Signature Peru & Machu Picchu

Arrive in Lima, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Founded in 1533, this “City of Kings” is a mélange of colonial structures, pre-Columbian sites and modern influences.

This afternoon, discover Peru’s capital, visiting the Plaza Mayor and Cathedral. Also explore the Larco Museum, one of the city’s best museums for pre-Columbian artifacts.

Fly to Cusco, over 11,000 feet above sea level. Upon arrival, journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where an ancient way of life lives on. En route, visit Awana Kancha, a center where South American camelids (llamas, alpacas and vicuñas) are bred. Learn about the valuable fibers created from their coats as well as the ancient weaving techniques still used today. Relax and acclimatize to the altitude.

Begin your exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to a remote village seemingly frozen in time. Discover the ancient agricultural methods used for centuries in this challenging, mountainous environment. Then, delve deeper into local culture with lunch at a local hacienda. After lunch, experience the traditional, local lifestyle in the charming nearby town of Chinchero.

Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, a formidable stone structure of massive terraces that hug the mountain slopes. Then, journey deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu via the glass-topped Vistadome train, passing through spectacular Peruvian countryside along the way. Arrive with plenty of time to begin exploring the breathtaking Incan city. Overlooking the Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of trees atop the mountain, Machu Picchu forever holds the secret of its passing — its Incan inhabitants left no written records of its purpose or its flawless construction. After a tour of the ruins with your expert guide, there is time to explore on your own. You stay at the only accommodations available on site to enjoy more time roaming the citadel while fewer visitors are present.

Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive. You may opt for a hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the entry point to the ruins from the Inca Trail, or trek up to Huayna Picchu, the high mountain that forms the backbone of the ruins. After your explorations, journey back to Cusco aboard the Vistadome train, savoring incomparable views of the mountain scenery.

Discover Cusco, touring the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious building. Later, explore the awe-inspiring ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a testament to Incan architectural skill. Comprised of gigantic stone blocks, the walls were cut and placed together with incredible precision and without a single drop of mortar.

Enjoy a morning at your leisure, sleeping in, visiting shops or simply relaxing, before flying back to Lima, where you are assisted with your international flight and depart.