Homestay Experience: Chocolate & Coffee Tour to Machu Picchu 5d / 4n

DAY 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Maras Salt Flats – Moray – Ollantaytambo (B, L)

This morning set off from Cusco with your guide to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with spectacular views of the Andes Mountains and lush valley.  We will visit the striking salt flats of Maras, which has about 3,000 ponds spread across the center of the mountains. Ceramic pieces were found dating back to 200 B.C. to 700 A.D. suggesting the salt was mined before the Incas.  Thereafter, we will have a home cooked lunch prepared by Mamá Nancy and her family, in the heart of the Sacred Valley.  Taste the exquisite fresh organic ingredients from the region. After a lovely lunch, we set off to the town of Ollantaytambo known as the ¨Living Inca City¨, to tour the ancient temple and fortress. Later, we move on to your hotel to relax.

DAY 2: Ollantaytambo – Huiro Chocolate Farm – Homestay (B, L, D)

In the morning after breakfast, depart Ollantaytambo with your guide in private transport, in direction to the village of Huiro.  After, 4 hours we arrive in Huiro to be welcomed by our host family and the hot sun.  We will enjoy an appetizing lunch prepared on an open fire using wood.  You will taste the fresh organic flavors from the area. After lunch we will visit the farm plantation to see the crops, fruits and cacao fruit trees which are abundant. You will get to taste the fresh fruits and cacao beans, not exactly chocolate yet. Our host family will go through the process from cacao beans to mouthwatering chocolate. What a divine process smelling the aroma that fills your senses.  After a fabulous time, we will have a delectable organic dinner with our host family.  Enjoy a restful evening in a comfortable bedroom.

DAY 3: Huiro – Paltaybamba Coffee Farm – Homestay (B, L, D)

Today we travel for 2 hours in private transport with remarkable views of banana plantations, pineapple, cacao, avocado, mango, sugar cane, and coffee.  Papa “Dionisio” and his family will be waiting at their organic coffee plantation. They will welcome us with refreshing natural fruit drinks made from the fruits from the area, of mango and passion fruit amongst others, served with a snack. Then relax and get acquainted to the area and comfortable bedroom. Enjoy an exquisite lunch with your host family, prepared with fresh ingredients. After lunch, we will make our way to the coffee plantation! Experience life in a plantation and see the process of picking the coffee beans and separating the quality beans from the regular ones.  Then its time to roast the fragrant beans and grind them to brew a special cup of aromatic coffee that will leave your tastebuds satisfied. Papa Dionisio learned the process of preparing the Peruvian coffee bean from his parents and grandparents and has been passed on for generations since the Spaniards brought the coffee bean from Ethiopia and introduced it to South America.  Thereafter, return to the host family home for a lovely organic dinner before going to your room to relax and get well rested.

DAY 4: Paltaybamba – Aguas Calientes – Hotel of your choice (B, L)

Wakeup to the melodic bird chirping of the native Andean birds in the area and the aromatic fresh roasted coffee brew.  Enjoy a delectable breakfast, before setting off to hydroelectric in our private vehicle.  Then its time to say goodbye to Mr. Dionisio and his adorable family thanking them for their warm hospitality. Our driver will leave you at Hydroelectric, where you will start your hike of about 2.5 hours with your guide, towards Aguas Calientes, observing impressive views.  Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you will walk to your comfortable hotel of your choice to spend the night. The rest of the late afternoon is at leisure to wander around town. Get well rested to tour the magical Machu Picchu the following day

DAY 5: Machu Picchu Tour – Ollantaytambo Station – Train to Poroy Station – Cusco (B)

A Mesmerizing day awaits you, touring Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World!!!
Our guide will meet you in your hotel at the agreed time, to take the shuttle bus up to the glorious citadel of Machu Picchu. Take pleasure, walking through the citadel with your professional guide learning its history, legends, and the theories regarding this magical site. Tour the most important sectors of Machu Picchu, including its temples, corridors and more. Relish in its beauty and splendor. Optional extra cost: Hike Huayna Picchu or Montaña. After a fabulous time, exit the park with your guide and take the shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes where you will have lunch on your own.  Following lunch, you will board the train to the Ollantaytambo or Poroy station where our Kallpa Representative will meet you and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Included:

• Professional English Spanish – Quechua speaking guide
• Briefing before the start of the Chocolate and Coffee Farm tour
• Private transport for your excursion
• 1 night in a hotel in Ollantaytambo
• 2 nights Homestay
• 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes, 3, 4 or 5 stars
• All meals on the itinerary (B= Breakfast L= Lunch, D= Dinner). Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free meals on request at no extra cost. (Home cooked meals during the homestay using organic fresh ingredients from the region)
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Shuttle bus: round trip Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
• Expedition train to the Poroy or Ollantaytambo station (Upgrade extra cost to Vistadome or Hiram Bingham)
• First-aid kit and oxygen

Services NOT Included:

• Domestic Flights (we can book for you)
• Breakfast on day 1 and Lunch on day 5
• Meals not mentioned on itinerary
• Any unforeseen expenses
• Personal expenses
• Huayna Picchu or Montaña hike (please request upon booking)
• Anything not mentioned on the itinerary
• Gratuities