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| LIMA - THE SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
10 days - 9 nights
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TRIP DESCRIPTION
Peru is a land of contrasts. Contrast of geography in which we can find 84 of the 104 life zones existing on the planet. Contrast of people, traditions and culture as a result of the waves of migration that have occurred throughout its history. Contrast of colours, sounds and landscapes from the vast desert coast to the greatness of the Pacific Ocean and giant sand dunes to the Andean highlands with its snowy peaks, glaciers and lagoons and down to the Amazon Rainforest which is rich in wildlife, plants and numerous endangered species. Almost like a continent in miniature, Peru will astound you.
As the journey unfolds, you will delve deep into the heart of the Inca Empire, the lush Sacred Valley, Cusco and not forgetting the magnificent Machu Picchu! All the while you will be travelling around Peru with other fun, like-minded souls, eating amazingly delicious food, practicing yoga in inspiring settings and no doubt experiencing a few unexpected adventures along the way.
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Day 1: Arrival Day
After arriving at Lima's airport, take a taxi or shared shuttle to your hotel in the Miraflores district, where you can relax and explore at your own pace. Depending on your arrival time, we have many suggestions to help you make the most of your first day in Lima. You can also join the rest of the group later for our fun Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Miraflores, Lima
Included Meal: Dinner.
Important note about your meals:We have included all breakfasts and dinners in this package (except for the dinner on day 8) and have kept the lunches separate as the choice of food in Peru is very varied and inexpensive. You can choose what to eat for lunch, share or even skip a meal if you wish! All meals are eaten together as a group in wonderful restaurants along the way. Please note that alcoholic drinks and desserts are extra. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants. Meals are non-refundable and based on specific menus and selections. Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful. We also cater for allergies. More details will be sent to you closer to the date of travel.
Recommendations: We recommend that you try to arrive in Lima between 10am and 4pm so that you have some time to relax in the city today. Otherwise, consider arriving a day or two earlier. Airport taxis to your hotel in Miraflores cost approximately US$25 and can be booked directly at the arrivals gate (look for Green Taxi). There is also an airport shuttle bus that will take you to the centre of Miraflores for US$8 (Airport Express Lima). Finally, if you are arriving in a group and would prefer to be picked up by a private van, we can arrange this for you at a cost based on the total number of people in your group.
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Day 2: Flight to Cusco & The Sacred Valley of the Incas
After an early breakfast we have a short drive to the airport for our one hour flight to the city of Cusco. Some of the best views of the Andes can be seen from the plane. On arrival at Cusco airport we board our private transport for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Due to its lower elevation (2,870 metres or 9,415 feet above sea level) and peaceful atmosphere, the Sacred Valley is the perfect place to enjoy your first few days while you adjust to the altitude of this region.
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Enjoy a scenic 90 minute drive from Cusco into the Sacred Valley as we travel through small Andean villages to our beautiful lodge for the next 5 nights. We drive to Casa Colibri, a stunning property nestled in the Sacred Valley with majestic mountain views.
Today you will have time to settle into your new surroundings, unpack and enjoy your first opening circle with Jacqueline. Over the next few days, your teacher will lead you in daily meditation and yoga sessions to realign your mind, body and spirit. You will be overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape and surroundings.
The Sacred Valley is where most of your yoga sessions will take place. Everything you need for your yoga sessions with Jaqueline is limited at the lodge, so please feel free to bring your own mat and light accessories.
Tonight you will have your first lovely group dinner at the lodge and time to relax and take in the beauty of your new surroundings.
Accommodation: Casa Colibri in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner. Please note that as a group we can choose to eat out and try some of the local restaurants for dinner. If we do this, the cost will be extra but well worth it as there are many great restaurants to choose from in the Urubumba Valley
Included Activity: Your first official yoga practice in the Sacred Valley with Jacqueline
Flight: Extra and will be added to your final payment. Price is based on flight and ticket class selected. We will advise.
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Day 3: Home sweet home
Today we want you to surrender to your new surroundings. We want you to disconnect from your everyday life and let the beauty of the Sacred Valley take over. Jacqueline will begin the morning with a grounding meditation followed by a rejuvenating yoga practice. You've travelled a long way to get here, so let's get comfortable and relax today.
We invite you to join us for all meals at the lodge today. Depending on the energy of the group, Jacqueline will probably offer an afternoon session and we may also have an optional group activity during the day for those who are interested. Perhaps an offering to Mother Earth, sound healing or another ceremony. You may also choose to take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Urumbumba for lunch and some exploring. Again, we want you to relax today. There is little to do but be present and enjoy the colourful gardens.
Accommodation: Casa Colibri in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner
Included Activities: Yoga & meditation sessions with Jacqueline. Optional activities extra today for added flexibility ($).
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Day 4: The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Maras & Moray
This morning, after another lovely yoga session with Jacqueline and breakfast, we'll set off on a tour of the southern part of the Sacred Valley to reach Moray, one of the most unusual Inca sites, consisting of circular terraces built on a natural depression that appears to have been an agricultural experiment station used to adapt crops to different temperatures. Hike around these impressive crops and photograph the stunning views of the Andean landscape in the background.
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For those interested in walking, we will hike from Moray to the small town of Maras through beautiful countryside with stunning views of the Andes. Maras is an impressive salt production complex consisting of thousands of small terraces. During the dry season, the pans are filled every 3 days with salty water from a natural spring, and once the water has evaporated, they collect the salt, which has been sold in the region's markets since before Inca times. After an entertaining explanation and some time to explore the site, you can enjoy the many small shops selling salt and other local products such as maca, quinoa, handicrafts and more. We should return to our hotel around 4 or 5pm today, in time for a relaxing yoga session before dinner with your wonderful teacher..
Accommodation: Casa Colibri in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner
Included Activities: Guided tour of Moray & Maras + Yoga with Jacqueline
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Day 5: The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac Village
After another wonderful yoga session with Jacqueline and a delicious breakfast, our guide will first introduce you to the archaeological site of Pisac, one of the finest and most impressive Inca terraced complexes in the Sacred Valley. To visit the site you have to walk along winding paths on a mountain cliff. Among the most important buildings are the Pisaca, a curving wall, the Intihuatana, a solar clock in a group of temples, and the military area called "Q'Allaqasa".
We'll also spend some time in the actual village of Pisac itself. This charming town lies just below the Inca complex and has lovely cobbled streets lined with colourful markets and restaurants. We'll have some time to explore the town and enjoy lunch before arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon. The drive to Pisac is a scenic one as we pass fields, mountains and cosy Andean villages. We return in time for sunset yoga in the late afternoon, surrounded by the beauty of the Peruvian countryside.
Tonight's menu is a traditional Pachamanca dinner. This Andean meal is a mixture of spiced meats and vegetables buried under hot stones and cooked over several hours in honour of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).
Accommodation: Casa Colibri in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast and Pachamanca dinner.
Included Activities: Guided visit to the archaeological site of Pisac + Yoga with Jacqueline
Traditional Pachamanca dinner: Vegetarians and vegans will have plenty of options if not eating from the earth oven. More information will be given on arrival as this meal has to be booked in advance for the group.
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Day 6: The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Ollantaytambo & Yucay
This morning we'll head back into the southern part of the Sacred Valley. As we leave our hotel and make our way to Ollantaytambo, we'll stop at the Yucay Live Museum, where you can meet local weavers and see South American camelid species, including llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicunas. Here we will learn all about Andean traditions and culture.
After this stop, we continue to the enchanting Inca site of Ollantaytambo, a village in the Sacred Valley of south Peru, set on the Urubamba River amid snow-capped mountains. It's known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside. Major sites within the complex include the huge Sun Temple and the Princess Baths fountain. The village's old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings. After a guided tour of the site with our guide, enjoy the many shops, markets and lovely restaurants for lunch.
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Return to the lodge in the early afternoon for some rest and another rejuvenating yoga session in our beautiful yoga room overlooking the gardens and surrounding mountains.
Accommodation: Casa Colibri in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner
Included Activities: Guided visit of the Yucay Museum & Ollantaytambo + Yoga with Jacqueline
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Day 7: Discover the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu
Today is the big day! Early in the morning we'll board the train for Machu Picchu town. The train ride is a spectacle in itself, as we'll take in the changing landscape from green fields and eucalyptus forests to lush jungle, all the while travelling along the meandering Urubamba River. On arrival, we'll drop our bags off at the hotel and have some time to relax. After some time for lunch, we'll head up to Machu Picchu. We take a 20 minute bus ride up the steep, zigzagging road to the citadel of Machu Picchu, set in an impressive mountainous landscape.
The afternoon is the ideal time to take our guided tour around the main areas of the citadel as most travellers should already be leaving at this point. We can tour the site until it closes around 5pm, at which time we’ll head down to the village.
The rest of the evening is free to relax. Enjoy some time to explore the small town of Aguas Calientes and its many colourful markets. We'll also have dinner at one of our favourite restaurants in the whole country, a really fun place that offers delicious Peruvian food.
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Included Activities: Guided visit of Machu Picchu. No yoga today but Jacqueline may lead a meditation at the site!
Included Transportation: Train to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)
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Day 8: Scenic Train Journey to Cusco
This morning, depending on the time we depart by train, you may have some time to explore more of the town and markets. We then return by train back to Ollantaytambo for a delicious lunch and then return to our comfy coach for a short drive to Cusco.
Once in Cusco, you will have some free time to settle in and enjoy exploring the many shops and courtyards of this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City.
Join us for a lovely dinner this evening or stay behind to relax and order in. We'll introduce you to one of our favourite restaurants around the main square and cathedral. In fact, the main square is considered one of the most beautiful in the world! Tonight, enjoy the mountains dotted with city lights, the cobbled streets and the crisp Cusco breeze.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Cusco
Included Meal: Breakfast only today.
Included Activities: None
Included Transportation: Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
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Day 9: Wander the Cobblestone Streets of Cusco
Start your morning with a lovely yoga or meditation session with Jacqueline. Cusco is one of the most interesting places in all of Peru and South America. Join us this AM for an optional visit to the most impressive Inca site in all of the country:
Sacsayhuamán (often pronounced sexy woman, an easy way to remember. LOL). See the giant stones used to build the foundations of many of their most treasured monuments and buildings. These same stones were then used by the Spaniards who arrived in the early 16th century to build what is now Cusco. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the streets and plazas of this UNESCO World Heritage City at your own pace.
This evening we meet for our last group dinner in one of our favourite restaurants in the City.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Cusco
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Included Activity: Visit of Sacsayhuamán with your RR Escape host. The entrance into the site is included but the transportation to get to the site is extra (expect under 10US per taxi return to share). Possible AM yoga or meditation practice with Jacqueline.
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Day 10: Departure Day
Today you'll have some free time for a last stroll through Cusco's shops and markets and then at the agreed time you'll be transferred to Cusco's airport for your flight to Lima and international connecting flights to your next destination.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Airport Transfer: Please note that airport transfers are not included. The cost of a taxi is approximately $10USD per taxi and can be shared by those travelling together.
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YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Below is a list of all of the hotels that are included in your package. The hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking so the sooner everyone confirms their spot in the group, the sooner we will be able to lockdown our top choices! If unavailable, similar options will be suggested.
Day 3 - Sacred Valley - Casa Colibri
Day 4 - Sacred Valley - Casa Colibri
Day 5 - Sacred Valley - Casa Colibri
Day 6 - Sacred Valley - Casa Colibri
Day 7 - Aguas Calientes - Tierra Viva
Day 9 - Cusco - Casa San Blas
Day 10 - Departure Day
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YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Shared accommodation in lovely above standard hotels as mentioned in the program above.
- All delicious breakfasts including unlimited fresh juices, Peruvian coffee and tea.
- All yummy dinners except on Day 8.
- All tours and entrance fees as mentioned above including your fun visit to MACHU PICCHU.
- All private land transfers for the group including the trains to and from Machu Picchu town.
- Energizing meditations and yoga sessions in the Sacred Valley with Jacqueline.
- English-speaking Peruvian guide in the Sacred Valley and your RR Escape hosts Martine and Jeison with you from start to finish. This is a fully hosted retreat!
EXTRAS
- International flights (we can advise).
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure (max. 30US).
- Domestic flights between Lima and Cusco. From 100US to 350US return.
- All lunches for added flexibility.
- Dinner on Day 8 in Cusco for added flexibility.
- Any alcoholic beverages with meals, specialty coffees, desserts or any extras not included with meals.
- Extras like travel insurance, water and tips for hotels and restauants while on tour.
COST
See main invite for cost. Includes taxes. Based on double or multiple occupancy. Single occupancy upgrade may be available upon request and based on availability.
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WHAT'S NEXT...
Contact us for more information on how you can join us in Peru! Spots are limited, so sign up now as they fill up fast! Once enough people have signed up and the trip is GO, we'll send you a full packing list and more information on how to prepare for this exciting yoga escape!
If you have a Q, we have an A.
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