In the Footsteps of the Inca: Andean Culture & Community

Upon your arrival in Lima, our representative will be waiting for you at the airport to provide assistance and escort you to your hotel, conveniently located within the airport facilities, ensuring a smooth and easy arrival experience. 

Accommodations: Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport 

Meals: B

Flight to Cusco + hotel transfer 
After breakfast, take a domestic flight from Lima to Cusco. On arrival, a local representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. 

Cusco orientation walk including sites below 
Spend a delightful afternoon exploring Cusco’s historic center, where Inca foundations and modern city life intertwine. Your guide will help you get oriented while you soak in the city’s sights, sounds, and everyday culture. The tour will proceed at a gentle pace to give you time to acclimatize to the high- altitude and to present questions to your guide.   

Sites visited include:    

• Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) & Santo Domingo:  See Cusco’s most iconic Inca temple, later built into the Church of Santo Domingo—an unforgettable glimpse of layered history. 

• Plaza de Armas + Cusco Cathedral & Church of the Triumph: Explore the city’s central square and landmark churches, with time to notice local life and highlights of Cusco’s colonial-era art. 

Return to your hotel, and spend the rest of the day at leisure 

After breakfast, head into Peru’s Sacred Valley for a full-day guided exploration of Moray and Maras—two remarkable sites that showcase Andean innovation and tradition. At Moray, discover Inca circular terraces believed to have served as an agricultural “laboratory,” where varying elevations created distinct microclimates for experimenting with crops. 

We will pause for a picnic lunch surrounded by sweeping mountain views, then continue to Maras, home to thousands of shimmering hillside salt ponds still harvested by local families. Learn how the salt is collected, sample the renowned Maras salt, and—if you’d like—purchase a small bag to support this community’s centuries-old way of life. 

Duration of the activity: 4 hours  

Duration transportation (RT): Cusco: 3 hours; Sacred Valley: 2 hours  

Suggested departure time: 08:30 hrs  

Today, we travel to the mountain community of Huama for a full day of cultural immersion with the “La Base Lamay” project. You’ll be welcomed by local families and join a Faena Agrícola (Community Labor Day)—working alongside villagers as they practice traditional farming and cultivate staple Andean crops like corn, potatoes, quinoa, and beans. 

After a home-style lunch made with fresh community-grown ingredients, spend the afternoon with local women as they share the art of traditional weaving, using naturally dyed alpaca and sheep wool. Your visit supports the community’s sustainable, nature-based way of life and helps keep these traditions thriving. 

Duration of the activity: 6 hours  
Duration transportation (RT): Cusco: 2:30 hours; Sacred Valley: 1:30 hours  
Suggested departure time: 09:00 hrs  

Accommodations: Antigua Casona San Blas 

Meals: B, L,D

Rise early and begin your 5-day trek on a quieter, rarely visited section of the Inca Trail. Instead of the busy Km 82 crossing, we start at Km 88, following the Urubamba downstream for a more secluded, crowd-free experience. 

Arrive in Chamana, part of the Llaqtapata community, where a picnic lunch awaits at your private campsite. As the afternoon unfolds, opt to visit the nearby Wayna Q’ente and Llaqtapata ruins—beautiful Inca stonework set in a dramatic landscape—then return for a hot shower and a warm dinner under the stars. 

Driving distance: 87.6 km (54.4 mi) – Time: 2-3 hours   

Trekking distance: 10.1 km (6.3 mi) – Time: 4:30 hours     

We continue our journey up the narrow Cusichaca Valley, passing houses inhabited by farmers and herdsmen, until we finally reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here, the cobble-stoned Inca Trail ascends steeply through an ancient native forest bursting with melodic birdsong.  

The trail begins to level out at our campsite at Llulluchapampa, situated just below the first pass. Here, we’ll experience breathtaking views of Mt. Huayanay and a first glimpse of the rare Andean cloud forest of Quenua, or Polyepis trees. Their reddish bark peels into paper-like sheets, hence their familiar name, “Paper Tree.”  

Trekking distance: 11.7 km (7.3 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours  

 

Accommodations: Overnight at Campsite 

Meals: B, L, D

Today is the most challenging—and rewarding—day on the trail. Climb to Warmiwanusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,228 m / 13,871 ft for sweeping Andean views, then descend to the Pacaymayo valley for a well-earned lunch. 

In the afternoon, ascend to Runkuraqay and a second high pass, continuing past Sayacmarca as the landscape shifts into misty cloud forest filled with orchids, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The ridge walk offers breathtaking views of the Aobamba Valley and snow-capped Mt. Salkantay on the western side, before arriving at Phuyupatamarca— whose name in Quechua means “village at the edge of the clouds”.  

Trekking distance: 12 km (7.5 mi) – Time: 8 hours    

 

Accommodations: Overnight at Campsite 

Meals: B, L, D

At last, we have arrived at the day we’ve all been waiting for; the day we get our first glimpse of the citadel of Machu Picchu! Early, but not too early, we’ll awaken for a glorious sunrise view just a short hike up the hill from our campsite, where our porters await us with steaming cups of tea. This site is known to deliver some of the most radiant sunrise views in the entire Machu Picchu Sanctuary.  

After breakfast, we continue our trek along a buttress, passing the ruins at Phuyupatamarca. These ruins contain an irrigation system that was built over five centuries ago and still works today! Now, the flag-stoned trail begins to wind sharply downwards, taking us into the cloud forest to the well-conserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) located just below the ridge.  

Walking in the Inca’s footsteps along the original trail, we hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu spread out below. After soaking it all in, ride the bus to Machu Picchu village for an overnight at a local hotel; dinner is on your own. 

Trekking distance: 10.9 km (6.8 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours    

Bus ride: 6.2 km (3.9 mi) – Time: 30 min  

After a short bus to the gates of Machu Picchu, we’ll enjoy a guided three-hour tour of this ancient hilltop citadel’s temples, terraces, and living quarters. As you explore its stonework set against lush mountain scenery, you’ll experience the wonder and mystique of this legendary site. 

In the afternoon, we’ll return to the village where a train will take us back to Ollantaytambo.  

Trekking distance: visit Machu Picchu – Time: 3 hours 

Bus ride to Machu Picchu (RT): 12.4 km (7.7 mi) – Time: 1 hour 

Train ride: 43 km (27 mi) – Time: 1:45 hours 

After breakfast, we head out for a half-day exploration of Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town with original street design, active water channels, and dramatic terraced ruins overlooking the valley. Learn the site’s history—including its role in Inca resistance—while walking its narrow lanes and meeting a local resident for a glimpse into everyday life. 

Then enjoy a traditional Pachamanca experience, an Andean celebration honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth), featuring food cooked underground with hot stones and fresh local ingredients—plus visits to the Mayu coffee roastery and an Andean distillery.  

At the appropriate time, transfer to Cusco Airport for your onward flight home, or stay longer in Peru (see options in highlights to visit Lima longer!) 

At Global Family Travels, we believe the deepest learning happens when travelers engage directly with people, place, and living culture. Guided by our Learn · Serve · Immerse pillars below, this journey invites Peru—and the communities of the Andes—to be your teachers as you explore the Sacred Valley, the legendary Inca Trail, and the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu.

LEARN

Engage deeply with Inca history and Andean worldviews through guided exploration of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the Inca Trail. Learn how ancient knowledge systems—rooted in agriculture, astronomy, and reverence for Pachamama (Mother Earth)—continue to shape daily life in the Andes today.

SERVE

Travel in ways that actively support local communities and livelihoods. This journey prioritizes community-based partnerships, local guides and porters, and family-run accommodations—ensuring that your presence contributes to cultural preservation, economic resilience, and land stewardship.

IMMERSE

Experience Andean life beyond the highlights. Through shared meals, time in villages, visits to markets and farms, music, and moments of daily life, travelers are invited to slow down, listen, and build genuine connections in places where traditions are lived.

Cultural Learning Experiences include:

• Trek the legendary Inca Trail, following ancient routes through cloud forest and high mountain passes, culminating in a sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

• Learn from living Andean communities, including a full-day cultural immersion with the Lamay community, participating in traditional farming practices and textile arts.

• Explore the Sacred Valley, visiting Moray’s agricultural terraces and the Maras salt ponds, where local families continue centuries-old methods of cultivation and harvest.

• Engage with Inca history and cosmology through guided visits to Cusco’s sacred sites, including Qoricancha and the Plaza de Armas, where Inca foundations meet colonial history.

• Serve and support local livelihoods by traveling responsibly—working with community-based partners, local guides, porters, and family-run accommodations throughout the journey.

• Experience Machu Picchu as the Incas intended, entering on foot after days of learning, reflection, and connection to the land.

Cusco Antigua is a boutique hotel in the heart of Cusco. Its philosophy is simple: put others first. This means that the staff treats everyone like family, participate in their community, support those who do good, and create a structure that allows the hotel to grow while protecting Pachamama, their provider. It offers amenities such as a restaurant, spa, yoga, and oxygen chamber. Its rooms are beautifully appointed and mix colonial charm with modern comfort.  

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a 5-star retreat designed like an intimate Andean village, with terraced gardens, waterfalls, stone pathways, and 80 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked into the cloud forest near Machu Picchu. Set on 12 acres, it’s a haven for nature lovers—home to hundreds of bird species and an extraordinary native orchid collection.

After exploring the Historic Sanctuary, unwind at the Unu Spa, which blends Andean-inspired therapies with botanical ingredients like mint, eucalyptus, and orchids. Enjoy refined Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist at the hotel’s restaurant overlooking the Vilcanota River.

Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, El Albergue Ollantaytambo is a family-owned boutique hotel that offers exceptional hospitality, sustainability, and community involvement. Its commitment to these values is reflected in every aspect of the hotel, from its on-site organic farm to its support of education and conservation. The Finca El Albergue houses the Kuska School, Valle Sagrado Verde, as well as the Andean Distillery and Café Mayu. By staying at this hotel and hiring its services, you are also contributing to these programs. The hotel promises to give 1% of all its sales to these programs. 

The retreat price is based on the type of room you choose at El Albergue. We are offering two different choices of rooms: 

1. Garden Room – Double Accommodation (Default) - $3,625 (for total trip)

 

The Garden Room is the default selection for this trip. The rooms are located in the El Albergue Gardens, furthest from the train platform.  The Superior Garden rooms have one queen bed, one twin bed, and a private bathroom.  

2. Standard Room – Double Accommodation - $3,425 (for total trip)

 

Looking to save some money and still have the resort experience? We also offer Standard Double rooms (pictured above) which are located in El Albergue's main building. The Standard Double rooms have one double bed, one twin bed, and a private bathroom.