Today we continue to settle in and catch up from our long travel day.  We start the day with morning yoga and then venture into town and local Incan ruins.  Afterwards, we take an easy (40 minute) hike along the stream to the beautiful Sirenachayoc Waterfall.

This morning we rise early and take breakfast to-go as we begin our trek to Machu Picchu.  From Ollanta we embark on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.  This route is considered one of the best train routes in the world as it passes through beautiful landscapes as well as Andean towns and their fields.  Before and/or after our private tour of Machu Picchu, we have time to explore the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes and visit its shops and eateries.  Tonight we will dine together at a traditional Peruvian restaurant before returning to our home in Calca for a restful night's sleep.

Today we explore the mind-boggling ruins of Moray by ATV and fit in some yoga to soothe any tired bodies.  In the evening, back at the Calca house, it's time to chill with good company and live Andean music!

This morning is another early departure to La Laguna de Piuray where we dive deeper into Andean culture with Peruvian textile and Pachamanca demonstrations.  Pachamanca is a traditional Peruvian dish cooked underground with hot stones.  While our lunch is cooking, we explore the area on stand up paddle board or kayak. In the afternoon, we stop by the beautifully scenic Chinchero ruins before returning to our home base for the evening.

This morning we depart on a picturesque hike to Huchuy Qosco, a rarely visited but wonderful archeological park.  Also called Little Cusco, the park sits on a plateau with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and Vilcabamba Mountain range.  Within the ruins of this hidden gem we will enjoy some gentle stretches and a picnic lunch before our descent.  

Today we slow things down a bit.  After morning yoga, the day is free to do with as you wish.  

Some options:

-  Visit the nearby town of Pisac.  This sleepy town hosts Quechuan markets and stunnning ruins.

-  Enjoy a massage or Reiki session at the house with local practitioners.  (Sign up at registration)

-  Meander into town for coffee or have lunch at a local eatery.

-  Read in a hammock, take a nap, walk in nature...

In the evening we will reconnect with the whole group for dinner and a special Andean ceremony

We begin today with a special Shamanic ceremony in an ancient and mysterious power site that some believe to be a portal to other dimensions.

Next we visit the town of Ollanta, the best surviving example of Inca city planning.  Our guides will lead us through the majestic ruins of the Ollantaytambo Temple and Fortress before setting us free to wander the ancient cobblestone streets, shop in the open air markets, enjoy local cuisine and soak in our surroundings.

Today we say goodbye to our home in Calca and return to Cusco.  In the morning we tour two of the most culturally important sites in the Inca Empire: Koricancha- the Golden Temple of the Sun, and the remarkable Sacsayhuaman Fortress.  A farewell lunch in Historic Cusco marks the end of our 9 day adventure.

* For those leaving Cusco today, we suggest booking your flight to Lima no earlier than 7:00pm

We highly encourage one extra night in Cusco to explore more of this vibrant city.  We will stay at the award-winning Antigua Casona Boutique Hotel.  Located within Cusco's oldest, continuously lived-in neighborhood, Antigua Casona is a beautifully restored Casona offering colonial charm and modern comfort.  The narrow cobble stone streets of the San Blas neighborhood are lined with the remains of Incan architecture and colonial casonas, where artisans, boutiques, and coffee shops now reside.  Breakfast is included.

After a rejuvenating night at the Casona, the day is yours to experience Cusco on your own or with new friends from our group.  This gem of a city is often overlooked as travelers pass by on their way to Machu Picchu, but it's stunning setting, beautiful architecture, abundance of handcraft and woolen textiles and amazing food scene make it a fantastic destination in an of itself!  Take the day to pamper yourself at the spa or explore the shops and museums of this UNESCO heritage city.