Machu Picchu, Peru
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of the Incas on an adventure you’ll never forget! From trekking through breathtaking landscapes to uncovering the secrets of ancient ruins and soaking in the enchanting magic of Machu Picchu—this journey is packed with heart-pounding moments, awe-inspiring beauty, and memories that will stay with you forever.
To see a longer itinerary that includes Machu Picchu check out: Peru
Days 1
Intinerary:
Reviews: Trip Advisor
We kicked off the Huchuy Qosqo Trek bright and early with a 6 a.m. pickup from Cusco, heading to the ancient Inca site of Puca Pucara. From there, we hiked gently uphill to a breathtaking pass at 4,100 meters, where we were treated to stunning views of Cusco and the surrounding valleys. Along the way, our guide shared fascinating stories of the Inca Empire and the Spanish conquest, bringing history to life.
Continuing along the valley, we reached Queullacocha Lake for a well-earned lunch. Surrounded by the high-altitude puna grasslands, we even spotted a few Andean geese and lapwings.
The afternoon hike took us over a ridge and around Qoricocha Lake (Golden Lake) before arriving at the quaint village of Quencco, where we set up camp. The locals greeted us warmly, and we had the chance to visit a family, learn about their way of life, and enjoy a relaxing evening with a steaming cup of coca tea. What a perfect start to this unforgettable trek!
(Not a fan of trekking? No problem—there’s a scenic train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu that’s equally stunning.)
Day 2
We started the day with a warm cup of coca tea and a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the adventure ahead. The trail from Quencco to the Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo was a two-hour journey filled with incredible sights. Along the way, we passed locals tending their llamas, walked sections of the original Inca Trail, and watched the landscape transform into a lush, secluded valley bursting with flowers and hummingbirds. The views of snow-capped mountains and the Urubamba range were absolutely stunning.
Reaching Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco), perched high above the Sacred Valley, was like stepping back in time. We explored its ancient temples, agricultural terraces, and impressive water reservoirs while our guide shared fascinating stories about the site’s history. After some free time to wander on our own, we enjoyed a well-deserved lunch with a view.
The afternoon trek took us downhill to the charming village of Lamay in the Sacred Valley. From there, a bus whisked us to Ollantaytambo for dinner at a local restaurant before hopping on the evening train to Aguas Calientes. Finally, we checked into our hotel for a hot shower and some much-needed rest—ready for the ultimate Machu Picchu experience the next day!
Hotel: Inaterra, Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Reviews: Trip Advisor
Day 3
Day three was the highlight of the trip—our long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu. We started early, taking a shuttle up the winding roads to the iconic site. Walking through the misty ruins with towering stone terraces and ancient temples was surreal. Our guide brought history to life, explaining the incredible ingenuity of the Inca civilization and the spiritual significance of this sacred site.
But the real adventure began with the climb up Huayna Picchu, the towering peak that looms behind Machu Picchu in all those famous photos. This climb is not for the faint of heart—it’s steep, narrow, and treacherous in parts. We scrambled up make-shift wooden ladders, crawled through tight caves, and navigated sections with no guardrails, where a single misstep could send you tumbling down the mountainside. The adrenaline was pumping the entire time, but every heart-pounding moment was worth it.
Reaching the summit felt like standing on top of the world. The panoramic views of Machu Picchu below, surrounded by the lush Andes mountains and plunging valleys, were nothing short of breathtaking. It’s one of those bucket-list moments that you’ll never forget.
After the descent (which was just as challenging as the climb), we returned to our hotel in Aguas Calientes to relax and reflect on this unforgettable day. It’s hard to put into words how awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and the adventure of Huayna Picchu truly are—you just have to experience it for yourself.
Day 4
We spent our last day soaking in the magic of nature, starting with a serene stroll through the Machu Picchu cloud forest. The best part? Wandering along the Orchid Trail, surrounded by over 370 species of orchids—it felt like stepping into a real-life postcard.
Then it was off to a charming tea house where we rolled up our sleeves and made our own tea bags from fresh, local leaves (so fun and so satisfying!).
To top it all off, we indulged in an Andean-inspired spa treatment back at our hotel. Picture total relaxation with a mystical twist—the dreamiest way to end an unforgettable adventure.
Day 5
With grateful hearts, it was time to say goodbye to this magical corner of the world.
On to the next adventure...
