Treasures of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

A Cultural Walking Adventure in Peru

Overview

The magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas winds its way past the towering hilltop citadels of Písac and Ollantaytambo to eventually culminate in the awe-inspiring “lost city” of Machu Picchu. In this realm of mountain splendor and ancient culture, we explore temple-fortresses and Inca-planned towns and enjoy a special “pachamanca” feast in a remote Andean village. We’ll sample Peru’s acclaimed cuisine, meet weavers and artisans, then finish with a grand overnight stay at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, just steps from the ruins, which gives us fantastic and unrushed access.

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-2
Cusco, the Inca Capital

We discover Cusco’s impressive Inca sites, including majestic Saqsayhuaman, and walk the cobbled lanes of the fascinating San Blas district, home to artisans since the time of the Incas. Overnights are at the historic Hotel Monasterio.

Hotel Monasterio
Cusco, Peru
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Day 7 (1 night)
Days 3-5
Sacred Valley of the Incas / Písac / Ollantaytambo

In the stunning Sacred Valley, sculpted by Inca-built agricultural terracing, we examine the Inca stonework at Písac, a temple-ruin clinging to a mountain spur, and visit atmospheric Chinchero, home to a legendary artisan market. In the early morning, when the light is dramatic and there are fewer visitors, we explore the Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo and the quaint 13th century town below it, which still has its original Inca town plan. With three days in the valley, we also visit off-the-beaten-path gems, including a wonderfully remote village where we’re hosted 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.

Tambo del Inka
Urubamba Valley, Peru
Days 3 to 5 (3 nights)
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 stay 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.

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
Machu Picchu Ruins, Peru
Day 6 (1 night)
Hotel Monasterio
Cusco, Peru
Day 7 (1 night)

Highlights

Highlights

Explore magnificent Machu Picchu, with an overnight stay right at the ruins
Be welcomed as family at a traditional pachamanca feast at a remote village
Enjoy exquisite Hotel Monasterio in Cusco and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
Travel with expert Trip Leaders who introduce you to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own

Details

Length: 8 days
Cost From: $6695  
Arrive: Cusco, Peru
Depart: Cusco, Peru
Lodging: 7 nights hotels
Meals: All meals included except 1 dinner as indicated in the Detailed Itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Activity: Archaeology, Cultural Adventures, Walking
Trip Level:

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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