Adventure in Cusco!

Q"enqo (Qenko)

Why Visit?

Adventure Tour Itinerary: Unveiling the Mysteries of Q"enqo

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization in Cusco

Welcome to Cusco, the ancient heart of the Inca Empire! Nestled in the Andes at 3,400 meters, it"s essential to take it easy on your first day. Stroll around the Plaza de Armas and sip coca tea to acclimatize to the altitude.

Day 2: Trek to Q"enqo

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast of local Peruvian staples. From Plaza de Armas, catch a local bus towards Saqsaywaman; a 25-minute ride will bring you to this ceremonial fortress. From there, it"s a scenic 40-minute hike to Q"enqo. This less-traveled path will reward you with panoramic views of lush Andean landscapes and a closer connection to nature.

Explore Q"enqo

Q’enqo, which means "zigzag" in Quechua due to its labyrinthine underground passages, is a splendid archaeological site that remains shrouded in mystery. This sacred site, consisting of a large limestone rock with intricate carvings and subterranean alters, was used by the Incas for ceremonial purposes, including death rituals. The highlight for adventure lovers is exploring the dark, narrow passages that delve into the heart of the rock. Here, the Incas likely mummified their dead, and you can still feel the eerie chill of ancient spirits.

Photography and Reflection

After exploring, take a moment at the top of the rock to capture panoramic shots of the surrounding valleys and the distant peaks of the Andes. Reflect on the spiritual and historical importance of this site, which continues to be a place of worship during the Incan festival of Inti Raymi.

Return to Cusco

Head back to Cusco by late afternoon. The downhill trek to Saqsaywaman and a bus ride from there will round off your adventure-filled day. Spend your evening enjoying Peruvian cuisine in a local restaurant.

This itinerary promises not only a physical adventure but also a deep dive into the mysterious world of the Incas, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Inca Quarry Trail

Why Visit?

Day 1: Cusco to Ollantaytambo

Start your Inca adventure by immersing in the vibrant city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Explore the cobblestone streets, visit the historic Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and acclimatize to the altitude. Later, travel by bus to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town nestled in the Sacred Valley. This journey is peppered with panoramic vistas and glimpses of rural Andean life. Overnight in Ollantaytambo, perhaps exploring its massive ruins that once served as both a temple and a fortress.

Day 2: Ollantaytambo to Choquetacarpo

Post breakfast, trek from Ollantaytambo to Choquetacarpo, the starting point of the Inca Quarry Trail. The trail isn’t just a physical journey but a step back in time. Traverse through lush landscapes and over high passes, with views of the majestic Veronica Peak (5,682m). Learn about the ingenious Inca engineering at an ancient quarry site where stones were cut for constructing Ollantaytambo. Camp under the stars near Choquetacarpo, surrounded by historical ruins and a serene mountain atmosphere.

Day 3: Choquetacarpo to Ollantaytambo, train to Aguas Calientes

Rise early to hike towards the Kachiqata quarry. Here, adventurers can marvel at the abandoned stone works and feel the unfinished story of the Incas. Trek down to Ollantaytambo observing the Sacred Valley’s breathtaking spread. From Ollantaytambo, catch the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The train journey itself is an adventure, with essential views of the Andes and roaring river rapids.

Day 4: Machu Picchu Exploration and Return to Cusco

Conclude your journey with a morning bus ride up the winding road to Machu Picchu. Witness the sunrise over this iconic citadel, a moment that is truly ethereal. Explore the ruins with a knowledgeable guide who unveils the mysteries and architectural ingenuity of the Incas. Return to Aguas Calientes by bus and take a train back to Cusco, carrying memories of an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Inca empire.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Agricultural Terraces of Moray

Why Visit?

Adventure Awaits: Exploring the Agricultural Terraces of Moray

Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, just an hour"s drive from Cusco, lies one of the most intriguing remnants of the Incan empire: the Agricultural Terraces of Moray. This ancient site, which offers an adrenaline-fueled yet culturally enriching experience, is perfect for adventurers keen on delving deep into history while basking in breathtaking landscapes.

Morning Ascent: Journey to Moray

Start your adventure early with a drive from Cusco to Moray. Rent a mountain bike in Cusco or join a guided biking tour that whisks you through the Sacred Valley’s captivating scenery. The route passes through local villages and alongside fields dotted with quinoa and corn, painting a stunning picture of Andean life. As you approach Moray, the mysterious circular terraces carved into the earth come into view.

Unraveling History: Exploring the Terraces

Upon arrival, take a moment to absorb the surreal beauty of the site. The terraces, which are believed to have been an agricultural laboratory of sorts, showcase the Incas’ ingenuity in creating microclimates to test crops. Each level’s temperature varies, mimicking different environmental conditions. Trek around and down the terraces to fully appreciate the engineering marvel, and if visiting during the dry season (May to October), the paths are perfect for a thrilling descent on mountain bike.

Cultural Immersion: Village Life

Post exploration, cycle to the nearby village of Maras to sample local delicacies like chicha morada (a purple corn drink) or freshly prepared tamales, providing a flavorful end to your journey. Here, interacting with local artisans and farmers adds another layer to your adventure, offering insights into the enduring legacy of Incan agricultural practices.

Return to Cusco

Conclude your day with a scenic ride back to Cusco, carrying with you not just memories but a greater appreciation of the harmonious relationship between nature and ancient technology.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Ollantaytambo Ruins

Why Visit?

Discover the Heart of the Inca Empire: Ollantaytambo Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Begin your adventure in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. From Cusco, take a scenic 1.5-hour drive through the Sacred Valley to the charming village of Ollantaytambo. This living Inca town is a perfect base for acclimatization and pre-trek preparations. Spend your afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets, exploring local markets, and enjoying traditional Andean cuisine.

Day 2: Conquering Ollantaytambo Ruins

Rise early and fuel up with a hearty breakfast before tackling the Ollantaytambo Ruins. The fortress, dramatically set against steep mountains, is a marvel of engineering and architecture. Begin the ascent up the terraced steps, a challenging climb that rewards with breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River below.

The ruins are best explored in the morning light, allowing you to beat the larger tour groups and midday heat. Delve into the history of this strategic military, religious, and agricultural hub. Noteworthy sites include the Temple of the Sun, with its gigantic monoliths, and the intricately carved Terrace of the Ten Niches.

Day 3: Adventure Activities

Post exploration, opt for a thrill with nearby adventure activities. Choose between a zip-lining experience across the valley, a kayaking excursion on the Urubama River, or a mountain biking tour along rural trails offering undisturbed views of the Andean landscape.

Departure

After a fulfilling three-day adventure, head back to Cusco by either a private transfer or the convenient local "colectivo" (shared minibus). Reflect on the immersive journey through one of the Inca civilization"s most impressive and strategic strongholds, with its stories etched in stone and vistas that stretch the imagination.

Interesting Fact: Ollantaytambo was a crucial defensive stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui during the Spanish conquest, making it one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish in a major battle.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Ausangate Trail

Why Visit?

Embark on a mesmerizing journey along the Ausangate Trail, a hidden gem tucked within the Peruvian Andes, revered for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness. This 5-day trek is a high-altitude challenge, suiting those with a spirited heart and a love for remote adventures.

Day 1: Cusco to Tinqui to Upis Hot Springs

Begin your journey in the historical city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. From here, take a 3-hour drive to the small village of Tinqui. As you start your trek, the trail weaves through local communities and pastoral scenes, setting the stage for an immersive cultural experience. Camp near Upis, where you can relax your muscles in the natural hot springs while enjoying the majestic views of Ausangate Mountain.

Day 2: Upis to Ausangatecocha

Trek from Upis to Ausangatecocha, ascending to the Arapa Pass (4,850 meters). The path offers stunning vistas of rugged terrain and turquoise lakes, colored by mineral deposits. Camp near the serene Ausangatecocha Lake, a perfect spot for stargazing.

Day 3: Ausangatecocha to Jampa

The journey continues over the highest point of the trek, the Palomani Pass (5,200 meters). From here, descend into the valley and marvel at the glaciated south face of Ausangate. Overnight in Jampa, under the silent watch of the Andean peaks.

Day 4: Jampa to Pachaspata

Ascend to the Jampa pass (5,060 meters), and get rewarded with an expansive view of the Vilcanota Mountain range. The trail then leads to Pachaspata, a lesser-known site with panoramic scenes.

Day 5: Pachaspata to Tinqui to Cusco

Descend back to Tinqui, passing through traditional villages. Reflect on your trek amid the undulating terrains before a drive returns you to Cusco. This journey not only challenges adventurers but also connects them deeply with the heart of Andean culture and natural splendor.

Each step on the Ausangate Trail offers an opportunity to witness remote beauty, engage with local communities, and traverse some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Peru. This high-altitude adventure is a must for those who wish to explore beyond the beaten path.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.