Inca Explorer: Machu Picchu

Arrive in Lima, meet with our local representatives and transfer to the hotel.  Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, begin an exploration of Lima’s Historic Center. The tour includes a visit to Aliaga House, a colonial mansion with a history spanning over five centuries, recognized as the oldest house in the Americas. Continue to the Plaza Mayor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to admire the grandeur of the Lima Cathedral. Conclude the journey at the Larco Museum in Pueblo Libre, home to an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold and silver artifacts and a unique selection of erotic art. This visit offers insight into over 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history and culture.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, meet with our local representatives and transfer to the hotel. With an altitude of 10,912 feet above sea level, a short period of rest is recommended. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure allowing time to acclimate to the altitude.

In the morning, pick up from the hotel to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional Cusco urban centre located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. In Chinchero there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you are transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay, a centre Andean traditions interpretations, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in antiquity; an original recreation of Inca traditions. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo visit its town, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and have a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a restaurant, where the true spirit of the Sacred Valley is transmitted in a cosy atmosphere! Later, climb the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain and then you are transferred back to your hotel.
Note: Please pack an overnight bag for your journey to Machu Picchu tomorrow. Due to luggage restrictions aboard the trains to/from Machu Picchu, passengers may only take 1 small bag weighing no more than 5 kg (11 lbs.). The rest of your luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cusco.

The adventure begins with a transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station, where the Inca Rail Voyager train awaits. Enjoy a scenic ride of approximately one and a half hours towards Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Upon arrival, meet with our local representatives and transfer to the hotel. For the return trip, board the 360° train back to Ollantaytambo. Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of Machu Picchu, is a lively town with a craft market, various restaurants, and plenty of lodging options. From here, take a 25-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, the awe-inspiring ancient sanctuary believed to have been a retreat for Inca Pachacutec. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu—meaning “Old Mountain”—offers historical grandeur and breathtaking natural beauty. After the visit to Machu Picchu, return by bus to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a delicious set lunch at Café Inkaterra, offering stunning views of the Vilcanota River.
Note: Train schedules are subject to availability.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Aguas Calientes, where the opportunity arises to explore the city. For those who wish to continue discovering the remarkable citadel, a return visit to Machu Picchu is an option. It is highly recommended to rise early for the unforgettable experience of witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over the mountains. In the afternoon, begin the journey back to Cusco. After the scenic train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, a shared transfer will be arranged to the hotel in Cusco.

Embark on a guided tour of the enchanting city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The journey begins at the Santo Domingo Convent, built upon the ancient Coricancha temple, which was once the most important religious site in Inca culture. Next, visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, the main temple in Cusco, known for its impressive colonial architecture. Afterwards, head to the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, located on the hills of Cusco, showcasing massive stone walls and remarkable Inca engineering. Continue the exploration with visits to the Qenqo archaeological complex, Puca Pucara—an ancient military site—and the Tambomachay ruins, often referred to as the Inca spa.

After breakfast, enjoy free time until the transfer to Cusco airport for the homebound flight.

B – Breakfast          L – Lunch