A Day of Exploration and Indulgence - We start the morning with optional gentle, all-levels yoga (or sleep in!) and a full breakfast at our hotel before setting off on today’s adventure.

Pisac & the Sacred Valley – We travel 22 miles to Pisac, where our guides lead us on an all-levels hike we will hike the upper ruins, taking in stunning views of the valley while continuing to acclimate to the altitude.  

Gourmet Picnic Experience – After our hike, we descend by van to the valley for a gourmet, multi-course, chef-prepared picnic featuring local ingredients, Andean textiles, fresh flowers, and an assortment of beverages—a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Arrive in Ollantaytambo – After lunch, we head to my favorite town, Ollantaytambo, and check into the historic El Albergue Hotel. Surrounded by lush gardens, fragrant flowers, and flowing water canals, this charming retreat also features an organic farm, a coffee roastery, and a distillery.

✨ Settle in, soak up the beauty, and get ready for the next chapter of our adventure!

We start the morning with gentle outdoor yoga (always optional!), surrounded by the majestic Andes, followed by a hearty breakfast at our hotel.

Your Day, Your Way – The day is yours to enjoy! Choose to:

• Join me for a hike through the Ollantaytambo Ruins – where the views from the top are breathtaking! 
• Relax in the hotel’s lush gardens
• Wander the charming cobblestone streets of this ancient Inca town
• Shop in the local market for unique Andean crafts
• Savor traditional Peruvian cuisine
• Hike one of the scenic local trails
• Explore at your own pace!

Optional Add-On: Pachamanca Lunch – For a truly special experience, book El Albergue’s Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Inca meal cooked underground on hot stones. Enjoy a feast of grilled meats, Andean potatoes, organic vegetables, fresh salad, traditional sauces, and chicha morada (a local purple corn drink). Vegetarian options and allergy accommodations available.

Dinner on your own, or with me at a local favorite in the town square.

✨ A perfect mix of exploration, relaxation, and connection in one of the most magical towns in Peru!

We start the day with an early morning train ride through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, arriving in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

From there, we take a short scenic bus ride up the mountain, where we meet our private guide and enter the legendary sanctuary of Machu Picchu—the most renowned archaeological site of the Inca Empire.

We explore the Lost City of the Incas – This UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 15th century, sits at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, perched high above the Urubamba Valley. As we walk through its ancient terraces, temples, and hidden corners, you'll be immersed in the magic and mystery of this world wonder.

After our guided tour, we return to town for lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.  Enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at El Albergue’s farm-to-table restaurant or explore one of the many excellent local dining spots in town.

This day is consistently a guest favorite! After breakfast and optional yoga, we set off for an unforgettable experience.

Maras Salt Mines – Our first stop is the famous Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside, creating a stunning and otherworldly landscape.

Mountainview Experience – From there, we take a short drive to Mountainview Experience, a breathtaking retreat surrounded by the majestic Andes.

• Relax with llamas, sip hot Muña tea, and soak in the serene mountain views. 
• Go horseback riding, hop on an ATV, or explore on a bicycle. 
• Unwind in your private outdoor hot tub!

Afternoon Creativity & Connection – In the late afternoon, we gather for a watercolor painting picnic, where you’ll create a beautiful work of art to take home as a keepsake from this special day. 

Evening Under the Stars – After a homemade dinner at the Mountainview house, we unwind by the campfire, sharing stories under a sky full of stars.

Overnight in Cozy Cabins – Spend the night in warm, inviting cabins with modern bathrooms (yes, with showers!). For an extra-special experience, upgrade to a cabin with a wood-fired stove, a private deck, and an outdoor hot tub—perfect for stargazing!

📸 See more on Instagram @mountainviewexperience

This day is a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and connection—a true highlight of the trip!

A Morning of Tradition & an Afternoon of Exploration

We start the day with a hearty breakfast at Mountainview Experience, followed by a deeply meaningful ancient Andean ritual.

Despacho Ceremony with a Q’ero Shaman – Take part in this sacred offering of gratitude to the Apus (mountain spirits) and Pachamama (Mother Earth). Rooted in the spirit of Ayni (reciprocity), this ceremony is about harmony, gratitude, and setting intentions—a powerful way to “dispatch” our prayers to the universe.

Return to Cusco – After the ceremony, we head back to our beautiful hotel in Cusco, Antigua Casona in San Blas.

An Afternoon of Your Choice – The day is yours! Explore at your own pace:

• Wander the neigborhood of San Blas and the Plaza de Armas
• Take a walking tour or visit the ancient Sacsayhuamán ruins
• Immerse yourself in local culture at San Pedro Market
• Indulge in relaxation at the hotel’s spa with a massage or treatment

Dinner together!

We depart early for Rainbow Mountain, known as Vinicunca in Quechua or Montaña de Siete Colores (Seven-Colored Mountain). This high-altitude trek is a dream for those who love breathtaking landscapes and dramatic scenery.

Hike to the summit or, for an additional cost, ride a horse or ATV partway up to take in the stunning views with less effort. Return to Cusco in time for dinner on your own, either at the hotel or one of the many fantastic restaurants within walking distance.

Not a hiker? If you prefer to skip the trek, I’m happy to arrange a Cusco city tour or you can enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace!