Magical Machu Picchu and the Land of the Incas
Peru Private Journey
Overview
Discover the spectacular land of the sun-worshipping Incas, with its breathtaking mountain landscapes, mystical fortress-cities, and thriving cultural and artistic heritage. With your private guide, you'll head out to the beautiful Urubamba Valley, sacred to the Incas, to explore the stupendous ruins of Písac, with its Inca-built terracing, and majestic Ollantaytambo, the hilltop fortress where rebel Manco Inca and his men held out against Pizarro's forces. You'll experience two days at glorious Machu Picchu, a stunning city of stone perched on a sheer precipice 1,500 feet above the Urubamba River. So well hidden in the jungle-covered ramparts of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that the Spaniards never knew of it, this “lost city” allows a vivid experience of the Inca world. In Cusco, enjoy an insider's walking tour of the ancient heart of the Inca Empire, and nearby Inca sites including awe-inspiring Saqsayhuaman, the majestic fortress overlooking city.
Arrive: Cusco, Peru
Depart: Cusco, Peru
Highlights
- Experience the mystical wonder of Machu Picchu
- Explore stunning Inca monuments and Quechua villages in the Sacred Valley
- Roam the back streets of Cusco, ancient capital of the Incas
Itinerary
This private journey includes optional hikes and excursions to nearby ruins that you should request when confirming your trip.
Arrive in Cusco and head to the magnificent Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, filled with traditional Quechua villages and Inca ceremonial sites in fantastic settings. The Incas placed their sacred sites high above their beloved valley, and the crown jewel, Machu Picchu, is perched on a promontory at its easternmost reaches. Explore the off-the-beaten-path village of Chinchero, an old colonial settlement set on a commanding rise at the head of the valley, and meet Quechua master weavers with their intricately crafted textiles. Walk through the ruins of Pisac, the largest fortress-city complex of the Incas, possessing the lofty setting of a condor's nest, then climb up to the grand stone ruins of majestic Ollantaytambo, terraced beneath the soaring peaks of the Andes. Below the ruins, stroll the lanes of the traditional town of Ollantaytambo, the only Inca settlement still inhabited in Peru—the town retains its original Inca street plan and trapezoidal shape.
Perched on the edge of a sheer precipice above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu is simply breathtaking, not only for its stunning setting but for the many beautiful structures of intricate stonework. This bewitching sanctuary is the most perfect surviving example of Inca architecture, never looted or damaged by the Spanish conquistadors. A guided walking exploration or optional hike acquaints you with the mysteries of this stone citadel, a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. Return to Cusco on the late afternoon train on Day 5.
With its maze of cobbled streets and beautiful broad plazas, Cusco is an entrancing city with a unique blend of historical and contemporary cultures. Your private tour takes in Cusco’s lively traditional markets, the artisans’ quarter of San Blas, and, above the city, Sacsayhuaman fortress, whose massive walls of superbly interlocking stone blocks zigzag for almost half a mile. Enjoy a free day to savor Cusco on your own, wander the cobblestone streets, visit its art galleries and museums, and sample its Nuevo Andino cuisine and fine restaurants. Depart on Day 8.
Schedule your Peru Private Journey to coordinate with one of our deluxe natural history adventures in the Galápagos Islands. Snorkel with a cavorting sea lion, hike past a blue-footed booby feeding its young, swim with sea turtles, and sea kayak amid the amazing geology of this volcanic archipelago. Our 14-passenger yacht offers the ultimate luxury experience! No matter which boat you choose, you'll enjoy delicious meals served al fresco, access to remote sites big cruise ships can't visit, and gain insight into the flora and fauna from the very best naturalists in the islands. We designed several Galápagos itineraries, with departures throughout the year. Call for details.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate, according to our trip grading system. It features vehicle-based sightseeing and day walks, with hotel accommodations throughout. Most of the walking is at considerable altitudes, ranging from 8,200 feet at Machu Picchu to 11,200 feet at Cusco. We do recommend you make special efforts to get in good physical condition for the trip, as it will greatly increase your enjoyment.
Being so close to the equator, Peru has only two climate seasons: a dry season from April to October, and a wet season from December to March. For hiking in the mountains, April to October is ideal; the countryside is green and lush, the skies are often blue and sunny, and the mountain vistas are at their clearest and most magnificent. However, it can be rainy any time throughout the year or be dry for several weeks during the wet season. Rains usually come as afternoon thunderstorms. Because of the mild nature of the wet season, this journey can be enjoyed year-round.
Altitude is the main factor controlling the climate. In the mountains, you'll encounter sunny days with daytime temperatures ranging between 65°F and 70°F, dropping to the 40s and lower at night. The sun is very strong at high altitude and it can often be warm enough to hike in shorts and a t-shirt. However, it can also get extremely cold; if you're familiar with mountain weather, you know how suddenly it can get cold even in the daytime if the sun slips behind a cloud. Nighttime temperatures can drop to below freezing. Rain should not be a problem on our hikes, but always keep in mind that mountain weather is unpredictable and sudden storms can occur, especially on high mountain passes. The best preparation for the changeable climate of the high Andes is to dress in layers. Lima lies in a coastal desert where rainfall is rare and temperatures are usually warm (70s and 80s).
We will be going to high elevation on this trip. It is not uncommon to experience headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and fatigue at altitude. These can occur when you first arrive at higher elevations and usually decrease in severity with time. We have designed this itinerary to allow for appropriate rest and acclimatization, but for your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. While on trip, be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid pushing yourself too hard, however physically fit you may be or feel. You may want to consult with your physician about bringing medication to prevent altitude sickness, such as Diamox. You can learn more about altitude and how to prepare for it in our video linked here.
Client Testimonials
"We had the most amazing, memorable trip and wished we could have stayed longer. Once again Wilderness Travel went above and beyond."
Alexia D.
Upland, CA
"This was one of our best trips ever and we look forward to using Wilderness Travel again."
Barbara and Richard F.
Orlando, FL
"This was one of the best trips we have been on. Certainly the best guided trip we have ever had. We felt very taken care of."
Bill Z.
Burlingame, CA
"Wilderness Travel put together the PERFECT adventure. The guides were excellent, transportation perfect, and everything worked exactly as described and planned. We couldn't possibly have asked for more."
Bonnie J.
Newport Beach, CA
"Our time in Peru was so relaxing and fun! Our family had the chance to enjoy learning and being together, experiencing new places and the wonderful Peruvian culture. We had enjoyable, delicious meals together. Lots of time to enjoy the places we were visiting. And, we didn't make decisions about where to drive, or how to get there. It so was relaxing!! It felt like a true (and much needed) vacation. Liberating, is the word that comes to mind!"
Carol L.
Fairfax, CA
"We took this trip with our adult children and their spouses. The combination of rural areas, cities, culture, and rugged activity kept everyone happy."
Faith G.
Salt Lake City, UT
"This was our first 'guided' trip anywhere. We felt well taken care of, in very good hands, and the level of service was truly wonderful."
Heather B.
Venice, Italy
"What great memories! What a fantastic trip all across the board."
Janet F.
Mill Valley, CA
"Our trip leader was good beyond words: knowledge, pace, sensitivity to our needs, flexibility, adaptability."
Jeff C.
Fort Worth, TX
"This trip was a fantastic blend of Peru's color and culture through beautiful and unique accomodations,delicious and authentic meals, a superb itinerary, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in Incan history and enjoy the services of a very personable and knowledgeable guide!"
Jenny C.
Calgary, Alberta
"Our trip was perfectly designed and executed. Staying at the Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu was a very special treat."
Joan and Steve K.
Charlottseville, VA
"Would go with WT again in a heartbeat, given this experience."
Kathy L.
Burlington, CT
"One of the most amazing trips I've ever taken. Beautiful scenery and wonderful people. We learned so much about the country, history, and customs. We will definitely use Wilderness for other adventures."
Linda W.
Valencia, CA
"Our trip leader was very knowledgeable, pleasant, friendly, accommodating, and fun!"
Mary Ann H.
Homer, AK
"This was first Private Journey (and 4th WT trip). We loved it! The itinerary was excellent and our guides were outstanding."
Michelle W.
Johannesburg, South Africa
"This trip was very well designed to explain key elements of the Inca Empire, the impact of the Spanish Conquistadors, and the beauty of Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Urubamba valley, and the fabulous geography and climate. It couldn't have better for us!"
Myles F.
Bethesda, MD
"The whole trip was well-paced and our family had a trip of a lifetime. Both guides were very knowledgeable and interacted wonderfully with our family, which included two children, ages 9 and 12."
Nancy G.
Orlando, FL
"We enjoyed the trip very much and would recommend Wilderness Travel to others visiting Peru."
Pearl L.
Tai Tam, Hong Kong
"It was excellent from start to finish. I've taken many group tours, and this sets a new standard for excellence!"
Rachel R.
Edina, MN
"You have really developed the perfect way to experience the Incas and Machu Picchu."
Ray S.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
"It was nice to have the flexibility to design our itinerary to our liking. The food and accommodations were fabulous."
Rebecca W.
El Cerrito, CA
"As always, Wilderness Travel did an outstanding job giving us a trip and experience that we will keep with us with nothing but good memories."
Richard and Barbara W.
Upland, CA
"Loved it! Typical Wilderness Travel quality. I would never consider another travel company."
Richard E.
Castle Rock, CO
"We loved our guide—great guy, very professional, and SO easy to be with."
Richard M.
Encinitas, CA
"The itinerary was well planned and everything went very smoothly. The hotels were comfortable, their surroundings were beautiful, and their staffs were gracious and helpful. We have traveled extensively in North America and Europe and have never before been on a tour of any kind. This was a unique experience and we are delighted to have done it."
Sandra S.
West Falls, NY
"Extremely pleased. Wonderful trip. Don't think it could have been any better."
Scott C.
Austin, TX
"Although we have done several trips with Wilderness, this was our first Private Journey. Everything went like clockwork, a great balance of hikes with our guide and time to ourselves."
Sonia M.
Fairbanks, AK
"I had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. A once-in-a-lifetime trip that will be cherished."
Stephen N.
Arlington, VA
"Once again, WT did a fabulous job organizing our trip and accommodating our special interests."
Sue W.
Ketchum, ID
"Top rate. My best trip ever! The selected touring sites and pace of the touring were perfect."
Susan R.
El Campo, TX
"The trip was amazing and beyond my expectations. Our guide was knowledgable, flexible, and just plain fun. It was a treat to not have to think about our next step, just follow him and know that everything was taken care of."
Wendy C.
Park City, UT
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.