“Doing the last day of the Inca Trail and hiking in, appreciating the way the site was meant to be accessed and the drama of its location as you look down at it, is amazing. It feels like the expected thing to say Machu Picchu was a highlight, but it lives up to its billing.”
“We also did a beautiful hike to Machu Kolka, where we interacted with people farming their land. This location, which we had to ourselves along with one local family, was stunning in the evening light. The mix of colonial and indigenous influence in Cusco is very interesting and beautiful. It was a great city to walk all over and photograph, and we had some excellent meals, especially at Chicha.
It’s hard to choose a favorite from the places we stayed at. Titilaka was beautiful, restful, and delicious. Explora Sacred Valley had an incredible scope of excursions, and the guides were so good. We enjoyed walking around the property, listening to the wind in the corn fields at night, or sitting on the covered porch by the pool, listening to the rain. And it is such a special part of the trip to make friends that you share meals and stories with each night.
This was our second trip with you guys. Each time you’ve taken a rough vision in my head and turned it into the trip we wanted. Knowmad removes the distractions. We don’t have to worry about what comes next or troubleshooting because we know you have your eye on that, so we get to experience the moment we’re in. Communication before and during the trip is always clear, helpful, and quick.”
— Susan, just back from her second Knowmad adventure, spent two weeks in Peru with the 1-day Inca Trail on a trip that blends adventure and luxury.
ITINERARY CREATION
Susan and Dusty’s goal was for a fairly active trip that incorporated the Inca Trail but without camping, had moderate pacing, and featured a substantial acclimatization stay at Explora Sacred Valley. They like intimate and local hotels, typically 4- to 5-star. The target duration was around 12 days with a primary focus on the Southern Highlands, while also open to other regions. Working with Knowmad Peru Specialist Renee, here’s what they cooked up!
CUSTOM PERU EXPLORER: SACRED VALLEY, MACHU PICCHU, & BEYOND
DAY 1 USA – LIMA
Fly to Lima, where you’ll be taken to your accommodations by a Knowmad representative.
- No meals – Villa Barranco, Jr. Suite
DAY 2 LIMA
Enjoy a guided exploration of Lima, visiting the government palaces and cathedrals in the historical center before continuing to the modern areas of Miraflores, San Isidro and Larco Mar. Visit the Larco Museum with Peruvian artifacts more than 5,000 years old, and enjoy lunch surrounded by their beautiful gardens.
- B, L – Villa Barranco
DAY 3 LIMA – CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY
Transfer to the airport with your Spanish-speaking driver. In Cusco, transfer ~1 hour with an Explora representative to the Sacred Valley. While at your lodge, enjoy a range of small group excursions, gourmet food, and a variety of alcoholic beverages. Guides will explain the excursion options each night to plan your activities for the next day.
- B, L (*dependent on arrival time), D – Explora Sacred Valley, Standard Room
DAYS 4 – 6 SACRED VALLEY
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at the lodge.
- B, L, D – Explora Sacred Valley
DAY 7 INCA TRAIL EXPRESS TO MACHU PICCHU
Board the train to km 104 to hike the Inca Trail. Use the provided duffel to pack what you need for your time in Machu Picchu. In a daypack, pack what is needed while hiking. Your luggage will be stored in Cusco until your arrival. Trek towards the Winay Wayna ruins, enjoying a box lunch along the trail. Make your way to the Sun Gate Inti Punku to view Machu Picchu. Descend towards the citadel, taking in the site, and board the bus that takes you to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Hike details: 7.27 miles, ~6-8 hours,
- B, box L, D – Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Superior Deluxe
DAY 8 MACHU PICCHU
Make the morning climb to Cerro Machu Picchu to enjoy the views of Machu Picchu. After lunch at the adjacent Sanctuary Lodge, enjoy a guided discovery of Machu Picchu, as you begin to unlock the mystery of the Inca.
- B, L, D – Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
DAY 9 MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
Take the train to Ollantaytambo to revel in the ancient ruins. Enjoy lunch at a colonial-era hacienda, visit their private museum collection and continue to Cusco.
- B, L – Palacio Del Inka, Deluxe Room
DAYS 10 – 11 CUSCO
Enjoy these days to independently explore the sites, cuisine and culture of Cusco.
- B – Palacio Del Inka
DAY 12 CUSCO – PUMO
Transfer to the train station for the scenic Titicaca Train ride to Puno. Enjoy the open-air observatory car, gourmet food and typical Peruvian music and dances during your trip. In Puno, transfer with a Titilaka representative to your hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca. While at Titilaka, enjoy a range of cultural and active excursions, gourmet food and a variety of alcoholic beverages.
- B, L, D – Titilaka, Explorer Room
DAYS 13 – 14 LAKE TITICACA
Continue enjoying your activities throughout the region and your stay at Titilaka.
- B, L, D – Titilaka
DAY 15 JULIACA – LIMA – USA
Transfer with a Titilaka representative to the airport. In Lima, independently check in for your international overnight flight home.
- B, L or Box L (depending on flight time)
DAY 16 USA
Arrive home.
Interested in creating your own incredible experience in Peru? Give one of our Trip Specialists a call at 612-315-2894, or email us at [email protected] today!
Knowmad Adventures works closely with independent-minded travelers, creating innovative trips to South America. Our specialists in Patagonia, Chile, Machu Picchu, Peru, Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, and Antarctica are eager to collaborate and create a trip as unique and authentic as you are, and our experienced South American operations team guarantees you get an insider’s perspective, superior values, and a flawlessly operated trip.
