This eight-day odyssey carries you from Andes mountain passes to ancient Inca marvels, including Machu Picchu. For travelers and history buffs who want an active experience—and hikers who want an authentic experience of Peruvian history and culture—this trip begins in the ancient city of Cusco, with labyrinthine Inca stonework almost everywhere you turn. We step into the past, exploring the Sun Temple, the Plaza des Armas and the Inca Museum, while a bean-to-bar chocolate workshop gives us the flavor of contemporary Peru. Then we journey into the Andes and the heart of the fallen Inca Empire. Hikes grant us heart-pounding views of two snow-capped giants, Ausangate and Salcantay, both with summits over 20,000 feet. Lodge stays and village visits connect us with the soul of the Lares region, legendary for the exquisite artistry of the local women’s weaving. We connect deeply with this little-known destination that typical tourists never see. Our journey reaches its zenith as we enter the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Time forgot this place, but you never will.