Winter Solstice with Andres Adasme

CUSCO AND QORICANCHA / KAY PACCHA

• Welcome to Cusco!

• An introductory lecture on Andean Cosmology will open the doors to the journey back in time that we’re about to embark on, providing us with the tools we’ll need to look at history from a whole new perspective.

• Walking around the streets of Cusco we will learn about the controversial dating of its foundation, and feel speechless upon discovering how the layout of the ancient city is precisely aligned with the stars. We’ll see and touch Cusco’s different layers of construction, testimony of old civilizations that left each a stone footprint for future generations.

  • Overnight in Cusco

  • Meals included: L & D

SACSAYWAMAN / HANAN PACCHA

• In the morning, we will make our way to the stunning site of Sacsaywamán, a simply unmissable stop for anyone trying to fathom the monumental genius of Cusco’s first settlers.

• The walls of Sacsaywamán are composed of massive limestone blocks, some weighing over 100 tons. These stones are intricately shaped and fit together with remarkable precision without the use of mortar.

• Sacsaywamán is not just an archaeological site; it is a symbol of Andean resilience, set against a breathtaking backdrop, and exemplifies the harmonious relationship that ancient men had with their environment.

• At the end of the day we’ll visit the city's Planetarium, where we will look at the stars with the same eyes as the ancient builders.

  • Overnight in Cusco

  • Meals included: B,L,D

PISAC

• Today we leave Cusco to reach the Sacred Valley, stopping on the way for a visit to the archaeological site of Pisac and its impressive stone structures, originally designed to read the passing of the sun and the moon. Immersed in the magnificent landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Inca, we will enjoy a gentle downhill hike to the colonial town of Pisaq, on the shores of the Urubamba river. We will then make our way to our lodge in Lamay, where we will be welcomed with most traditional “pachamanca” for lunch.

• The afternoon will be spent be at leisure, enjoying the lodge premises and its gorgeous surroundings.

• In the evening we will attend a lecture on the Ancient Astronomical Qosqo.

  • Overnight in Lamay

  • Meals included: B,L,D

URCO / ANCASMARKA

• Understanding the weather was vitally important for ancient civilizations, as it directly influenced agriculture, settlement patterns, and social organization.

• The timing of planting and harvesting crops was often dictated by seasonal weather patterns. For example, the appearance of certain constellations could signal the onset of the rainy season, while changes in the position of the sun could indicate the best time for sowing seeds. Ancient farmers developed calendars based on these observations to maximize their agricultural productivity.

• An early lecture will set the stage for today’s adventure. We will then proceed to visit Ancasamarka and Urco, two emblematic archaeological sites which will deepen our understanding of Inca and pre-Inca agricultural practices

  • Overnight in Lamay

  • Meals included: B,L,D

OLLANTAYTAMBO / NAUPA IGLESIA

• Today, prepare to visit another two jewels of ancient architectural mastery. We will spend the morning walking around the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, the architectural setting of which is still outstanding, because of the size, originality and detail of its stone structures.

• After lunch at a local restaurant, we will proceed to visit one of the Sacred Valley’s most enigmatic (and least visited) places, the complex of Naupa Iglesia. While we know for sure that it had a sacred significance, there are still countless mysteries surrounding the history of this place and the rituals that took place here.

  • Dinner and overnight in Ollantaytambo

  • Meals included: B,L,D

PACARITAMPU / PUMAMARKA

• Today we will have the opportunity to witness firsthand one of the most magical alignments between the rising sun and an ancient archaeological site - the Pacaritampu Pyramid. It is considered

• South America’s largest sundial, designed to eternally align with the solstices and equinoxes in a dance of light and eternal harmony. We will wake up before dawn, and have breakfast on the way. The alignment will take place around 7 am.

• Charged with the Valley's extraordinary energy, we will proceed with a gentle hike towards Pumamarka, another archaeological site little known by tourists. Along the trail, we will pass by small trickling waterfalls, cross wooden bridges, and savor spectacular viewpoints.

• We’ll make our way back to Ollantaytambo for lunch, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Dinner, and overnight in Aguas Calientes

  • Meals included: B,L,D

MACHU PICCHU

• Exploring Machu Picchu at the culmination of all we have learned over the past few days will be an experience that is nothing short of magical and incomparably richer than that of a typical tourist. We will immerse ourselves in a one-of-a-kind, timeless experience as we visit South America's most important old citadel through the eyes of a world-class expert.

• Our day will start early with a spectacular hike on Huayna Picchu, the imposing mountain that can be seen in the backdrop of any image of the Inca citadel. It’s a unique experience to catch a view from the other side - and possibly the most breathtaking view of all.

• Our private tour into the citadel will start after lunch. Be ready to travel back in time and far into the Universe for the next few hours, as this experience will write its own chapter in your memory books.

• We’ll take a bus to Aguas Calientes, and a train to Ollantaytambo from there. A drive back to Cusco at sunset will be the right end to this magical journey.

  • Overnight in Cusco

  • Meals included: B & L

FAREWELL

• On this last day, you will have the morning free, with an option to visit a local museum.

• We will gather for a farewell lunch - one last chance to say goodbye and exchange impressions with our fellow travelers.

• Private transfer to Cusco airport.

  • Meals included: B