The Sacred Valley & Train to Machu Picchu
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Lima
Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met by Andean Discovery staff and transferred to the Hotel Antigua Miraflores, a charming colonial-style inn located in the heart of Miraflores, Lima’s vibrant colonial quarter.
Day 2 - Fly Lima to Cusco
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for your 9:00am LanPeru flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met by Andean Discovery staff and transferred to your hotel for a short rest and chance to begin acclimating to the city’s altitude, 11,151 feet above sea level. After lunch, continue on a City Tour of Cusco including the massive Incan fortress, Sacsayhuaman, Incan Temple of the Sun, Koricancha, and La Catedral. Overnight at the luxury boutique hotel, La Casona.
Day 3 - Cusco / Pisac, Sacred Valley
This morning your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. After breakfast, embark on a journey into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The route from Cusco follows a winding mountain road with awe-inspiring views of the stunning canyon below, which was formed by the Urubamba river. Feel the temperature rise as you descend into the warm valley. The first stop is the indigenous market in Pisac, a centuries-old market that sells a variety of foods and colorful indigenous handicrafts. After lunch, explore the ancient Inca ruins above, the largest fortress-city complex of the Incas and one of the largest of ancient America. Your guide will lead you on a walking tour through the ruins and the hillside terraces, part of the Incas’ sophisticated agricultural system. (Optional hike to the ruins from the Pisac market.) Later this afternoon, transfer by vehicle down the valley and check in at the cozy Andean inn, Casa de Campo, located near the community of Urubamba. Dinner is included at Sol y Luna.
Day 4 - Ollantaytambo and Chinchero, Sacred Valley
This morning continue your exploration of the Sacred Valley driving up to the highlands. Enjoy astounding views of snowcapped mountains in the distance, which rise over 18,000 feet above sea level. Here you will visit Chinchero, an ancient town known for its massive Inca wall with ten trapezoidal niches. Visit the church containing the oldest examples of paintings of the Cusco School of Art. This afternoon descend to Ollantaytambo, a town that is thought to be the only remaining example of pre-Colombian urban planning. It still retains the original street plan and foundations designed by the Incas. Observe the remains of the sun temple and return to your hotel, which overlooks the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo. Dinner on your own.
Day 5 - Machu Picchu
This morning board the train in Ollantaytambo and enjoy a two hour ride to Aguas Calientes. A short bus ride from Aguas Calientes will take you to the magical ruins of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu, which means “old peak” in Quechua, is Peru’s most prominent symbol of its pre-Colombian past. Never discovered by the Spanish Conquistadores, this Lost City of the Inca is an authentic glimpse into the past. Proceed on a comprehensive private tour with your guide and visit all areas such as the industrial area, the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, ceremonial fountains and baths, and the Sacred Plazas. Opt for an exhilarating one hour hike up the steep trail to the summit of Huayna Picchu (Young Peak), for a birds-eye view of Machu Picchu. After your visit, transfer to Aguas Calientes with your guide where you will be greeted by staff from the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and lead to the luxurious eco-lodge. The lodge is situated in 13 acres of cloud forest garden along the Urubamba river. Prepare for a delicious dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel
Day 6 - Machu Picchu / Cusco
This morning there will be time to explore Aguas Calientes. Optional swim in natural thermal baths before boarding the train for Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, a 2-hour private transfer through the Sacred Valley will bring you back to Cusco.
Overnight at Hotel Casa de Campo.
Day 7 - Cusco / Lima / Depart
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met by Andean Discovery staff and transferred to the Hotel Antigua Miraflores for day use. Optional visit to the Gold Museum. Evening transfer to Jorge Chavez Airport in time for your international flight.