Essence of Cusco

Essence of Cusco

Overview

Your 5-day great adventure starts upon your arrival in Cusco. We will start with Sacsayhuaman, where various secrets become whispered through ancient stones and reconnect your spirit with Pachamama’s energy.

During the journey we honor the sacred trinity of Puma, Serpent, and Condor within a private Andean Initiation Ceremony that opens your heart to the transformative power of these spirit animals and energies around. You will come to be enveloped in the beauty of all of the land as we drive on through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The energy of these sacred places will settle quite deep within the confines of your soul, in preparation for your life journey.

sacred valley cusco peru

Highlights

Prices & Inclusions

Our trips are grounded in sacred journeys: to the destination, to nature, to yourself, and to your loved ones. We take care of the details to create worry-free trips that allow you to savor every precious moment

Costs (per person, based on double occupancy)

  • 3* Hotels:
    • US$1950.00
  • 4* Hotels:
    • US$2200.00
  • 5* Hotels:
    • Ask your travel expert for an accurate quotation Single room supplement surcharge will be applied if you travel solo.

Add ons and extras:

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $70 USD.
  • Machu Picchu Mountain: $70 USD.
  • Vistadome Observatory: $100 USD one way – 200 USD Round Trip.
  • Huachuma Ceremony: $250 USD (Available if you extend your trip for one day, request it in advance).
  • Lunch and Dinner: $100 USD per day (1 main course and non-alcoholic drink).

Included:

Not Included:

  • A small backpack or small carry on (larger suitcases are not allowed on the train).
  • Changes of clothing.
  • Comfortable shoes or runners.
  • Good camera.
  • Water.
  • Waterproof jacket or poncho.
  • A fleece or jacket.
  • Toiletries.
  • Insect repellent (15% – 30% deets).
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat for the sun.
  • Extra cash for meals, snacks and souvenirs
  • Original passport (it is compulsory to enter Machupicchu)
  • Swimsuit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional).

Itinerary

Initiation ceremony and Journey to Sacred Valley

Route: Cusco → Urubamba.

Upon your arrival, our Pumadventures team will be waiting at the airport for you, holding a Pumadventures sign with your name on it. From the airport, we will begin on our adventure northwest, to make our way to Sacsayhuamán. Here, we will dig deep into the mystery as well as legends surrounding this impressive Inca site. Look at spectacular stone walls and find how this architectural wonder was built.

Next, your guide will guide you to a close cave, known as the Cosmic Mother’s Womb, where you shall undergo a rebirth process, linking with the energies of Pachamama (Mother Earth). At the Temple of Condor, we will participate within a private Andean Initiation Ceremony for honoring the Rainbow and all ancestral lineages. During such ceremony, you are going to connect up with this sacred trilogy of Incas – Puma, Serpent, and Condor – and explore a miracle of each power animal.

The adventure then continues to the Sacred Valley. A scenic two-hour drive will bring you to your hotel, where one can rest and reflect on experiences.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We recommend arriving into Cusco around noon, give or take, if doable, to ensure one smooth and improving experience during that day.

Overnight in Sacred Valley: 3*, 4* or 5* accommodation.
Meals: None.

Reconnecting within and Offering to Mother Earth

Route: Urubamba → Moray → Chinchero → Urubamba.

Today we start our visit with Moray, our bus will take us for a visit to the captivating Incan site of this town, six hundred meters above Urubamba. This ancient site contains unusual Inca ruins, large circular terraces, and a sunken Amphitheater.

The circular terraces were used for agriculture and were created as a type of open greenhouse consisting of tropical microclimates. As Moray was also considered the womb of Mother Earth, it was thought to be the best place to initiate healers. Here, we will experience another connection with the sacred feminine energy for healing our physical bodies and our emotional temples.

Continuing our journey, we drive towards the hometown of the rainbow – Chinchero (this is our lunch spot) a small village located high up in the windswept plains, offering spectacular views over the Sacred Valley and the snow capped peaks of the Andes. Renowned for its beautiful traditional weavings, this town is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and gifts. Here, we immerse ourselves in the local community, meeting village elders and the friendly local inhabitants. You will also participate in the Despacho ceremony to reconnect with Pachamama and gratitude.

Overnight in Sacred Valley: 3*, 4* or 5* accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

Full Day Of Machu Picchu “The lost city of the Incas”

Route: Urubamba → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, we make our way to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu for our spiritual awakening. First we will meet you at your hotel and drive from your hotel to the Train Station in Ollantaytambo for approximately thirty minutes. From where we will have a beautiful two hour ride towards the town of Aguas Calientes.

Upon your arrival to Aguas Calientes we will take a thirty minute drive by bus to the Machu Picchu. This citadel, Cristal Condor sacred site is an inspiring and beautiful place, an architectural wonder, and a great testament to the Incan Civilization. Once used primarily as an astronomical Observatory and place of pilgrimage, Machu Picchu now attracts thousands of visitors each year to connect with the sacred energies and ancient wisdom. Because it sits within three corresponding high peaks of power, which create an energy triangle, it is a perfect spot to sit and meditate, focus your intent, and expand your awareness. Your tour will last about two – three hours, we then drive to Aguas Calientes for lunch and will have the rest of the day to wander around this quaint town.

Important Notes: 

  • Machu Picchu Entrance – Circuit 2 at 1pm or closet schedule.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: 3*, 4* or 5* accommodation
Meals: Breakfast.

machu picchu cusco tourism

Discovering The Old Temple

Route: Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → Ñaupa Iglesia → Cusco.

After breakfast, we walk to the train station for our train to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. The canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater, on our arrival we go to Ollantaytambo Inca Site, known as The Sanctuary of the Wind, an ancient observatory and ceremonial center set amongst impressive hillside terraces.

Visit the Temple of the Sun and also the Royal Baths and Fountains for a shamanic energy experience where we will connect with the elements of earth, water, air, and fire. We then make our way along the murmuring river to the Temple of the Condor for a few moments of reflection and silent meditation.

Afterwards, we drive to reach the fascinating Ñaupa Iglesia, better known as Choquequilla, we have to walk about 18 minutes up the hillside to reach the incredible Inca constructions. The archaeological site of Choquequilla or Ñaupa Church is the ceremonial center of Ñaupa Iglesia or Choqella, which means “the old temple where gold shines.” It is an ancestral ceremonial-religious site and the enigmatic temple of the Incas, unique due to its construction, details, and location. Ñaupa Iglesia was used in Inca times to perform rituals on Earth, the cosmos, and parallel worlds.

After ascending the path and reaching the middle of the platforms of Ñaupa Iglesia, you enter a trapezoidal-shaped mountain cave, where the main temple and a set of rocky windows stand out. There you will feel the powerful ancient energy, as elders share that this place is a vortex and powerful portal to discover.

After we finish our tour we will come back to Cusco for the night.

Overnight in Cusco: 3*, 4* or 5* accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

archaeological cusco inca landscape ollantaytambo Sacred Valley

Condor Temple – Closing Circle – Thanks Cusco

Route: Chakan → Thank You Cusco→ Next Destination.

Prepare for immersing yourself in Andean cosmovision in Chakan on your last day. The day begins with a ceremony honoring Pachamama for the special transformative journey we went through, where you’ll connect with the elements – earth, air, fire, and water – and the spirits of the land.

You’ll learn how we, Andean people, see the world as a living, interconnected whole, making offerings to the Apus and aligning yourself with nature’s rhythms. By day’s end, you’ll feel a deeper connection to the land and its sacred energy.

Once the tour is over we drive to the airport. Thank you!

Meals: Breakfast (Assumed, if hotel provides)

cusco city landscape

Reviews from our travelers

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At Pumadventures, our focus is on creating great travel experiences, and our travelers’ recommendations reflect the care we put into every journey.

★★★★★
5.0
out of 5 - 100 reviews
Reviews on Tripadvisor
More Than a Tour

“The tour guides made this trip! There was far more to this adventure than the sites, though the sites were powerful. Along with Puma, Rebi and Neliba shared their experiences and led ceremonies snd rituals from the heart. The energies were often palpable. The accommodations were exceptional. Some participants had the energy to find time to enjoy the evenings in social gatherings. If you are highly affected by the energies and experiences you may wish to spend time assimilating.”


John C. Sep 2025
Life Changing

“Last year through Sacred Journeys, we met Puma and his family of medicine teachers. Since then we've been studying with his school and decided to go back this fall. We arranged our own tour with two of our good friend (they had an Andean wedding).The love, the intention, the teachings are incredible. I can't recommend strongly enough going on a trip with Puma Adventures. Life-changing!”


Rodney B Oct 2025
Puma Adventures

“Returning home after my incredible tour of Peru with Puma Adventures, my first thought was that I’d do it all over again! The itinerary was beautifully planned — a perfect blend of history, culture, and spiritual experiences. Our guides were passionate, knowledgeable, and truly brought Peru’s rich heritage to life. Everything ran smoothly and at a pace that let me take it all in. Thanks to Puma Adventures, I experienced Peru in a way I’ll never forget!”


Wynne R. Oct 2025
Exceeded our expectations in every way!

“Our trip with PumaAdventures exceeded our expectations in every way. Puma and his excellent team took us on an amazing journey of ancestral knowledge, sacred sites, local customs, and spiritual guidance, in a deep and meaningful way that we would have never accomplished on our own. He and his team are professional, organized, and efficient, but also kind, compassionate, generous, openhearted and living lives of teaching and service. This trip was an extraordinary journey - mentally, physically, and spiritually. We cannot recommend it highly enough. Do it for yourself!”


Lynn F. Oct 2025
Reviews on Trustpilot
Pumadventures adds a personal touch and truly tends to its guests in every way.

“This was my second trip to visit Peru with Pumadventures and I highly recommend this fantastic group of people. The travel adventure is a perfect mix of experiencing the magical sites Peru has to offer, the guides are very knowledgeable, and each daily excursion offers exquisite and authentic shopping (supporting small business), as well as glorious meals. Shaman Puma and his family also offer a humbling and truly touching insight into their traditions and how to live in ceremony every day. This trip and visit to Peru will change your life!”


Melanie. Nov 3, 2025
A truly magical journey with Puma and…

“A truly magical journey with Puma and his family, full of ancient wisdom love and generosity. All the trips we took were thoughtfully organized and Alfredo and Magadaly were shared their vast knowledge of their lineage with love. I also felt extremely supported and held during our plant ceremonies! Gracias for an amazing wonderful experience! Hasta pronto! Elba”


Elba HeviayVaca. Aug 20, 2025
Being in the presence of Puma Fredy's awesomeness!

“Being in the presence of Puma Fredy's love and wisdom was the most important thing to me. Also being in the sacred land of Peru, sitting with medicine, meeting the other healers such as Mama Irene and don Sebastian. Listening to the music of Tito de la Rosa. Being with the amazing Shift Network team that include the guides Odon, Nelida and Rebelino, etc. Listening to Ali Maya, Lindsay Wise, Dr. Dan and Dr. Chris. All of this was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life! Also meeting the other like-minded participants who I've made relationships with. And last but not least, learning about myself!!”


Steve A Dec 22, 2022
Outstanding!!! Pumadventures is the most professional…

“Pumadventures is the most professional tour operating business I’ve ever experienced. Around 100 peoples needs needed to be met and they went above and beyond to look after our needs. They had enough guides to lead smaller groups and these guides were very knowledgeable especially Odon, the leader of my small group. PA is a really close family group and they all made us feel welcomed, safe and they really looked after our well being.”


June Stetar. Dec 23, 2022
Reviews on Google

“We did a fantastic private day tour with Pumaadventure. We choose the Sacred Valley Tour and had Nelida as tourguide and Jimmy as driver. We had an absolute amazing day together. This tour operador does an great job and we would recommend it to the fullest.”


A.R. Kuhn March 15, 2024

“Pure care, beauty, kindness, thoughtfulness & the most spectacular settings. I am infinitely grateful for the Pumadventures crew! ❤❤❤”


Darci Faulkner April 2, 2024

“Wonderful place for brunch with friends. Great service with live piano.”


Kevin Wayne May 12, 2024