ITINERARY
Note: Below is my actual trip itinerary - I always suggest any recommended adjustments in the "Things I Would Do Differently" section at the bottom of this post.
Total days off work: Five (four for us as we went the week of July 4th)
Time of year: July (dry season in Peru, which is a great time to hike Machu Picchu)
Day 1 - Overnight flight to Bogota at 11pm
Day 2 - Bogota, Colombia
Day 3 - Bogota, Colombia
Day 4 - Fly from Bogota to Cusco, Peru
Day 5 - Cusco, Peru
Day 6 - Taxi to the Sacred Valley, Peru (~90 minute drive)
Day 7 - Sacred Valley, Peru - 1 day hike to Machu Picchu
Day 8 - Sacred Valley, Peru
Day 9 - Taxi to Cusco (~90 minute drive), fly to Bogota, Colombia
Day 10 - Travel day
STAY
Four Seasons Bogota Casa Medina (Bogota, Colombia) - One of two Four Seasons hotels in Bogota, we chose Casa Medina for to the walkability to many great restaurants and coffee shops in the Chapinero district. Built in a beautiful historic building, breakfast is served in a garden atrium (complete with a a large variety of local fruits and freshly-baked Colombian breads to try) or opt for coffee in one of the hotel's interior courtyards.
Inkaterra La Casona (Cusco, Peru) - An intimate hotel in the heart of Cusco. With only 11 suites, you feel as if you are staying in someone's home rather than a hotel. All rooms are equipped with expansive bathrooms, heated floors, large fireplaces, and also lead out to a traditional interior courtyard. Cusco's central plaza is a five minute walk from the hotel.
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Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba (Sacred Valley, Peru) - Tucked away in the hills of the Sacred Valley. We opted for a casita, which are private cabins that are a short walk from the main lodge with stunning mountain views. Every corner of the Inkaterra was thought about and decorated to perfection - don't forget to check out the hotel's boutique, which has the most incredible handmade Peruvian blankets (like the ones used throughout the hotel) which can be shipped back home. When we came back from a long day exploring / hiking, turndown service included hot water bottles slipped under the sheets to the warm the bed....they really had the special details nailed down here. In the morning, we'd order coffee to our rooms and sit on our private patio to take in the Sacred Valley views before heading down to breakfast. A few excursions are included with the room rate, and I would highly recommend the guided night hike. It is not long, but takes you away from the lights of the hotel, and we had perfect views of the Milky Way over the Andes - one of the most memorable moments of this trip. The hotel spa is equipped with a hot tub and a garden where you can choose a fresh custom herbal blend to be used during your spa treatment. And the food? Also amazing, which we were thankful for, since we ate most meals at the hotel due to its secluded location. There are many nice hotels to choose from in the Sacred Valley, but if I ever returned, I would absolutely stay at Inkaterra again.
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EAT
La Puerta Falsa (Bogota, Colombia) - Be prepared to wait in line, although it moves pretty fast. There are only a few things to choose from on the menu, but is a great place to try some local favorites. Portions were large - could easily split the ajiaco soup and a tamale between two people. Finish with the hot chocolate and bread!
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Limbus Resto Bar (Cusco, Peru) - A nice place to stop for coffee or lunch when exploring the San Blas neighborhood - great views over Cusco.
MIL (Sacred Valley, Peru) - One of the best dining experiences I've ever had. It is remote and not exactly easy to get to - it is located in the Sacred Valley overlooking the ruins of Moray. Reservations are recommended well in advance (you also will need to pre-pay), and I also suggest you secure transportation through your hotel or a taxi service ahead of time - your driver will wait for you while you eat and then take you back to your hotel. Reservations are only available during the daytime so you can enjoy the courtyard, ruins and mountain views. MIL offers a set menu, and you are able to add beverage pairings as well (which were insanely delicious!), and the food tasted just as amazing as it looked.
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ADVENTURE
Graffiti Walking Tour (Bogota, Colombia) - A great walking tour with energetic guides - see some of the city's most impressive street art. The tour is offered two times per day, every day of the week. Book here.
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La Candelaria Neighborhood (Bogota, Colombia) - Start at the Plaza de Bolivar and explore the streets from there.
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Cusco Central Historic District (Cusco, Peru) - Everything in this central district is easily walkable. Wander the windy streets of San Blas. Learn about traditional textiles, observe Andean weavers, and shop for beautiful handmade goods at Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (a non-profit organization). Take in the architecture at the Convento de la Merced, which was practically empty since it's not a main tourist stop (don't know why though!). Stop for a snack at the San Pedro market.
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One Day Hike to Machu Picchu (Sacred Valley, Peru) - If you are limited on time, doing this one-day hike is a great way to visit Machu Picchu and hike on the stunning Inca Trail. This needs to be booked ahead of time (would recommend 6 months), since the world wonder is limiting visitors and permits must be secured ahead of time. If you book through a guided tour company (we used SAM Travel Peru), this will be taken care of for you, along with all transportation, but you still need to reserve your hike with the tour company ahead of time. Passports are also required for entry. View my detailed post on hiking Machu Picchu in a day here.
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Stargazing (Sacred Valley, Peru) - Our hotel offered a guided night hike, but seeing the stars in the Sacred Valley any way you can is a must! We were lucky to have a very clear view of the Milky Way. Unfortunately, my iPhone camera captured none of this :)
Driving into the Sacred Valley from Cusco
PACK
What I packed for carry-on only (carry-on roller suitcase plus a backpack - see my packing tips and luggage recommendations here):
What I wore on the plane: hiking shoes, black jeans, breathable / athletic long sleeve shirt, lightweight nano-puff jacket, baseball cap, scarf
What I packed:
Skinny jeans
2 pairs black leggings
2 long sleeve blouses
1 camisole
1 cardigan sweater
Breathable / athletic tank
Breathable / athletic long sleeve
3-4 long sleeve casual shirts
1 packable hooded raincoat
1 pullover fleece
1 fleece vest
1 scarf
1 pair of comfortable, versatile booties (I recommend flat or low heel)
1 pair of Toms
2 pairs of hiking socks
1 CamelBak pouch (to fill and go inside my backpack for hiking)
1 warm headband
1 pair of gloves
OTHER NOTES
Elevation!!! - I live at a mile high, and the elevation on this trip still hurt. Cusco is over 11,000 feet high. Drink LOTS of water, and pace yourself. Machu Picchu is actually lower elevation than Cusco. In order to let your body acclimate, I would recommend starting in Cusco, and to not do any major hikes until you have been at elevation for a few days. High elevation also means the weather can change - fast. It felt very cold at night, and even during the day, temperatures can go from hot to cold fairly quickly. Bring plenty of layers, including a warm hat and gloves along with rain protection.
Language - People in both countries were so friendly and willing to speak Spanish with us, even though our Spanish skills are far from proficient. Take this as an opportunity to work on practicing your Spanish! We started Rosetta Stone ~9 months before leaving, and there are also many free aps you can now download as well.
Transport to and from the Sacred Valley - Many taxis will take you here for a reasonable price, but it is best to ask your hotel to arrange one the day before so you have one reserved.
THINGS I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY
More time in the Sacred Valley, less time in Cusco! Cusco is scenic and worth a stop, but I would have rather had an extra day to explore a smaller town in the Sacred Valley or do another big hike. Or, stay a night in Aguas Calientes, which is very close to Machu Picchu.
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