Machu Picchu & Cusco

Soul of Andes

Day 1 • Saturday

U.S. / Lima

Fly to Lima and transfer to our hotel for the night. (Meals Aloft)

Day 2 • Sunday

Lima / Cusco / Urubamba Valley

This morning, we fly to Cusco — the heart of the Inca Empire and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere. Upon arrival, we meet our guide and leave for the historic Urubamba Valley. Along the way, we stop at the Chincheros Indian Market to browse and shop for the best of Andean handicrafts. We enjoy lunch in the Urubamba Valley, and explore the mighty archaeological wonder of Ollantaytambo, where ancient temples and fortresses were built to protect the Sacred Valley. We spend tonight at the Aranwa Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 3 • Monday

Machu Picchu

This morning take a short ride to the Ollanta train station, where we board the train to Machu Picchu. A bus takes us up the mountain to Machu Picchu. We spend the afternoon exploring the ruins with our guide before returning to the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, our home for two nights. (B,L,D)

Day 4 • Tuesday

Machu Picchu

We have some wonderful choices today: to return to the ruins, perhaps to climb the neighboring peak on Huayna Picchu for a stunning view. You may also stay at our hotel to enjoy cooking demonstrations or a relaxing spa treatment. (B,L,D)

Day 5 • Wednesday

Cusco / Sacsayhuamán

After breakfast, we leave Machu Picchu by train, then ascend the mountains surrounding Cusco where the Inca built Sacsayhuamán — a huge fortress of massive stones which zigzags across the side of the mountain. We enjoy a guided tour of the city of Cusco and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Hotel Libertador. (B,L,D)

Day 6 • Thursday

Cusco / Lima

Spend the morning at the Koricancha sun temple. We return to Lima and visit the archaeological museum, which houses one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic artifacts in the world. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 7 • Friday

Lima / U.S.

This morning, we transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Meals Aloft)