MACHU PICCHU & COLCA CANYON VIA SUYCKUTAMBO - 4 DAYS FROM CUSCO TO AREQUIPA

DAY 1

MACHU PICCHU

Good morning explorers! Welcome to Cusco, and welcome to the best trip of your life. Yes, it’s a big call on day 1 but we're making it because of what we have in store for you. A very early start is required (~4 am) in order to fit all the wonders of the day. From your accommodation, climb aboard our van for a smooth and scenic drive to Ollantaytambo (~2 hrs). Along the way, sunrise will unveil the amazing landscapes of the Andes and part of the Sacred Valley. Just sit back and relax while our driver gets you there safely.

After breakfast, all aboard the train to Machu Picchu town. Enjoy one of the most beautiful train rides you will ever have the chance to experience. Upon arrival in Machu Picchu town, you will be transferred onto a different vehicle for the short drive up to Machu Picchu Inca citadel. Spend all allocated time exploring the site with the help of our experienced and knowledgeable guide. (Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional/extra. Ask if you are interested in either of them). Once our Machu Picchu discovery is sadly over, return to the town for lunch and some free time (you may opt to relax at the hot springs before your train back to Ollantaytambo although you will have the same opportunity later on the trip).

Following the same path back to Cusco, arrive at the same accommodation of your choice (not included by us tonight) between 8 and 10 PM feeling like the trip could not get any better but you might be wrong…

ACCOMMODATION "PLUS" OPTION: NOT INCLUDED. ASK IF INTERESTED

MEALS
LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 2

CUSCO TO ESPINAR

The first leg of the journey will take us through the vast and absolutely beautiful countryside of Southern Peru. Following the legendary Cusco-Puno road, the morning will allow for a stop at any one of the several fascinating Incan ruins devoid of crowds. You’ll be transported back to pre-colonial times while you stroll past amazing works of Incan engineering.

As well as man-made attractions, there is no shortage of natural wonders. We stop at least a couple of idyllic lagoons to take in the breathtaking vistas of the Altiplano (highlands). Want to get active out of the car? This trip lets you do just that. We will have the opportunity to do some hiking to take in the beauty and fresh air of the countryside. Arrive at our simple but comfy accommodation at the end of the day.

ACCOMMODATION "PLUS" OPTION: 3-STAR HOTEL

MEALS
LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 3

THE ‘THREE CANYONS OF SUYCKUTAMBO’

After an early breakfast, prepare to have your mind blown as we continue on to the unforgettable landscape of the ‘Tres Cañones de Suyckutambo’ where the great Apurimac River is born. You can spend your morning feeling a part of the wilderness as you go hiking through isolated trails devoid of any crowds whatsoever (literally we will be the only ones for miles). You will be contemplating life, existence, and the immense size of the “Tres Cañones de Suyckutambo” at the end of our hike.

For lunch, you will have the option of catching your own lunch from the freshwater river or just relax learning about traditional life from a local family. Next, it's on to Chivay/Yanque in the Colca Valley, our home for the night. On the way, rejoice in having endless lands of amazing countryside, meadows, dramatic mountains and up close wildlife all to yourself. Upon arrival in the accommodation of your choice, take some free time to explore independently before enjoying sunset nearby.

Note: Optional visit to natural hot springs depending on your accommodation location. Otherwise, it will be visited the following day

ACCOMMODATION "STANDARD" OPTION: 3-STAR HOTEL, PRIVATE ROOM

ACCOMMODATION "PLUS" OPTION: 4-5-STAR HOTEL

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 3

COLCA CANYON & AREQUIPA

Rise and shine with the larks for an experience to remember- a short drive to Mirador Cruz del Condor that will have you looking over the mighty Colca Canyon looking out for the majestic Condor of the Andes. Being there early will give us an advantage over the several travelers who travel from Arequipa for the day, so you can just focus on enjoying the show. After the show, we'll bid farewell to the Colca Canyon as we head on to the soothing hot springs (if not visited the day before) of Chivay before a great lunch at a traditional restaurant in town. Then, embark on our drive into the city of Arequipa where we arrive in the late afternoon/early evening, not before stopping at Salinas & Aguada Blanca Reserve for more great views.

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH

SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO CONSIDER TO ENSURE THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU

• Get to visit Machu Picchu on a full day of discovery from Cusco
• Ideal if you wish to combine southern Peru’s most popular attractions (Machu Picchu & Colca Canyon)
• Ideal if you enjoy traveling away from the crowds (days 2-4)
• Perfect if you enjoy visiting areas unspoiled by mass tourism
• Great if you enjoy meeting locals and experience local life
• Drive overland from Cusco to Arequipa discovering the countryside in between
• The trip takes place in high altitude (~3500m) so it is suggested to be acclimatized (ideally spend a few days in Cusco previously)
• It is recommended to be moderately fit in order to join hikes and enjoy them (not required)
• Mild temperatures during the day, cool to cold (winter) nights
• Food is simple but freshly prepared and very filling made with local ingredients and by local hosts
• Total distance covered is approximately 850 KM, about 30% on bumpy, dirt roads