6 days in Peru with sustainable glamping under the stars
Calling all free spirits in search of tailor-made experiences in South America: this unique six-day trip is perfect for a complete and wonderful cultural immersion in Peru. See the highlights of Cusco and Aguas Calientes, marvel at Machu Picchu, and choose from a selection of wonderful rural communities for a sustainable glamping getaway under the stars (Misminay, Viacha, or Huilloc). See a different side to Peru that few are lucky to witness - one rich in unspoilt nature and authentic Andean culture.
Services
Included:
- Five nights accommodation in hotels as per the itinerary
- Five breakfasts, one dinner
- Private transfers with English-speaking driver
- Return expedition-class train transfer Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- Andean ceremony experience
Excluded:
- International & domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional:
- Machu Picchu (second visit) & Huayna Picchu ($165 USD)
- Cooking classes (from $22 USD)
- Agriculture session (from $22 USD)
- Dyeing & weaving activity (from $22 USD)
- Trek to Maras salt pans & Moray (from $31 USD)
Itinerary at a Glance
Cusco
Welcome to Cusco!
Cusco - Misminay
Experience the culture of Misminay
Misminay - Ollantaytambo
Depart for Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Explore the sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Return to Cusco
Cusco
Farewell!
Detailed Itinerary
Cusco
Day 1: Welcome to Cusco!
Transfer from the airport to your hotel, to check in before enjoying a free day in Cusco. You'll want to take time to adjust to the high altitude! Take it slow, drink plenty of water or mate de coca, and eat very light meals. Don't worry - you'll soon have plenty of time for sightseeing adventures!
Cusco - Misminay
Day 2: Experience the culture of Misminay
Today, depart the city and head to Sacsayhuamán, an imposing Inca citadel that dominates Cusco from the northern outskirts of the city. Then you'll visit Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, and Q'enco, three more archaeological sites that will help you understand the history of the Inca Empire.
Arriving into Misminay, take time to soak up your quiet rural surroundings. Enjoy panoramic views of crop fields and majestic snow peaks from your glamping tent. A kind local couple will show you the sights around this wonderful Andean town, and will surprise you with delicious dishes. You'll even get to experience cultural activities such as dyeing and weaving, Andean ceremonies, cooking lessons, and more!
Misminay - Ollantaytambo
Day 3: Depart for Ollantaytambo
Enjoy a delicious community breakfast in the morning, with a chance to partake in more local activities afterwards, or choose to sleep in before departing Misminay for Ollantaytambo. On the banks of the Urubamba River, this village in the Sacred Valley is a gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu, and will be your base for the night.
Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Explore the sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Start the morning with a walk to Ollantaytambo's train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, take a bus to the citadel, ascending 400m along a zigzagging road for about 30 minutes.
At last you'll reach the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where you'll begin a guided tour. Visit the Main Square, Circular Tower, Sacred Sundial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows, and the cemeteries, soaking in the incredible history and landscape as you go.
Finally, take a bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy a meal at a local restaurant at your leisure before retiring to your hotel for the night.
Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Day 5: Return to Cusco
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before spending a free day on your own, exploring the sights and sounds of Aguas Calientes.
At a specific time, you'll journey back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. If you're feeling in the mood for more outdoor pursuits, you could return to the citadel of Machu Picchu (no guide is needed for your second visit) and climb Huayna Picchu mountain. Alternatively, visit a Quechua community on your way back to Cusco, for a trip filled with cultural discoveries.
Cusco
Day 6: Farewell!
At the appropriate time, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and transferred to the airport to catch your flight home. Farewell and be sure to visit again!
