Inti Raymi
For the Incas, the winter solstice sunrise marked the beginning of a new calendar year and was celebrated throughout the land. Inti Raymi, Quechua for ‘Sun Festival’, was borne from these celebrations, and has become the most important festival in Cusco. Although the celebration lasts for a week, the opening day of colorful processions and elaborate re-enactments of revered Inca ceremonies draws a crowd of thousands from the city, mountains, and beyond. During the Inti Raymi Festival Experience, not only will you explore fascinating Inca temples in the Andean highlands on your way to Machu Picchu, but you will also join the festivities in the city center and at Sacsayhuaman.
10D/9N
US$ 4,200
ITINERARY
/ Pick-up at Cusco airport and transfer to hotel
/ Lunch and afternoon at leisure.
/ 06:00 pm Pre-trip briefing
Overnight: MLP Hotel in Cusco
/ Breakfast at hotel
/ 09:30 am Tour of the Ancient Temples of Cusco: Koricancha, Hatunrumiyoq, Calle Intikijllu, and Plaza de San Cristobal
/ 01:00 pm Lunch at El Mercado
/ 03:00 pm Guided tour of the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site
/ 06:00 pm Lecture: ‘The Sacred Architecture of Cusco’ – led by Andres Adasme, Archaeoastronomer and MLP Director of New Program Development
/ 07:30 pm Dinner at Kion in Cusco
Overnight: MLP Hotel in Cusco
/ Breakfast at hotel
/ 08:00 am Depart hotel for a scenic drive to Quillarumiyoq
/ 09:30 am Guided tour of the Quillarumiyoq archaeological site
/ 11:30 am Traditional ceremony at the main temple in honor of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and to celebrate Winter Solstice – led by a traditional Andean Q’ero (shaman)
/ 12:30 pm Picnic lunch at the temple
/ 02:00pm Downhill walk back to the base and drive back to Cusco
/ Late afternoon at leisure
/ 07:00 pm Dinner at Pachapapa in Cusco
Overnight: MLP Hotel in Cusco
Meals: B, L, D
/ Breakfast at lodge
/ 08:00 am Depart hotel for a scenic drive into the Sacred Valley
/ 10:00 am Arrival in Viacha and exploration into traditional Andean farming with the local community
/ 11:30 am Picnic brunch in Viacha
/ 12:30 pm Downhill hike to the Pisaq archaeological site
/ 01:30 pm Guided tour of the site
/ 03:00 pm Scenic drive to Lamay Lodge—light snacks included
/ Late afternoon/early evening at leisure to rest or relax in the outdoor hot tub and lush Lamay garden (Massage service available – subject to additional cost)
/ 07:00 pm Dinner at lodge
Overnight: Lamay Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
/ Breakfast at lodge
/ 10:00 am Scenic drive to a remove village
/ 01:00 pm Lunch followed by a lesson in Andean medicinal plants plus a coca leaf reading by local healer Valentín
/ 03:00 pm Walking visit to the town square and scenic drive to Huacahuasi Lodge
/ 06:30 pm Folkloric Andean dancing exhibition by the locals of Huacahuasi
/ 07:00 pm Dinner at lodge
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
/ Breakfast at lodge.
/ 08:00 am Scenic drive to Marcacocha in the Patacancha Valley
/ 11:00 am Traditional Andean ceremony with the locals of Marcacocha to honor Pachamama and her blessings for the health of the community livestock
/ 12:00 pm Drive to Pumamarka and lunch on site
/ 01:45 pm Guided tour of the Pumamarka archaeological site
/ 02:45 pm Drive to Ollantaytambo
/ 03:30 pm Guided walk around the town of Ollantaytambo
/ 05:30 pm Arrival at lodge in the Sacred Valley
/ 07:00 pm Farm-to-table dinner at lodge and evening at leisure
Overnight: Willka Tika Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
/ Early breakfast at hotel
/ 06:30 am Drive from lodge to Ollantaytambo train station*
*Non-hikers are welcome to stay in Ollantaytambo for a guided tour of the archaeological site in the morning, followed by a midday train ride to Aguas Calientes
/ 07:20 am Train to rail marker KM 104
/ 09:30 am Begin all-day hike from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu (picnic lunch en route)
/ 03:00 Walk downhill along the perimeter of the Machu Picchu citadel to catch the shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes
/ 04:00 pm Arrival and check-in at hotel
/ 07:00 pm Dinner at hotel
Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Meals: B, L, D
/ 06:30 am Early breakfast at hotel
/ 07:15 am Board shuttle bus in Aguas Calientes
/ 08:00 am Guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel*
*Guests who wish to hike up Huayna Picchu will have access at 10:00am. Please note: Huayna Picchu permits are subject to additional cost and availability. The alternate hike will be to Machu Picchu Mountain also subject to additional cost and availability.
/ 12:30 pm Board shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes
/ 01:15 pm Lunch at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
/ 04:00 pm Train departs for Ollantaytambo
/ 05:30 pm Meet driver at Ollantaytambo train station for scenic sunset drive back to hotel in Cusco
Overnight: MLP Hotel in Cusco
Meals: B, L, D
/ Breakfast at hotel
/ 08: 30 am Depart hotel for a walk to the Koricancha
/ 09:00 am Inti Raymi opening ceremony at Koricancha and processional to Sacsayhuaman for the grand celebration—light snacks included
/ 02:00 pm Walk back to Cusco
/ Afternoon and evening at leisure
Overnight: MLP Hotel in Cusco
Meals: B, L
/ Breakfast at hotel
/ Transfer to Cusco airport
DETAILS:
● 10D/9N round-trip itinerary starting in Cusco.
● Departure date: June 16, 2023.
● Rate is per person based on shared accommodations.
● A non-refundable deposit of US$ 500 per person is required to confirm a reservation.
● The remaining balance will be due sixty (60) days prior to arrival.