Essential Peru - 10 nights

Unu Spa (water in Quechua) is Inkaterra’s unique SPA concept, combining the classic nurturing of a Spa with a mystical traditionally Andean approach. All products are 100% natural, obtained from local botanical extracts, providing a pleasing spiritual, sensual and soothing experience.

Credit: Inkaterra Hotels

Credit: Inkaterra Hotels

Credit: Inkaterra Hotels

A variety of excursions are available within the five hectares (12.3 acres) of pristine cloud forest surrounding Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a quiet retreat for the mind and body, as well as a base for numerous adventures and explorations. Home to an incredible diversity of fauna and flora, the hotel’s trails lead to cascading streams and historically sacred sites. During their stay, travelers may choose to explore a particular subject, become involved in one of our projects or simply immerse themselves in the spiritual wonder of the area.

The hotel offers varied excursions covering a range of three difficulty levels: Easy (I), Moderate (II) or Difficult (III). Each activity can be substituted by various others of the same duration. Some excursions require pre-booking and additional payments.

All excursions are guided by one of our trained professional Inkaterra Explorer Guides in Spanish or English (other languages available upon request, and may be subject to additional charge)

Credit: Inkaterra Hotels

Credit: Inkaterra Hotels

Credit: Inkaterra Hotels

Home to many of Cusco's talented artisans, Plaza de San Blas holds a certain magic at daybreak. Be the first to stroll through the old, winding streets of the neighborhood. Colorful balconies and scented geraniums welcome you at every turn. As you reach the top of Cusco, the rising sun enhances the already fascinating view of the city.

Discover the hotel's rich history on a tour that reveals the unique charm infusing our storied walls and courtyards.

Join an expert guide to explore the wealth of art in Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel and discern the meanings behind the original 18th-century Cusco School artworks.

Venture into our secret garden for an alfresco afternoon tea. A butler will pick fresh herbs to make into an aromatic infusion, which you can savor with homemade local delicacies.

Unwind in a bath, prepared by your butler, of natural aromatic herbs and essential oils. They've been carefully selected to relax, revitalize or detoxify body and soul.

Ensure restful sleep with an aromatherapy pillow. Let your butler prepare a blend of natural herbs with soothing, relaxing properties.

Sink into a traditional Andean herbal and floral bath at Hypnôze Spa. Detoxify the body while cleansing the soul in time-honored Peruvian style.

Find out what your future may have in store. Participate in this mystical, shaman-led ceremony dating from Inca times.

Peru's national liquor, pisco is a fine grape brandy with origins dating back 500 years. In an engaging class, learn the story behind our flagship cocktail, the Pisco Sour, and master how to make it yourself.

Uncover the secrets of Peruvian cuisine in a hands-on class. Learn about delicious local ingredients and master the art of local specialties featuring quinoa, tubers, alpaca meat and more.

Explore the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island on this full-day trip, one of our most popular excursions. Neither land, sky, nor water, but at the intersection of all three. Totora reed roots seve as the unique building material for the floating islands of the Uros Titino communities of Lake Titicaca. This excursion offers a unique chance to meet the Uro-Aymara people, including skilled reed raftsmen and expert weavers, and learn about the ancient techniques that keep their islands afloat, preserving their remarkable heritage. In contrast, Taquile is a natural island,home to the Quechua people, renowned for their textile artistry, recently recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage

of Humanity. Here, guests will witness the Quechua imagination come to life through their unique weavings. Enjoy an outdoor lunch with breathtaking views of the deep blue skies mirrored in the lake's waters, set against the backdrop of Bolivia's majestic Cordillera Real

mountain range.

*Please allow approximately 7-9 hours for the entire experience.

ISLANDS OF LAKE TITICACA Credit: Andean

The full-day Aymara Route excursion offers a deep immersion into the geography, nature, and breathtaking vistas of Acora and the Chucuito Peninsula. Journey back to the pre-Incan era as your guide shares captivating legends and stories, revealing Lake Titicaca’s significance in the local worldview and its role as a vital resource. Traverse winding paths, open fields, and pastures by car, bike, or on foot, observing native

birds in their natural habitats, exploring archaeological remains, and taking in stunning landscapes. As part of this excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to meet members of neighbourin communities and learn about their daily lives and traditions. Along the way, we’ll reach

natural viewpoints, where you can pause to enjoy specially prepared lunches, accompanied by the serene and majestic views of the lake.

*Please allow approximately 7-9 hours for the entire experience.

AYMARA ROUTE Credit: Andean

Visit Sillustani, the region’s largest and most significant pre-Hispanic burial ground, where the archaeological complex offers a glimpse into the area’s rich past. Overlooking the stunning Lake Umayo, Sillustani is home to several chullpas, ancient funerary towers built to house the remains of nobles and distinguished individuals. As you explore, compare the architectural styles of the chullpas, ranging from the rustic, smaller pre-Incan towers to the larger, more sophisticated structures of the Incan period. The largest tower, known as the Lizard Tower, is a testament to the engineering skills of its time, estimated to have taken over 50 years to complete. This excursion is available exclusively en route to or from the airport, offering a perfect opportunity to experience where archaeology, history, and breathtaking views converge.

*Please allow approximately 1-3 hours for the entire experience.

SILLUSTANI Credit: Andean

(Only Saturdays and Sundays) Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Peruvian Altiplano by visiting a local marketplace. The people here maintain many historical traditions, including bartering goods as a primary form of payment and commerce. Sundays are lively, as neighbouring local gather to exchange agricultural products. At the marketplace, you'll witness a colourful display of an immense variety of potatoes,

quinoa, chuño, and other local goods not found elsewhere. This bustling hub offers a unique opportunity to participate in the traditional shopping experience of the local communities. Enjoy the lively dynamics and perhaps discover products you've never encountered before.

*Please allow approximately 1-3 hours for the entire experience

MARKETPLACE VISIT Credit: Andean

(According to Festivities Calendar) Known as the Peruvian Capital of Folklore, Puno hosts some of the country's most renowne traditional festivals. Among the most celebrated is the Feast of the Virgin of la Candelaria, which was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This vibran festival, held each February, showcases over 360 pre- and post-colonial dances and gathers around 40,000 people. The streets of Puno come alive with energetic dances and traditional attire crafted exclusively for the celebration, making the Virgin of la Candelaria the region's most representative festival. Titilaka has identified 12 local celebrations near the lodge, and if your stay coincides with any of them, our guides will gladly assist you in experiencing these unique Peruvian traditions. Be among the few travellers who have witnessed these authentic cultural festivities. Titilaka has identified 12 local feasts near the lodge, and if your stay with us coincides with any of them, our guides will gladly assist you in enjoying these. Be among the few travelers who have experienced these typical Peruvian traditions.

*Please allow approximately 1-3 hours for the entire experience.

LOCAL FESTiVITIES Credit: Andean

After an early breakfast, choose from various routes along the ancient Colla Route, part of the original Incan roadways that wind through the rugged mountain terrain near the lodge. As you walk, marvel at the panoramic views of Bolivia's Cordillera Real (Royal Mountain Range).

Continue your ascent to the Hilarata Summit, where you'll be greeted with breathtaking vistas of Lake Titicaca and the sprawling Altiplano below, dotted with the Santa Rosa and Thunuhuaya communities. Finally, descend to the peaceful Lagoon Chatuma, a site still revered by locals for traditional rituals and ceremonies.

*Please allow approximately 4-5 hours for the entire experience.

COLLA ROUTE TREK Credit: Andean

Discover the epicentre of the region’s evangelisation during the Spanish conquest by visiting the churches of Juli and Pomata. These religious centres, located between Cuzco and the historic mining town of Potosí, are at the crossroads of cultural legacies, the mining boom, and the clash of faiths. In Juli, known as the “Little Rome of America,” you’ll explore four churches built during the 16th and 17th centuries. Pomata, famous for its baroque church, was constructed entirely from red pumice stone or piedra pómez rojas and was used as a model for other colonialperiod temples across South America. The churches boast impressive architecture, including gold leaf altars and notable paintings from the viceregal period. Recently restored, these rarely visited sites offer a peaceful journey into the past.

*Please allow approximately 4-5 hours for the entire experience.

COLONIAL TEMPLES VISIT Credit: Andean

Your journey begins at Molloco, an archaeological site that beautifully showcases a fusion of Inca and Lupaca cultures. Here, you’ll explore ancient structures and burial sites that reflect the region's rich history and cultural blend. Afterward, a short drive brings you to the mystical Aramu Muru, also known as the Wilka Uta portal, a sacred pre-Incan site renowned for its striking rock formations. The centrepiece of Aramu Muru is a massive stone with a human-sized rectangular frame, believed by local communities to be a dimensional portal—a gateway between the physical and spiritual worlds. Our expert guides will share the legends and rituals associated with this revered site. If you're up for a short hike, ascend the surrounding rock formations for some of the moststunning panoramic views of Lake Titicaca and the Andes.

*Please allow approximately 1-3 hours for the entire experience.

MOLLOCO & ARAMU MURU Credit: Andean

Join our specialised guides on an immersive birdwatching experience, where you’ll learn to spot, identify, and even mimic the songs of Lake Titicaca’s native bird species. This excursion takes you through various ecosystems, focusing on the protected wetland area near the lodge,

home to 103 species of migratory and resident birds, many of which are unique to this region. Departing early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you’ll observe birds leaving fo breakfast or returning home for the night. Some species are easily recognisable by their vibrant colours,

while others blend into their surroundings with muted tones, using camouflage as a protective measure. Depending on the season, you may spot flamingos, great crested grebes, and other remarkable species.

*Please allow approximately 4-5 hours for the entire experience

BIRDWATCHING Credit: Andean

Experience the thrill of sailing over 12,000 feet (3,800 metres) above sea level at our Boathouse, the first nautical sports facility on Lake Titicaca. Choose from kayaks, Canadian canoes, paddle boards, or sunfish sailboats, and explore this magnificent body of water. Our experienced Titilaka instructors will ensure your safety and provide navigation guidance before you begin your nautical journey. Discover the nearby ecosystems nestled along the shores and among the Totora reeds, which are ideal for observing local wildlife and plants. As you make your way back, don’t miss the views of the lodge, and upon your return, enjoy snacks and refreshing beverages on our outdoor terrace.

*Please allow approximately 1-3 hours for the entire experience.

BOATHOUSE NAUTICAL SPORTS Credit: Andean

Allow our guides to gently lead you on a raft through masses of Totora reed near the lodge as you learn more about this local hydrophilic plant species. Explore the lake’s ecosystem and learn about the close relationship existing between the peoples inhabiting the lake and its

natural resources. The Totora reed is as much part of the local diet as it is a construction material used for housing. The system for Totora reed distribution is similar to that used for property or land, with reed distributed among locals for harvesting. This nutritious reed also provides a special ecosystem for birds such as the goldcrest, flightless grebe, moorhen and heron.

*Please allow approximately 1-3 hours for the entire experience

ROWING THROUGH THE REEDS Credit: Andean

Experience the freedom and fresh air as you cycle through the Altiplano and along the shores of Lake Titicaca. Traversing diverse terrains, you'll follow rural paths where you can observe locals engaged in their daily activities. Witness traditional farming methods using age-old

tools and see time-honored modes of transport like donkeys in use. This engaging activity allows you to set your own pace and direction, offering an authentic glimpse into local life in one of the most genuine settings imaginable. Converted e-bikes available.

*Please allow approximately 1-3 hours for the entire experience.

CYCLING IN ALTIPLANO AND LAKE SHORES Credit: Andean

Under Puno’s crystal-clear night skies, venture into the lodge gardens for a breathtaking stargazing experience. Guided by local experts, you’ll learn about the movement of stars and spot significant constellations like the Wawawara Hawira (Milky Way). This is more than just a lesson in astronomy; it’s a dive into the spiritual beliefs of the Andean people, where the sun and moon represent dual cosmic forces. Through ancient storytelling, hear how these celestial bodies shaped Andean life, and get a glimpse into the sacred myths passed down through generations.

**Please allow approximately 1 hour for the entire experience.

AYMARA CONSTELLATION OBSERVATION Credit: Andean

Operated by a company with years of expertise in creating unforgettable experiences, this excursion takes you to the legendary Island of the Sun, the fabled origin of the Incan Empire. Begin your journey by heading south to the border with Bolivia, reaching the sanctuary of Copacabana's cathedral and main square. From there, board a boat that will transport you across the shimmering waters to the Island of the Sun. Explore the archaeological complex of Intihuatana, visit a centre for traditional medicine, and meet the skilled Totora reed raft makers. As you wander, you'll encounter Incan farming terraces etched into the mountainside, visit a traditional clay craft-making centre, and explore the Intica Hall, home to a variety of llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. Conclude your day with a boat ride offering panoramic views of the Pilikokaina Incan palace before returning to Copacabana and the comforts of your hotel.

*Please allow full day for the entire experience.

ISLANDS OF THE SUN Credit: Andean