Country Walkers
VBT Bicycling Vacations
Get eNews
Request a Catalog
800.234.6900
Login
Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
8 Days
Starting From
$3,995
10 Days
Starting From
$4,895
per person, double occupancy
Want more from your experience?
Add an Extension
In this walking tour of Peru through bustling markets and mountaintop ruins, Andean culture endures as surely as stone walls.
Morning light pierces the forest canopy, and your heart quickens. Another few steps up the centuries-old Inca stairway and…you’re there! Intipunku—the Sun Gate. Far below, Machu Picchu’s ruins lie across a knife-edge ridgeline of green. As you’ve discovered on this walking tour, Peru’s culture stands the test of time. At Sacsayhuaman fortress, it’s impossible to fit even a slip of paper between the massive stones that comprise its walls—mortarless craftsmanship so resilient it’s survived wars and earthquakes. Outside Maras, survey the vast checkerboard of steeply terraced evaporation ponds, where locals still harvest salt as they did before the conquistadors. And in Pisac market, meet women resplendent in traditional embroidery busily working handheld spindles, while their children play among bags of multihued native potatoes. Here too, the ancient endures.
Highlights
- Delight in a morning walk on ancient farm paths through the peaceful Andean Highlands
- Trek a scenic footpath through the lush Andean countryside to Maras village, where the locals still use traditional techniques to mine the terraced saltpans
- Marvel at mountain and river views from the panoramic windows of the Vistadome train as you make your way down the narrowing valley from Ollantaytambo
- Hike the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate–the original entrance to Machu Picchu–taking in sweeping views of the ancient ruins from above
- Discover the ancient Inca capital Cusco on a walking tour of the old city Enjoy free time to shop for delightful Peruvian crafts, art, woolen textiles and silver jewelry
Itinerary
All you have to do is get to the airport. On our Flight + Tour Combos, we’ll take care of the rest, handling all the logistics, so you can travel with peace of mind. Spend your first night aloft and arrive refreshed 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.
Accommodation: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
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 guides meet you at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of your Cusco hotel. They will be wearing Country Walkers shirts. Please be dressed for walking.
Depart Cusco and shuttle to the start of your morning walk, which will allow you to experience local life as it unfolds in the peaceful Andean Highlands. Begin your hike along ancient farming paths in this primarily agricultural community. You will make various stops throughout your walk today to learn about local farming, religious ceremonies, and textile production in this region.
After an included lunch, descend to the Sacred Valley (7,841 feet) and continue to the town of Pisac. Here you’ll visit a local market where you can peruse shops of diverse handicrafts, souvenirs, art pieces, clothing, and other local products.
You’ll also have a chance to interact with the vendors as they barter their wares. If you didn’t pack a small bag to take with you to Machu Picchu, this is a wonderful place to pick up a bag.
Tonight, enjoy a special welcome reception and dinner at our acclaimed inn.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Sacred Valley
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. Afternoon Chicha (corn beer) tasting at a typical Chicheria and return shuttle to hotel
This morning, you shuttle (60 minutes) passing through the valley communities of Patacancha and Willoc before arriving to the archeological complex of Pumamarca, a set of pre-Inca warehouses. After exploring this incredible site, begin your morning walk on an ancient Inca trail where you can marvel at the diverse species of flora in the Andes. Throughout the walk you will witness fascinating views of the valley and it’s impressive Inca terraces on the bordering mountain slopes. Your walk concludes in the town of Ollantaytambo, known as the only Inca town still alive, where local people maintain their traditional costumes and live in the old stone houses of their ancestors. After lunch, join your leaders for an exploration of the Ollantaytambo fortress. After your visit of Ollantaytambo, take a short ride to a chicheria where chicha de jora, corn beer, is prepared and sold. It’s believed the Incas consumed chicha for rituals during religious festivals and, today, you will have an opportunity to sample this unique beverage and learn about its brewing process.
Upon returning to the hotel, enjoy some relaxation at your resort.
This evening, a short shuttle ride takes you to a nearby restaurant for tonight’s included dinner.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Sacred Valley
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shuttle to Urubamba and the Market of Urubamba. Shuttle to Highland Footpath. Moray Terraces to Maras; 4 miles, moderate to challenging. Maras to Urubamba River; 1.5 miles, moderate. Shuttle to hotel
After breakfast, shuttle to the largest town in the valley – Urubamba. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the very authentic market where you will see sellers from surrounding regions offering their products. This particular Wednesday market is vital for the local people and the varieties of potatoes, corn and fruit that you will find are amazing. After your visit to the market, venture into the Andean countryside to walk scenic footpaths downhill through the Maras salt mines fed by underground saltwater springs to Maras village. The terraced Inca saltpans of Salineras are still mined for salt using methods unchanged over centuries. You will be rewarded with a sumptuous picnic lunch overlooking Huaypo Lagoon at the end of your walk before shuttling back to the hotel.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax in your comfortable accommodations, join your guides for an optional walk around Yucay, or enjoy any of the following activities before enjoying dinner on your own in the hotel this evening.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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. Your train ride traverses the narrowing valley, which offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding peaks.
Those who have elected to hike the Inca Trail will disembark at the “Km 104” marker (7,183 feet) to start one of the world’s most iconic hikes. The walk offers spectacular panoramas of the mountains and cloud forests, making for an unforgettable entry into the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Expect to be on the legendary trail for six hours with a mostly continuous ascent. An elevation gain and loss of about 2,000 feet and some steep stair climbing will keep you on your toes. Note that a minibus support vehicle will not be available on the Inca Trail. You will be required to walk the entire eight miles. A picnic break is well deserved.
Your effort is rewarded when you arrive at Intipunku – the Sun Gate (8,954 feet) – the most impressive approach to Machu Picchu. This was the original entrance to the “Lost City.” Give yourself time to take it all in, perhaps perching on a rock for the best views of the ruins. Then continue down to our hotel located below Machu Picchu. You’ll have tomorrow afternoon to discover the wonder of Machu Picchu, with your guides and independently.
For those looking for a less-strenuous option (and for those unable to obtain a permit for the Inca Trail), you’ll stay on the train past Km 104, arriving in Aguas Calientes in the early morning. Your guide will take you into Machu Picchu for a morning visit before you check into your hotel. Check-in at the inn is not until 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, you may wish to take advantage of the spa or admire the incredible orchid gardens at the inn. You will be given the same box lunch provided to the guests on the Inca Trail walk so that you may take lunch at your leisure today.
This evening, regroup for dinner at your lovely resort’s restaurant.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shuttle to Machu Picchu. Guided walking tour of Machu Picchu; 3 miles, easy. Travel to hotel
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. Feel free to go birding on the hotel grounds or stroll the hotel’s Orchid Trail with over 350 different native orchid species, this garden holds the world record according to the American Orchid Society. Alternatively enjoy the pool or visit the spa and treat yourself to traditional Andean treatments (additional cost) using local botanical ingredients such as cocoa and tea leaves. You may also want to explore the city of Aguas Calientes and shop for some last-minute gifts at the open-air Machu Picchu market. While small in area, this market is crammed with stalls offering traditional products such as alpaca ponchos, Andean instruments, woven bags, and silver jewelry. This afternoon shuttle to Machu Picchu. Follow your guides on a walk around Machu Picchu, as well as in the surrounding area, including a roundtrip walk to Inca Bridge (1.8 miles).
You may wish to continue your exploration of the ruins on your own before returning to the hotel by shuttle bus. Enjoy recounting the day over an included dinner tonight.
Please note: The Peruvian Government regulates Machu Picchu’s historical site and the visit restrictions periodically change. Visiting times may vary depending upon government restrictions for the day of your visit. Your guides will confirm your exact visit times to Machu Picchu once you are in Peru.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Various morning walking options from the hotel; 2-4 miles, easy. Vistadome train and shuttle to Cusco. Cusco walking tour; 1.5 miles, easy
Indulge in a relaxing breakfast. You may choose from several walking trails that begin right at the hotel, or you may wish to visit the tea plantation located within the hotel grounds. Later this morning, return to Cusco through the Sacred Valley by train. Upon your arrival in Cusco, put on your walking shoes and discover this ancient Incan capital on a walking tour. Evidence of both the original Incan city and the Spanish colonial city (established in 1533) will be pointed out as you explore Koricancha (“Temple of the Sun”), Cusco Cathedral, and the San Blas district. In Incan times, San Blas was a settlement for ancient craftsmen who saw yachay—Quechua for “teach and learn”—as their special calling. Today the area is famous for the unusual Baroque-style pulpit in the San Blas Church and for its many artists and artisans.
Cusco’s many dining options are at your doorstep tonight.
Accommodation: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel, Cusco
Included Meals: Breakfast
Shuttle to Tambomachay. Tambomachay to Sacsayhuaman; 4 miles, easy. Travel to Cusco
After breakfast, travel six miles (25 minutes) north of Cusco to begin your day. Trace your way on foot back towards the city, visiting important Incan monuments. This is a spectacular area for walks, with Andean mountain views, colorful villages, and impressive remains of the Incan Empire.
First, visit Tambomachay (the highest elevation of the day at 12,500 feet), which may have fulfilled an important religious function linked to water and the regeneration of the land. Walking down a gentle slope, stop to explore the complexes of Puka Pukara, Qenqo, and Laqo. Your guides can explain more about traditional religious ceremonies held here.
Next, visit Sacsayhuaman. Though this impressive fortress is only a fraction of its original size and scope, the intact walls and structure will astound you. Take a moment to look back over the orange tile rooftops of Cusco before your short transfer into the city.
Enjoy lunch at your leisure and spend time soaking in some last bits of Andean culture in Cusco’s colorful plazas. Tonight, head out on the town for a festive farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel, Cusco
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart for home, continue with onward travels, or begin your Luxury Train to Lake Titicaca Post-Tour Extension.
There is mid-morning transportation to the Cusco airport for the flight to Lima. Upon arrival, check in to comfortable rooms for day use. Tonight, dinner is at your leisure before returning to the airport for overnight flights departing in the late evening. Your flights may arrive at your final destination in North America the following day.
Accommodation: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima, Lima International Airport
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel to Andean Highlands. Follow Ancient Farming Paths to Cuyuni Village; 4 miles, easy. Travel to Pisac and Sacred Valley
Your guides meet you at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of the designated meeting point hotel in Cusco. They will be wearing Country Walkers shirts. Please be dressed for walking.
Depart Cusco and shuttle to the start of your morning walk, which will allow you to experience local life as it unfolds in the peaceful Andean Highlands. Begin your hike along ancient farming paths in this primarily agricultural community. You will make various stops throughout your walk today to learn about local farming, religious ceremonies, and textile production in this region.
After an included lunch, descend to the Sacred Valley (7,841 feet) and continue to the town of Pisac. Here you’ll visit a local market where you can peruse shops of diverse handicrafts, souvenirs, art pieces, clothing, and other local products.
You’ll also have a chance to interact with the vendors as they barter their wares. If you didn’t pack a small bag to take with you to Machu Picchu, this is a wonderful place to pick up a bag.
Tonight enjoy a special welcome reception and dinner at our acclaimed inn.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Sacred Valley
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
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. Afternoon Chicha (corn beer) tasting at a typical Chicheria and return shuttle to hotel
This morning, you shuttle (60 minutes) passing through the valley communities of Patacancha and Willoc before arriving to the archeological complex of Pumamarca, a set of pre-Inca warehouses. After exploring this incredible site, begin your morning walk on an ancient Inca trail where you can marvel at the diverse species of flora in the Andes. Throughout the walk you will witness fascinating views of the valley and it’s impressive Inca terraces on the bordering mountain slopes. Your walk concludes in the town of Ollantaytambo, known as the only Inca town still alive, where local people maintain their traditional costumes and live in the old stone houses of their ancestors. After lunch, join your leaders for an exploration of the Ollantaytambo fortress. After your visit of Ollantaytambo, take a short ride to a chicheria where chicha de jora, corn beer, is prepared and sold. It’s believed the Incas consumed chicha for rituals during religious festivals and, today, you will have an opportunity to sample this unique beverage and learn about its brewing process.
Upon returning to the hotel, enjoy some relaxation at your resort.
This evening, a short shuttle ride takes you to a nearby restaurant for tonight’s included dinner.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Sacred Valley
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shuttle to Urubamba and the Market of Urubamba. Shuttle to Highland Footpath. Moray Terraces to Maras; 4 miles, moderate to challenging. Maras to Urubamba River; 1.5 miles, moderate. Shuttle to hotel
After breakfast, shuttle to the largest town in the valley – Urubamba. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the very authentic market where you will see sellers from surrounding regions offering their products. This particular Wednesday market is vital for the local people and the varieties of potatoes, corn and fruit that you will find are amazing. After your visit to the market, venture into the Andean countryside to walk scenic footpaths downhill through the Maras salt mines fed by underground saltwater springs to Maras village. The terraced Inca saltpans of Salineras are still mined for salt using methods unchanged over centuries. You will be rewarded with a sumptuous picnic lunch overlooking Huaypo Lagoon at the end of your walk before shuttling back to the hotel.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax in your comfortable accommodations, join your guides for an optional walk around Yucay, or enjoy any of the following activities before enjoying dinner on your own in the hotel this evening.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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. Your train ride traverses the narrowing valley, which offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding peaks.
Those who have elected to hike the Inca Trail will disembark at the “Km 104” marker (7,183 feet) to start one of the world’s most iconic hikes. The walk offers spectacular panoramas of the mountains and cloud forests, making for an unforgettable entry into the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Expect to be on the legendary trail for six hours with a mostly continuous ascent. An elevation gain and loss of about 2,000 feet and some steep stair climbing will keep you on your toes. Note that a minibus support vehicle will not be available on the Inca Trail. You will be required to walk the entire eight miles. A picnic break is well deserved.
Your effort is rewarded when you arrive at Intipunku – the Sun Gate (8,954 feet) – the most impressive approach to Machu Picchu. This was the original entrance to the “Lost City.” Give yourself time to take it all in, perhaps perching on a rock for the best views of the ruins. Then continue down to our hotel located below Machu Picchu. You’ll have tomorrow afternoon to discover the wonder of Machu Picchu, with your guides and independently.
For those looking for a less-strenuous option (and for those unable to obtain a permit for the Inca Trail), you’ll stay on the train past Km 104, arriving in Aguas Calientes in the early morning. Your guide will take you into Machu Picchu for a morning visit before you check into your hotel. Check-in at the inn is not until 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, you may wish to take advantage of the spa or admire the incredible orchid gardens at the inn. You will be given the same box lunch provided to the guests on the Inca Trail walk so that you may take lunch at your leisure today.
This evening, regroup for dinner at your lovely resort’s restaurant.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shuttle to Machu Picchu. Guided walking tour of Machu Picchu; 3 miles, easy. Travel to hotel
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. Feel free to go birding on the hotel grounds or stroll the hotel’s Orchid Trail with over 350 different native orchid species, this garden holds the world record according to the American Orchid Society. Alternatively enjoy the pool or visit the spa and treat yourself to traditional Andean treatments (additional cost) using local botanical ingredients such as cocoa and tea leaves. You may also want to explore the city of Aguas Calientes and shop for some last-minute gifts at the open-air Machu Picchu market. While small in area, this market is crammed with stalls offering traditional products such as alpaca ponchos, Andean instruments, woven bags, and silver jewelry. This afternoon shuttle to Machu Picchu. Follow your guides on a walk around Machu Picchu, as well as in the surrounding area, including a roundtrip walk to Inca Bridge (1.8 miles).
You may wish to continue your exploration of the ruins on your own before returning to the hotel by shuttle bus. Enjoy recounting the day over an included dinner tonight.
Please note: The Peruvian Government regulates Machu Picchu’s historical site and the visit restrictions periodically change. Visiting times may vary depending upon government restrictions for the day of your visit. Your guides will confirm your exact visit times to Machu Picchu once you are in Peru.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Various morning walking options from the hotel; 2-4 miles, easy. Vistadome train and shuttle to Cusco. Cusco walking tour; 1.5 miles, easy
Indulge in a relaxing breakfast. You may choose from several walking trails that begin right at the hotel, or you may wish to visit the tea plantation located within the hotel grounds. Later this morning, return to Cusco through the Sacred Valley by train. Upon your arrival in Cusco, put on your walking shoes and discover this ancient Incan capital on a walking tour. Evidence of both the original Incan city and the Spanish colonial city (established in 1533) will be pointed out as you explore Koricancha (“Temple of the Sun”), Cusco Cathedral, and the San Blas district. In Incan times, San Blas was a settlement for ancient craftsmen who saw yachay—Quechua for “teach and learn”—as their special calling. Today the area is famous for the unusual Baroque-style pulpit in the San Blas Church and for its many artists and artisans.
Cusco’s many dining options are at your doorstep tonight.
Accommodation: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel, Cusco
Included Meals: Breakfast
Shuttle to Tambomachay. Tambomachay to Sacsayhuaman; 4 miles, easy. Travel to Cusco
After breakfast, travel six miles (25 minutes) north of Cusco to begin your day. Trace your way on foot back towards the city, visiting important Incan monuments. This is a spectacular area for walks, with Andean mountain views, colorful villages, and impressive remains of the Incan Empire.
First, visit Tambomachay (the highest elevation of the day at 12,500 feet), which may have fulfilled an important religious function linked to water and the regeneration of the land. Walking down a gentle slope, stop to explore the complexes of Puka Pukara, Qenqo, and Laqo. Your guides can explain more about traditional religious ceremonies held here.
Next, visit Sacsayhuaman. Though this impressive fortress is only a fraction of its original size and scope, the intact walls and structure will astound you. Take a moment to look back over the orange tile rooftops of Cusco before your short transfer into the city.
Enjoy lunch at your leisure and spend time soaking in some last bits of Andean culture in Cusco’s colorful plazas. Tonight, head out on the town for a festive farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel, Cusco
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your tour concludes at the Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel after an included breakfast this morning. The hotel will help you book a taxi at your own expense to the Cusco airport.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel is a five-star boutique hotel that combines the essence of history, luxury, and well-being located in the heart of the Incan city. Built in an old colonial mansion dating back to the 16th century, the hotel is a museum with its numerous pieces of art, sculptures, and colonial furniture. The boutique hotel’s elegant, un-air conditioned rooms have luxuries including radiant floor heating and an intelligent oxygen system to help guests better adapt to the higher altitude.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Serenity and relaxation are hallmarks of the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, a contemporary, hacienda-style hotel on a 100-acre property surrounded by a dramatic mountain range. Set in the Sacred Valley, between Cusco and Machu Picchu, it proudly showcases the region’s blend of Spanish and Andean influences. Rooms are un-air conditioned, with colonial furnishings, Inca mask accents, and handcrafted woodwork. Harvest produce comes from the hacienda’s 10-acre organic plantation, where crops are cultivated as they have been for centuries. There are stunning views from nearly every window.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel is a pueblo of luxurious whitewashed bungalows nestled into terraced hills. The train station is only steps away, but the ambiance at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel seems to exist in a world apart. It is an intimate 85-cottage luxury hotel designed in the manner of a sprawling Andean-style village on 12 secluded acres of exquisite beauty. Guests follow stone pathways to their rooms, located in comfortable one- or two-story whitewashed casitas. Spa services use natural essences, and a first-class restaurant offers grand views of the Vilcanota River.
Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima
The Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima at Jorge Chavez Lima-Callao International Airport is a beautiful 130-room hotel. Each guestroom features a 26-inch LCD TV with cable, complimentary wireless Internet access, marble bathroom with tub and shower, air conditioning, minibar in-room, safe, and hairdryer.
Linger Longer with a Tour Extension
2022 Pre-Tour Extension - Lima
- Two nights at Pullman Lima Miraflores
- Airport car service for arrival
- Guided visits in Lima including the Larco Museum
- Daily breakfast, one lunch
- City information
2 Nights From $498
per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $148
All you have to do is get to the airport. On our Flight + Tour Combos, we’ll take care of the rest, handling all the logistics, so you can travel with peace of mind. Spend your first night aloft and arrive refreshed for an unforgettable trip.
Start off your first day in Lima 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.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Pullman Lima Miraflores
A County Walkers representative will meet you at 9:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby today for your included exploration of Lima. Today you will visit the Cathedral of Lima, San Francisco Monastery, and the Larco Museum. The Larco Museum holds the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art. You may want to try the local ceviche during an included lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Accommodation: Pullman Lima Miraflores
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, after an early breakfast, you’ll take complimentary transportation from your Lima hotel to the Jorge Chaves International Airport for your flight to Cusco. A representative will meet you in the hotel lobby and assist with your transportation.
Upon arrival at Cusco airport, gather your luggage and exit the baggage claim to look for a representative holding a Country Walkers sign. Enjoy complimentary transportation to your Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel, about 20 minutes away. Please note that your hotel room may not be available until 2:00 p.m.; however, you may store your luggage at the reception desk while you explore the city.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure—perhaps explore the city, rest up in the hotel, or select a local restaurant for lunch and dinner. We provide detailed city information to help you plan your day.
Once you arrive in Cusco, it is advisable to rest and avoid strenuous activity as your body acclimates to the altitude (10,900 feet / 3,322 meters). Also, be aware of dehydration and drink plenty of water to help prevent altitude sickness. A couple of hours’ rest at this time will go a long way toward feeling more comfortable later.
Accommodation: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
2022 Post-Tour Extension - Lake Titicaca
- One night onboard the Belmond Luxury sleeper train between Cusco and Lake Titicaca & one night at the GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca on the shores of Lake Titicaca
- Flight between Juliaca and Lima
- Belmond’s overnight luxury sleeper train “Spirit of the Water” journey between Cusco and Puno, Lake Titicaca
- Full-day boat excursion of Lake Titicaca’s floating islands of Uros and Taquilein
- Guided walking tour of the archeological complex of Sillustani
- Airport car service for departure
- Daily breakfast, two lunches, one dinner
- City information
2 Nights From $1048
per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $698
You will board the Belmond (formally Orient Express) luxury sleeper train in Cusco where you will have the opportunity to experience Belmond’s weekly “Spirit of the Water” journey to Lake Titicaca. Settle into your private twin-bedded cabin and take the time to relax into the indulgent atmosphere of the train. Perhaps head to the Observation Car, order a classic Pisco Sour, and watch the scenery unfold. Later, take a seat in one of the two sophisticated dining cars for a delicious lunch. Anticipate refined Andean specialties served with contemporary flair. As the afternoon continues, disembark for an excursion to Raqch’i. Once a defensive stronghold of the Inca Empire, today the area is a captivating archaeological site brimming with history. Return to the train for canapés in our bar car as your journey southeast continues. As evening descends, savour a picturesque sunset framed by the majestic La Raya mountains. As the train continues to Lake Titicaca station, enjoy a delicious dinner on board. Complete your evening in the Lounge Car: trade stories with your fellow travelers before retiring to the comfort of your cabin. Note: the train remains stationary during the evening so as to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
Accommodation: Belmond Andean Explorer Luxury Sleeper Train
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake early and take in a spectacular scene as the sun rises across Lake Titicaca while breakfast is served on board the train. After a wonderful overnight trip, bid the crew farewell and disembark at Lake Titicaca Station (Puno). Meet your private guide and shuttle to the town’s pier and embark on your shared fast boat for a full day excursion of Uros and Taquile with lunch in a local restaurant.
You will enjoy an extraordinary journey across the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. Travel to legendary places where time seems to have stood still. Your first stop will be the Uros floating islands. These are a peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. The cheerful inhabitants will invite you to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs. You will continue your voyage across the placid waters of the lake until you come to the picturesque island of Taquile, a peaceful place where old Quechua traditions live in perfect balance with modernity. Discover a landscape distinct from the other islands thanks to the Incan terraces filled with local flowers and crops. The rich colors of the clothing worn by the local inhabitants will amaze you; admire their beautiful hand-made fabrics. Most importantly, enjoy the unbelievable hospitality of the islanders, known as Taquileños, who will make your visit to the island a memorable one. Refresh your senses, enjoy a delicious lunch with stunning views, in a local restaurant on Taquile Island.
In the afternoon you return to the shores of Lake Titicaca and check into your lakefront accommodations for the night. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Accommodation: GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca, Lake Titicaca
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy an early breakfast before checking out and departing for the Andean town of Juliaca. On your way you will visit the archeological complex of Sillustani. Join your guide on a walking tour (approximately 2 hours) of this amazing pre-Incan cemetery where more than 90 Chullpa, or funerary towers, some of them up to 40 feet (12 m) high rise up imposingly around Lake Umayo.
After your tour continue to the Juliaca airport where you will board your departing flight via Lima. Upon arrival, check into comfortable rooms for day use. Tonight, dinner is at your leisure before returning to the airport for overnight flights departing in the late evening. Your flights may arrive at your final destination in North America the following day.
Accommodation: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima, Lima International Airport
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's Included | Flight + Tour Combo | Tour Only |
|---|---|---|
| Exceptional boutique accommodations |  |
|
| 16 on-tour meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners | |
|
| Local guides with you throughout tour | |
|
| Entrance fees and special events as noted in the itinerary | |
|
| Travel assistance available 24/7 provided by Allianz Global Assistance | |
|
| Telescopic walking sticks provided on tour | |
|
| Roundtrip airfare | |
|
| Airport car service for arrival and departure | |
|
| Pre- and post-tour breakfast | |
|
| Business-class upgrades available | |
Expert Local Guides
Experience your destination like an insider with people who call it home.
Sergio Prieto
Born and raised in Cusco, Sergio Prieto attended the University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cusco, one of the oldest universities in South America. An experienced guide, Sergio knows the key to a successful and enjoyable trip is not only sharing information about a place but also immersing guests in the local culture while providing a deep understanding of an area’s history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.
Miguel Vergara
A native of Peru, Miguel Stalin Vergara Ugarte studied tourism at Andina University of Cusco and started guiding trips along the Inca Trail in 2004. Miguel’s passion lies in pre-Incan and Incan cultures and he makes great effort to retain his ancestral Andean traditions, particularly around folk medicine, rituals, and music. In fact, when not guiding or hiking in the surrounding mountains, you are likely to find Miguel entertaining his wife and children playing pre-Hispanic musical instruments.
Jorge Olivera
Jorge Olivera, a native of Cusco, is passionate about hiking and sharing the rich history of Peru with travelers from around the globe. As a veteran guide with over a decade of experience, Jorge is a boundless source of knowledge of local culture and gastronomy and looks to give guests unforgettable memories and an experience of a lifetime when they visit his home country.
Alvaro Zamora
Alvaro Zamora is a veteran guide who was born and raised in Cusco. He enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge of ecology with guests and feels Peru is a destination that perfectly combines nature, history, exquisite food, and very friendly people, calling it “the perfect place for everyone!”