7 days in Peru: Skylodge Adventure & Machu Picchu

Cusco - Sacred Valley

Day 1: Welcome to the Sacred Valley!

You'll be greeted at the airport in Cusco, ready for your transfer journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Because of its lower elevation (2,870m or 9,415ft) and peaceful atmosphere, the valley is the perfect place to acclimatize on your first day here.

Stop en-route at the Awanacancha museum to see the different camelids of the Peruvian Andes. If time allows, you'll also make a short stop in Pisac, a delightful Andean town with a colorful street market - perfect for your first experience of the local culture.

Finally, continue onwards to your cozy hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you can relax and enjoy its facilities for the rest of the day.

Sacred Valley - Pachar

Day 2: Rest above the clouds in the Andes

Begin the day in Ollantaytambo, a charming village that has remained unchanged since Inca times. Its archaeological site, a fortress with impressive Inca stonework, is rivaled only by Machu Picchu. Morning is a great time to visit the village, as most travelers arrive here in the afternoon.

It's then time to drive to Pachar, where your outdoor adventure begins with a mountain climbing activity; this may sound daunting, but no experience is needed and climbers are permanently tied to a steel cable “lifeline” that runs through the entire route. During the climb, stop to soak in the breathtaking view of the valley from a different perspective.

For dinner, enjoy a gourmet meal served exclusively in your transparent hanging capsule. From within, you'll have the time and privacy to enjoy views of the valley and stunning night sky, as you fall asleep.

Ollantaytambo - Sacred Valley

Day 3: Zipline down the Andes

Wake up to a delicious coffee and breakfast accompanied by wonderful views. Then, continue your journey to the top of the circuit, from where you'll start an exciting, two-hour ziplining experience, taking you back downhill across a series of ziplines.

At the end of the adventure, back at the bottom of the valley, you'll head on to Moray, a unique Inca site consisting of circular terraces built upon a natural depression. Next up is Maras, an impressive salt extraction complex composed of thousands of small ponds. Locals have been collecting the salt here, and selling it at regional markets since before Inca times!

Machu Picchu

Day 4: Stand in awe before Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, here we come! This morning's train journey to Aguas Calientes will be a spectacle in itself, as you'll be able to appreciate the changing landscape from green fields and eucalyptus forests to lush jungle, always traveling alongside the meandering Urubamba River.

Upon arrival, board a bus up to Machu Picchu, surrounded by an impressive mountain setting. Once there, enjoy your first views of the fantastic scenery as your guide introduces you to the Inca site, then start exploring every corner of the lost Inca citadel. Afternoon is a great time to tour this iconic site, since many travelers will have already left.

After the visit, head back to town and take the train to Ollantaytambo, where a private transfer will whisk you back to your hotel after a long yet fun day.

Huchuy Qosqo - Cusco

Day 5: Off-the-beaten-track hike to Huchuy Qosqo

Huchuy Qosqo is a hidden gem that few people see or even know about. It hangs on high mountain slopes, with commanding views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

From your hotel, drive through the Andes to Tauca village in the region of Chinchero. From here, you'll set off on a 9km hike across a hilly plateau to Huchuy Qosqo.

The trek begins with a short uphill segment that offers views of the Piuray Lagoon, where llamas are regularly seen roaming the grounds. Reach a mountain pass at an elevation of 4,500m, where the trail continues downhill along an original Inca path to Huchuy Qosqo.

This site was once an Inca palace and still has well-preserved structures made of stone and adobe bricks. You'll have time to explore freely and relax, before making the 2km descent towards Lamay, at the base of the valley. Transport will be waiting there to take you to Cusco.

Cusco

Day 6: Stroll through Cusco's cobblestone streets

This morning, strap on your walking shoes for a soft hike around Cusco's center and surrounding countryside - a wonderful opportunity to get an authentic feel for Cusco and its people!

Begin the excursion on the outskirts of Cusco, with a visit to the Cristo Blanco viewpoint and the fortress of Sacsayhuamán. Then, make an easy one-hour descent on foot, partly through an old Inca road - one of the best-preserved in the area - before arriving at the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas.

Your walking tour will then take you through some of the most popular tourist sites of Cusco, such as the main square, cathedral, and Koricancha temple. You will also discover ancient streets, local markets, and old neighborhoods, soaking in the magic of this charming city.

Cusco

Day 7: Say farewell to Peru

This morning, after checking out of your hotel, you'll have some free time to explore the city at your own pace and leisure. At a suitable time, head to Cusco’s airport for your flight to Lima and connecting flight back home.