Machu Picchu Excursion

After your adventure in Costa Rica, you'll have the opportunity to spend 8 days / 8 nights in Peru not only experiencing stunning peaks, lost Inca lands and discovering colonial Cusco but also exploring ancient Machu Picchu- one of the New Seven Wonders of the World! The Machu Picchu Excursion is available for May 25, June 22, and July 20 departures only.

Cusco

Cusco

Travel to Lima and onward to Cusco, an enchanting colonial city, which was once the capital of the powerful Inca Empire and is now designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the city's cobbled streets and fascinating architecture then visit the Qorikancha (Sun) temple. In the evening, we convene at La Retama restaurant for a welcome party with traditional music, dance and a dinner of regional specialties.

The Sacred Valley

Depart Cusco for a day trip to the magnificent Sacred Valley. We start with a gentle two hour trek downhill through the valley, marveling at the towering mountains and passing by salt mines that have been utilized for centuries. Enjoy lunch and exploring the fascinating streets in the quaint Incan town of Ollantaytambo. We also visit a typical Quechuan countryside home before returning to Cusco for a free evening.

Salkantay Inca Trail Trek - beginning of trek

Salkantay Inca Trail Trek. Rise early to depart Cusco with a scenic drive to the start of our trek toward the Salkantay mountain pass. Here, we meet the mules, horses, and arrieros (wranglers) that will carry our gear and accompany us during the trek. We begin our trek with a gentle hike into the Green River Valley of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, hiking steadily upwards to the high plateau. Tonight we camp at the base of the snow-capped Salkantay (6,270 m / 20,571 ft) mountain and soak up the incredible night sky.

Salkantay Inca Trail Trek - day two of trek

Today is our most challenging day as we gain altitude via a series of switchbacks up the side of a mountain beneath the shadows of the grandiose Mount Salkantay. We make a stop at a scenic high pass flanked by mountains on every side, and from there, make our way downhill toward the valley below to camp for the night at Collpapampa.

Salkantay Inca Trail Trek - day three of trek

Today we descend into a sub-tropical valley with a noticeably warmer climate and a variety of orchids and hummingbirds. Later, we will continue through the Ceja de Selva ("Eyebrow of the Jungle"), where we encounter a variety of lush tropical flora and birdlife! Tonight we camp in the tiny valley village of Lucmabamba.

Aguas Calientes and Final Trek to Machu Picchu

On the final day of hiking, we take a short bus ride to a trail towards the town of Aguas Calientes. Today is a gentle 3 hours of trekking along the mountains by Machu Picchu towering above us. The scenery is beyond words! Tonight, enjoy your time in town and sleep well in our comfortable hostel just outside the National Park.

Machu Picchu and Cusco

Early rise- we've finally made it to Machu Picchu! Take a quick trip on the first early morning bus up to the stunning archaeological complex for a full day of exploring the mysterious ruins with our professional guide. In the evening, it's back to Cusco by train then bus, where we'll spend the last night before flying out to Lima with connections the next day.

How do I sign up?

To sign up for the Machu Picchu Excursion, check the "Machu Picchu Excursion" box on your ISV Flight/Options Form and make the appropriate deposit. Due to the exclusiveness of this excursion, only 16 spaces are available per departure date. The Peru/Machu Picchu Excursion is not available to 2-Week Volunteer Only participants.