Visit Machu Picchu in a full day, leaving very early from Casa Andina Private Collection; in the evening after 6pm, don’t miss an opportunity to experience the Planetarium and Sacred Spa.

Depart from Cusco early after a hearty breakfast, en route to Pisaq, making a stopover in Awanacancha. After Pisaq, visit Maras and Moray (between 11am and 2pm, when there’s usually plenty of sun). Afterwards, have lunch at either El Huacatay or Huayoccari and finish the day with a visit to the town and Ollantaytambo fortress. At Casa Andina Private Collection in the evening after 6pm take advantage of the Planetarium and Sacred Spa.

Spend the entire second day at Machu Picchu, arriving early before the large tour groups (early in the morning, when the sun rises over the mountains and begins to illuminate the sight row by row, is mesmerizing if not obscured by clouds).

Note that seeing parts of the Valley and Machu Picchu in just 1 or 2 days dictates a very tight schedule.

Depart from Cusco early after a hearty breakfast, en route to Pisaq, making a stopover in Awanacancha. After Pisaq, visit Maras and Moray (between 11am and 2pm, when there’s usually plenty of sun). Afterwards, have lunch at either El Huacatay or Huayoccari and finish the day with a visit to the town and Ollantaytambo fortress. At Casa Andina Private Collection in the evening after 6pm take advantage of the Planetarium.

On the second day, get outdoors for some whitewater rafting (from Ollantaytambo to Cachicata), or go horseback riding from Yanahuara to Ollanta, followed by lunch at either El Huacatay or Huayoccari and a gentle hike around Yucay or a visit to a local ceramics workshop. In the evening, if you didn’t have time the day before, visit the Spa at the hotel.

On the final day, spend the entire day at Machu Picchu, arriving early before the large tour groups (early in the morning, when the sun rises over the mountains and begins to illuminate the sight row by row, is mesmerizing if not obscured by clouds).

With 4 days in the Valley you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the region’s serenity and beauty; the option of “pueblear” – visiting the Valley’s villages perhaps with a guide but few plans (detailed in “Very Useful Tips”) is very appealing to those with the time to get to know the Valley in depth. We also recommend outdoors activities such as whitewater rafting, from Ollantaytambo to Cachicata (in the morning); horseback riding from Yanahuara to Ollanta; a visit to a local ceramics workshop; and, for those looking for a challenging trekking option, the magnificent climb to Huchuy Qosqo.