Peru: Mountains, Inca Trail and Lakeside Leisure

On this full-day privately guided excursion you will visit the beautiful colonial town of Chinchero as well as the spectacular Incan sites of Maras and Moray. Start your morning at the fascinating Maras Salt mines which feature more than 100 small pools fed by a salt-water mountain spring that is interconnected by channels. It still remains in use today by the community and represents an important income for numerous families in the area. Walk up to the vantage viewpoint from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the salt mines and its surroundings. In the afternoon, you will head along a dirt road towards another typical Andean village called Moray; famed for being an Inca agricultural experimental center. At Chinchero visit a local textile workshops were local alpaca weavers practice their centuries old traditions. Both these ancient sites and your visit to Chinchero, will take your breath away and leave you fascinated by the mysteries of the Incan civilization. (From 09:00 to 17:00; Private Activity; Lunch Included; Please note that trekking and walking on the salt pans of Maras is prohibited in order to preserve the purity of the salt extracted.)

Set off at a convenient time to explore the continent’s oldest inhabited city on your own. You could begin your discovery of this UNESCO World Heritage site with a visit to the Convent of Santo Domingo. Stroll around the Renaissance building that sits upon the foundation of an important Incan Sun Temple destroyed by Spanish conquerors. Make your way to Pukamuqu Hill for a closer look at the soaring statue of Cristo Blanco or the White Christ. Savor splendid views of the city and its surroundings before you head to the neighborhood of San Blas with its old world charm. Savor lunch at one of the charming cafes and restaurants in the locality. Afterward, saunter around the Inca Museum before you head to the bustling San Pedro Market for a sensory feast. Mingle with the locals and walk around the displays of fresh produce, apparel, and more before you call it a day. (Full Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).

Passing Yuncachimpa, Warmiwañusca and Runcuracay, cross the Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's) pass at 4,200 mts –the highest point of the Inca Trail. Night camp in Pacaymayo. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included).

Trek to Runcuracay and Chaq'icocha, visiting the Sayacmarca archaelogical remains and Phuyupatamarca ruins en route to Wiñay Wayna where you will set up camp for the last night of camping. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Visit a local market in Cusco learning about the regional produce. Interact with a chef and the local producers in this traditional Andean market, discovering a different element of Cusco’s history. Return to the cooking place for a private culinary lesson, starting with the preparation of the famous Pisco Sour drink and then moving on to entrées and main courses. Interact with the chef at his house where between stories and pictures you will get the most out of this culinary lesson, of course ending with a tasting of the delicacies prepared. (Duration: 3 hrs approx; Private Activity; Lunch Included)

Visit the floating islands of the Uros, located on the glittering waters of Lake Titicaca during this private tour. The Uros first fled from the Incans and then from the Spaniards, seeking refuge in the lake and creating their own islands made out of reeds. Discover how they adapted to living in the lake and then visit either Taquile or Amantaní islands which offer stunning views of the lake and are inhabited by a small, isolated indigenous group who offer a warm welcome into their simple homes. (07:00 to 17:00, Shared Fast-Boat, Private Guide, Lunch Included)