LOOK TO THE STARS
Join us on a fascinating adventure during the autumn or spring equinox in Cusco to study the sacred sites of ancient Andean civilizations and their architectural alignment with the constellations that transformed them into living stone calendars. This journey of breathtaking vistas, exciting excursions, visits to unique archaeological sites, and lectures led by experts in the field will give you an in-depth understanding of Andean archaeoastronomy as a foundation for the history, mythology, symbology, and architecture of the Incas.
ITINERARY
- Arrival in Cusco and transfer to hotel.
- Lunch at leisure.
- Afternoon walking tour of Cusco: ancient temples, historical streets, and more.
- Early evening lecture: Andean Cosmology.
- Welcome dinner in Cusco City.
Overnight: MLP Hotel in Cusco
- Morning excursion to Sacsayhuaman and the Bohic-Ruz ‘Chinkana’ archaeological excavation area.
- Lunch at Pachapapa
- Early afternoon visit to the Koricancha.
- Visit to the Cusco planetarium and lecture: Why the Incas Looked to the Sky.
- Dinner at Incanto.
Overnight: MLP Hotel in Cusco
- Morning visit to the village of Viacha.
- Hike from Viacha to Pisaq archaeological site.
- Optional drive and visit to the town of Pisaq.
- Scenic drive to Lamay Lodge.
- Traditional Pachamanca late lunch at the lodge.
- Afternoon at leisure.
- Early evening lecture before dinner: Ancient Cusco and the Bohic Ruz Explorations.
Overnight: Lamay Lodge (9,705’ / 2,958m)
- Morning drive to Ancasmarca.
- Guided exploration of the Ancasmarca archaeological site.
- Lunch in Choquecancha.
- Optional afternoon hike from the trailhead in Choquecancha to Jaukani.
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585’ / 3,835m)
- Scenic morning drive to Marcacocha.
- Pachamama ceremony.
- Drive to the Pumamarka archaeological site for lunch and guided exploration.
- Optional visit to Quellorakay.
- Evening lecture at hotel: The Archaeoastronomical Design of Ollantaytambo and Pakaritampu.
Overnight: Partner hotel in Ollantaytambo (9,284’ / 2,830m)
- Uphill hiketo explore the Pakaritampu Pyramid.
- Tour of the Ollantaytambo fortress.
- Afternoon train to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.
- Early evening lecture: Machu Picchu.
Overnight: Partner hotel in Aguas Calientes (6,232´ / 1,900m)
- Early morning shuttle bus to Machu Picchu.
- Guided exploration of the citadel.
- Afternoon train ride to Ollantaytambo.
- Scenic sunset drive back to Cusco.