See one of the wonders of South America, Machu Picchu, explore the former Incan capital of Cusco with its Incan and Spanish colonial history, and visit the Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley to the Incas. Discover the legacy of the Incas as you soak up the vibrant culture of the Andes.

Day 1 – Lima
Upon arrival in Lima, we meet you at the airport and take you to Costa del Sol Ramada for an overnight stay.

Day 2 – Lima to Cusco
We return to the airport in the early morning for the one-hour flight to Cusco. You'll have the morning at leisure to adjust to the altitude – at 11,000 feet, most people need to rest, drink plenty of water and eat light meals.

Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco is now a lively colorful city with beautiful colonial churches, monasteries and convents, as well as extensive Inca ruins both within the city and in the surrounding countryside. You can visit fine examples of both Incan and Spanish colonial architecture at Koricancha, the Incan Temple of the Sun, and at the main Cathedral in the central plaza. You'll also visit the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose giant boulders are placed to resemble a jaguar with an open mouth. You'll stay at Casa Andina Private Collection. The hotel is located 3 blocks away from Cusco Main Square. It is an old colonial large house from the 18th century and now has become one of the finest boutique hotel in the city. B

Day 3 – Sacred Valley of the Incas
Drive to the Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley to the Incas. An important agricultural zone, this area was once the heart of the Inca Empire, revered for its fertile soil and rich corn fields. Visit the colorful market in Pisac, famous for it multi-colored beads, and browse the displays of jewelry, sweaters, and other local crafts.

After lunch at a restaurant in the valley, visit the ruins at Ollantaytambo. This sprawling Incan temple complex towers over the small town from the surrounding mountains. You'll explore the ruins and get spectacular views across the town and the valley beyond. We'll return to Cusco for the night and stay at Casa Andina Private Collection. B, L

Day 4 – Sacred Valley of the Incas
Witha private guide, you'l have a morning visit to the mountain town of Moray and the Maras salt pans. Moray, with it's circular terracing, is thought to have been an Incan agricultural research station where wild plants and vegetables were modified for consumption. The terraced Maras salt pans, where salty water evaporates and leaves its minerals behind, have been worked continuously since Incan times. The afternoon is free to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Sacred Valley. You will stay overnight in the town of Ollantaytambo at the Pakaritampu Hotel located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The hotel is surrounded by large green areas and a great variety of local plants and flowers.

Day 5 – Machu Picchu
Very early in the morning, catch the train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes, and continue with a 30 minute bus ride to the mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu. Spend the morning exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu on a guided group tour. If you like, you can hike up to the top of Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu's close neighbor, for an exhilarating view of the ruins complex below. In the late afternoon return to the town of Aguas Calientes, in the valley below Machu Picchu on the Urubamba River, to spend the night Hatuchay Towers. B, L

Day 6 – Machu Picchu to Cusco
You'll have a second opportunity to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu and to better understand the harmonious mixture of architecture and topography so typical of Incan city planning. Early risers who catch the first bus to the mountaintop will be rewarded with an ancient city almost free of other visitors. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Cusco and stay at Casa Andina Private Collection. B

Day 7 – Cusco
The day is spent at leisure, perhaps shopping at one of the colorful markets in the city, visiting Inca ruins, or sipping a cup of coffee from a restaurant overlooking the main square.We'll stay at Casa Andina Private Collection. B

Day 8 – Cusco to Lima
Return to Lima in the morning. In the afternoon, tour the city that was once the capital of the Spanish empire in South America. You'll get to know this bustling metropolis and its rugged, Pacific coastline, and see key sites and beautiful colonial architecture. You'll have day use of a hotel room at Costa del Sol Ramada, and in the evening transfer to the Lima airport for your international flight. B

The following cost is based on the hotels named in the itinerary and group tours to Machu Picchu and private tours in Cusco, Lima and Maras Moray.  You may customize this itinerary and change hotels and tours if you wish.  The price will depend on your itinerary. 

Machu Picchu and the Land of the Incas
Trip length	8 days/7 nights
Departs	Tue, Fri, Sun
Per person cost	$1474.00
Single supplement	On request
Prices based on two people sharing. International and domestic airfare not included. Pricing and itinerary are subject to change until booking is confirmed.