Inti Raymi and Qoyllor’ Ity are two of the most revered festivals in Inca and Andean tradition and take place during the winter solstice in Cusco, Peru.
Every year in June, our Soul of the Andes Festival Experience begins and includes breathtaking hikes through the Sacred Valley and Lares region to Machu Picchu.
This unique trip experience is complemented by fascinating workshops and lectures on topics from “The Andean Cosmovision” to “Traditional Andean Farming Techniques” that will give our guests insight into ancient Inca traditions and give meaning to their participation in these magical celebrations along the way.
Lost World Adventures itineraries can be tailor-made according to your plans and preferences: budget, hotel selections, travel dates, optional excursions, length of trip, etc.
You will be met at the Cusco Airport upon arrival and transfer to your hotel for check in.
Lunch and early afternoon at leisure.
4:00pm - Guided tour of Cusco (approximately 75 minutes).
7:00pm - Trip briefing and welcome dinner at El Mercado.
Overnight at El Retablo. Dinner included.
Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Lake Wakarpay, with a stop at the Tipón archaeological site en route.
12:00pm - Lunch at Lake Wakarpay and visit to the adjacent Totoracocha archaeological site.
2:00pm - Scenic drive from Lake Wakarpay to Mahuallani, visit to the Pikillaqta archaeological site en route.
4:00pm - Arrival at Mahuallani.
4:30pm - Join the pilgrimage procession to the Qoyllor’ Ity shrine.
8:30pm - Arrival to Qoyllor’ Ity.
Dinner under the full solstice moon upon arrival at campsite.
Overnight at the Qoyllor’ Ity campsite (15,091’ / 4,600m). All meals included today.
6:00am - Breakfast at Qoyllor’Ity campsite.
7:00am - Hike to Sinakara glacier and glacier lagoon.
Pachamama gratitude ceremony at Sinakara lagoon with an Andean Q’ero (shaman). Picnic lunch on site. Afternoon hike back to Mahuallani.
4:00pm - Meet our driver for transport back to Cusco. Arrive around 7:30pm.
Overnight at El Retablo. Breakfast and lunch included today.
Breakfast at hotel.
9:00am - Round-trip hike to the Inkilltambo archaeological site (11,736ft/3,577m).
Afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight at El Retablo. Breakfast included today.
Breakfast at hotel.
8:00am - Scenic drive to visit the charming town and vibrant marketplace of Pisaq.
12:00pm - Traditional Pachamanca lunch in the community of Viacha.
Lecture/Demonstration - Traditional Andean Farming Techniques, followed by an Andean ceremony in honor of Pachamama (Mother Earth).
2:00 pm - Early afternoon hike to the Pisaq archaeological site.
Late afternoon drive to Lamay Lodge.
Overnight at Lamay Lodge (9,705ft/ 2,958m). All meals included today.
Breakfast at Lamay Lodge.
8:30am - Scenic morning drive and visit to the Ancasmarca archaeological site.
12:00pm - Visit to Choquecancha for a buffet lunch.
Join the community of Choquecancha for an introduction to traditional Andean weaving techniques and harvesting of medicinal plants. Late afternoon drive to Huacahuasi Lodge.
6:00pm - Workshop/Lecture: ‘Andean Celebrations’.
6:45pm - Participate in an Andean Winter Solstice ceremony.
7:30pm - Dinner at Huacahuasi Lodge.
Overnight at Huacahuasi Lodge (12,585ft/ 3,835m). All meals included today.
Early breakfast at Huacahuasi Lodge.
8:00am - Scenic drive to Marcacocha to participate in a gratitude ceremony with the local sheepherders.
Drive to Pumamarka for lunch and visit to the archaeological site.
Afternoon drive and visit to the town of Ollantaytambo. Late afternoon train ride to Aguas Calientes aboard the Inca Rail Voyager.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or Sumaq Machu Picchu. All meals included today.
Breakfast at hotel.
8:00am - Two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
10:30am - Hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain. (Subject to availability - entrance tickets must be purchased in advance.)
Lunch at hotel. Afternoon train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo aboard the Inca Rail Voyager.
Meet driver for a sunset drive back to Cusco.
Overnight at El Retablo. Breakfast and lunch included today.
Breakfast at hotel.
9:00am - The festivities begin at the Korikancha (Inca Temple of the Sun).
Proceed to the Plaza de Armas for the opening ceremony. Follow the elaborate procession from Cusco to Sacsayhuaman to see the ‘Inca emperor and his entourage’ perform sacred rituals in a moving ceremony accompanied by musicians and dance troupes from the entire region.
2:30pm - The celebration ends.
Return to Cusco for a farewell lunch at Pachapapa.
Late afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight at El Retablo Breakfast and lunch included today.
Breakfast at hotel and transport to the Cusco Airport.
*Optional trip extension to Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon or the Peruvian Amazonas.
| Price from | $5,050.00 per person, based on double occupancy |
|---|---|
| Days | 10 |
| Nights | 9 |
| Includes: | 9 nights accommodations Guided excursions Ground transportation Meals as specified on itinerary |
| Excludes: | International and domestic airfare Meals not included on itinerary Tips for guides and drivers Personal expenses |
