Machu Picchu Hiking, Biking, and Rafting Adventure

Get ready for a warm welcome to Cusco! Whether you just touched down or flew in last night, you’ll be privately whisked from the airport to our meeting spot in the city. At 10:30 AM, we’ll gather in the lobby of the Hilton Garden Hotel to kick things off with some intros and maybe a bit of excited chatter.

Then, we dive straight into Cusco’s magic! First stop: Qoricancha, the legendary “Golden Courtyard” temple. The vibes here are next-level, with sacred history around every corner. From there, it’s on to Plaza de Armas, where the scene’s all about vivid gardens, a grand central statue, and plenty of room to wander, snap photos, and soak in the buzz of the city. This tour is the perfect way to start uncovering Inca and Pre-Inca cultures and start that acclimation journey.

Next up, we’re off to Awanacancha—a living museum and weaving project that brings together 400 families from across Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll meet some of the master weavers, plus the resident CFOs (Chief Fiber Officers)—yes, the ALPACAS! You’ll see how their soft fleece is spun into incredible clothing and decor.

After a day of exploring, we’ll settle into our chic 5-star boutique hotel, our stylish base for the next three nights. Here, we’ll kick off our week with a delicious welcome dinner and get the adventure rolling in style!

Altitude: Cusco 11,152’
Accommodation: Boutique Style Hotel, Sacred Valley (Shared)
Meals: L-D

Egg pref? Scrambled. Trail pref? Full o’ ruins plz. We’re up and out early today, leaving our comfy digs to cruise through the Sacred Valley, past the charming town of Ollantaytambo, and onto Pallata, where our trek begins. The trail heads upward, winding through local villages where we’ll catch glimpses of daily life—kids running, llamas grazing, the usual Andes magic—as we make our way up to Pumamarca. This high-up spot was pure genius on the Incas’ part, overlooking lush Patacancha Valley and the dramatic meeting of two rivers far below.

At Pumamarca, it’s all about discovery. We’ll wander around ancient stairs and walls, ceremonial sites, and storerooms—classic Inca stonework on full display. Once we’ve soaked it all in, we’ll trek down through the terraced wonderland of Musqa Pukyo, with panoramic Andean views around every bend. This descent takes us past functional yet stunning farm terraces that lead all the way to Ollantaytambo, where our private ride will be waiting.

But the day’s not done yet! We’ll dive into a traditional Pachamanca feast—Andean flavors galore—in the heart of these breathtaking landscapes. And to top it off, we’ll end with a well-earned stop at a local brewery. Cheers to an epic day! After we say OMG for the five thousandth time, we’ll head back to our hotel for dinner and to rest up for our biking adventure!

Hiking: 4.5 miles. 348’ gain. 1,700’ loss. Easy.
Altitude: Max 11,211’. Minimum 9,570’
Accommodation: Boutique Style Hotel, Sacred Valley (Shared)
Meals: B-L-D

Now that our lungs are basically Peruvian, we’ll set off on a biking adventure after breakfast. Our private transfer takes us from our hotel to the village of Chinchero where we’ll be fitted for bikes and helmets.

Don’t panic if it’s been a while since you last saddled up! We’re heading out on a beginner’s ride to the archeological site of Moray––one of the first agricultural experimental “labs” on the planet. This beauty is constructed of descending circular terraces that were used to support a variety of microclimates and crops. Where better to enjoy our picnic lunch than surrounded by the ingenuity of indigenous Peruvians with spectacular mountains all around?

After lunch, we’ll set off on the next part of our bicycle journey over the rolling hills to the iconic salt ponds of Maras. Here, residents “mine” 3,000 bright white and multicolored salt ponds, which are divided amongst the local families. You’ll be able to taste the salt to experience its life-giving properties. After our tour, we’ll continue our ride to Pichingoto where our transfer will be ready to take us back to the last night at our bougie hotel for a delicious dinner.

Cycling: 5 hours. 20 miles. Ascent 1706’. Descent 4,506’
Altitude: Max 12,267’. Minimum 9,330’
Accommodation: Boutique Style Hotel, Sacred Valley (Shared)
Meals: B-L-D

HOLY GUACAMOLE IT’S HERE! Today’s the bucket list day. We’re off to Machu Picchu!

We’ll hop on a Vistadome train that will take us from Ollanta to Aguas Calientes. This isn’t just any train ride—it’s a spectacular journey through the Urubamba Gorge, with views of lush tropical valleys, misty cloud forests, and the occasional farmer (or curious kid) watching the train go by. Then, we’ll take a bus to the citadel entrance. Feel free to text your bestie and say you’re off to the citadel as if it’s the most casual thing ever.

Now’s the moment to soak in the iconic view you’ve been waiting for—ancient stone steps, temples, terraces, and stunning architecture all set against the dramatic Andes. Our girl gang has a private 2-hour tour on the books, filled with the history and mystery of this 15-century Incan masterpiece along with other important heritage sites across the world.

After our tour, we’ll have lunch at a renowned 5-star lodge, right next to the entrance to the citadel with picture perfect views and delicious Peruvian food. Then we’ll catch our bus back to Aguas Calientes and our hotel with amazing gardens, courtyards, and an on-site organic, locally-sourced restaurant. Tomorrow is leg day.

Hiking: 2 hours around Machu Picchu.
Altitude:  Max 9,160’.  Minimum Altitude 7,972’ (Machu Picchu)
Accommodation: Hotel, Aguas Calientes (Shared)
Meals: B-L-D

Title today Machu Picchu THE SEQUEL because we’ve organized a spicy Part Dos. After breakfast, we’ll hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu, which means Young Peak in Quechua. Huayna Picchu looms behind the Machu Picchu citadel, so there will be stairs. But you will be endlessly rewarded with the absolute best and most heart-thumping views of Machu Picchu along with bonus Incan structures only the brave (with permits) dare climb.

Along the way to Huayna Picchu, we’ll meander through the citadel for a second tour. The 2.5 mile journey scores you 1000 feet of elevation gain thanks to some seriously steep Incan-stairs. It’s a gloriously challenging hike with unparalleled views of the cloud forest and the Machu Picchu citadel. Descending from Huayna Picchu, we will take a trail to the rarely visited Temple of the Moon, one of the three temples in the area nestled inside a cave with a large throne-like surface that may or may not have been (but totally probably was) used for human sacrifices. Eeeeep!

After our tour and hike, we’ll eat at Indio Feliz for a celebratory lunch in town. Then, it’s back to Cusco via the Vistadome Train to Ollantaytambo where we’ll catch our private transfer back to Cusco.

Machu Picchu Tour: 2 miles, moderate
Huayna Picchu: 1.2 miles. 1-2 hours. 985′ gain. Difficult.
Altitude: Max 8,835’.  Minimum 6,693’
Transfer back to Cusco: 5 hours (11,152’)
Accommodation: Hotel, Cusco (Shared)
Meals: B-L-D

We’ll continue overloading our senses today. First up after breakfast, a gorgeous tour of Sacsayhuaman! This ancient Inca fortress outside of Cusco translates to “Royal Eagle.” It was the largest structure built by the Incas so PLEASE take a million photos.

Then, it’s off to the Pisac Ruins. Pisac contains some of the most impressive and mysterious ruins in the Sacred Valley. We’ll carry on to a walking tour of the picturesque town of Pisac known throughout the region for its colorful market. For lunch, we’ll fill our roaring bellies at a local restaurant in Pisac that specializes in regionally sourced ingredients.

Last but not least, we’ll check out Tambomachay, aka the “Inca Baths.” This place is all about flowing aqueducts, channels, and mini-waterfalls. It’s believed the Inca may have used it as a luxurious spa—pretty posh, right? Tonight’s all yours to roam the vibrant streets of Cusco and indulge in whatever culinary delights tickle your taste buds! Go ahead, treat yourself—this is your chance to savor every bite!

Altitude: Max 11,152’.  Minimum 9,160.
Accommodation: Hotel, Cusco (Shared)
Meals: B-L

Eat all the carbs, Explorer Chick, because we’re rafting through 6+ miles of wild scenery. Today we’ll take on the Chuquicahuana section of the Urubamba River, which is the largest section of rapids. While challenging with Class II-IV rapids, you don’t need any rafting experience to kick this river’s butt.

Once we’ve prepped our gear and suited everyone up with safety equipment, we’ll take a quick jaunt to the put-in point, where our guide will lay down the law on how to stay safe while having a blast! Then, it’s game on. We’ll plunge into the thrilling waters, tackling exhilarating Class III & IV rapids with epic names like Mariposa, Laberinto, Sapito, and Tren de Olas—get ready for around two hours of pure adrenaline!

When we finally wash ashore at our campsite, a sauna and hot shower will be waiting to reward your brave spirit. Afterward, we’ll feast on a healthy, mouthwatering lunch made with the freshest ingredients from our adobe oven—fuel for the adventure ahead! We’ll head back to Cusco, buzzing with excitement from the wild ride we just conquered. What a way to wrap up our Peruvian Adventure. 

Rafting: 6 miles. Class II-IV rapids. 2.5 hours
Altitude: Max 9,350’
Accommodation: Hotel, Cusco (Shared)
Meals: B-L-D

Crying emojis all around. We’ll hug it out, say our farewells, and enjoy our last few lungfuls of that sweet, sweet high-altitude air. Grab breakfast at the hotel before boarding your private transfer to Cusco airport. You can book your flight from Cusco at any time.

Meals: B

*Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, availability, or other unforeseen incidents.

It’s an early start to an epic and challenging day of hiking to Rainbow Mountain. You’ll go deep into the spectacular painted hills, also known as Palccoyo. These Rainbow Mountain Peaks are off the beaten path, filled with snow-covered glaciated peaks, wildly desert landscapes, herds of alpaca, and immaculate beauty.

The day starts with a 6am departure and 3 hours of driving through traditional villages with a panorama of the Andes before arriving at the trailhead at 15,000 ft nestled in the Vilcanota Mountain Range.  You’ll slowly make your way through the valley and colorful stone forest,  gradually making your way to the summit.

As soon as you arrive at the peak of the mountain, you will see a variety of wildlife including llamas and alpacas. This is the only place in Peru where wild Vicuñas and Andean camels can be seen. You will have plenty of time to take in the panorama of the valley, the tallest peak in the region – Ausangate Glacier (21,000′), and snap infinite pictures of the vibrant minerals that form the painted hills. As one of the three most sacred peaks (Apus) in Incan culture, Ausangate adds a profound sense of wonder to this already spectacular journey. 

We will take our time descending and making our way back, stopping along the way. Afterwards, we will return to our hotel in Cusco for an evening to enjoy on our own.

Hiking Hours: 3.5 hours
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
High Altitude: 16,000 feet

Accommodation: Boutique Style Hotel, Cusco (Shared)
Meals: B-L

Day 9 – Farewell Peru

Crying emojis all around. We’ll hug it out, say our farewells, and enjoy our last few lungfuls of that sweet, sweet high-altitude air. Grab breakfast at the hotel before boarding your private transfer to Cusco airport. You can book your flight from Cusco at any time.

Meals: B