Sacred Valley & Coffee Route to Machu Picchu 9 Days / 8 Nights

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – Transfer to Ollantaytambo, the Living Inca Town

Upon your arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft), a representative from Peruvian Culture Tours will warmly welcome you and assist with your private transfer to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft), one of the last living Inca towns in Peru.

Before heading to the Sacred Valley, we will make a brief stop in Cusco’s city center for any last-minute shopping or personal needs. Then, enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive through beautiful Andean landscapes, traditional villages, and breathtaking mountain views, with a few stops for photos along the way.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you will have free time to enjoy lunch, explore the charming cobblestone streets, and relax amid spectacular mountains and authentic Inca architecture.

Starting your journey in Ollantaytambo is highly recommended for better altitude acclimatization, as its lower elevation offers a smoother, more comfortable adjustment before your upcoming adventures in the Andes.

Day 2 : Peruvian Coffee Farm Experience & Freshly Brewed Coffee Tasting

Your Peruvian Coffee Farm Experience & Freshly Brewed Coffee Tasting begins with breakfast at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, located at approximately 2,792 meters (9,160 ft) above sea level. At 7:30 a.m., our team and professional guide will pick you up in comfortable private transportation for a scenic journey toward the cloud forest.

We will drive approximately 2 hours to Abra Málaga, the highest point of the route at around 4,316 meters (14,160 ft) above sea level, before descending through the breathtaking cloud forest with several stops at panoramic viewpoints to admire the mountains, lush vegetation, and tropical landscapes. Along the way, we will also visit small local markets featuring a variety of exotic jungle fruits.

When we arrival in Santa María, located at approximately 1,200 meters (3,937 ft) above sea level, you will enjoy a delicious local lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the local family farm of “Señora Panchita” for an authentic Peruvian Coffee Farm Experience & Freshly Brewed Coffee Tasting.

During this cultural experience, you will learn about traditional coffee production, local fruits, natural medicinal plants, and local wildlife, including colorful native birds. After the experience, we will transfer you to your lodge for an overnight stay in the Santa María district.

Day 3: Cocalmayo Hot Springs Relaxation

We begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge at 6:00 a.m. At 8:00 a.m., we will depart by private transportation for an approximately 45-minute drive to the district of Santa Teresa, located at approximately 1,550 meters (5,085 ft) above sea level.

Upon arrival, we will visit the famous Cocalmayo Hot Springs, situated at around 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) above sea level, where you can relax and enjoy the natural thermal pools surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery for approximately two hours.

This refreshing experience, we will head to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we continue driving to Hidroeléctrica at approximately 1,890 meters (6,200 ft) above sea level, where you will board the tourist train for a scenic 40-minute journey to Aguas Calientes, located at 2,040 meters (6,693 ft) above sea level and known as the gateway to Machu Picchu.

We will transfer you to a comfortable 3-star hotel for your overnight stay. During your free time, you may explore the charming town of Aguas Calientes at your own pace, enjoying its local atmosphere, shops, and cafés.

Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu – One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Your day begins with breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, located at approximately 2,040 meters (6,693 ft) above sea level. After breakfast, you will take a scenic 35-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, situated at around 2,430 meters (7,972 ft) above sea level, while enjoying spectacular mountain views.

Together with your professional English-speaking guide, you will explore the impressive Inca citadel on a comprehensive 3-hour guided tour. Discover its remarkable architecture, sacred temples, agricultural terraces, and advanced engineering systems while learning about the history and significance of Machu Picchu.

After the guided visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the town’s recommended local restaurants, including Full House Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine, Chullos Restaurant, Ponchos Peruvian Kitchen, Green House, or Misky Restaurant.

Later, you will board the panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo, located at approximately 2,792 meters (9,160 feet) above sea level, while enjoying the spectacular Andean landscapes along the journey. Upon arrival, our team will transfer you to your hotel, concluding your unforgettable experience at Machu Picchu.

Day 5: Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo

After breakfast, your professional guide will pick you up from your hotel in the Sacred Valley at 8:30 a.m. Begin a full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas at a comfortable pace, traveling in private transportation.

Start with a guided visit to the impressive archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important Inca settlements in Peru. Continue to the local market of Urubamba and enjoy lunch at a selected tourist restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore the spectacular Maras Salt Mines and the fascinating circular terraces of Moray, the Incas’ renowned agricultural research center.

Before returning to Cusco, stop at a scenic viewpoint to admire the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley. This memorable journey combines Inca history, local culture, and stunning Andean scenery.

Day 6: Hike to Humantay Lake – Spectacular Mountain Views and Glaciers

Your adventure to Humantay Lake begins at 4:00 a.m. with hotel pickup and a boxed breakfast provided by your hotel. You will travel in comfortable transportation with an official professional guide.

This hike starts with a 2-hour drive from Cusco to Mollepata, followed by an additional 1-hour drive to the trek starting point.

The hike takes approximately 3 hours, gradually ascending through stunning Andean scenery until reaching 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). At the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the turquoise Humantay Lake and the surrounding Salkantay Mountain range. Your guide will provide fascinating cultural insights and help you reach the best viewpoints for memorable photographs.

Enjoying the lake, you will hike back down to the starting point, a descent of approximately 2 hours. You will then continue by van for about 1 hour to Mollepata, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. Finally, you will return to Cusco in approximately 2 to 3 hours aboard comfortable private transportation.

This experience, offered by Peruvian Culture Tours, is a non-rushed trek designed to let you fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes at high altitude.

Day 7: Hike to Rainbow Mountain with Red Valley

Today, you will experience one of the most unforgettable adventures in the Peruvian Andes: Rainbow Mountain and the spectacular Red Valley.

Your adventure begins at 4:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, located at approximately 3,399 meters (11,152 ft) above sea level. Together with your professional guide, you will travel for about 3 hours through beautiful Andean landscapes to the trailhead. A boxed breakfast will be provided before departure.

The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes approximately 2 hours uphill, reaching an altitude of 5,050 meters (16,568 ft) above sea level. Along the trek, our guide will provide assistance and carry oxygen for your comfort and safety. At the summit, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and learn about the mountain’s geology and cultural significance.

Afterward, you will continue to the stunning Red Valley, surrounded by spectacular landscapes and views of the majestic Ausangate glaciers. Following the visit, you will hike downhill for approximately 1 hour before driving to Cusipata for a delicious local lunch.

In the afternoon, we return to Cusco, concluding an unforgettable trekking experience in the Peruvian Andes.

Day 8: Cusco City Tour & Inca Mummies Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Cusco on a half-day guided tour. After breakfast, explore the city’s most important Inca archaeological sites, including Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, while learning about the fascinating legacy of the Inca civilization.

The experience also includes a visit to the Inca Museum, offering valuable insights into ancient traditions, rituals, and daily life in the Inca Empire.

The tour concludes around 1:30 PM, leaving you free time to continue exploring the charm and beauty of Cusco at your own pace.

Day 9: Transport to the airport in Cusco

After enjoying a delightful breakfast at your hotel, our team will transfer you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport approximately 3 hours before your flight departure to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

From Cusco, you will board your flight to Lima, where you will have enough time to connect with your international flight home.

This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Peru, filled with incredible landscapes, ancient history, rich culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.