Incan Exploration: Immersive 10-Day Peru Itinerary

We just returned from a 10 day trip to Peru with 15 family members. Our agent worked with me to plan every detail of the trip.   Everything went according to schedule and without a single hitch!  Our agent lined up a trip to satisfy every single member in our group ages 71 to 10.  We will never forget this trip of a lifetime!  The trip was planned so that we could adjust to the elevation appropriately.  We started with 3 days, 2 nights in the Amazon jungle.  The resort we stayed at and the activities planned were awesome!  The food was good too.  The kids, ages 10-18 loved that part of the trip the best.  We moved on to the Sacred Valley for 4 days, day 1 full day touring at Pisac ruins, Ollantaytambo ruins, day 2 full day touring included Chincero weaving demonstration, Moray ruins & Mara salt mines, day 3 was horseback riding for 11 in our group and the other 4 went whitewater rafting on the Urubamba river, and day 4 was our trip to Machu Picchu.  We moved on to Cusco for 2 nights.  Our first full day in Cusco, we did a 1/2 day tour, and a late afternoon chocolate making event for 1 hour at the Choco Museo.  The next morning we left for Lima, spent 1 night in Lima and did a 1/2 day city tour.  We had the afternoon free and headed to the airport by 7:00 pm for our flights back to the U.S.  We were met by representatives at every location at the times stated.  All our tours were private for our group and the guides were awesome.  The food was so tasty throughout our trip.  Our agent made reservations in advance for our dinners.  Be flexible.  We are used to eating lunches around noon, but while touring, most lunches were around 2-3 pm in the afternoon.  We did have protein bars that we packed in our backpack.  Bonus item working with this agent....my husband had requested a surprise birthday cake for me at the restaurant in our Sacred Valley hotel. Our agent personally ordered a cake from a known bakery in Cusco and drove 1.5-2 hours to our hotel to personally deliver it with a nice birthday present!  That is going way above and beyond!  It was a pleasure meeting him in person!  I would not hesitate to recommend this agent and his company for any travel in South America!  

We were extremely happy with every aspect of our trip to Peru and the outstanding assistance and support by Stuart, Satish and others at our Peru travel agency. We flew directly to Cusco and spent two nights there seeing the various sites in and around the city with a private guide, then a private guided tour to the Sacred Valley by van spending the night in Ollantaytambo. The next morning we took the train to Machu Picchu and had a private tour of the ruins followed by a stay in the wonderful Inkaterra MP Pueblo. The following day we took the train from Aguas Caliente to Cusco - a very pleasant and comfortable way to travel. The next morning we were off to the airport traveling to Puerto Maldonado for a three night stay in the Inkaterra Amazonica Reserva. We had wonderful guides with a special hats off to Jorge in Cusco and SV. Our MP guide was also excellent. We had terrific support getting around in all the locations and would highly recommend this travel company to not only our friends but to all who consider traveling to and about Peru!

These travel planners were GREAT! It was great that they personally took us on numerous tours. They both are very knowledgeable and were able to explain things perfectly to our two children. The reason we choose this company was because our travel planner was so responsive and offered excellent suggestions based on the what types of things we wanted to see/do on our Peru vacation. We trusted her suggestions and were extremely pleased with the entire trip. We spent 2.5 days in the Amazon. The lodge was very nice. We liked that each "hut" was individual. Ours looked out onto the river that was very peaceful while laying in the hammocks on the porch. We enjoyed the hike through the rainforest in the Tambopata Natural Reserve. Next we went to Cusco & had a wonderful time horseback riding. We stayed at a place with an excellent location close to the center of Cusco and a nice hotel. The next day we were with another guide and he gave an excellent tour of Sacsayhuaman, Pisac Ruins & the Artisinal Market. We visited the Maras-Moray & Salt Flats. Our favorite day was the one day hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It was challenging, but well worth it. The scenery was amazing. When you reach the Sun Gate and look down to Machu Picchu it is truly amazing. Our guide on the hike and tour of Machu Picchu was fantastic. Next we went rafting in the Southern Valley, that was a lot of fun. We finished off our trip in Lima - including a nice tour and free time.

Our daughter had altitude sickness one day and our planners did an excellent job giving her what she needed so she felt 100% better the next day. She was able to do the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.

We were pleasantly surprised that our agents rode with us to the airport to say good bye. We consider them our new friends. We would highly recommend them to anyone. Definitely one of the BEST trips we have taken and it was because of this travel company! Thank you!!!

We finally got to Peru after 2 reschedules due to circumstances beyond our control on 27 April 2019.From our first encounter with the guide who met us at Lima airport at 1 AM local time to our farewells 10 April 2019, I felt that we had received the best value and superior guides than we had expected.Our first guide really did not have to be there, as all we had to do was walk across the street to the Airport hotel, but he was there, cheerful and helpful.We were back at the airport at 7 AM for our flight to Cusco, where our guide (he was greeted by virtually every other tour guide we met for the next week) met us and began a week exploration through the Sacred Valley, Macchu Picchu, and Cusco. Having been a former guide on the Inca Trail, our guide knew what we needed to become acclimatized to the altitude, as we were headed next to the Ausangate Trek with hiking at altitudes near 17,000 feet (>5000 meters).Our first two nights were in a hotel in Ollantaytambo, as nice a hotel as I have ever been in.Our next day after an early morning visit to the Ollantaytambo Sun Temple,  found us at the Moray Terraces and the nearby salt mines where our guide showed us a path to hike down to the valley to meet our driver for a wonderful lunch.You will not go hungry in Peru! Not only is the cuisine delicious, the portions are enormous.The following day we rode the scenic Peru Rail to Aqua Calientes where we hiked to waterfalls and a butterfly preserve. We were again housed in a fine hotel and served five star meals.The next day was Macchu Picchu, our guide had us in line for entry as they opened at 6AM. We were able to explore and get pictures before the crowds arrived later. We were also able to climb Huayna Picchu for some the best photos of the area. It is a strenuous climb, but well worth it. After lunch we returned to another night to a hotel in Ollantaytambo.The next day, our guide got a day off as we were driven to the top of a 14,500 foot pass for a downhill mountain bike ride of 50 kilometers (30 miles) and 5000 feet vertical descent. There maybe another similar ride on the planet, but I do not know of one! Spectacular scenery and travel through at least five different climate zones. We checked out of Pakaritampu and drove to Cusco with our driver to spend the night.Our last day with our guide was spent exploring Cusco parks and ancient churches, finishing with another fine meal. The rest of the day was spent shopping at the local markets and preparing for the Ausangate Trek with a Cusco lodge.We met that evening with a representative of the Lodge and one of our fellow travelers for the trek for last minute preparations.The following day we met with our guide and driver to begin the Ausangate Trek. After a four hour drive with stops in Urco and Pitumarca, we had a lunch cooked for us near a ruin of an ancient water mill. We then began an easy 3 mile hike to the first Lodge near the town of Chillica, where we we treated to a three course meal and hot showers. The stars were out this evening, with no light pollution at all.The second day starts easily as you follow a primitive road upstream until it end at a llama corral. After this, you climb to lakes and pasture near the base of Ausangate approaching 16,000 feet altitude. Again a hot lunch was prepared on the trail. Terri was beginning to suffer from the altitude, but we managed to get to the second lodge, for another hot shower and excellent meal. Our guide was able to make a Terri more comfortable, and after discontinuing Diamox, and drinking electrolytes, we were able to continue.The morning of the third day we awoke to 4 inches of fresh snow and clearing skies, we then climbed to Palomino Pass 16,887 feet for highest elevation of the trek. from here it was mostly down hill through a broad valley to the next lodge. we were beginning to see the colors of the mountains becoming more pronounced as we were approaching the Rainbow Mountains and Red Valley of the Peruvian Andes The third lodge is the only single story lodge of the four we stayed at.Day four is the day we pass the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. We begin with a climb to another pass approaching 17,00 feet, then descend to a series of three lakes. As we approach the Rainbow mountain overlook, we can see the crowds of people who come here for a day hike from Cusco. Our guide knew the crowds would be gone after lunch, and by the time we got to the overlook, we had it to ourselves. Without a doubt, one of the natural wonders of this planet! We then traversed the Red Valley to our last lodge. The final supper was remarkable!Our last day on the trek begins with yet another climb, but then down hill to lunch and our bus back to Cusco. Along the way down, we passed through a small village, where we were greeted by the entire elementary school student body. ( about 12 children) We gave out the last of our trail snacks and continued downhill. we arrived in Cusco about 4 PM, pleasantly tired.We were driven to the airport in time to catch an 0830 flight back to Lima, where we were picked up and driven to the Largo Museum for a tour and yet another example of fine Peruvian cuisine. After a tour of central Lima, we drove to Paracas marine preserve where we stayed at a hotel.Our next day, we were taken to an airport in Ica, where we were first in line for the best seats on a Cessna Caravan for a one hour flight over the mysterious Nazca lines. We then rode dune buggies and sandboarded the dunes near Huacachina before stopping at a three generation old Pisco distillery for samples and lunch. we spent the rest of the day relaxing at the our resort.Our last day, we toured the Ballestas Islands and the Candellabra of Paracas harbor, before returning to Lima for lunch and shopping in the Miraflores district. Our driver then had to get us to the airport in Friday afternoon traffic in Lima. There are somedays you just do not get paid enough for the work you do! We the flew home after an unforgettable trip! 

We used Zicasso to get started on a Peruvian vacation. I had never used this service though I had vague remembrances of the name. We received 2 prompt quotations for our 8 day excursion for  a family of 5. The 3rd quotation came through well after I had already decided upon one of the earlier 2. That was too bad. But I am very gratified with the service provided by this travel company as led by our agent. He addressed my every wish and request. 

We were met by local company. They are all exceptional - well appointed, true ambassadors of Peru, and knowledgeable. Their English was impeccable. I can't say enough the first member of the travel team who introduced us to Peru and the Sacred Valley. He is so articulate and so pleasant. We enjoyed our 2 days spent with him. He taught us about the enduring offerings of the Incas. We saw the salt mines, Maray, and the ruins at Ollayntatambo. We drank local beer in the Sacred Valley and spoke of his origins and his agrarian life. 

 . If you are going to Aguas Calientes and are staying overnight - don't miss the Inka Del Terra. An idyllic accommodation nestled within the forest, below Macchu Picchu mountain and right against the railroad tracks. Stay 2nights if you can. Luxuriate and relax after hectic climbing. Enjoy the dinner and breakfast there. Have a spa treatment in the Andean sauna. You won't be sorry.

 Sacred Valley is a must- the salt mines, Ollaytatambo Sacred ruins, Incan history - what memories! Accommodation: I can't say the hospitality at the villas  in the Sacred Valley was memorable - but the hotel is beautifully appointed. The rooms are fabulous, as are the grounds. Take your yoga mat! Don't eat at the hotel for dinner. Consider a taxi to Urubamba (the town) for a night out. We loved Huacatay!

We ended back up in Cusco - after staying in nature at the previous hotels, this hotel felt stuffy. The breakfast is great. The staff is good. The rooms are stuffy and stodgy -nothing like Inka Del Terra. 

Do your shopping in a reputable store and enjoy all the Peruvian handicrafts made of baby alpaca. Enjoy the people -especially in the Sacred valley where it feels less touristy and more authentic. 

Know what you want - great food or great accommodation or great excursions. Have a bit of an idea as to what makes a vacation memorable for you. My kids loved white water rafting in Cusco. Go horse back riding in Urubamba if that's your thing. Or ATV riding, zip lining, trekking the Incan Trail. This country is special. The food is delicious. And the people are kind.