Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

Start off your first day in Cusco right by having a Country Walkers representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

Travel to Andean Highlands. Follow Ancient Farming Paths to Cuyuni Village; 4 miles, easy. Travel to Pisac and Sacred Valley

After enjoying an included breakfast at your hotel, your leaders will meet you at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of your Cusco hotel. They will be wearing Country Walkers shirts for easy identification. Please be dressed for walking—comfortable, weather-appropriate attire, sturdy footwear, and a daypack (to carry essentials such as rain gear and a water bottle) are required.

Depart Cusco and shuttle to the starting point of your morning walk, where you’ll begin to experience daily life as it unfolds in the peaceful Andean Highlands. Your hike follows ancient farming paths through a primarily agricultural community. Along the way, your leaders will make several stops to share insights into local farming techniques, traditional religious ceremonies, and the intricate art of regional textile production.

After an included lunch, descend into the Sacred Valley (7,841 feet) and continue to the town of Pisac. Here, you’ll visit a vibrant local market where you can browse a wide variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, artwork, textiles, and clothing. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with local vendors as they skillfully barter their wares. If you haven’t packed a small bag for your upcoming overnight at Machu Picchu, this is a great place to pick one up.

This evening, enjoy a warm welcome reception followed by dinner at our acclaimed inn, set in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Shuttle to Urubamba and the Market of Urubamba. Shuttle to Highland Footpath from Maras town to Maras salt mines. Moray Terraces to Maras; 3 miles, moderate to challenging. Maras to Urubamba River; 1.5 miles, moderate. Afternoon Chicha (corn beer) tasting at a typical chichería and return shuttle to hotel

After breakfast, shuttle to Urubamba, the largest town in the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its vibrant and authentic market, where vendors from the surrounding highlands gather to sell their goods. Held on Wednesdays, this market is a vital hub for local communities. The variety of potatoes, corn, fruit, and other regional products on display is truly impressive.

After your market visit, venture into the Andean countryside for a downhill walk along scenic footpaths through the Maras salt mines. Fed by underground saltwater springs, the terraced Salineras saltpans have been harvested using the same traditional techniques for centuries. Your walk concludes in the village of Maras, where you’ll enjoy a short ride to a chichería—a traditional tavern where chicha de jora (corn beer) is brewed and sold. Believed to have been consumed by the Incas during rituals and religious festivals, chicha remains an important cultural beverage. You’ll have the chance to sample it and learn about its fermentation process.

Next, enjoy a sumptuous picnic lunch overlooking the tranquil waters of Huaypo Lagoon, followed by a return shuttle to your hotel.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax at your comfortable accommodations or join your leaders for an optional walk of approximately four miles around Yucay. Dinner is on your own this evening, with options available at the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Shuttle through the villages of Patacancha and Willoc to the Inca site of Pumamarca. Walk from Pumamarca to Ollantaytambo; 3.8 miles, easy to moderate. Return shuttle to hotel

This morning, shuttle approximately 60 minutes through the picturesque valley communities of Patacancha and Willoc before arriving at the archaeological complex of Pumamarca, a fascinating site of pre-Inca storage structures. After exploring this remarkable area, begin your morning walk along an ancient Inca trail, where you’ll encounter a rich diversity of Andean flora. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the valley and admire the intricate Inca terraces carved into the surrounding mountain slopes.

Your walk concludes in the town of Ollantaytambo, often referred to as the only living Inca town. Here, local residents still inhabit traditional stone homes and proudly wear customary dress, preserving centuries-old ways of life. After lunch, join your leaders for a guided exploration of the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, a stunning example of Inca engineering and architecture.

Upon returning to the hotel, enjoy some time to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings of your resort.

This evening, a short shuttle ride brings you to a nearby restaurant for tonight’s included dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Vistadome Train. Inca Trail from Km 104 marker to Machu Picchu; 8 miles, moderate to challenging, 2,000-ft. elevation gain and loss. Non-Inca Trail Machu Picchu walk, 2 miles, easy. Travel to hotel

Shuttle early this morning to Ollantaytambo to catch the narrow-gauge Vistadome train. As the train travels through the narrowing Sacred Valley, enjoy breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding Andean peaks.

For guests who have elected to hike the Inca Trail, you’ll disembark at the “Km 104” marker (7,183 feet) to begin one of the world’s most iconic hikes. This unforgettable route winds through mountains and cloud forests, offering panoramic views as you ascend toward the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Expect to be on the trail for approximately six hours with a mostly continuous climb, including an elevation gain and loss of about 2,000 feet and sections of steep stone steps. Please note: the minibus support vehicle is not available on the Inca Trail—hikers are required to walk the full eight miles. A picnic lunch will be provided and enjoyed on the trail.

Your effort is rewarded as you arrive at Intipunku—the Sun Gate (8,954 feet), the original entrance to Machu Picchu. Take time to soak in the awe-inspiring views of the citadel before continuing down to the village below, where your hotel is located. You’ll have the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu further tomorrow, both with your leaders and independently.

Important Note: This itinerary is for guests who sign up for the Inca Trail at the time of booking. If you decide after arrival in Peru not to participate in the hike, your leaders may not be able to obtain last-minute Machu Picchu entrance tickets due to limited availability. In that case, you will have the day free to enjoy optional excursions offered by the Inkaterra Hotel. If tickets can be secured, you will be responsible for the additional cost, which must be paid directly to your leader.

For those choosing a less strenuous option or who were unable to obtain an Inca Trail permit, you will remain on the train past Km 104, arriving in Aguas Calientes in the early morning. Your leader will guide you on a morning visit to Machu Picchu before check-in at your hotel (available from 1:00 p.m.). In the afternoon, you may wish to relax at the hotel spa or explore the inn’s extraordinary orchid gardens. A box lunch will be provided for you to enjoy at your leisure.

This evening, regroup with your fellow travelers for dinner at your resort’s restaurant, where you can share the day’s unforgettable experiences.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Shuttle to Machu Picchu. Guided walking tour of Machu Picchu; 1.5 miles, easy. Travel to hotel

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. You may wish to go birding on the hotel grounds or stroll the Orchid Trail, which features over 350 native orchid species—a collection that holds a world record, according to the American Orchid Society. Alternatively, relax by the pool or visit the spa, where you can treat yourself to traditional Andean therapies (available at an additional cost) using local botanical ingredients such as cocoa and tea leaves.

You may also want to explore the nearby town of Aguas Calientes and browse for last-minute gifts at the open-air Machu Picchu market. Though small in size, this vibrant market is packed with stalls selling traditional goods such as alpaca ponchos, Andean instruments, woven bags, and silver jewelry.

This afternoon, shuttle to Machu Picchu for your included visit. Follow your leaders on a guided walk through the iconic citadel and surrounding area, including a roundtrip walk to the Inca Bridge (approximately 1.5 miles).

This evening, gather with your group to recount the day’s experiences over an included dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Various morning walking options from the hotel; 2-4 miles, easy. Vistadome train and shuttle to Cusco. Cusco walking tour; 2.6 miles, easy

Indulge in a relaxing breakfast. You may choose from several scenic walking trails that begin right on the hotel grounds, or opt to visit the tea plantation located within the property.

Later this morning, return to Cusco through the Sacred Valley by train. Upon arrival, lace up your walking shoes for a guided tour of this ancient Incan capital. As you explore the city, your guide will highlight the rich blend of Incan and Spanish colonial architecture, including visits to Koricancha (the “Temple of the Sun”), Cusco Cathedral, and Hatun Rumiyoq—a narrow Inca street famed for its remarkably fitted stone walls, believed to be the former palace of Inca Roca, the sixth Incan king. Be sure to admire the famous twelve-angled stone, a masterpiece of Incan masonry.

This evening, enjoy one of Cusco’s many excellent dining options, all within easy reach of your hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Shuttle to Tambomachay. Tambomachay to Sacsayhuaman; 5 miles, easy

After breakfast, travel approximately six miles (25 minutes) north of Cusco to begin your day’s exploration. From here, trace your way on foot back toward the city, stopping to visit several significant Incan monuments. This area offers a spectacular setting for walking, with sweeping Andean mountain views, traditional villages, and remarkable remains of the Incan Empire.

Begin at Tambomachay (the highest elevation of the day at 12,500 feet), a site believed to have held an important religious role related to water and agricultural fertility. From there, descend a gentle slope, stopping to explore the nearby complexes of Puka Pukara, Qenqo, and Laqo, where your leaders will share insights into the traditional ceremonies once held in these sacred spaces.

Your final stop is the remarkable Sacsayhuaman, an immense fortress whose remaining walls still inspire awe despite the site being only a fraction of its original size. Take in the panoramic view over the red-tiled rooftops of Cusco, then return to the city by vehicle.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure, followed by free time to soak in the last of Cusco’s vibrant atmosphere in its colorful plazas. This evening, head out for a festive farewell dinner to celebrate your unforgettable journey.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Air Package Guests:
After an included breakfast, you will be transported to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, check in to comfortable rooms reserved for day use. Dinner is at your leisure this evening before returning to Lima Airport for overnight flights, typically departing in the late evening. Please note that flights may arrive at your final destination in North America the following day.

Post-Tour Extension Guests:
After breakfast, you will fly via Lima to Puerto Maldonado, where you will be met by staff from Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica who will assist with your transportation to the river port. From there, enjoy a 45-minute boat ride into the Amazon to reach the lodge. Lunch is included today.

Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of included activities. This afternoon, you may wish to explore the extensive jungle trail system with an interpretive guide. In the evening, consider joining a “Twilight River” excursion or attending a nature presentation at the lodge’s Eco Center. Dinner at the lodge is included for Post-Tour Extension guests.

Note: Due to the logistics of traveling to Reserva Amazonica, luggage restrictions apply. Please use the small bag you brought for Machu Picchu to pack only what you’ll need for the two overnights. Your large suitcase will be securely stored in Puerto Maldonado until your return.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to Andean Highlands. Follow Ancient Farming Paths to Cuyuni Village; 4 miles, easy. Travel to Pisac and Sacred Valley

Your leaders will meet you at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of our pre-tour hotel in Cusco, the Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel. They will be wearing Country Walkers shirts for easy identification. Please be dressed for walking—comfortable, weather-appropriate attire, sturdy footwear, and a daypack (to carry essentials such as rain gear and a water bottle) are required.

Depart Cusco and shuttle to the starting point of your morning walk, where you’ll begin to experience daily life as it unfolds in the peaceful Andean Highlands. Your hike follows ancient farming paths through a primarily agricultural community. Along the way, your leaders will make several stops to share insights into local farming techniques, traditional religious ceremonies, and the intricate art of regional textile production.

After an included lunch, descend into the Sacred Valley (7,841 feet) and continue to the town of Pisac. Here, you’ll visit a vibrant local market where you can browse a wide variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, artwork, textiles, and clothing. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with local vendors as they skillfully barter their wares. If you haven’t packed a small bag for your upcoming overnight at Machu Picchu, this is a great place to pick one up.

This evening, enjoy a warm welcome reception followed by dinner at our acclaimed inn, set in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Shuttle to Urubamba and the Market of Urubamba. Shuttle to Highland Footpath from Maras town to Maras salt mines. Moray Terraces to Maras; 3 miles, moderate to challenging. Maras to Urubamba River; 1.5 miles, moderate. Afternoon Chicha (corn beer) tasting at a typical chichería and return shuttle to hotel

After breakfast, shuttle to Urubamba, the largest town in the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its vibrant and authentic market, where vendors from the surrounding highlands gather to sell their goods. Held on Wednesdays, this market is a vital hub for local communities. The variety of potatoes, corn, fruit, and other regional products on display is truly impressive.

After your market visit, venture into the Andean countryside for a downhill walk along scenic footpaths through the Maras salt mines. Fed by underground saltwater springs, the terraced Salineras saltpans have been harvested using the same traditional techniques for centuries. Your walk concludes in the village of Maras, where you’ll enjoy a short ride to a chichería—a traditional tavern where chicha de jora (corn beer) is brewed and sold. Believed to have been consumed by the Incas during rituals and religious festivals, chicha remains an important cultural beverage. You’ll have the chance to sample it and learn about its fermentation process.

Next, enjoy a sumptuous picnic lunch overlooking the tranquil waters of Huaypo Lagoon, followed by a return shuttle to your hotel.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax at your comfortable accommodations or join your leaders for an optional walk of approximately four miles around Yucay. Dinner is on your own this evening, with options available at the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Shuttle through the villages of Patacancha and Willoc to the Inca site of Pumamarca. Walk from Pumamarca to Ollantaytambo; 3.8 miles, easy to moderate. Return shuttle to hotel

This morning, shuttle approximately 60 minutes through the picturesque valley communities of Patacancha and Willoc before arriving at the archaeological complex of Pumamarca, a fascinating site of pre-Inca storage structures. After exploring this remarkable area, begin your morning walk along an ancient Inca trail, where you’ll encounter a rich diversity of Andean flora. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the valley and admire the intricate Inca terraces carved into the surrounding mountain slopes.

Your walk concludes in the town of Ollantaytambo, often referred to as the only living Inca town. Here, local residents still inhabit traditional stone homes and proudly wear customary dress, preserving centuries-old ways of life. After lunch, join your leaders for a guided exploration of the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, a stunning example of Inca engineering and architecture.

Upon returning to the hotel, enjoy some time to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings of your resort.

This evening, a short shuttle ride brings you to a nearby restaurant for tonight’s included dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Vistadome Train. Inca Trail from Km 104 marker to Machu Picchu; 8 miles, moderate to challenging, 2,000-ft. elevation gain and loss. Non-Inca Trail Machu Picchu walk, 2 miles, easy. Travel to hotel

Shuttle early this morning to Ollantaytambo to catch the narrow-gauge Vistadome train. As the train travels through the narrowing Sacred Valley, enjoy breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding Andean peaks.

For guests who have elected to hike the Inca Trail, you’ll disembark at the “Km 104” marker (7,183 feet) to begin one of the world’s most iconic hikes. This unforgettable route winds through mountains and cloud forests, offering panoramic views as you ascend toward the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Expect to be on the trail for approximately six hours with a mostly continuous climb, including an elevation gain and loss of about 2,000 feet and sections of steep stone steps. Please note: the minibus support vehicle is not available on the Inca Trail—hikers are required to walk the full eight miles. A picnic lunch will be provided and enjoyed on the trail.

Your effort is rewarded as you arrive at Intipunku—the Sun Gate (8,954 feet), the original entrance to Machu Picchu. Take time to soak in the awe-inspiring views of the citadel before continuing down to the village below, where your hotel is located. You’ll have the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu further tomorrow, both with your leaders and independently.

Important Note: This itinerary is for guests who sign up for the Inca Trail at the time of booking. If you decide after arrival in Peru not to participate in the hike, your leaders may not be able to obtain last-minute Machu Picchu entrance tickets due to limited availability. In that case, you will have the day free to enjoy optional excursions offered by the Inkaterra Hotel. If tickets can be secured, you will be responsible for the additional cost, which must be paid directly to your leader.

For those choosing a less strenuous option or who were unable to obtain an Inca Trail permit, you will remain on the train past Km 104, arriving in Aguas Calientes in the early morning. Your leader will guide you on a morning visit to Machu Picchu before check-in at your hotel (available from 1:00 p.m.). In the afternoon, you may wish to relax at the hotel spa or explore the inn’s extraordinary orchid gardens. A box lunch will be provided for you to enjoy at your leisure.

This evening, regroup with your fellow travelers for dinner at your resort’s restaurant, where you can share the day’s unforgettable experiences.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Shuttle to Machu Picchu. Guided walking tour of Machu Picchu; 1.5 miles, easy. Travel to hotel

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. You may wish to go birding on the hotel grounds or stroll the Orchid Trail, which features over 350 native orchid species—a collection that holds a world record, according to the American Orchid Society. Alternatively, relax by the pool or visit the spa, where you can treat yourself to traditional Andean therapies (available at an additional cost) using local botanical ingredients such as cocoa and tea leaves.

You may also want to explore the nearby town of Aguas Calientes and browse for last-minute gifts at the open-air Machu Picchu market. Though small in size, this vibrant market is packed with stalls selling traditional goods such as alpaca ponchos, Andean instruments, woven bags, and silver jewelry.

This afternoon, shuttle to Machu Picchu for your included visit. Follow your leaders on a guided walk through the iconic citadel and surrounding area, including a roundtrip walk to the Inca Bridge (approximately 1.5 miles).

This evening, gather with your group to recount the day’s experiences over an included dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Various morning walking options from the hotel; 2-4 miles, easy. Vistadome train and shuttle to Cusco. Cusco walking tour; 2.6 miles, easy

Indulge in a relaxing breakfast. You may choose from several scenic walking trails that begin right on the hotel grounds, or opt to visit the tea plantation located within the property.

Later this morning, return to Cusco through the Sacred Valley by train. Upon arrival, lace up your walking shoes for a guided tour of this ancient Incan capital. As you explore the city, your guide will highlight the rich blend of Incan and Spanish colonial architecture, including visits to Koricancha (the “Temple of the Sun”), Cusco Cathedral, and Hatun Rumiyoq—a narrow Inca street famed for its remarkably fitted stone walls, believed to be the former palace of Inca Roca, the sixth Incan king. Be sure to admire the famous twelve-angled stone, a masterpiece of Incan masonry.

This evening, enjoy one of Cusco’s many excellent dining options, all within easy reach of your hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Shuttle to Tambomachay. Tambomachay to Sacsayhuaman; 5 miles, easy

After breakfast, travel approximately six miles (25 minutes) north of Cusco to begin your day’s exploration. From here, trace your way on foot back toward the city, stopping to visit several significant Incan monuments. This area offers a spectacular setting for walking, with sweeping Andean mountain views, traditional villages, and remarkable remains of the Incan Empire.

Begin at Tambomachay (the highest elevation of the day at 12,500 feet), a site believed to have held an important religious role related to water and agricultural fertility. From there, descend a gentle slope, stopping to explore the nearby complexes of Puka Pukara, Qenqo, and Laqo, where your leaders will share insights into the traditional ceremonies once held in these sacred spaces.

Your final stop is the remarkable Sacsayhuaman, an immense fortress whose remaining walls still inspire awe despite the site being only a fraction of its original size. Take in the panoramic view over the red-tiled rooftops of Cusco, then return to the city by vehicle.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure, followed by free time to soak in the last of Cusco’s vibrant atmosphere in its colorful plazas. This evening, head out for a festive farewell dinner to celebrate your unforgettable journey.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your tour concludes at the Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel after an included breakfast this morning. The hotel staff will be happy to assist you in booking a taxi to Cusco Airport at your own expense.

Included Meals: Breakfast