Explore Machu Picchu

TRIP OVERVIEW

• Embark on a spectacular train ride to Machu Picchu and explore the fabled Inca citadel with a guide.
• Discover the archaeological treasures of the Sacred Valley, from the farming terraces of Moray to Pisac’s sprawling ruins.
• Take an exclusive tour of Parque de la Papa, a rural community working to preserve traditional methods of potato cultivation.
• Enjoy time to explore Lima, Peru’s bustling capital, and experience the charms of historic Cusco, the heart of the ancient Inca Empire

ITINERARY

Delve into the historical mysteries and cultural treasures of Peru on this compact adventure. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites—including the mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu and historic Cusco—alongside knowledgeable local guides. Travel across the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, and get a glimpse of the ancient traditions that continue to endure in the misty valleys.

DAY 1: LIMA

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Optional Activities:Bike Miraflores and Barranco, Full Day Lima Experience, Huacas and Larco Museum by Night, Lima City Tour, Lima Cooking Class, MALI & Peruvian Paso Horse with dinner
Accommodations:Hotel Antigua Miraflores (Comfort) (or similar)

DAY 2: LIMA/URUBAMBA

Embark on an early flight to Cusco, transfer from the airport to Cusco which was the capital of the Inca empire, and then drive to Urubamba through the picturesque Sacred Valley. Explore the terraced salt pans of Maras, which have been used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times, and visit the Inca site of Moray, believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where priests tested soils and crops. Later, enjoy a meal of local specialties, prepared in a pachamanca, or subway stone oven.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations:Hotel San Agustin Urubamba (or similar)

DAY 3: URUBAMBA

Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the G Adventures–supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We’ll also tour the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations:Hotel San Agustin Urubamba (or similar)

DAY 4: URUBAMBA/AGUAS CALIENTES

Catch an early transfer to the Ollantaytambo station and board a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Ride through lush Andean scenery, enjoying breathtaking views of ancient ruins and everyday life. Settle into your hotel in Aguas Calientes, and choose from a variety of optional activities: take a relaxing soak in the local hot springs, visit a beautiful botanical garden, or wander the handicraft stalls in town as you prepare for an early start the following day to go up to Machu Picchu.
Meals Included:Breakfast
Optional Activities:Butterfly House Visit, Hot Springs Visit, Mandor Gardens Visit
Accommodations:Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu (or similar)

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES/CUSCO

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu—the 15th-century Inca citadel famously introduced to the world by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. After being taken through the temples and terraces of this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, return to Cusco by train.
Meals Included:Breakfast
Accommodations:Taypikala Hotel Cusco (or similar)

DAY 6: CUSCO

Spend the day exploring charming Cusco. Opt to visit Plaza de Armas, the historic main square; the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress; or some of the city’s museums and ornate churches. This evening, we’ll head to the Cusco Planetarium to learn about the importance of astronomy to the ancient Inca and, weather permitting, look out at the glittering, starry sky through telescopes.
Meals Included:Breakfast
Optional Activities:Cusco City Tour, Cusco Cooking Class, Horseback Riding, Inka Museum, Whitewater Rafting Urubamba
Accommodations:Taypikala Hotel Cusco (or similar)

DAY 7: CUSCO/LIMA

Fly back to Lima. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure or choose to take a half-day guided tour of the Peruvian capital. Visit the San Francisco Monastery, part of Lima’s World Heritage-listed historic center, and descend into its famed catacombs. Wander across Plaza Mayor, the city’s oldest public square, and enjoy Peruvian tapas and a tasting of pisco sours before returning to your hotel.
Meals Included:Breakfast
Optional Activities:Bike Miraflores and Barranco, Full Day Lima Experience, Huacas and Larco Museum by Night, Lima City Tour, Lima Cooking Class, MALI & Peruvian Paso Horse with dinner
Accommodations:Hotel Antigua Miraflores (Comfort) (or similar)

DAY 8: LIMA

Depart at any time.
Meals Included:Breakfast

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