Descending from the Pisac Archaeological Park, you wind through ancient terraces and mystical stone ruins, each step offering sweeping views of the Sacred Valley below. The path meanders past wildflowers and whispering eucalyptus trees, with the distant sound of rushing water growing ever closer. As you reach the valley floor, the sight and cool mist of the hidden majestic Poc Poc provides a refreshing, magical reward for the journey.

As you arrive in Ollantaytambo, the towering Inca fortress — which you’ll explore in the afternoon — immediately dominates the skyline, standing guard over the ancient town and its cobblestone streets. The air is filled with a sense of history as you step into what feels like a living Inca city, with its original grid of stone passageways, adobe buildings, and the distant echo of the Quechua language. The dramatic backdrop of terraced slopes against the Sacred Valley mountains creates a breathtaking scene, welcoming you to this unique blend of Inca engineering and vibrant culture.

We’ll catch the Machu Picchu train at the station in town. In arriving at Machu Picchu, you are enveloped by the misty grandeur of ancient stone terraces and temples perched high above the Urubamba River, surrounded by towering green peaks. The air is filled with a sense of mystery and awe, as sunlight filters through clouds to illuminate the intricate Inca architecture that has withstood centuries.  Every step reveals breathtaking panoramic views and a profound connection to the ingenuity and spirit of a lost civilization.  

Stepping into the San Pedro ceremony circle, surrounded by nature’s beauty, you feel a deep sense of peace and connection to the earth and the presence of the shaman guiding the process. Warmth and light flood your senses, dissolving boundaries between you and the lush, breathing earth, while the healer’s chants seem to open hidden doors within your heart, lifting your spirit and opening pathways to inner clarity and healing.

Bathed in soft sunlight, you spend the day in quiet reflection, letting the insights and emotions from the ceremony settle gently within you. Gentle walks in nature, nourishing food, and heartfelt conversations with fellow participants help weave the night’s revelations into your everyday awareness.

For those who would like to go, in the afternoon we’ll take a short drive to the mind-boggling Moray Inca ruins. Standing at the edge of Moray’s vast circular terraces, you feel dwarfed by the breathtaking engineering of the Incas, as the concentric rings descend nearly 150 meters into the earth, each level creating its own microclimate against a dramatic backdrop of Andean peaks. On the way back, we’ll stop at the Maras Salt Mines. You’ll stand amidst thousands of terraced salt pools shimmering like a patchwork quilt of white and pink hues, where local families continue harvesting salt by hand using ancient Inca techniques passed down through generations.

Being on Lake Titicaca feels like stepping into a mystical world, where the vast, tranquil waters stretch endlessly beneath a brilliant blue sky, framed by rugged Andean peaks. The gentle rocking of the boat, the crisp high-altitude air, and glimpses of floating reed islands and traditional communities create a serene and timeless atmosphere that connects you deeply to the heart of Andean culture and nature.

Hiking the walkway around Amantani Island offers a peaceful escape, which reveals stunning, ever-changing views of Lake Titicaca’s sparkling waters and distant snow-capped mountains. The trail winds through ancient farming terraces and quaint villages, where friendly locals greet you with warm smiles and traditional greetings. Each step immerses you deeper into the island’s tranquil beauty and rich cultural heritage.

You’ll take a ninety-minute boat ride to spend time on one of the Floating Islands.

Within the azure waters of the lake, the Uros Floating Islands stand as a marvel of human ingenuity—a testament to an ancient culture. Stepping onto one of the islands is like stepping into another world. You feel the springy surface of layered totora reeds beneath your feet. The air carries the scent of the reeds and the gentle lapping of the lake against the islands’ edges. You observe the Uros people going about their daily lives, their homes and boats also crafted from the versatile reeds.

This is a world where tradition and modernity coexist—where solar panels rest atop reed houses and the barter system remains alive. Here, the ebb and flow of the lake dictate the rhythm of life.

After returning to Amantani for a rest, we’ll set out in the late afternoon on a walk to the highest point on the island. As you ascend the gentle slopes toward the sacred temples of Pachatata and Pachamama, the golden light of sunset bathes the ancient stone structures and surrounding hills in a warm, ethereal glow.

Reaching the summit, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Titicaca—its vast blue expanse shimmering beneath the fiery hues of the evening sky. In the peaceful silence, you feel a deep spiritual connection to the land and its ancestral traditions, making the moment both awe-inspiring and profoundly moving..

Leaving Amantani Island at dawn, you watch the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca fade into the distance, carrying with you memories of the island’s warmth and serenity. The journey through the Andean highlands unfolds like a tapestry of rolling hills, terraced fields, and vibrant villages. Upon arrival, you’re welcomed by the scent of eucalyptus and the charm of cobbled streets—ready to unwind at our hotel nestled beneath the ancient Inca ruins, enjoy a nearby spa, or do some last-minute shopping. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner and celebration.

Breakfast and Departures