Overview
Explore charming Cusco, the former Inca capital, discover the fortress-ruins of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then savor legendary Machu Picchu, the breathtaking mountain sanctuary of the Incas, with an overnight stay near the ruins.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Lima / Cusco
Arrive in Lima, Peru, in the early morning and connect with a flight to Cusco (11,200’). Spend the balance of the morning resting and acclimatizing to the altitude. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon city tour to explore this ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Overnight at hotel...meals on your own
Classic Accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Optional Upgrade: Hotel Monasterio
Lima / Cusco - Day 1
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Day 1 (1 night),
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Cusco, Peru
Just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas in the heart of old Cusco, this charming hotel is a renovated colonial manor house. It features a series of interior garden courtyards and a small sitting room and bar with a wonderful stone fireplace—a great place to relax after a day of exploring the city. The hotel’s entire staff is most helpful, and the restaurant is known for its selection of Novo Andino dishes.
Hotel Monasterio (Optional Upgrade)
Day 1 (1 night),
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Cusco, Peru
A 16th century monastery that is now an elegant hotel, the Monasterio has a stunning historic ambiance, with several inner courtyards, a chapel, wonderful furnishings, and antique paintings and carpets. The grand lobby bar, warmed by a fireplace, is a great place to sit and unwind at the end of a busy day. The hotel also has a great location just steps from the Plaza de Armas. As with any historic building, the guest rooms vary in size and configuration, but all are well appointed. This hotel even offers to pump oxygen into guest rooms to help acclimatization to Cusco’s high altitude! The Monasterio is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
Day 2
Urubamba Valley / Ollantaytambo
Private morning tour of the spectacular Inca ruins on the hills overlooking Cusco. Afterwards, drive through the Urubamba Valley to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca village, virtually unchanged from ancient times. Overnight at hotel...BLD
Classic Accommodation: Hotel Pakaritampu
Optional Upgrade: Hotel Rio Sagrado
Urubamba Valley / Ollantaytambo - Day 2
Hotel Pakaritampu
Day 2 (1 night), Ollantaytambo, Peru
A cozy hotel with a countryside feeling, the Pakaritampu is just a few blocks from the main plaza in the traditional village of Ollantaytambo. There is a lodge-style lounge with a large fireplace, a library, and games—perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Ollantaytambo. Guest rooms are simple and comfortable, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The service is friendly, the food is tasty, and there are lushly landscaped grounds for birdwatching and great mountain views.
Hotel Rio Sagrado (Optional Upgrade)
Day 2 (1 night), Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru
Nestled into a steep hillside above the roaring Urubamba River, this superb property is a tranquil retreat with a prime location and 21 spacious suites with private garden decks and stunning views out over the Urubamba Valley. Hot-stone massages are among the treatment options at the on-site spa. Note that because of the hillside location, guests must walk up and down steep stone staircases between the suites and the restaurant.
Day 3
Machu Picchu
Board the morning train with your guide for a short ride through the Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu. At the Machu Picchu station, head up to the ruins by bus and explore the sanctuary on an afternoon tour, visiting the reconstructed ruins of staircases, altars, temples, and fountains and enjoying the incredible setting. Overnight at hotel...BLD
Classic Accommodation: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Optional Upgrade: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
Machu Picchu - Day 3
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Day 3 (1 night), Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Peru
A luxurious hotel and haven of tranquility with top-notch service and gourmet cuisine, the Sumaq Machu Picchu has beautifully appointed rooms overlooking the roaring Urubamba River.
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (Optional Upgrade)
Day 3 (1 night), Machu Picchu Ruins, Peru
You can’t get closer to the Machu Picchu ruins than this! With only 31 rooms, this property is famously set right at the gate of Machu Picchu. Not only does this save you from having to make the 30-minute bus trip to get up to or back from the ruins each day, but it also allows you the luxury of popping back to the hotel for a rest or a bite to eat whenever you like throughout the day. The hotel features a garden with a view of Huayna Picchu, two restaurants, and the food and service are wonderful. While the rooms are small and few offer views of the ruins, the Sanctuary remains the absolute top choice of travelers who decide that if they are only going to do it once, they might as well do it right!
Day 4
Machu Picchu / Cusco
Explore the wonders of Machu Picchu on your own. In the afternoon, transfer to your train bound for Cusco. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the evening on your own...BL
Machu Picchu / Cusco - Day 4
Hotel Monasterio
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Cusco, Peru
A 16th century monastery that is now an elegant hotel, the Monasterio has a stunning historic ambiance, with several inner courtyards, a chapel, wonderful furnishings, and antique paintings and carpets. The grand lobby bar, warmed by a fireplace, is a great place to sit and unwind at the end of a busy day. The hotel also has a great location just steps from the Plaza de Armas. As with any historic building, the guest rooms vary in size and configuration, but all are well appointed. This hotel even offers to pump oxygen into guest rooms to help acclimatization to Cusco’s high altitude! The Monasterio is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Cusco, Peru
Just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas in the heart of old Cusco, this charming hotel is a renovated colonial manor house. It features a series of interior garden courtyards and a small sitting room and bar with a wonderful stone fireplace—a great place to relax after a day of exploring the city. The hotel’s entire staff is most helpful, and the restaurant is known for its selection of Novo Andino dishes.
Day 5
Cusco
Free day for independent exploration of Cusco. One can spend a delightful day here just exploring on foot to see the blend of Inca and colonial architecture. The city also boasts an abundance of artisan and craft boutiques and a wide variety of wonderful restaurants and street cafes, all with a welcoming atmosphere. Overnight at hotel...B
Cusco - Day 5
Hotel Monasterio
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Cusco, Peru
A 16th century monastery that is now an elegant hotel, the Monasterio has a stunning historic ambiance, with several inner courtyards, a chapel, wonderful furnishings, and antique paintings and carpets. The grand lobby bar, warmed by a fireplace, is a great place to sit and unwind at the end of a busy day. The hotel also has a great location just steps from the Plaza de Armas. As with any historic building, the guest rooms vary in size and configuration, but all are well appointed. This hotel even offers to pump oxygen into guest rooms to help acclimatization to Cusco’s high altitude! The Monasterio is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Cusco, Peru
Just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas in the heart of old Cusco, this charming hotel is a renovated colonial manor house. It features a series of interior garden courtyards and a small sitting room and bar with a wonderful stone fireplace—a great place to relax after a day of exploring the city. The hotel’s entire staff is most helpful, and the restaurant is known for its selection of Novo Andino dishes.
Day 6
Lima / Depart
Early morning flight to Lima and connect with onward flights...B
