April is a great time to visit Machu Picchu since the dry season has just begun, but the tourism high season will not begin until June. The landscape will be lush surrounding us with beautiful flora and breathtaking views. Days will be filled with adventures showcasing the ancient history and ruins of the Incan times. Although Machu Picchu will be a highlight, Peru has many more sites that will take your breath away. We will visit the Salt Mines, the Moray Mountains, archeological site of Ollantaytambo and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Our mornings will begin with yoga allowing us to acclimate to the high Andean altitude, reflect on our previous days adventure and prepare us for another.
Bonus…The food is an amazing fusion of the native Peruvian blended with Spanish cuisine with an Asian influence. It Is truly unique and delicious. And, for beer loves, they have 50 microbreweries! And, if you prefer wine… Chile and Argentina are close by providing a great selection for after a long day of exploring.
The Sacred Valley is beyond breath-taking. It is a place that will change your soul forever. Most people visit to climb Machu Picchu, but there is so much more to see. Lush landscapes will surround you and you will be amazed by the Incan Ruins throughout the region. This is a place where time has stood still. Locals will be wearing vibrant traditional clothing and the oxen will still be plowing the fields. The fresh air will clear your lungs, the food will warm your soul and the Incan energy will clear your mind. You will not return the same person.
This journey will take us throughout the Sacred Valley. We will spend two nights in Ollantaytambo at Hotel Tunupa Lodge, which is located next to the Urubamba River, between snow-capped mountains. Then, for two evenings, we will head to Aguas Calientes, which sits at the base of Machu Picchu, where we will stay at the cozy riverside, Hatun Inti Boutique Hotel. Lastly, we will head back towards Cusco, our final destination, where we will stay for three nights in the historic center at the Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco. For the full itinerary, see below.
Peru with Laurel was a magical adventure! The itinerary was perfect for exploring and for fun. Laurel always finds off -the-beaten -path magic. Peru took my breath away! Always a memorable time.
One million years ago, my second grade teacher gave me a Peruvian bookmark which I have to this day. When I held it in my hands and read the word “Peru” I told myself one day I would go. Several rotations of the sun later, Laurel planned a yoga retreat there in 2018. It was time. Laurel’s retreat to Peru made everything clear – bucket list checked and more fun and self care than I could have ever anticipated not to mention making the climb up and back to Machu Picchu (with my leather bookmark in my pocket) was the most thrilling event of my life. When Peru calls, Laurel makes sure you answer!
Hiking Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu was one of the most challenging things I have ever done. And grateful to have such an awesome group to rally around & share the once-in-a-lifetime experience with.
Everything about this trip was truly AMAZING!!! It was more than I anticipated. I love that we toured around Peru and saw so much and did so much in a weeks time and learned about the culture and history, the tour guides were great and of course the yoga. I will definitely go on another adventure with you in the future.
Not much!!
$800 NON- REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE Deposit secures your spot.
Further payment instructions provided at registration; however, please note all payments are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE. If you are concerned for any reason about your ability to travel in the future, please obtain travel insurance.
Day 0 – Friday, April 1 – Depart JFK Friday night, Then on to Cusco.
Depart from the Park n Ride in Easton. Transportation to JFK is available for an additional cost. Flight details will be provided.
Day 1 – Saturday, April 2 – Cusco Arrival, Day to Rest, Acclimate and Experience the Town of Ollantaytambo.
We will arrive at Cusco airport. After your welcoming reception at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel. Upon arrival to the hotel, we will meet for a welcome yoga session to help stretch out after the day of travel and to gain connection with our breath, which will be vital to our health and happiness during this adventure. After, you will have the day free to enjoy the town of Ollantaytambo and acclimatize to the high Andean altitude of 9,000 ft.
Overnight: Hotel Tunupa Lodge
Day 2 – Sunday, April 3 – Full-day Tour of the Sacred Valley of Urubamba.
Begin your day with an energizing yoga session that will help you maintain connection with your breath and prepare you for the day’s activities. After breakfast we will board our private coach and head to the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River. Our first stop will be the impressive local Salt Mines where the highly sought after Andean pink salt is mined before heading on a beautiful ride through the mountains to Moray, the site of an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory. Then we’ll head for a rest stop on the river to enjoy a group buffet style lunch and relax. Afterwards we will visit a traditional Chicheria where local corn beer is made and served, then on to the Sacred Valley Brewing Company, one of many excellent microbreweries popping up all over Peru.
Meals: Breakfast, Buffet lunch
Overnight: Hotel Tunupa Lodge
Day 3 – Monday, April 4 – Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Begin your day with an energizing yoga session that will help you maintain connection with your breath and prepare you for the day’s activities. After yoga, we will meet our guide and walk to the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, the personal estate of the Inca Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and ceremonial structures. Here you will climb to the top of this imposing fortress and enjoy its breathtaking wonders and views. An optional hike from our hotel to the Pinkuylluna Granary Ruins overlooking town is also possible. We will board the 3:37 Inca Rail train for the scenic 2-hour ride to the city of Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, which sits at the base of Machu Picchu, a short bus ride to the citadel. Your guide will greet you at the train station to escort you to your hotel for your briefing in preparation for the following day. After the briefing, you will have time to stroll and dine in this very colorful tourist town.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Hatun Inti Boutique in Aguas Calientes
Day 4 – Tuesday, April 5 – Machu Picchu
In the morning you will board the bus that will take you on your last leg of the journey to the gates of Machu Picchu. There will also be an option to hike up to the entrance for those feeling extra energetic. The experience will not only take your breath away but will fill you with a wave of emotion and awe that you will experience few times in your life. You will begin a walking tour of the terraced agricultural area and the legendary stonework of the living and working areas. There is still a lot of mystery as to the purpose of the citadel and why the Incas suddenly abandoned it. Your local guide will explain not only the functional history of the site, but also share legends and rituals surrounding the Incan beliefs and their deep reverence for the mother earth.
After your long day touring and hiking Machu Picchu, we will meet for a group dinner to share the excitement of our day.
Optional: Hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Hatun Inti Boutique in Aguas Calientes
Day 5 – Wednesday, April 6 – Aguas Calientes to Cusco
After your long day touring and hiking Machu Picchu you will have a day to relax. Yoga will take place late morning and for those up for more movement can join Laurel for a hike to the waterfalls, Cascadas Allcamayo. Our train departs at 3:20 for another scenic train ride back to Cusco, where we will spend the next three nights.
Optional: Head up to Machu Picchu again and wander the ruins by yourself, it’s a truly spiritual place offering a great opportunity for some quiet time to reflect. Or visit the very underrated Machu Picchu museum. It’s well worth a visit.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco
Day 6 – Thursday, April 7 – Cusco – San Pedro Market and half-day tour of Cusco and its surrounding ruins
Begin your day with yoga and then take time to explore! After a good night’s rest in the thin Andean air, you will have the morning free to relax and explore the city. We recommend a walk through the famous San Pedro Market where the locals shop everything from food to housewares. Here you will experience Cusco as it has existed since the Incan times. In the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel for a tour of the highlights of the city and its surrounding ruins. You will start in the central Plaza de Armas or ¨Warrior Square¨. The Plaza was the ceremonial center of life in the time of the Incas and continues to be the center of life in Cusco today. The Plaza sits in the shadows of the Cathedral of the Company of Jesus. Its impressive stonework blends late Gothic and Baroque styles with its colonial gold work and carved wood alters. Our next stop is Koricancha or The Temple of The Sun. While the Plaza was the ceremonial and civic center of the city, Koricancha was the spiritual center. Built in honor of the Incan deity, it once housed over 4,000 priests and their attendants. Next, you will begin a tour to visit the nearby ruins of the amazing fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a massive complex that once protected the city and today offers a spectacular view of the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco
Day 7 – Friday, April 8 – Free Day in Cusco
Begin your day with yoga and then take time to explore! Cusco is the city that seamlessly blends three distinct eras, Incan, Colonial and modern in an experience like none other in the world. There are shops, museums, churches and ancient ruins within walking distance of your hotel. You have the day free to continue to explore this wonderful city. We will gather at the end of our last full day in Cusco, for a group dinner and Pisco lesson, to share memories and plan for more.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and Pisco Lesson
Overnight: Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco
Day 8 – Saturday, April 9 – Free Day in Cusco and afternoon departure.
Yoga will commence our final day in Peru and prepare us for our evening of travel. Since our flight departs in the late afternoon, you will have the morning to relax in Cusco or visit one of the many museums or historical sites in the city before being transferred to the airport for your international flight home. We will arrive home Sunday morning, April 10.
Meals: Breakfast
Please Note: All outdoor activities are weather permitting. Everyone’s safety will remain the priority when arranging the daily agenda. Indoor yoga space is available, if required.
Getting to Cusco is easy peasy since round trip airfare is included for this trip. Either meet the group in Easton, PA for a bus transfer to JFK airport or meet your fellow travel companions there. If you prefer, you can always meet the group in Cusco. Contact Porterra Travel to register for the Land-Only option. Our expert guides will pick us up at the Cusco Airport on the morning of Saturday, April 2.
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