Day One: CUSCO
Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel, rest of the morning at leisure. You will need a bit of time to acclimatise to the altitude. In the afternoon you have a guided tour of Cusco. This tour includes the Spanish built Cathedral, the temple of the sun - Koricancha, and the four ruins above the city - Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, Puca Pucara & Tambo Machay. This tour takes between 4 and 5 hours. Return to your hotel near the main Plaza. Meals on your own.

Day Two: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY
Transfer to the Sacred Valley. Along the way we visit the Chinchero ruins and colonial church (about an hour journey), and afterwards are taken to our accommodation in the hotel.  After lunch we have a demonstration by our chalan (Peruvian horse trainer) which will give you better insight into the Peruvian riding traditions. We then have a nice excursion to the Salt mines of Maras to get a first feel for the smooth gaited Paso. After crossing the Urubamba River we will climb with the horses almost 1000 m (3.281 ft.) to reach the Andean altiplano. The climb takes about 2 hours, and will be at an easy pace through beautiful countryside. You will have a unique view of the Valley and the surrounding area as you ride. All meals included today.

Day Three: SACRED VALLEY
After breakfast in the hotel, we will transport you to the point of departure (about 1 hour). We start from the church of Tiobamba, which is a church located in the middle of many fields and from there we follow primitive trails across the altiplano. We will visit the ruins of Cheqoq, a short hour ride away. At Cheqoq, the Incas constructed fascinating cold-storage depots (pre-Hispanic refrigerators) to conserve the agricultural products of the region. Cooling of the products was achieved by using a genius system of underground air-circulation. From Cheqoq, we continue our ride to Lake Huaypo where we will have lunch (about 2 hours). The scenery is spectacular; with snow-capped mountains, wildflowers and beautiful mountain lakes. We will meet smiling Quechua children with their herds of sheep or cattle and see campesinos ploughing their fields in the traditional way, oxen hitched to a wooden plough. From Lake Huaypo, we continue our ride to the village of Mahuaypampa, and then make our way back down to the Valley floor to return to the ranch (about 4 hours). You return to your hotel in the Valley to relax for the evening. All meals included.

Day Four: SACRED VALLEY
We have another full day of horse riding visiting the Patacancha Valley with awesome scenery. You will visit the community of Huilloc to see the traditional weaving methods of the locals, and then on to the unique ruins of Pumamarca. This is an amazingly beautiful ride in a valley that runs behind the Sacred Valley – with many things to see, including the locals dressed in the bright colors of the area. You travel alongside a tumbling river, as the mountains surround you. Great Incan terraces and other ruins are seen along the route. All meals included.

Day Five: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU
Transfer to the Train Station at Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes. From the town of Aguas Calientes we take the bus (30 minutes) up to Machu Picchu for a guided visit. You will have a two to three hour tour before having the rest of the day on your own to explore this wonderful site. You return to Aguas Calientes by bus late in the day. Overnight at Machu Picchu Inn. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day Six: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Morning bus again to Machu Picchu for another day of exploring the ancient city. You will have the opportunity to climb to the Sun Gate (where the Inca Trail ends) to have a view of the ruins, or maybe climb Wanay Picchu (little mountain) to see the ruins there and have a birds eye view of the ruins and the surrounding area. You can have a late lunch in Aguas Calientes before we take the train back to Cusco. You will arrive into Cusco at about 8 pm and be transferred to your hotel near the center of the city. Breakfast included.

Day Seven: CUSCO
A free day to relax and enjoy the city and the artisan markets. There are many interesting sites to see within the city, including the Inca Museum, the local markets, the San Blas area and many more. Breakfast included.

Day Eight: DEPARTURE
Transfer from the Hotel to the Airport for your flight to Lima (1 hour). Breakfast.

Peru has two seasons – wet and dry. Rainy season runs from October through to March, and dry season from April to September.

Travellers should be prepared for all types of weather. Days can be sunny and warm, or wet and cold, with evenings cool to cold. June, July and August have the least amount of rain but can be very cold at night.

We suggest that you bring a variety of clothing with you, as the days can be sunny and hot, or cold and rainy, and the evenings cool to cold. Good walking shoes or boots are a must, and a rain coat or poncho is recommended.

Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®. Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.

We recommend the following gear:

Accommodations for this tour are locally owned and operated hotels or hostels. We make sure that all accommodations are safe and clean and are located within walking distance of restaurants and other services.

Meals that are listed as included are eaten in local restaurants or prepared by one of our staff. Vegetarians or other special diets can be accommodated on request, although travelers should be aware that there are not as many options for vegetarians as there are in other parts of the world. We recommend that travelers never eat from street vendors.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, travelling as tourists for stays of up to 90 days, except:
1. nationals of Latvia and Romania who do require a visa.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
2. A business visa is required for all nationals if the purpose of the visit is business. Any business-related unpaid work can be made on a tourist visa. Upon arrival in Peru, the business visa holder must register at the Dirección General de Contribuciones for taxation purposes. Business visa holders can remain in Peru for 90 days. If wishing to extend the visit, an application must be lodged with the Dirección General de Migraciones.

Nationals applying for a tourist visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,000 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application. Nationals applying for a business visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,200 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application.

All nationals are advised to check with the Peruvian Consulate prior to departure to obtain current details of any documentation which might be required. Postal visa applications are not accepted unless submitted through a travel agency.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist and Business: £19.20. Costs are subject to change according to exchange rates.
Validity
Up to 90 days.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses for details.
Working Days Required
At least 24 hours; longer if authorisation from the immigration office in Lima is required.