Inca Discovery: Lima, Cusco & 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 one 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 the city center, which was declared a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Along the tour through these different areas of the city you will see how the old and the modern coexist in buildings such as the Museum of Italian Art, the Palace of Justice, the Museum of Lima, and 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. 

In the Sacred Valley you will find ancient history and living culture. Your first stop of the day is Chinchero, a place where many communities are still organized under the Inca system of ayllus and proudly wear their historic garb. Here you will visit the Parwa cultural center and learn about the textile processes, the products from which the vibrant natural dyes are obtained, and the traditional weaving techniques used to manufacture them. In addition, you will be able to see the work of the artisans live and, if you want to take a souvenir home, purchase some of their pieces (additional cost). Following a short walk, you and your group guide will pass in front of the church of Nuestra Señora de Monserrat to reach the archaeological complex, which during the Tahuantinsuyo was an agricultural and livestock center, with terraces and aqueducts. Soon after, you arrive at the archaeological site of Moray, which during the Tahuantinsuyo functioned as an agricultural research center, something like a laboratory. Its enormous concentric terraces and the variety of microclimates they created allowed the growth of a wide variety of crops. In the valley, enjoy a typical lunch and visit Ollantaytambo, an ancient military, religious and agricultural center of the Incas. Strategically located on a mountain, it offers an unbeatable view of the town, the only one that maintains the original Inca urban design. Following your exploration, you will be returned to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Following breakfast, you will be picked up by a private driver and transfer to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will board the Expedition Train with service to Aguas Calientes, the penultimate stop on your way to Machu Picchu. The train cars of the Expedition Train are steeped in the designs of Incan culture, and along the winding route to Aguas Calientes, you will take in spectacular scenery; be sure to have your camera ready as there are seemingly endless opportunities for gorgeous panoramic pictures. As you travel to Aguas Calientes, you are able to purchase a range of food and beverages from the on-board service (additional cost).

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.

Today you will set out to tackle Montaña Machu Picchu. This challenging hike sees you ascend some 650 meters (roughly 2,130 feet) over the course the hike which typically takes anywhere from one to two hours to complete. Of particular challenge are the large steps that you'll encounter toward the end of the route, and guests with a fear of heights, vertigo, or mobility issues may wish to forego this activity. Also worth noting is that though the trail is wide for most of the way, there are narrow, steep sections as you progress and climb higher. However, the rewards for making the trip are apparent from the moment you reach the top. The panoramic views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (further distant) are among the most impressive possible. 

Following the hike, you'll return to Aguas Calientes by bus, then board the Vistadome Train with service to Cusco. 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, and informative audio-narratives occasionally air, and a fashion show featuring baby alcpaca wool will take place (with apparel available for purchase at additional cost), en route to Cusco. Upon arrival to Cusco, meet your driver and settle in for the private transfer to your hotel. 

This charming half-day tour of Cusco offers 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 day exploring 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 Cusco 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. Host to some of the world's finest dining options, as well as an incredible range of exceptional venues ranging from extravagant to humble, Lima has no shortage of great dining options. Our top recommendations include Cicciolina, Mauka, Qespi, and Aycha E & E. If you have a specific 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.