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LoginPeru: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Daily Mileage: 4-8 Miles Daily
8 Days
Starting From
$3,595
10 Days
Starting From
$4,795
per person, double occupancy
Want more from your experience?
Add an ExtensionRich Andean history comes to life on a walking tour of Peru that takes you from ancient ruins to colorful local markets.
Set off through the Andean countryside on a walking tour of Peru that showcases the region’s rich history and traditions. Explore the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu amidst misty mountain peaks. Follow winding paths through the lush Andean countryside as daily life unfolds before you, just as it has for hundreds of years. Delight in a scenic ride on the Vistadome train descending the Sacred Valley where you visit lively local markets with a myriad of produce and goods for sale. Along the way, sample traditional chicha de jora (corn beer) and other local fare, while staying in luxurious comfort at accommodations where Incan and Spanish colonial influences blend seamlessly together. This unforgettable journey through Peru will leave you with lifelong memories.
Highlights
- Delight in a morning walk on ancient farm paths through the peaceful Andean Highlands
- Enjoy the bustle and barter at a fruit and vegetable market in Pisac
- Walk to the lovely Andean villages of Chinchero and Urquillo
- Taste Peruvian chicha de jora, corn beer, at an authentic chicheria
- Visit the colorful Qotowincho market in Urbamba
- Trek a scenic footpath through the lush Andean countryside to Maras village, where the locals still use traditional techniques to mine the terraced saltpans
- Gather with your fellow travelers for a delicious picnic lunch by Huaypo Lagoon
- 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
Itinerary
Begin your adventure by departing from a convenient gateway city in the United States or Canada. Spend the first night aloft
Upon arrival in Peru via Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport, proceed through immigration. As this is your first point of arrival into Peru, you will need to clear Peruvian immigration and customs. You will be met by the Country Walkers representative who will be holding a sign in the arrival halls after clearing customs. Your representative will then assist you with your connecting flight to Cusco.
Important Note: The TAM (Andean Immigration Card) is now virtual—this means you are no longer required to complete this form by hand, as it is now automatically stored online once you pass through one of the airport’s new biometric gates using your passport. You will need to present this TAM card to hotels in order to exonerate you from Peruvian tax as foreigners are exempt of hotel room tax. Therefore, you will need to request a printed copy of the TAM card as you pass through immigration. Simply ask the immigration agent at the time he/she is processing your virtual TAM to print a hard copy of the TAM card. Please hand this hard copy of the TAM card to the Country Walkers representative meeting you in the arrivals hall after you claim your luggage in Cusco.
Upon arrival at Cusco airport, claim your luggage and look in the arrivals hall for your Country Walkers representative holding a sign. Your representative will make arrangements for the transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Once you arrive in Cusco (10,900 feet / 3,322 meters), it is advisable to rest and avoid strenuous activity as your body acclimates to the altitude. Also, be aware of dehydration and drink plenty of water to help avoid altitude sickness. A couple of hours’ rest at this time will go a long way toward feeling more comfortable later.
Cusco and its many dining options are at your doorstep tonight.
Accommodation: Casa Andina PC Cusco
Transfer to Andean Highlands. Follow Ancient Farming Paths to Cuyuni Village; 4 miles, easy. Transfer to Pisac and Sacred Valley
Your guide(s) meet you at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of the designated meeting point hotel in Cusco. Your guide(s) will be wearing a Country Walkers shirt. Please be dressed for walking.
Depart Cusco and shuttle to the start of your morning walk, which will give you the opportunity to experience local life as it unfolds in the peaceful Andean Highlands. Begin your walk along the 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 view the diverse fruits and vegetables including some of the 4,000 varieties of potatoes grown in Peru. You’ll also have a chance to interact with the vendors as they barter their wares. If you didn’t pack a smaller 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.
Please note: Due to the logistics of getting to Machu Picchu, there are restrictions on luggage. Please be sure to pack a lightweight, expandable bag that can be packed within your luggage. You will need to transfer only what you need for these two overnights from your large suitcase. Your large luggage will remain in secure storage during your stay in Machu Picchu. In addition to this duffel, you are able to carry your daypack with you.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Shuttle to village of Chinchero. Chinchero to the village of Urquillo; 5.5 miles, easy to moderate. Afternoon return shuttle to hotel. Loop walk from hotel on the Ahalla Huasi (house of the viewer) Trail; 1.5 miles, moderate.
This morning, shuttle (40 minutes) to the typical Andean village of Chinchero where you will find Inca ruins and a colonial church. Your morning walk begins in this lovely village and passes through picturesque landscapes as you descend to the village of Urquillo – once a significant village during the Inca era due to its location on the Inca Trail to Cusco. Today the town is characterized by its haciendas dating from the Spanish colonial period. Enjoy a box lunch during your walk today. At the end of your walk, enjoy 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 and learn about the brewing process of this unique beverage.
Upon returning to the hotel, enjoy some relaxation at your resort. Later in the afternoon, join the guides on an optional two-hour trek from the hotel on the Challa Huasi (House of the Viewer) trail.
This evening, venture out of the hotel on a short shuttle to a nearby restaurant for tonight’s included dinner.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shuttle to Urubamba and Qotowincho Market. 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 Qotowincho 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 or join your guides for an optional walk around Yucay 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. Transfer to hotel
Shuttle early this morning to Ollantaytambo to catch the narrow-gauge Vistadome train. Your train ride is down 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 walks. The walk offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and cloud forests, 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 van will not be available on the Inca Trail. You will be required to walk the entire eight miles. A picnic break is well deserved.
All your effort is rewarded when you arrive at Intipunku, the Sun Gate (8,954 feet) and the most spectacular approach to Machu Picchu from above. This was the original entrance to the “Lost City.” Give yourself some time to take it all in, perch 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 enjoy lunch at your leisure today.
This evening, regroup and enjoy dinner at your lovely resort’s restaurant.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shuttle to Machu Picchu. Guided walking tour of Machu Picchu; 3 miles, easy. Transfer to hotel
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. Options include birding on the hotel grounds, visiting the spa and pool, or exploring the city of Aguas Calientes. 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. Visit 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
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Various morning walking options from the hotel; 2-4 miles, easy. Vistadome train and shuttle to Cusco. Cusco Walking Tour; 1.6 miles, easy
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast. Several walking trails 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 this afternoon, put on your walking shoes and discover this ancient Incan capital on a walking tour. Evidence of both the original Inca 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 artists and artisans.
Cusco and its many dining options are at your doorstep tonight.
Accommodation: Casa Andina PC Cusco.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Shuttle to Tambomachay. Tambomachay to Sacsayhuaman; 4 miles, easy. Transfer to Cusco
After breakfast, transfer six miles (25 minutes) north of Cusco to begin your day. Trace your way on foot back in the direction of the city, visiting the most important Incan monuments. This is a spectacular area for walks, with Andean mountain views, colorful villages and impressive remains of the Inca 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 historic religious ceremonies held here.
Next, visit Sacsayhuaman. Though only a fraction of its original size and scope, this fortress will astound and baffle 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 to soak in some last bits of Andean culture in the colorful plazas of Cusco. Tonight, head out on the town for a festive farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Casa Andina PC Cusco
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart for home or begin your optional Peruvian Amazon Extension
There is a mid-morning transfer 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 flights departing in the late evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Andean Highlands. Follow Ancient Farming Paths to Cuyuni Village; 4 miles, easy. Transfer to Pisac and Sacred Valley
Your guide(s) meet you at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of the designated meeting point hotel in Cusco. Your guide(s) will be wearing a Country Walkers shirt. Please be dressed for walking.
Depart Cusco and shuttle to the start of your morning walk, which will give you the opportunity to experience local life as it unfolds in the peaceful Andean Highlands. Begin your walk along the 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 view the diverse fruits and vegetables including some of the 4,000 varieties of potatoes grown in Peru. You’ll also have a chance to interact with the vendors as they barter their wares. If you didn’t pack a smaller 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.
Please note: Due to the logistics of getting to Machu Picchu, there are restrictions on luggage. Please be sure to pack a lightweight, expandable bag that can be packed within your luggage. You will need to transfer only what you need for these two overnights from your large suitcase. Your large luggage will remain in secure storage during your stay in Machu Picchu. In addition to this duffel, you are able to carry your daypack with you.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Shuttle to village of Chinchero. Chinchero to the village of Urquillo; 5.5 miles, easy to moderate. Afternoon return shuttle to hotel. Loop walk from hotel on the Ahalla Huasi (house of the viewer) Trail; 1.5 miles, moderate.
This morning, shuttle (40 minutes) to the typical Andean village of Chinchero where you will find Inca ruins and a colonial church. Your morning walk begins in this lovely village and passes through picturesque landscapes as you descend to the village of Urquillo – once a significant village during the Inca era due to its location on the Inca Trail to Cusco. Today the town is characterized by its haciendas dating from the Spanish colonial period. Enjoy a box lunch during your walk today. At the end of your walk, enjoy 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 and learn about the brewing process of this unique beverage.
Upon returning to the hotel, enjoy some relaxation at your resort. Later in the afternoon, join the guides on an optional two-hour trek from the hotel on the Challa Huasi (House of the Viewer) trail.
This evening, venture out of the hotel on a short shuttle to a nearby restaurant for tonight’s included dinner.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shuttle to Urubamba and Qotowincho Market. 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 Qotowincho 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 or join your guides for an optional walk around Yucay 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. Transfer to hotel
Shuttle early this morning to Ollantaytambo to catch the narrow-gauge Vistadome train. Your train ride is down 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 walks. The walk offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and cloud forests, 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 van will not be available on the Inca Trail. You will be required to walk the entire eight miles. A picnic break is well deserved.
All your effort is rewarded when you arrive at Intipunku, the Sun Gate (8,954 feet) and the most spectacular approach to Machu Picchu from above. This was the original entrance to the “Lost City.” Give yourself some time to take it all in, perch 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 enjoy lunch at your leisure today.
This evening, regroup and enjoy dinner at your lovely resort’s restaurant.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shuttle to Machu Picchu. Guided walking tour of Machu Picchu; 3 miles, easy. Transfer to hotel
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. Options include birding on the hotel grounds, visiting the spa and pool, or exploring the city of Aguas Calientes. 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. Visit 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
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Various morning walking options from the hotel; 2-4 miles, easy. Vistadome train and shuttle to Cusco. Cusco Walking Tour; 1.6 miles, easy
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast. Several walking trails 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 this afternoon, put on your walking shoes and discover this ancient Incan capital on a walking tour. Evidence of both the original Inca 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 artists and artisans.
Cusco and its many dining options are at your doorstep tonight.
Accommodation: Casa Andina PC Cusco.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Shuttle to Tambomachay. Tambomachay to Sacsayhuaman; 4 miles, easy. Transfer to Cusco
After breakfast, transfer six miles (25 minutes) north of Cusco to begin your day. Trace your way on foot back in the direction of the city, visiting the most important Incan monuments. This is a spectacular area for walks, with Andean mountain views, colorful villages and impressive remains of the Inca 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 historic religious ceremonies held here.
Next, visit Sacsayhuaman. Though only a fraction of its original size and scope, this fortress will astound and baffle 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 to soak in some last bits of Andean culture in the colorful plazas of Cusco. Tonight, head out on the town for a festive farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Casa Andina PC Cusco
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your tour finishes in the hotel (Casa Andina PC Cusco) after breakfast this morning. The hotel will help you book a taxi at your own expense to the Cusco airport.
Accommodations
Casa Andina PC Cusco
A beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just three blocks from Cuscos Plaza de Armas, Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco is replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. The hotel is distinguished by its three interior patios with wooden balconies. The principal patio, featuring a gurgling stone fountain, is one of Cuscos emblematic colonial courtyards. In the hotels cozy lounge and reading room is a massive stone fireplace thats always crackling, while the romantic restaurant invites guests to dine by candlelight in one of four connected salons richly decorated with 18th-century Cusco School paintings. Several rooms in the original structure of the hotel feature surviving colonial frescoes unearthed during renovation.
Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima
The Wyndham Costa del Sol Limaat 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, individual climate control, minibar, in-room safe, and hairdryer.
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 regions blend of Spanish and Andean influences in its colonial furnishings, Inca mask accents, and handcrafted woodwork. Harvest produce from the haciendas 10-acre organic plantation, where crops are cultivated as they have been for centuries. Gaze in awe at stunning views from nearly every window. And relax on the terrace or in the privacy of your comfortable room.
Linger Longer with a Tour Extension
Pre-Tour Extension - Lima
- 2 nights at Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores Hotel
- Guided visits in Lima including the Larco Museum
- Daily breakfast and 1 lunch
- City Information
- Airport transfers
2 Nights From $548
per person, double occupancy
Overnight flight from USA to Lima, Peru. Please refer to your air itinerary for your specific flight details.
After exiting customs, enter the arrivals hall and look for a representative holding a Country Walkers sign. Please note that there may be up to a 45-minute wait if there are other guests arriving within the same time frame. A complimentary small-group transfer will be provided to your Lima hotel, approximately 30-90 minutes away. The remainder of the day is at your leisure (breakfast is included see below).
Please note: Regular check-in time at the Casa Andina PC Miraflores is 2:00 p.m. Because most flights have early-morning arrivals, we have secured a check-in time for all guests at 10:00 a.m. Breakfast is included prior to your early check-in.
Dinner is on your own while in Lima and there are many fine restaurants to choose from during your stay. Hour hotel concierge can assist with recommendations and reservations.
Accommodation: Casa Andina PC 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 largest private collection of pre-Columbian art. You may want to try the local ceviche during an included lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Accommodation: Casa Andina PC Miraflores
This morning, after an early breakfast, a complimentary transfer from your Lima hotel to the Jorge Chaves International Airport for your flight to Cusco is provided.. A representative will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and assist with your transfer.
Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, gather your luggage and exit baggage claim to look for a representative holding a Country Walkers sign. Enjoy a complimentary shuttle transfer to your Casa Andina PC Cusco, 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 remainder of the day is at your leisure. Meals are on your own.
Once you arrive in Cusco (10,900 feet / 3,322 meters), it is advisable to rest and avoid strenuous activity as your body acclimates to the altitude. Also, be aware of dehydration and drink plenty of water to help avoid altitude sickness. A couple of hours’ rest at this time will go a long way toward feeling more comfortable later.
Cusco and its many dining options are at your doorstep tonight.
Accommodation: Casa Andina PC Cusco
Post-Tour Extension - Peruvian Amazon Post-Trip Extension
- 2 nights at Reserva Amazonica Lodge
- Flights between Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, and Lima
- Daily guided exploration including the Twilight River Boat Ride & Rainforest by Night Walk Entrance to Lake Sandoval (INRENA), Canopy Walkway, and Butterfly House
- 6 meals—2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- City Information
- Airport transfers
2 Nights From $748
per person, double occupancy
Breakfast is from 5:00 – 10:00 a.m. Today, you can enjoy an excursion to Lake Sandoval. After a 30-minute boat ride to the Tambopata National Reserve, wildlife surrounds you during a one-hour walk along two miles of trails to reach the lake. Then glide in a wooden canoe across a beautiful oxbow lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter, as well as red howler monkeys, macaws, prehistoric hoatzins, anacondas, point-tailed palm creepers and side-neck turtles. Spend two hours on the lake enjoying all that it has to offer.
After lunch, discover the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. A five-minute boat ride takes you to the Inkaterra Canopy Interpretation Center. After ascending the first tower, at 95 feet above the forest floor, you will literally walk through the treetops for one hour along suspension bridges that link eight observation platforms. Enjoy landscapes and vistas that would be unimaginable from below, while on the lookout for giant strangler fig trees, orchids, toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, and—with luck—monkeys and sloths. After your descent from the canopy, experience a 30-minute walk through the jungle. In this lush ecosystem, you may observe various species of amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and flora. At the end of your walk, return to the lodge.
Dinner is in the main dining room tonight. Then fall sleep to the song of the Amazon.
Accommodation: Reserva Amazonica Lodge
After breakfast, spend the morning relaxing. You may purchase a snack or lunch at the Lodge, but the Lodge will need to know by 10:00 a.m. You may also wait and purchase a sandwich at the Butterfly House upon your return to Puerto Maldonado.
In the early afternoon, transfer by boat and van to the Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight home via Lima. Upon arrival, check in to comfortable rooms for day use. Tonight, dinner is at your leisure before returning to the airport for flights departing in the late evening.
Accommodation Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima
Flights arrive home this morning, allowing for connections.
What's Included | Flight + Tour Combo | Tour Only |
|---|---|---|
| Exceptional boutique accommodations |  |
|
| 16 on-tour meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 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 One Call International | |
|
| Roundtrip airfare | |
|
| One extra night in Cusco and dayroom at airport hotel in Lima | |
|
| Airport car service for arrival & departure | |
|
| Pre- and post-tour breakfasts | |
|
| 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!”