activities.

The ascent of the route will take us a total of 2 hours approximately, taking us to our final destination the highest point of our trek, Vinincunca or Rainbow Mountain, Here we will stop to admire and appreciate the outstanding views that we will find in all directions and also the rare geological formations with exotic colors. In the distance and below us we will see infinite valleys and glaciers until we lose sight of them.

We will stop to explore for about 30 minutes – the perfect amount of time to rest, immerse ourselves in this wild environment before starting our descent, which will take us about 2 hours. Upon returning to Pitumarka, our cook will be waiting for us with a delicious hot lunch. After lunch we will have time to make some visits to some of the homes of the community and observe the lifestyle and customs that are still
practiced since Inca times. Here Quechua is the native anguage of the Incas, it is spoken very well, and agriculture is essential for life.

At the end of the day, our tour will conclude with the return to the city of Cusco in our private transportation. We will leave you at your hotel around 5:00 p.m.

Meals: Continental breakfast / snacks / fresh lunch
Lowest altitude: 4,326m / 14,189ft.
Maximum altitude: 5.20m / 16.466ft.
Distance: 2km / 1.3 mi
Travel time: 2 hours of ascent; 2 hours of descent.
Level of difficulty: Very challenging.

Lodging: Cusco – Sonesta Hotel Cusco****  or similars.

DAY 9.- FREE MORNING WALKING TOUR & TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT.

After a delicious breakfast, you will have an optional Free Morning Walking Tour of this beatiful archeological city of Cusco.

The walking tour includes the following places:

• Inca Museum.
• Plaza Nazarenas.
• San Blas neighborhood.
• The twelve angle stone.

Then according to your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Lima and then flight home.

End of the tour!!!

✓ All hotels are based on availability. We will not make any changes without your approval. Four and five-star hotels are available – inquire within for rates.

INCLUDED:

• 6 night’s accommodations with 3 stars hotels.
• 6 breakfasts,1 lunches.1 family dinners.
• Meet and greet airport service.
• All transportation.
• Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your guide and group in our office for orientation. Here we provide you with duffle bags that will be on horse-back during the trekhorse-back during the trek.
• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+.
• Professional Cook for the Lares trek.
• Horses to carry all equipment and 7 kg of your personal items.
• Pick-up and transportation from your hotel.
• Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
• 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary request (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free, etc) or allergy please advise us upon booking and re-confirm the day of our briefing.
• Wake up tea: Every morning our staff will bring tea to your tent
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Golden Sunrise Machupicchu ****** ,
• Double thickness foam sleeping mattress
• Oxygen bottle
• First aid kit
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip)round trip)
• Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• Transportation Ollantaytambo-Cusco.
• Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Sleeping Bag (Optional Rental Fee will apply).
• Breakfast on day 4 and lunch and dinner on Day 8.
• Entrance Fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Extra US$ 75.
• Tips for Staff.
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

THINGS TO BRING:

• Original Passport
• ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for a discount price)
• Hiking Boots
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts (quick dry)
• Comfortable Trekking Pants
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen (SPF 35+)
• Insect repellant (We strongly suggest NATURAL repellant)
• Toiletries and hand sanitiser
• Personal medication
• Camera and film
• Flashlite with spare batteries (or a environmental friendly option).

THIS TOUR RUNS ALSO AS A PRIVATE SERVICE!
****Daily Departure with at least 2 people****

DEPARTURE DATES:

• As long as we meet our minimum of two people, our Incredible Adventure Tours can leave any day of the week, twelve months a year.