Machu Picchu, Peru 

Itinerary for our Machu, Picchu and Spiritual Tour

 

Part One: Exploring the beautiful Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
We started by diving into the magic of Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas.
Day 1: Departed out of Los Angeles, California at 2:00 PM on a Latam flight and touched down in Lima, Peru, at 12:45 AM. We stayed at the charming Hotel Stefanos in the Miraflores district—such a lovely spot!
 Day 2: Visited a delightful chocolate factory and indulging in local flavors.
Day 3: We caught a 1:45 PM Avianca Airlines flight to Cusco, landing at 3:05 PM. 
Day 4: Stayed at Hospedaje Chaska Pisac, a cozy spot that genuinely made us feel at home. While the hotel offers basic amenities, it's perfect for those seeking an authentic experience. The best part? It's still incredibly affordable—around USD 80.00 for a two-night stay.

Sacred Valley
Pisac and Cusco are nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Urubamba Valley. This breathtaking region in the Andean highlands is full of picturesque towns, villages, and incredible archaeological sites—you can feel the history in the air!

The valley is renowned for its stunning landscapes, fertile agricultural lands, and rich cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for travelers interested in exploring the history and beauty of the Inca civilization.

If you plan a trip there, you can expect to see incredible terraced fields, ancient ruins, and vibrant local markets. It's a truly magical place to visit!
Day 5: We were dedicated to immersing ourselves in Peru's breathtaking beauty.
Day 6: On Sunday, we went on an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu by train. The ride was an experience, with stunning views of the Andean mountains and valleys.
Once we arrived at Machu Picchu, we were greeted by the iconic Inca citadel, perched high on a ridge amidst lush greenery. It's hard to describe how incredible it felt to be standing in such a historic and awe-inspiring place.
We spent hours exploring the ruins, taking in every detail and soaking up as much of its energy as we could. The intricate stonework, mysterious temples, and stunning views left us mesmerized.

Part two: Our spiritual journey
Days 6-23: We arrived in Puno early morning and check into the hotel. Our retreat officially opened at 11:11 AM with a beautiful opening circle—always a special moment!
 We'll also stroll around Puno and down to the lake. We usually started our morning sessions with a meditation and yoga class, including yogic self-massage and deep, guided relaxation."

Highlights of our Spiritual& cutural Journey

  •  Puno, we'll visit the stunning Silustani ruins, just a 45-minute drive away. This magical place is rich in history and is set by a breathtaking lake.  hours. We enjoyed some delicious Peruvian cuisine. 
  • A boat ride on Lake Titicaca was one of the supreme highlights of our trip. It was incredible
    I'll always treasure our day on Lake Titicaca. We hopped on a boat to explore the famous Uros floating islands, where you learn about the traditional lifestyle of these fantastic communities and even support them by picking up some beautiful handmade crafts.
  •  Visiting Aramu Muru, the Gateway to other dimensions, and the Temple of Illumination. This incredible site is known for its powerful energy vortex and mystical mountain wall.  People love this place, and many say it's truly life-changing!
  •  In Amantani, we meet our arranged wonderful indigenous family, and they warmly welcomed us.
    We spent two nights with them and enjoyed a traditional Peruvian dinner and a dance show to end our fantastic adventure together.

 

Making new friends in Peru

Joyce's Pro Tips

  • Hire a guide to enjoy your trip without all the hassle and stress.

  • Combine this trip with a fantastic mix of history, culture, and spirituality, and I'm so thankful for all the unforgettable moments we experienced along the way!  
  • Start your trip in Cisco, a charming city with vibrant streets, rich history, and plenty of character. 
  • Take a day or two here to adjust to the altitude (trust me, you'll thank yourself later) and soak up the local culture before heading out to reach Machu Picchu.
  •  Visiting Machu Picchu is the feeling of being surrounded by jaw-dropping views from every angle. Keep your camera close because there's no shortage of Instagram-worthy spots here, including that iconic panorama from the Guardhouse overlooking the Lost City.
  • Pack your patience and extra energy to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Both hikes offer unparalleled site views from above, but you must book tickets in advance since slots are limited.
  • Secure all necessary documents before leaving for your trip.
  • Book your Macho-Picchu visit in advance. Requirements of entry are restricted to certain times and days.

 Key Take Away

Hiking, boat rides, cultural experiences, and plenty of time for self-care and reflection make this tour a truly special and rewarding adventure. I hope we've inspired you to visit Machu Picchu and immerse yourself in Peru's incredible culture.
We understand that traveling is not just about visiting famous landmarks or taking photos for social media. It's about immersing yourself in different cultures, connecting with locals, and supporting their culture.
I loved exploring the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu, while experiencing local culture which deepened our connection to the area. 

Key Highlights of Machu Picchu Exploring the Ruins

Stepping into Machu Picchu for the first time is an experience you'll never forget. 
As you explore, here are a few must-see highlights to check out:
• The Sun Gate (Inti Punku): If you hiked the Inca Trail, this is likely your first jaw-dropping view of Machu Picchu. It's also an excellent spot for photos if you're up for a short hike!
• One of the most intriguing aspects of Machu Picchu is how it was used and ultimately abandoned by the Inca civilization.  From its terraces and temples to its intricate water systems, Machu Picchu is a marvel of engineering and ingenuity that still leaves experts puzzled about how it was built without modern technology. You'll be left with plenty of questions and a deeper appreciation for the ancient cultures that came before us.
• The Temple of the Sun: Take a moment to admire the incredible stonework and clever design dedicated to Inti, the sun god—one of the most important deities in Incan culture.
• The Intihuatana Stone: This carved stone, thought to be a solar clock or calendar, sits at the heart of Machu Picchu and shows just how advanced the Incas were with astronomy.
• The Terraces: These stepped agricultural terraces allowed the Incas to farm high in the mountains and made for some stunning photos!

 

 

Lake Titicaca, Peru

Exploring the Wonders of Machu Picchu

Hi there, fellow adventurers!

Have you ever dreamed of stepping back in time and exploring one of the most stunning historical wonders in the world? If so, Machu Picchu should be on your bucket list—or maybe even your next big adventure!
That's precisely what my daughter Christina, granddaughter Brooklyn, and I had the chance to do. I'll share our itinerary with you below.
Perched high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is a magical place that draws travelers worldwide. From its towering terraces to the fantastic ruins of the ancient Inca civilization, every step feels like you're uncovering a hidden piece of history. Ready to join me as we explore this incredible destination?

A Journey Through Time

Machu Picchu, built in the 15th century by the Inca Empire, stayed hidden from the world until its rediscovery in 1911. This "lost city" is nothing short of amazing, showcasing the incredible engineering and architectural skills of the Inca people. Can you imagine building such an intricate city on a mountain without modern tools? Walking through the ruins is like stepping back in time—it's hard not to feel in awe of how this ancient civilization created a masterpiece that still stands strong today.
Getting to Machu Picchu

Getting to Machu Picchu is an adventure—and honestly, the journey is just as incredible as the destination. Most people start their trip in Cusco, a charming city with vibrant streets, rich history, and plenty of character. Take a day or two here to adjust to the altitude (trust me, you'll thank yourself later) and soak up the local culture before heading out on your adventure. Getting to Machu Picchu
Reaching Machu Picchu is an adventure in itself—and trust me, the journey makes the destination even more rewarding. Most visitors start their trip in Cusco, the charming gateway city often celebrated for its vibrant streets and rich history. Before starting your adventure, take a day or two here to acclimate to the altitude and soak in the local culture.
Before starting your adventure, take a day or two here to acclimate to the altitude and soak in the local culture.
From Cusco, there are two main ways to reach Machu Picchu:
1. The Scenic Train Ride: If you're all about comfort and amazing views, hop on a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The ride takes you through stunning landscapes with majestic mountains, rushing rivers, and lush jungles. Peru Rail and Inca Rail offer options for your budget or splurge-worthy travel dreams.
2. The Adventurous Trek: Feeling more adventurous? The famous Inca Trail is waiting for you! This multi-day trek is challenging, but the ancient ruins and breathtaking views make it worth it. If you're short on time or want something different, check out the Salkantay Trek or Lares Trek—they're just as rewarding and offer unique experiences.
No matter which routes you choose, the anticipation as you get closer is something you won't forget!

Machu Picchu truly lives up to the hype—its beauty and mystery are magical. While these highlights only scratch the surface, you'll love uncovering everything it offers!