Incan Explorer: Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Upon arrival to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, pass through Customs, collect your baggage and proceed through the Arrivals exit. Here you will find a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. After meeting this representative, you will be directed to an awaiting vehicle and transferred to your hotel. Approximate transfer time is 1 hour.

Today you will learn about the two characters of Lima: the modern one, reflected in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro; and the historic one, encapsulated in its historic center declared a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Along the tour through different districts of the city, you will see how the old and the modern coexist in buildings such as the Museum of Italian Art, Palace of Justice, Museum of Lima, Plaza San Martín, among others. With your tour guide leading the way and like-minded travellers alongside, you'll explore the center of Lima on foot, with the Main Square as the focal point: a beautiful colonial square worthy of photographs, surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. You will also have the opportunity to enter one of the most iconic ecclesiastical spaces in Lima, the Convent of Santo Domingo, also declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and where the relics of three Peruvian saints are found: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres and San Juan Macías. Leaving the historic center, return to modern Lima, meeting the Pacific Ocean for a wonderful view best enjoyed from the iconic Park of Love and its famous sculpture created by national artist Víctor Delfín. After exploring modern and colonial Lima, you will be returned to your hotel.

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Jorge Chávez International Airport ahead of your domestic flight to Cusco (not included; available for purchase). Upon arrival to Cusco you will be met by a local representative who will direct you to an awaiting vehicle. You will then be privately transferred from Cusco to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Transferring into the Sacred Valley will help you to more easily adjust to the high altitude, and the afternoon is at leisure to ensure that you're acclimatized by tomorrow and able to fully enjoy the adventures ahead. 

Today, set out to learn about the tradition and history of the Sacred Valley, the traces left by its ancient inhabitants, and the culture of its current towns. Your day’s adventure begins with stop some 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level at the Taray viewpoint, from which you can take in the stunning panoramic view of the valley. Soon you will reach the top of the Apu Inti Huatana hill where you will discover the archaeological complex of Pisac, host to dazzling stone platforms and affording visitors a privileged view of the traditional town that bears the same name. Walking through its buildings, you will see first-hand why it is one of the most relevant in the valley, both for its urban planning (very advanced for its time) and for the variety of sectors dedicated to religious ceremonies, rooms, and temples. Next, you will visit Pisac town, characterized by its quiet streets and impressive market, proudly showcasing its millenary heritage represented in its textile art, ceramics, jewelry pieces and other handicrafts. The Pisac Market is open daily, however, is in full swing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Settle in for a delicious typical lunch in a local restaurant before continuing the tour to Ollantaytambo, an ancient military, religious, and agricultural center of the Incas. Strategically located on a mountain, its imposing fortress is a sample of all the Inca power. Here you will visit the main temple, terraces, and fountains while enjoying an unbeatable view of the town, the only one that maintains the original Inca urban design. After touring Ollantaytambo fortress, you will begin the return transfer back to your hotel.

Following breakfast, you will be picked up by a private driver and transfer to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will board the Vistadome Train with service to Ollantaytambo. The Vistadome is the ideal train for those who want to see as much of the natural surroundings as possible. Each of the cars feature impressive panoramic windows, offering incomparable scenic views and innumerous opportunities to capture amazing pictures. The Vistadome has air-conditioning and heating, adjustable leather seats, and you will also receive a light snack during the journey. In addition to the exceptional views, ambient music plays, informative audio-narratives occassionally air, and a fashion show featuring baby alcpaca wool will take place (with apparel available for purchase at additional cost), en route to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival, you will meet your local guide as porters bring your small travel bag to your hotel. With your guide at your side, board a local bus heading up the mountain where one of the most important landmarks in the world awaits: Machu Picchu! After a short bus ride from Aguas Calientes you will find yourself in front of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Here you will explore the ancient ruins with a private guide leading the way, learning about the fascinating history and enduring mysteries of this mystical and impressive mountain citadel. Surrounded by incomparable landscapes, there will be no shortage of spectacular photo opportunities! After exploring Machu Picchu, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes with your guide, and then settle in for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

This morning begins with a heart-pounding adventure; exploring Huayna Picchu. Beginning near the entrance of Machu Picchu, this hike offers a challenging ascent through steep stone steps and narrow pathways, showcasing the impressive engineering of the ancient Incas. The trail becomes progressively more demanding, with handrails assisting you through rocky sections. Upon reaching the summit, the panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, and the surrounding mountains are immensely rewarding. The descent requires careful navigation of the steep and sometimes slippery trail, and those averse to heights or with mobility issues should not undertake this activity. The entire hike takes approximately two hours, and it is recommended to start early in the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of cooler temperatures. Undoubtedly, the hike up Huayna Picchu provides a unique and immersive experience, complementing the visit to Machu Picchu and rewarding you with uniquely fantastic views.

Following the hike, you'll return to Aguas Calientes by bus, then board the incomparable Hiram Bingham train. Named after the explorer who rediscovered the Inca citadel in 1911, the train has two dining cars, an observation car equipped with a bar and a kitchen car. Decorated in the style of 1920's Pullman carriages, each has been furnished in polished wood and brass with large comfortable armchairs. As you board, the tables are exquisitely set with gleaming crystal and polished cutlery. En route to Cusco, you will settle in for an impressive dinner, specially crafted by the on board chef. Easily the most luxurious way to travel from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, sit back and enjoy the delights of the Hiram Bingham Train. 

Begin your day with a charming half-day tour of Cusco offering history, living culture and art. You will be able to appreciate how the Andean and Spanish cultures, as well as the past and the present, coexist in harmony in the Imperial City. Begin the dayexploring the halls of the San Pedro Market, the oldest in the city. Designed in 1925 by Gustave Eiffel, today it brings together hundreds of merchants selling local products. You will also visit the Koricancha Temple, which during the Inca empire was a center of worship of the Sun, and upon which the Santo Domingo Convent was later built as part of the evangelization process. Its baroque style façade built on solid Inca walls perfectly summarizes the syncretism of cultures in the city of Cusco. To appreciate the greatness of the Incas, ascend to the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which - with its enormous carved stone walls -constitutes one of the best examples of Inca military architecture. Later, you will tour the archaeological center of Kenko, a ceremonial place where the sun, the moon and the stars were worshiped. The final stop of the day is one of the most impressive; the Cathedral, widely considered the most important temple in the city. It was built by the Spanish on top of the palace of the Inca Huiracoha. Its interior houses a wonderful collection of colonial art composed of goldsmith pieces and representative canvases of the Cusco School of Art.

Tonight, set out to discover some of the best gastronomy that Quito has on offer. Arranged to coincide with your preferred dining time, reservations will be made with the restaurant of your choice (subject to availability). To take you to and from the restaurant, private transfers will be arranged. Top dining choices in Quito include Somos Ecuador Restaurant which specializes in creative, globally-infused dishes, La Vid, an outstanding restaurant offering Ecuadorian and international dishes in a gorgeous corner of the city, Quitu, an intimate and unique restaurant focusing on healthy, delicious and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, and Nuema, a creative kitchen where you are invited to settle in for a seasonal tasting menu. If you have another dining option in mind, please speak with your Destination Specialist. Please note, your food and drinks are not included and are to be paid for on-site.

After breakfast, pack your belongings and get set for the private transfer to Cusco Airport which will be arranged to coincide with your onward travels.