Empires of the Sun

Our journey from mystical Lake Titicaca, the ethereal lake of Inca legend, to the glorious mountain stronghold of Machu Picchu explores the vast legacies of the ancient empires of the Americas and the vibrant and traditional cultures of the Andes. At Lake Titicaca (12,500'), our overnight stay aboard a catamaran at remote Isla del Sol rewards us with fascinating encounters with local villagers as well as breathtaking views of the Bolivian Andes. And in Cusco, the cradle of Inca civilization, we travel the path of the Incas from the sacred Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu, where our stay at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right at the ruins, offers a sunrise view over one of the most legendary sights in the world.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
La Paz / Tiwanaku

In La Paz, we mingle with the traditional Quechua and Aymara people, descendants of the Incas, and visit their lively markets. Nearby, we explore Tiwanaku, once the sacred ceremonial center of a little-known pre-Inca people.

Days 3-4
Lake Titicaca / Isla del Sol

Lake Titicaca, held sacred as the birthplace of the first Incas, is a savagely beautiful and mystical lake that is home to the Uru, who ply the deep blue lake in reed boats called totora. We explore by catamaran and savor the lake’s powerful beauty from Isla del Sol, a remote island of traditional villages that holds the ruins of the spectacular two-story Palacio del Inca. Our overnight anchorage allows us to enjoy the alpenglow on the Bolivian Andes and a serene sunrise the following morning.

Days 5-6
Cusco / Sacred Valley

A spectacular train ride takes us over the Andes to Cusco, Peru, a lively town of cobbled streets and broad plazas. The next day, we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with visits to the temple-city of Pisac and the Andean village below it, with its market full of marvelous crafts, and the fortress at Ollantaytambo, where the Incas and Spanish fought legendary battles.

Days 7-8
Machu Picchu

We head by train to the city in the clouds, breathtaking Machu Picchu, the archaeological wonder of the Americas. We tour the ruins with an expert guide, then overnight on site at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon of Day 8.

Days 9-10
Cusco

Our explorations in and around Cusco include Saqsayhuaman, the breathtaking Inca fortress overlooking the city, with an overnight at the 5-star Hotel Monasterio. Depart via Lima on Day 10, or join our Arequipa/Colca Canyon Extension.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

• Arequipa and Colca Canyon Exension (4 days)
• Amazon Rainforest Extension: Reserva Amazonica (3 days)
• Sipan and Chan Chan Extension (4 days)

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate. It features sightseeing with day walks and we enjoy hotel and lodge accommodations throughout the trip. Much of the trip takes place at considerable altitudes, ranging from 7,500 feet at Machu Picchu to over 11,000 feet at Cusco to 12,500 feet at Lake Titicaca. Appropriate time for rest and acclimatization is included in the itinerary, but for your own enjoyment of the trip, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition.

Explanation of Trip Levels