As you’ll see, there are countless other reasons to visit Peru this fall other than celebrating the 100th anniversary since Machu Picchu was rediscovered. We are proudly unveiling two new Classic Knowmad trips which take you to Peru’s highlights as well venturing off the beaten path to little-known lands: Classic Machu Picchu and Peru Active Explorer.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Discover ancient ruins and vivid indigenous cultures as you journey through the heart of the Andes to the Lost City of Machu Picchu. Get off the beaten path in the Sacred Valley’s vibrant traditional villages and markets and return to charming accommodations on your in-depth, relaxing exploration of this powerful and charming region of Peru.
Day 1 – Arrive Lima. Depending on time, visit the city’s sites, museums and restaurants.
Day 2 – Fly to Cusco where Andean cultures come alive. Explore Incan stone terraces at Sacsayhuaman, the subterranean altars of Kenko, the water temple Tambo Machay, and the Puka Pukara fortress. Continue into snow-capped Andean peaks past Chinchero village to your oasis in the Sacred Valley.
Day 3 – Visit the isolated Amaru indigenous community in the Andes. Gather plants used as natural dyes and see how the Amaru’s colorful textiles are brought to life. Lunch with community leaders or picnic amongst Pisac ruins before bargaining for wares in the region’s most vibrant market.
Day 4 – Visit the massive Inca agricultural terraces of Moray and continue beyond the little-known village of Maras where pre-Columbian saltpans are still being harvested in the traditional way. Take the train along the river and Inca Trail to your accommodations set amongst gardens, semi-natural pools, and hummingbirds at Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Day 5 – Revel at the sunrise from the Lost City of Machu Picchu, perched amidst Andean peaks and lush cloud forest. Enjoy a complete guided tour of the site as well as having time to explore on your own.
Day 6 – A morning train ride takes you to Ollantaytambo where you can see the ruins towering above. Lunch at a colonial-era hacienda before continuing to Cusco.
Day 7 – Enjoy the day at your leisure exploring Cusco – a city where traditional Andean cultures, the colonial Spanish, and modern Peru fuse into one. Visit Korikancha – Temple of the Sun, shop at Andean markets, enjoy savory Peruvian cuisine and see colonial cathedrals built atop Incan foundations.
Day 8 – Return to Lima and depart. Or extend your trip with a visit to the Amazon or Lake Titicaca.
IS IT FOR ME?
An itinerary great for all ages that pays special attention to altitude, this trip takes you to the classic Peru highlights while also venturing off the beaten path offering hands-on experiences in indigenous communities, returning afterwards to charming, comfortable accommodations.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
– Experience a variety of vibrant indigenous Andean cultures
– Ride the rails in a historic train-car along the ancient Inca Trail
– Explore the famed Lost City of Machu Picchu and the Sun Gate
– Wander the legendary Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo
– Meander the cobblestone streets and bustling markets of Cusco
– Get off the beaten path while discovering the ancient ways of Amaru villagers and bargain for colorful, hand-woven textiles in colorful Pisac market
– Lunch in a centuries-old hacienda while relaxing in the Sacred Valley
For more information about this trip contact Knowmad Adventures at 1 877 616 8747 or [email protected]
A more active approach to the Incan lands of Peru, on this trip you’ll find yourself day hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, downhill mountain biking through Andean villages, exploring and unwinding in the Sacred Valley with options to horseback ride or whitewater raft, and discovering Cusco and Machu Picchu with time for independent explorations.
Day 2 – Fly Cusco. Explore Incan stone terraces at Sacsayhuaman, subterranean altars of Kenko, water temple Tambo Machay, and Puka Pukara fortress. Continue into snow-capped Andean peaks past Chinchero village to your oasis in the Sacred Valley.
Day 3 – Visit the isolated Amaru indigenous community in the Andes. Gather plants used as natural dyes and see the Amaru’s colorful textiles brought to life. Lunch with community leaders – or picnic amongst Pisac ruins – and hike down the mountainside to the region’s most vibrant market and bargain for wares.
Day 4 – Mountain bike through colonial villages, down the Andes, to an ancient Incan laboratory, and amidst pre-Columbian terraced saltpans. Good for experienced and beginner riders alike. Enjoy a gourmet picnic before continuing to the valley floor.
Day 5 – Day hike the Inca Trail through Andean cloud forest on this ancient pathway leading you to the Sun Gate and the magical Lost City of Machu Picchu.
Day 6 – Revel at the sunrise from Machu Picchu. Enjoy a complete guided tour of the site as well as having time to explore on your own. Also possible to summit Huayna Picchu for a bird’s-eye view.
Day 7 – Hop the train to Ollantaytambo and see a vast ruin complex on the mountainside.
Enjoy lunch at an authentic colonial-era hacienda and a relaxing evening in Cusco.
*Optional horseback riding on Peruvian Paso horses through hacienda and colonial town.
Day 8 – Enjoy the day at your leisure exploring Cusco – a city where traditional Andean cultures, the colonial Spanish, and modern Peru fuse into one. Visit Korikancha – Temple of the Sun, shop at Andean markets, enjoy savory Peruvian cuisine and see colonial cathedrals built atop Incan foundations.
*Optional whitewater rafting or culinary adventure.
Day 9 – Return to Lima and depart. Or extend your trip with a visit to the Amazon or Lake Titicaca.
An ideal trip for adventuresome families and couples looking for an active trip that explores the best of Peru and ventures to little-known lands and cultures.
– Mountain bike through the Andean countryside, indigenous villages, and ancient salt pans
– Get off the beaten path while discovering the ancient ways of the Amaru villagers and bargain for colorful, hand-woven textiles in traditional Pisac market
– Lunch in a centuries-old hacienda while relaxing in the Sacred Valley
– Meander the cobblestone streets of Cusco – former center of the Incan empire
– Optional opportunities for horseback riding and whitewater rafting
For more information about this trip contact Knowmad Adventures at 1 877 616 8747 or [email protected]
