DAY 4 Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas
After an early breakfast, we'll board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Our train will travel alongside the wild Urubamba River deep into the mountain valleys of the high jungle, surrounded by the snow-covered "Apus" to Machu Picchu Pueblo, the small village at the base of Machu Picchu. Here we will be greeted by representatives from the 5-star Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, who will escort us to the hotel. Next, we'll take the spectacular 20-minute bus ride up to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. “The Lost City of the Incas” is an inspiring and beautiful sacred site, an architectural wonder, and a great testament to Incan Civilization. Once used as an astronomical observatory, Machu Picchu now attracts visitors from around the world to connect with the sacred energies of this special place. It is a perfect place for us to focus our intent and grow our awareness. We will also be able to enjoy some time for private reflection and exploration with the powerful energies around us before returning to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Tonight, we share stories over dinner provided by the hotel.
Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Machu Picchu Pueblo
Day 5 Machu PicchU: Ascent of Huayna Picchu
This morning we return to Machu Picchu for another inspiring day. Get ready to spend the day exploring the magic of this special place and being fully present in each moment of wonder. Today Will leads a morning hike up the towering peak of Huayna Picchu (Young Peak), for those able and interested in gaining the perspective of the condor. From the top of the mountain peak we'll look out upon the vast valley floor and embrace the energy emanating from the majestic "Apus" that surround Machu Picchu. For those who would prefer a less strenuous magical experience, hikes can also be taken to other parts of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The afternoon is free for further exploration of Machu Picchu on your own. Or return to Machu Picchu Pueblo to explore the village, visit the local marketplace or enjoy the verdant surroundings of the hotel. This evening, dinner is provided by the hotel.
Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Machu Picchu Pueblo
DAY 6 Machu Picchu to Cusco: Descent to moray
Today we have the morning free to revel in our experience of Machu Picchu, to relax, go for a hike, or to enjoy some of the hotel's many amenities, including its full-service spa. After an early lunch, we’ll take the train back to the Sacred Valley en route to Cusco. On our way, we’ll make a special trip to visit the interesting and enigmatic Inca site of Moray, 600 meters above Urubamba. This ancient site contains unusual Inca ruins, large concentric terraces, and a sunken amphitheatre. The circular terraces are thought by some to have been used for agriculture and created as a type of open greenhouse consisting of tropical microclimates. As Moray was also considered the womb of Mother Earth, it was thought to be the best place to initiate healers. Here we will explore the mystery of this site together, in both its physical and symbolic forms, before transferring on to the historic city of Cusco, where we check in to the 5-star Palacio del Inka Hotel housed within a 500-year-old mansion in the heart of the old town.
Overnight: Palacio del Inka Hotel, Cusco