Highlights
- Enjoy a private tour of the famed Sacred Valley of the Inca
- Savor traditional Peruvian dishes in an al fresco dining experience atop an ancient Inca wall
- Catch your first sight of Machu Picchu at the end of an epic, three-day trek
- Take the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lima, Fly to Cusco, Private Tasting Dinner | Cusco |
| Day 2 | Private Tour of Pisac & Ollantaytambo with Llama Sanctuary | Cusco |
| Day 3 | Private Cusco City Walking Tour & Barbecue Dinner on Inca Wall | Cusco |
| Day 4 | Luxury Salkantay Trek (Day 1): Lake Humantay | Soraypampa |
| Day 5 | Luxury Salkantay Trek (Day 2): Salkantay Pass, Transfer to Lucmabamba | Lucmabamba |
| Day 6 | Luxury Salkantay Trek (Day 3): Llactapata Inca Trail, Transfer to Cusco | Cusco |
| Day 7 | Luxury Train to Aguas Calientes, Visit Machu Picchu, Return to Cusco | Cusco |
| Day 8 | Fly to Lima, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Fly to Cusco, Private Tasting Dinner
Welcome to Peru! Over the next eight days, you'll experience what makes this country one of the most popular destinations for lovers of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Upon arrival in the capital of Lima, board a connecting flight one hour south to Cusco. This city in the Andes highlands is famous for its rich history, as it was once the capital of the Inca Empire and, subsequently, a hub for Spanish rule. You'll find many ancient landmarks spanning both these eras, often right next to one another.
At the airport, a private driver will take you to your hotel in the city center. Settle in, then start exploring. Since the Inca designed Cusco as a city for walking, wander the narrow stone alleyways on foot. Walk through the plaza—it's ideal for sitting on a balcony and having a cup of coca tea. As Cusco is 11,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level, you'll need to acclimate, and coca tea is reputed to help with the adjustment. In the evening, enjoy a seven-course tasting menu highlighting the best of Peru and paired with fine wines sourced locally and internationally.
Day 2: Private Tour of Pisac & Ollantaytambo with Llama Sanctuary
Meet your driver this morning for a day trip to the Sacred Valley, about 1.5 hours away. The valley is full of scenic Andean landscapes and remarkable archaeological sites, and it played an essential role for the Inca Empire as an agricultural, spiritual, and political center. Your first stop of the day is the delightful Awanakancha Llama Sanctuary, where you can meet adorable llamas, alpacas, and more. You'll also get a chance to watch a weaving demonstration using wool obtained from the alpacas. Afterward, browse the shop to select a handmade treasure to bring home.
Stop at the viewpoint of Taray for panoramic views of the entire valley, then discover the famous archaeological site in the village of Pisac. During a three-hour private tour, you'll explore these hilltop ruins, including Inca burial grounds, irrigation systems, and astronomy centers. Later, head into town and visit Pisac's famous textile market to browse handmade garments. Stop for lunch at the Explora Hotel, which has a menu focused on the traditional ingredients of the Andes, such as grains and tubers, prepared with modern techniques and designed by one of the world's top chefs.
Then, head to the ancient Inca city of Ollantaytambo, one of the few remaining places in the Sacred Valley that's retained its original Inca urban planning. Walk through the streets with Inca-era canals and view the ancient houses still in use today. Climb the agricultural terraces, where you'll see some of the quarries where the stone for Ollantaytambo was sourced. Return to your hotel in Cusco at the end of your tour.
Day 3: Private Cusco City Walking Tour & Barbecue Dinner on Inca Wall
Take to the streets this morning as you explore Cusco's cobbled lanes with a private guide, starting in Mercado Central de San Pedro. There's no better way to get to know the soul of this city than by browsing the kiosks of its largest municipal market and marveling at the abundance of fresh produce, which includes many of Peru's thousands of varieties of potatoes. Do as the Peruvians do and purchase a fresh fruit smoothie from one of the market's many food vendors.
Explore the colorful streets of the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, then continue to the Plaza de Armas to pop into the grand Cathedral. From here, you'll visit the iconic Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun). During the Inca reign in the 15th century, this was Cusco's religious and political center. From here, walk down Hatunrumiyoc Street and admire the ancient Inca walls, notably the 12-Angle Stone, so named because its dozen angles fit perfectly in the surrounding stones. It's a shining example of Inca stonemasonry prowess.
Then, transfer 2.5 miles (4 km) outside the city to Sacsayhuamán, a former Inca religious center and military fortress built from giant limestone blocks. After exploring, hike down an ancient Inca road back to Cusco, passing through small villages. Just outside the city, stop at Q'enco, an archaeological complex of impressive rock formations, where you'll settle upon an ancient Inca wall for a gourmet barbecue dinner. Enjoy the incredible views over Cusco as you sample regional specialties like pollo a la brasa (marinated chicken) and cuy (guinea pig).
Day 4: Luxury Salkantay Trek (Day 1): Lake Humantay
Today, your privately guided three-day trek on the Salkantay Trail begins. This popular alternative to the highly regulated Inca Trail has incredible panoramas, remote campsites, and babbling mountain streams. Get an early start to the day with a before-dawn pickup from your Cusco hotel for your trip north to the town of Mollepata. Stop here for breakfast in a local café, then continue to Soraypampa. This car trip transfer shortens your walking time by one day.
Arrive in Soraypampa after a scenic three-hour drive and take a break for lunch while enjoying sweeping views of the 17,956-foot (5,473 m) peak of Humantay. After lunch, start your day hike up to the turquoise, glacial waters of Laguna Humantay, which lies at 13,700 feet (4,200 m). The four-hour round-trip trek passes by glaciers and snowy mountain peaks, such as the sheer-faced Salkantay. After you've soaked up the lake's beauty, considered sacred to the local Quechua people, return to your camp in Soraypampa. Enjoy stargazing in the clear mountain air before refreshing with a good night's sleep.
Day 5: Luxury Salkantay Trek (Day 2): Salkantay Pass, Transfer to Lucmabamba
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today will be one of the longest and most challenging days of the trek, covering about 11 miles (18 km) over eight hours. Begin your second day of hiking early, starting with a two-hour uphill trek to Nevado Salkantay Pass, which at 15,745 ft (4,800 m) is the highest point of the trek. Stop here for a quick rest and to appreciate the panoramic views of the Salkantay and Humantay glaciers.
After a chance for photographs, continue downhill to Huaracmachay, where you'll find a small shop and bathroom facilities. From here, it's a two-hour downhill trek to the neighboring village of Chaullay, past more ancient boulders, rock formations, mountain fog, and wildlife until you reach the edge of the cloud forest. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the Lucmabamba campsite, where you'll spend the night.
Day 6: Luxury Salkantay Trek (Day 3): Llactapata Inca Trail, Transfer to Cusco
Today marks your last day of hiking on the Salkantay Trail. Trek along an old Inca trail up to Llactapata Pass, where, at 8,974 feet (2,736 m), you can look across the valley to spot Machu Picchu for the first time and enjoy views of Vilcanota Canyon, weather permitting. There's no shortage of archaeological sightseeing on your side of the valley, though—the pass is home to Llactapata, an ancient Inca tambo (fort).
Once you've explored the site, descend toward the rushing Río Aobamba through bamboo forests, coffee plantations, and fruit orchards before reaching the Hidroelectrica train station. Here, catch a ride to Cocalmayo Hot Springs to soak your sore muscles, and stop for lunch in Santa Teresa. Say farewell to your guides, and hop on your transfer back to Cusco, arriving after sunset.
Day 7: Luxury Train to Aguas Calientes, Visit Machu Picchu, Return to Cusco
All aboard the exclusive Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu! This luxury Belmond train departs from the station in Cusco and offers stylish Art Deco cars with gleaming wood-panel interiors and brass finishes, evoking the 1920s glamour of the Orient Express. During the relaxing four-hour ride, enjoy first-class service as you marvel at views of the Río Urubamba and Andes peaks through the windows. Spend the journey in the train's observatory bar car, sipping a cocktail like a pisco sour (Peru's specialty) before sitting down to a gourmet three-course lunch.
Your destination is the town of Aguas Calientes. This is the main hub for excursions up the mountain to the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival, you'll board a bus for the 25-minute ride up the mountain to this impressive feat of engineering and architecture, which dates to around 1450 CE.
During a tour led by an expert guide, you'll hike around the complex and visit its famous landmarks, including stone structures like the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. Many landmarks, like the Sacred Plaza and Inca Bridge, showcase Inca architectural prowess, while the agricultural terraces demonstrate their remarkable skill at cultivating crops on steep hillsides. After the tour, return to the terminal and reboard the Hiram Bingham for the return journey to Cusco—enjoying a multicourse dinner along the way.
Day 8: Fly to Lima, Depart
It's time to say goodbye to Peru! Depending on the hour of your departure, you may have time to visit one more café and do some people-watching before heading to the airport for your flight to Lima and beyond. Safe travels!
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