What Makes Our Royal Inca Itinerary Special?
45+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Our Peruvian guides and ground crew have worked with WT for generations, so all logistics and details are expertly handled. You just show up and enjoy the adventure!
QUALITY TIME IN THE SACRED VALLEY Savor three full days and nights in the fabled Inca heartland. Many tours overlook important Inca ruins in the rush to visit Machu Picchu but we bring you in-depth explorations, plus a festive lunch at a traditional Quechua village where WT has many friends.
SMALL GROUP Our small group size (15 members max) provides more opportunities to interact with locals, learn about the area’s history, understand the cultural context, move at your own pace, and get up-close insights at every stop.
EXCLUSIVE MACHU PICCHU SANCTUARY LODGE When you overnight at the only lodge right at MP, you skip transportation time to and from the ruins and stay right next to this amazing site. Enjoy the lodge for lunch, walk through MP during the “golden hour” after the other travelers have left, and if you’re inspired, climb Huayna Picchu!
Overview
The magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas, sculpted by Inca terraces, winds its way past the towering hilltop citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo to eventually culminate in the awe-inspiring “lost city” of Machu Picchu. In this spectacular realm of natural beauty and ancient cultures, we examine the intricate Inca stonework at Pisac, a temple-fortress clinging to a mountain spur, and visit atmospheric Chinchero, built on Inca foundations and home to an acclaimed artisan market. In the early morning, when the light is dramatic and there are fewer visitors, we explore the astounding Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo and the quaint 13th century town below it, which still has its original Inca town plan. With three full days in this celebrated valley, we have ample time to savor the awe-inspiring Inca sites and explore the best artisan markets. We'll also be welcomed at a wonderfully remote village for a pachamanca (a variety of meats and vegetables slow-cooked over hot stones in the ground). Generations of WT’s renowned Inca Trail crew and porters live in the village and it has a strong heritage of artisan weaving. We finish with a grand overnight stay at the renowned Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, just steps from the ruins, which gives us fantastic access. Our cultural connections in Peru go back 45+ years, and our Trip Leaders are superb natural teachers.
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Cusco, the Inca Capital
We discover Cusco’s impressive Inca sites, including majestic Saqsayhuaman, and walk the steep, cobbled lanes of the fascinating San Blas district, home to artisans since the time of the Incas. Overnights are at the historic Hotel Monasterio.
Days 3-5
Sacred Valley of the Incas / Písac / Ollantaytambo
In the stunning Sacred Valley, sculpted by Inca-built agricultural terracing, we examine the intricate Inca stonework at Písac, a temple-ruin clinging to a mountain spur, and visit atmospheric Chinchero, built on Inca foundations and home to an acclaimed artisan market. In the early morning, when the light is dramatic and there are fewer visitors, we explore the astounding Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo and the quaint 13th century town below it, which still has its original Inca town plan. With three days in this celebrated valley, we also visit the off-the-beaten-path gems, and we’ll be welcomed at a wonderfully remote village for a pachamanca (a roast slow-cooked over hot stones in the ground). Generations of WT’s renowned Inca Trail crew and porters live in the village and it has a strong heritage of artisan weaving.
Days 6-8
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge / Cusco
An early morning ride on the Vistadome train brings us to Machu Picchu for our unforgettable overnight stay at the Sanctuary Lodge, right at the gates of this indescribable Inca city. Many travelers rush in and out of here in a few hours, but our overnight gives us easy access for multiple entries to the ruins with our specialist guide, including a sunrise visit and chance to climb Huayna Picchu, the striking peak directly behind the sanctuary. Depart via Cusco on Day 8.
Royal Inca
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Cultural and walking tours of 2-3 hours, elevations from 11,200 feet in Cusco to 13,779 feet in an Andean village
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