Inca Pathways - Inca Trail & more

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Overnight.

Days 2-4 Lake Titicaca and its Floating Islands

A late morning flight takes you to the shores of mystical Lake Titicaca. Legend has it that the first Inca rose out of its azure waters. On Day 3 you'll visit the floating islands of the Uros people and stop for the night on Amantaní Island. Here you'll split into small groups and overnight with local families. A night on Amantaní is a journey 500 years into the past. Residents till the dry soil by hand and weave all their clothing on small wooden looms. Share in the hospitality of the Aymara Indians and experience a short day in their lives. After breakfast with your families, you'll make your way back to Puno for night 4.

Day 5 Journey to Cusco

A spectacular bus ride to Cusco crosses the 14,403 foot La Raya pass. Grab a window seat and enjoy Peru’s altiplano. On the way you'll stop to explore a small Inca site and walk among a herd of llamas and alpacas. Your final destination is the Navel of the World--Cusco, Peru!

Day 6 Explore Cusco

Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua speaking descendents of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. The morning is yours to wander Cusco’s narrow streets. In the afternoon your tour leader takes you through Cusco's local market and explains a bit about what you'll find in the adjacent witches' market. You will also visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions. (If visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, you will visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form. This evening enjoy a folklore show at one of Cusco's typical restaurants.

Day 7 Journey to Sacred Valley

This morning you'll journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru. You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You can hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac, or take a short walk through the countryside near the seldom-visited town of Moras and the pre-columbian salt mines of Moray. Eventually, you will make your way to the living city of Ollantaytambo where you can relax for the night.

Days 8-11 Pilgrimage on the Inca Trail

(Click here for details about the Inca Trail)
Imagine the great Inca civilization as you walk in their footsteps to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. You will be well cared for by your friendly crew of guides and porters. Each day you’ll pass by larger and larger ruins. Scenery changes from snowcapped mountains to lush green cloudforest. On Day 11 you'll descend 3,000 feet from your campsite at Phuyapatamarca to reach spectacular Machu Picchu in the afternoon. Like the Incas who once journeyed to the sacred city, you too are pilgrims on this inspiring exploration. After a morning tour of the ruins, bus or walk down to Machu Picchu Pueblo (town formerly called Aguas Calientes) to rest sore muscles in the local hot springs.

Day 12 Machu Picchu

Explore the great city at your own pace today. Climb the pinnacle mountain of Huayna Picchu for one of the most spectacular views of Machu Picchu or wander through the cloudforest on a recently discovered Inca pathway to the seldom visited Temple of the Moon. In the afternoon, you'll return to Cusco by train.

Day 13 Cusco

Today is yours to relax with your guide or on your own. The travel Mecca of South America bursts with all sorts of activity. You can shop or people watch from the bustling cafes that line the Plaza de Armas, or you can explore the enormous Incan ruins of Sacsayhuamán, the "Puma's Head" of the city. For the adventuresome, rafting, biking, and horseback riding can be arranged. At night, travelers from all over the world fill Cusco's restaurants, pubs and dance clubs, providing the most vibrant and unique nightlife on the continent. Dance with Chileans, Germans, Finns, Americans, Colombians, French, English... the list goes on! Then toast to your Cusqueño hosts!

Day 14 Fly Lima and Return Home