Incan Explorer: Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Welcome to Lima! Grab your bags upon arrival to the airport and head out via private transfer to your hotel for the next few nights. After check in, spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure!

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.

Wave farewell to Lima this morning as you head back to the airport for your departure to the next stop on the tour: Sacred Valley. After flying into Cusco, enjoy a private transfer to the Sacred Valley where you'll stay for the next few nights. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure and taking full advantage of your Boleto Tourism Card (BTC), which allows you to access archeological and cultural sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

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.

Enjoy one last breakfast before leaving Sacred Valley behind for the stunning sights of Aguas Calientes! Journey on the Vistadome train, admiring the scenery as you go. After arriving and checking into your hotel for the night, prepare to embark on your afternoon adventure.

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.

Start your day with a hike to 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 2 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.

Upon returning from your hike, grab the train into Cusco and settle into your hotel for the night.

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.

Enjoy one last breakfast before grabbing your bags and heading out for the airport. Check in for your flight and prepare for your flight home!