Big Trek Retreat: Mahcu Picchu

Experience Level:

This trip is rated Challenging. Guests should be in good physical health in order to be able to make the most of their trip to Peru. Travel in Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Machu Picchu involves walking through Andean towns and Inca ruins at altitudes of up to 12,000 feet. The 4-day trek into Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail is the most challenging part of the trip and includes high altitude passes in the Peruvian Andes. Please consult your physician before signing up for this trip should you have questions or concerns about your physical ability to participate. d. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival - Lima - Cusco 

Arrive into Lima International Airport (LIM), collect your luggage, and proceed to the check-in counter for your flight to Cusco. Arrive into Cusco International Airport (CUZ - 11,150 feet, 3,400 meters). Meet your guide and driver outside the baggage collection area and transfer to your Cusco hotel. 

Cusco was the southern capital of the Inca Empire and is one of the most beautiful towns in Peru. At its peak, the Inca Empire stretched for miles in every direction: north to the southern areas of Colombia, south to northern Chile and Argentina, and west across the Andes to the Amazon Basin. On your city tour this afternoon, marvel at the skill and artistry of the intricate stonemasonry work on the numerous Inca walls that serve today as the foundations of Cusco’s colonial buildings. The crisp air, surrounding mountains, and Andean sky provide the perfect backdrop for Cusco’s many hidden treasures. Spend the afternoon exploring the cobblestone streets, churches, and ancient Inca history of Cusco 

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and the surrounding area. Start by visiting the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s central square. Some locals call the plaza Huacaypata, meaning place of grief in the Quechua language. This name originated from the fervent cries of the crowds that would gather in the square to take part in religious and military ceremonies. Colonial arcades and the remains of ancient Inca compounds and churches surround the plaza. Next, visit the Church of Santo Domingo. This church is built over what once was a magnificent temple in the Americas, Coricancha, or the Temple of the Sun. At the height of the Inca Empire, Coricancha’s courtyards were filled with life-size gold and silver representations of all the flora and fauna of the empire. Pizarro’s men looted the temple as part of the royal ransom for Inca ruler Atahualpa, who was held prisoner by the Spaniards and later executed. An earthquake destroyed the Santo Domingo church in 1950, revealing the Inca walls that had been plastered over and hidden for centuries. These walls are among the finest examples of Inca stonework in existence. Then, enter La Catedral, on the northeast side of the Plaza de Armas. construction on La Catedral began in 1559 and was completed in 1669. The Cusco cathedral houses over 400 16th and 17th century paintings done by members of the renowned Cusco School. The European style with an Andean Indian influence is best seen in the painting “The Last Supper” by Marcos Zapata, which shows the twelve apostles dining on guinea pig. Also of note is the impressive main altar, covered with sheets of silver. Then, head to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Located less than a mile and a half from the city of Cusco, the immense walls of the Sacsayhuaman archaeological complex are made up of huge stones distributed in a zigzag pattern on three large platforms. Averaging 1,181 feet in length, the platforms are connected by flights of stairs and doorways made of stone. The largest stone block found in Sacsayhuaman stands nearly 28 feet tall and weighs 361 tons. Inca ruler Pachacuti employed 20,000 men for the construction of this complex, which took approximately 50 years to complete. At Sacsayhuaman, experience the Andean ritual of “pago a la tierra,” or payment to the earth. This ritual, offered to Pachamama, the Incan Earth Goddess, ensures abundance, fertility of the land, and that Pachamama looks favorably upon us. Hike back to your hotel and gather this evening for a quick orientation followed by a group welcome dinner in town. 

Overnight: Hotel Plaza de Armas Cusco

Day 2: Cusco - Sacred Valley of the Incas 

Arise early for sunrise yoga, meditation, and/or breathwork. After breakfast, depart for the Sacred Valley of the Incas (9,500 feet; 2,900 meters), a fertile valley located approximately 40 miles to the north of Cusco. The Sacred Valley is lined with picturesque Andean markets, 

impressive churches, and remarkable Inca ruins. Begin today’s adventure with a visit to Pisac. Explore the ruins and visit the famous produce, textile, and handicraft market. Villagers from miles around gather here regularly to buy and sell produce and local handicrafts. After lunch on your own, continue further into the Sacred Valley and get settled at your yoga retreat center, your home for the next three nights. This evening, meet to learn about ancient Peruvian plant medicine and to set intentions for your time at the retreat center. 

Overnight: Yoga Mandala Sacred Valley

Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Incas 

Arise early for sunrise yoga, meditation, and/or breathwork. Enjoy some herbal tea, then join the group for a traditional Andean plant medicine ceremony. Enjoy a vegetarian buffet as well as time for rest and integration this evening. 

Overnight: Yoga Mandala Sacred Valley

Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas 

Arise early for sunrise yoga, meditation, and/or breathwork. Then, after breakfast, meet for a group integration and sound healing session to support other participants assimilate and grow from their ceremonial experience. Spend the rest of today at leisure for rest and integration or book other retreat activities on your own. Then, get some rest and prepare for your hike to Machu Picchu. 

Overnight: Yoga Mandala Sacred Valley

Day 5: Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 

This morning, begin the famous 4-day pilgrimage trek to Machu Picchu. Transfer to Kilometer 82. Upon arrival at the beginning of the trail, meet the porters and begin trekking along the left bank of the Urubamba River. Take a break after a couple of hours of gentle hiking and visit the Inca ruins of Llactapata. Then, hike upwards and follow the Cusichaca River to the village of Huayllabamba, a small agricultural settlement. Continue on to the campsite at Huayllabamba (10,500 feet, 3,200 meters) and get settled in. Join the group for meditation/reflection this evening. Enjoy your first night of camping in the Andes and marvel at the sparkling night sky of the Southern Hemisphere. The length of today’s hike is approximately 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) and takes approximately 7 hours.

Overnight: Inca Trail

Day 6: Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 

Wake up early this morning and join the group for yoga, meditation, and/or breathwork. Eat a nourishing breakfast in preparation for this morning’s short, but strenuous hike to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary control station located just above the village of Huayllabamba. Register at the control station before ascending a tough trail to the first pass. This challenging hike offers fantastic views and a chance to witness clear changes in vegetation as you gain altitude. Take a well-deserved break for lunch and then continue on through a protected cloud forest of native trees. Continue the tough ascent toward the trail’s highest pass, Warmiwañusqa or “Dead Woman’s Pass” (13,800 feet; 4,200 meters). Work your way to the top where you will be rewarded with unparalleled views of the snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Urubamba on one side and lush valley vegetation on the other. Next, descend the Inca pavement to the Pacamayo River to tonight’s campsite at 11,815 feet (3,600 meters) and join the group for meditation/reflection. The length of today’s hike is approximately 6.25 miles (10 kilometers) and takes approximately 8 hours.

Overnight: Inca Trail

Day 7: Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 

Rise early and join the group for yoga, meditation, and/or breathwork. Then, eat a hearty breakfast before beginning the day’s trekking. Visit several magnificent archaeological sites

before slowly climbing the second pass of Runkuraqay (13,000 feet; 3,950 meters). This section of the trail features masterful Inca engineering and the Inca site of Sayacmarca (11,950 feet; 3,640 meters), a true highlight of the trail. Eat a delicious hot lunch, and then hike a couple more hours before arriving at Phuyupatamarca (11,485 feet; 3,500 meters), tonight’s campsite. Also known as “The Place Among the Clouds,” Phuyupatamarca seemingly floats on a mountaintop and provides spectacular views of the surrounding Andes. Soak up the magical charm of this site before eating dinner and joining the group for meditation/reflection. Today’s hike is approximately 6.88 miles (11 kilometers) and takes approximately 9 hours. 

Overnight: Inca Trail

Day 8: Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 

Rise before the sun today for a short hike up the mountaintop from your campsite. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and meditation on the mountaintop as you watch the sun rise. Eat breakfast and participate in a special gifting ceremony where we can show our appreciation for our porters’ hard work. Then, begin the day’s hike and pass the Phuyupatamarca ruins, following the flagstone trail and Inca stairs down into the cloud forest. Meet the cooks for one last delicious lunch on the trail and visit the beautiful ruins of Wiñay Wayna. The final section of the trail has some incredible, steep stairways – some are carved in stone while others look out onto impressive Inca agricultural terraces. Reach Inti Punku or the “Gate of the Sun” and descend into the lost citadel of Machu Picchu via an easy and scenic trail. Finally, arrive at Machu Picchu and experience one of the most magnificent wonders of the ancient world. The hike into Machu Picchu (8,000 feet; 2,400 meters) is 5.6 miles (9 kilometers) and takes approximately 7 hours. 

Machu Picchu is perhaps the most famous and awe-inspiring of all the ruins discovered during the 20th century. Lost in the dense jungle for hundreds of years, the Inca city was so well-hidden by the towering ramparts of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that it was never discovered by the Spaniards during their years of conquest. American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham came upon the city in 1911 and brought the ruins to the attention of the outside world. After a brief visit to the ruins, transfer to your hotel in the village of Aguas Calientes, located just below the ruins. Gather for a celebratory farewell dinner this evening. 

Overnight: Hotel Santuario Machu Picchu

Day 9: Machu Picchu - Cusco 

Wake up before the sun this morning and hike up to the Sun Gate for morning meditation and reflection. Join the group for yoga overlooking the site of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, then spend the remainder of the morning exploring Machu Picchu on your own, or hike down the mountain and get to know the town of Aguas Calientes. Later this afternoon, take the train back to Cusco, retracing the route through the Urubamba Valley on one of the world’s most spectacular train rides. Upon arrival back in Cusco, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. 

Overnight: Hotel Plaza de Armas Cusco

Day 10: Cusco - Lima - Departure 

Arise for a final yoga, meditation, and/or breathwork session at your hotel overlooking the Plaza de Armas. Spend a final morning at leisure in Cusco before departing for Lima and your international flight home. Upon arrival in Lima, gather your luggage and proceed to the check-in counter for your departure.