Journey to Lima, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lares Trail and the Sacred Valley. Optional Lake Titicaca Tour Replaces Lares Trail

11 DAYS, 10 NIGHTS | APRIL 15 - 25, 2022 

Travel back in time as you conquer your bucket-list adventure to the ancient Incan cities of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lima. 

Peru calls out to the traveler seeking extraordinary natural wonders and unparalleled ancient history. From the capital of Lima and its rightful standing as a World Culinary Destination to the exploration of the Sacred Valley, the Ancient Incan Capital of Cusco, our 3-night journey along the Lares Trail and the crescendo of the hidden city of Machu Picchu you'll be dazzled at every uniquely special day. 

Experience the lost Incan Empire through the eyes of local experienced guides, the tastes of innovative cuisine and authentic Incan Culture. We'll travel through the Peruvian capital of Lima exploring the old and new before taking flight to the outstanding city of Cusco. Here as explorers we'll put on our adventure caps and set out to explore the Sacred Valley over several days passing through Peru's agricultural farmland of corn, quinoa, and potatoes. 

​Afterward, we ascend to the starting point of the Lares Trail with our guide, horseman, and porter to begin a magical trek through several climate zones, ancient and active villages while witnessing the natural glory of waterfalls, mountains, and streams. You'll be surrounded by beauty on all sides from the ground to the Heavens above with the site of billions of stars and the Milky Way Galaxy above. 

Ending this trek in Lares Springs, we soak in the natural hot and healing waters as we reflect back on an iconic journey, but it hasn't come to an end. Before arriving back in Cusco we visit the sought after forgotten city of Machu Picchu. Now and only now can you place a checkmark next to a travel dream of a lifetime.

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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Departing USA, Arriving in Lima

Transfer to 4-star Arawi Hotel in the trendy neighborhood of Miraflores - Calle Colon 223. Check-In, Relax, Unwind.

DAY 2:  gastronomic and city tour

Breakfast (included with your stay)

​Our first full day in Lima begins with pick up at 10:00AM. From the hotel, you will take part of a gastronomic experience, visiting the local market where we will appreciate a great variety of products used in the Peruvian cuisine. Next, we’ll visit the Surquillo Market where you’ll find a great variety of Native products and be able to sample local fruits such as: Lucuma, Aguaymanto, Chirimoya, and Pacae. Right after visiting the market, we will go to a very traditional and exclusive restaurant in the district of Miraflores where the Chef will welcome us with a Peruvian classic – a Pisco Sour - cocktail, then sample the best and most representative dishes and desserts of the Peruvian cuisine.

Lunch

Afterwards, we’ll go explore the city further and its fascinating history, including its distinct three periods in time - Pre-Colonial, Colonial, and Modern. Next, we’ll drive a short way to take in a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, a Pre-Inca ceremonial complex right in the center of Lima. We will continue our tour to the historical epicenter of Lima, where monuments and colonial buildings can be appreciated, highlighting El Paseo de la Republica, San Martin Square, La Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Archbishop Palace, the Basilica Cathedral, the BCR Museum (renowned for its “Collection of Peruvian Treasures” - a select exhibition of objects of gold, ceramics and textiles from different Pre-Colombian civilizations), the convent of San Francisco and its catacombs, the Costa Verde with its long promenades running beside the Pacific Ocean, and many more. At this point we’ll stop by the famous Hotel Bolivar for a handcrafted Pisco Sour and – with a drink in hand - be given a short tour of this historic hotel, including its iconic Dome and the beautiful architectural details. Lastly, we’ll visit the most traditional residential zones of Lima.

​Duration: approx. 6.5 hours
Not Included: Lunch and gratuities

DAY 3: Welcome to Cusco

Walking tour: Upon your arrival to Cusco, a meet & greet will be ready at the airport with a myXOadventures sign to welcome you, then we drive to Hotel Rumi Punko which is centrally located. After some time to Check-In and relax, our guide will meet up with us at 3:00PM, to go on a walking tour to see the impressive city of Cusco – we’ll visit the main square, San Pedro market, the sun temple, the cathedral of Cusco, the streets and beautiful central areas of Cusco, then take you back to the hotel or leave you at any restaurant before you return to the hotel.

Included: (Meet up at the airport, driver, transport to the hotel, English speaking professional tour guide, fee for visited places).

​Transfer from Hotel to Lima Airport, Flight from Lima to Cusco. 

Included - Transfers and flight Departing Lima, Arriving in Cusco. Transfer to Hotel (4-Star Hotel Rumi Punko Calle Choquechaca 339 Cusco)
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Day 4: Visit THE INCAn sites 

At 8:30AM, depart hotel then drive to discover: Sacsayhauman, Genqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomcahy, then drive to the sacred valley and stop for lunch (on your own), After lunch we’ll drive to the archaeological site of the city, then hike up to the old Incan town located at the summit of the hill, then return to Cusco by 6:00PM. Enjoy free time afterwards.

​Included: (Driver, transport, English speaking tour guide, fee for visited places).

Day 5: Sacred Valley full day tour

Depart hotel at 8:00AM then drive towards north west of Cusco to visit Chinchero. After visiting Chinchero we drive to Ollantaytambo and admire the wonderful site. We then stop for lunch (on your own) near Urubamba, then conti

Day 6: Cusco – Cancha Cancha (Lares Trek day 1).

​Our adventure tour departs from Cusco, in a private transport to take us to Huaran, a village in the sacred valley of Incas (elevation: 9673 ft!). Our trek begins on a smooth incline at first, following parts of original Inca trail, surrounded by abundant flora consisting of native trees. After about 4 hours trek on medium challenge trail, the group arrives at our lunch spot, near on a ravine and river stream, where a delicious lunch waits and provides energy for the rest of trek. From lunch the trail leads us gently uphill arriving in about 2.5 more hours to the Cancha Cancha community (elevation: 13,192 ft). This location provides an excellent view of snowy mountains and the village itself is a sort of medieval village, where people wear traditional outfits, llama, etc. Lares Valley trek 1st day walking time is about 7hrs and 10 km.

Day 7: Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani (Lares Trek day 2)

​We start slowly uphill until reaching Accopata, an extension of the Cancha Cancha community. In the Lares valley we will see llama shepherds, living in their stone and straw roof huts. In this part of the Lares valley tour, the trail ascends steeply towards Pachacuteq pass (elevation: 15,406 ft), the Lares valley trek 1st pass, surrounded by beautiful lakes such as Azulcocha and Suyrococha. From this area we begin to descend a bit from where snow cap mountains such as Qolqe Cruz,

Pitusiray Sawasiray Sirihuani and Chicon are visible. Lunch is near a quaint lake. After lunch we approach a waterfall in the Quiswarani community (elevation: 12,798ft), where we spend the night enjoying traditional food, surrounded by colorfully dressed local weavers. (7hrs, 9km approximately).

Day 8: Kiswarani – Cuncani (Lares Trek day 3)

Your adventure continues as you begin the most memorable day yet! We begin our ascension for 3 hours until we reach the Hullkiccasa Pass, (elevation: 13,779ft) getting a bird’s eye view of the reflections of the mirror images of the glacial lakes. Time to descend for 2 hours through the boundless farmlands and pristine lakes, arriving at a beautiful waterfall where we stop for lunch. After lunch we’ll descend to the Cucani community, meeting with the local indigenous children and visiting their school and share in some quality time with the students. We’ll camp and spend the last night in our tents.

Included:​ Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Teatime – Dinner.
 Accommodations:  1 tent for every two people, dining tent,
toilet tent, inflatable mattresses, Cook, cooking assistant, muleteers, 1
emergency horse, and horses for the equipment.

Day 9: Cuncani – Lares Hot springs – Aguas Calientes (trek day 4)

​We will wake up in this quiet community, have breakfast, then walk the last 3 hours hike to the Lares Hot springs, where you can jump into the thermal pools then we have the last lunch with our cook and muleteers; then time for our goodbyes with our remarkable chef and cowboys. We take our van for 3 hours to Ollantaytambo where we will have dinner at a nice restaurant. This will allow us to enjoy the view on the drive to Aguas Calientes where we’ll spend the night.

Included:

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner, Accommodation “a clean hotel with hot shower and private bathroom in double occupancy), Cook, cooking assistant, muleteers, 1 emergency horse, and horses for the equipment, Expeditions Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu town.

Not included - Gratuities for the guide, cook and muleteers

Day 10: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Cusco

​Early morning, we will take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu archeological site, making sure we tour every nook and cranny of this new Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu, what an unforgettable experience. Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, you can wander around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center of Inca wisdom, as well as climb the intricately carved stone stairways. You can stay still and find the peace within as you sit in the pure delight of the moment.

Included: Meal: Breakfast, Bus to Machu Picchu “round trip”, Machu Picchu fee, English speaking professional tour guide, Return train to Ollantaytambo “Vista-dome, or similar train”,Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco city.

Day 11: Departure

Goodbye (transfer to Cusco airport). Two hours before your flight departure, our driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport.

Included: Driver and Transport

Day 6 (Lake titicaca option)

​ Journey to Lake Titicaca.

Depart hotel at 7:00AM to meet your driver and your guide to begin the journey towards Lake Titicaca and interesting sites along the way. The first stop will be the Anahuaylillas Church, then continue to Raqchi – a sun temple built by the Inca to venerate the got Viracocha and then take a break for lunch. After lunch, continue to Juliaca, then visit Sillustani – a site that includes ancient Pre-Inca and Inca tombs, take in the beautiful vistas, then continue on to Puno City.
Arrive at 5:30PM – Overnight in Puno City
INCLUDED: Driver, Transport, Fee for visited sites, Hotel, Lunch, Dinner, and Expert English-Speaking Tour Guide.

DAy 7 (Lake TiTICACA option)

Lake Titicaca.

Wake up at 7:00AM and meet your driver and guide to take you to Lake Titicaca where you board a 40-minute motorboat ride to the famous floating islands of Uros at an elevation of 12,500ft. The islands consist of houses made of reeds and have been inhabited by the Uros people since the time of the Inca.

A community member will welcome you and make a brief explanation of their organization, then have time to explore the area, take pictures, and ride a unique boat made of reeds. Afterwards, board your motorboat to continue your lake tour on your way to Taquille Island. Upon arrival, you will be received by inhabitants of the island to bring you into their homes where you’ll share in their local customs and traditions.

Enjoy a welcome dinner (dinner is provided by your host family) and spend the night.
INCLUDED: Driver, Transport, Motorboat Ride, Lunch, Dinner, Accommodations, and Expert English-Speaking Tour Guide.

Day 8 (Lake TITICACA OPTION)

Early Breakfast, then say farewell to the island. You'll walk down to the harbor and take the motorboat to Amantani – another beautiful island with its own unique indigenous community. Amantani is the second largest island on Lake Titicaca.

This island community is home to local farmers who grow potatoes and quinoa. Upon arrival to the island, you will have enough time to explore the area and lunch on your own. This is an opportunity to buy souvenirs and interact with the local people with your guide. Lastly, you’ll take a motorboat back to Puno city – arriving approximately at 5:00PM then spend the night in Puno City.
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INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Motorboat Ride, Hotel, and Expert English-Speaking Guide.

Day 9 (Lake Titicaca Option)

Your driver will pick you up at 6:00AM and begin your drive back to Cusco to arrive by 1:00PM and enjoy lunch on your own. Afterwards, your driver will take you to Ollantaytambo where you’ll meet up with the rest of your group back from their trek.

INCLUDED: Driver, Transport from Puno-Cusco-Ollantaytambo, Dinner,
Accommodations, and Expert English-Speaking Tour Guide.

Itinerary Subject to change.

INCLUSIONS

• 4 Star Hotel Accommodations in Lima and Cusco.
• ​Breakfast Every Day.
• 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners.
• All Admissions to sites visited per itinerary.
• English Speaking Professional Guide.
• Guided Tours per itinerary.
• Escorted by My XO Adventures owner Daniel.
• Horseman, Chef, and Guide for Lares Trail.
• Gratuities for guides and support team.
• Walking Sticks, Air Mattress and Sleeping Bag.
• Flight from Lima to Cusco.
• All ground transportation per itinerary.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

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