Machu Picchu Explorer

Arrive into Cusco: Afternoon City and Ruins Tour

Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, Peru, you will be greeted by an OARS representative and transferred to our hotel. 

The late morning and early afternoon are free to settle in, relax, and enjoy lunch on your own. We will meet later this afternoon for a city and ruins tour of Cusco before a lively welcome dinner with folk music, in great anticipation of the adventure to come. (D)

Rafting the Urubamba River & Pachamanca

This morning we will drive from Cusco to the historic town of Pachar in the Sacred Valley of the Incas where we will arrive at the rafting base and start of today’s adventure. We’ll prepare with a safety briefing before starting our Urubamba River adventure through fun, Class II-III rapids including “El Resabaladero” (The Slide), a splashy wave train. We’ll navigate fun whitewater and float through the Sacred Valley with views of the mountains and archaeological sites as we make our way toward Ollantaytambo.

After our exciting river adventure, arrive at the take-out, change clothes and relax and assist the chef in preparing a Pachamanca, a meal that means “Earth Pot” in Quechua. This centuries-old cooking technique is based on cooking ingredients buried in hot rocks underground with banana leaves separating the delicious food from the rocks and soil. The main ingredients are meats like lamb, chicken, and pork as well as potatoes, corn, and Andean aromatic herbs and spices. Vegetarians can be accommodated. Continue into the village of Ollantaytambo, considered the last gateway along the Inca Trail en route to Machu Picchu. Explore the village, its market, and Inca sites while learning the history of the surrounding area. We make it back to the hotel in time for dinner before parting ways for the night. (B, L, D)

Volunteering, Via Ferrata and Ziplining

 We will visit the famous market in Ollantaytambo to purchase ingredients for a well-balanced breakfast that we’ll prepare and serve for students at the Cachiccata School. Many guests like to bring school supplies, as well. You can purchase supplies at the Ollantaytambo market, helping to support local businesses or bring donated supplies from friends and family members back home. 

Take some time and relish in the smiles, laughter, and youthful energy! After playing games with the students, we will say farewell and continue to our next adventure.

 Via ferrata is a type of mountain climbing using a series of permanently installed ladders and cables to ascend a mountain while being clipped into a harness. No climbing experience is necessary, and after a safety briefing and familiarizing yourself with your harness and equipment, begin this unique experience and ascend nearly 1,000 feet up the face of the cliff. Enjoy lunch with a great view from one of the suspended capsules at the Sky Lodge. 

Descend via a series of six ziplines, suspended over the Sacred Valleys in an exciting finale of an action-packed day. Return to Ollantaytambo for dinner. (B, L, D)

Choose your Andean Activity

Choose one of these morning activities that fit your interests.

VISIT TO THE COMMUNITY OF WILLOQ

Drive to the community of Willoq, where we will take a brief look into the daily life and activities of an Inca village. Learn about llama and alpaca grazing and lend a hand in planting or harvesting. Watch demonstrations of the local textile weavers to learn more about their intricate craft and use of natural dyes. Enjoy a lunch made from local organic ingredients from the community. 

BIKING THE SACRED VALLEY: FROM YANAHUARA TO OLLANTAYTAMBO INCA BRIDGE

A short drive takes us to the Paucarbamba bridge where we will receive a safety briefing and get fitted with a bike and helmet. Following a trail along the Urubamba River, we arrive at Pachar and join an ancient Inca Trail that passes through farming fields and Inca terraces. The biking is moderate, about two hours, covers 10 kilometers and is suitable for beginners. A box lunch is provided.

ANDEAN HORSEBACK RIDING SACRED VALLEY

Enjoy a half-day horseback trip under the snow-covered mountains, through Inca agricultural terraces, to the village of Cacchicata. Rider maximum weight limit: 210 lb (95 kg). The riding is easy and suitable for beginners. You will ride for about two hours and cover around 10 kilometers. A box lunch is provided.

The group returns to Ollantaytambo for our coffee tour, where they will teach us the process of production, processing, and roasting of coffee. Visit a local distillery where each participant will be able to create their own “Andean Elixir” by mixing local herbs and spices with Peruvian spirits.

This afternoon take the Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, following the Urubamba River as it winds through the canyons descending towards Machu Picchu. Settle into your hotel and enjoy dinner in preparation for tomorrow’s big day (B, L, D)

Machu Picchu Guided Tour

We’ll get an early start this morning to make the most of our time at Machu Picchu. Here, high above the Urubamba River, our guide will lead us on a tour of the extraordinary Lost City of the Incas. Our guided tour includes a ticket to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain behind Machu Picchu that offers iconic views of the ruins.

After lunch, we return to town, where you’re free to spend the afternoon exploring and taking in the lively culture of this bustling little town. Or you may choose to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings of our hotel, home to fantastic bird watching, the world’s largest native orchid collection, and much more. (B, L, D)

Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)

Much of the day is yours to spend as you please, whether relaxing or taking in activities such as another visit to Machu Picchu, bird watching, visiting the nearby orchid collections, or other activities offered by the hotel. Those choosing to go back to Machu Picchu must pay transport and entrance fees. You may also enjoy strolling the streets and shops of this quaint town or a visit to the local hot springs.

*Note that regulations limit the number of visitors to Machu Picchu, and therefore, if you wish to return this day, advance notice may be required to ensure a ticket to enter is available.

This afternoon we’ll travel by train to Ollantaytambo and by vehicle back to Cusco. We’ll check into our hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, toasting our incredible adventure. (B, D)

Depart Cusco

You’re free to enjoy Cusco at your leisure. We include one group transfer to the airport for departing flights. Later transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, or you’re welcome to simply arrange a taxi. (B)

If you are arriving in Cusco early/departing at a later date, we can arrange additional tours of the area, airport transfers, and extra nights of accommodation. Contact your OARS Adventure Consultant for more details.