Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley

Day 7: Depart Main Program | Flight to Lima, Peru
Depending on air schedules, guests may take a group flight to Lima this evening.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport

Day 8: Flight to Cusco, Peru | Sacred Valley
Fly over the Central Andes' peaks and plateaus to the ancient capital of Cusco, Peru.

After arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the Sacred Valley. From harrowing mountain peaks and rural villages to roaming llamas and alpacas, the Sacred Valley of Peru is legendary.

In the late afternoon, have a light lunch with fantastic photography opportunities of panoramic views over the Sacred Valley. This 70-mile narrow strip of land in the Peruvian Andes runs roughly from the old imperial capital of Cusco to the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Before arriving to the hotel, visit the Yucay Museum of Living Culture for a guided visit.

The evening is yours to refresh before tomorrow's exciting expedition to the heights of Peru.
Overnight: Sonesta Posadas del Inca – Yucay (B,L,D)

Day 9: Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu
After breakfast, make your way through the intimate cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo, a "living" Inca town. Here, Inca descendants inhabit the largely unchanged homes of their ancestors and continue to maintain ancient customs and traditions. The massive fortress, perched among steep stone terraces carved into the hillside, is where the Inca won their greatest victory against the conquistadores.

Journey to the rail station to board the& Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, a town along the Urubamba River Valley that is a gateway to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.

Disembark the train for a bus ride up the mountain. Lunch will be at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, followed by guided exploration of the ruins.

As it lies before you, learn about the archaeology and history of Intihuatana (the Sun Dial), the Sacred Plaza, and the Temple of the Sun, with plenty of time to wander, hike, and take pictures of the photogenic site.

Return to the village at the base of the mountain and then the hotel. Perhaps take a short stroll through the lush gardens at the hotel before dinner.
Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 10: Machu Picchu | Sacred Valley | Cusco
After an early breakfast, experience the wonder of a quiet morning at Machu Picchu, imagining the sanctuary as it was centuries ago. Today have a more in-depth look at this amazing place and its surroundings from the upper citadel.

Pause for lunch before returning to the Ollanta Station to begin the return to Cusco. 

This evening, share impressions of your day while dining with your travel companions at a restaurant built with foundation stones of a colonial mansion.
Overnight: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 11: Cusco | Sacsayhuaman | Kenko | Villa Tipon | Cusco
Immersive excursions in Cusco this morning include visits to the colorful San Pedro market and Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun). From here, continue to Sacsayhuaman and the Kenko archaeological sites. 

Relax with lunch at a private home and hear an informative discussion about modern Peru. Relish the opportunity to witness a traditional Pachamama ceremony. 

The rest of the afternoon is for you to enjoy at leisure.

This evening, dine at a local restaurant offering exquisite Peruvian cuisine and a festive atmosphere.
Overnight: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 12: Cusco
Today, discover the culture, food, history, and people of the magical city of Cusco. Morning activities may include a visit with a historian or a stop at one of Cusco's intriguing museums. Visit with artisans who make Andean musical instruments or hats.

Dine at a local restaurant for lunch and delight in leisure time during the afternoon.

Explore Cusco's streets still flanked in places by Inca walls built with gigantic carved granite blocks. View the unique masonry up close to truly appreciate the astonishing perfection and mass of this true Inca marvel.

This evening, celebrate the rich rewards of your journey during a special farewell dinner.
Overnight: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 13: Cusco | Flight to Lima | Depart for U.S.
After a leisurely morning and lunch in Cusco, transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Lima.

An Orbridge representative will meet guests in Lima to assist with connections to tonight's international flights. A group room will be provided for comfort between flights. International flights will begin departing Lima late into the evening.
Hospitality Suite: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport (B,L)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Post-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

Guests should be sure-footed on stairs of varying heights and able to walk at least two miles on rocky, uneven ground without assistance. Also, keep in mind you will experience varying altitudes to which you may not be accustomed. 

Maximum elevation: 11,200 feet in Cusco

Deluxe Accommodations Package (availability limited)
While all accommodations at the listed properties are exceptional, guests seeking more spacious rooms and additional amenities may choose to purchase the Deluxe Accommodations Package, which includes the following upgrades:

• Sonesta Posada del Inca: Upgrade to larger Superior Suite, featuring a living area with sofa and flat-screen TV.
• Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: Upgrade to larger Superior Deluxe Room, featuring a seating area with fireplace.
• Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel – Cusco: Upgrade to larger Superior Deluxe Room adjacent to the inner courtyard and features a bathroom with jacuzzi tub and heated floors.
 

• 5 nights premium accommodations and a group room on departure day
• 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners
• Fully guided tours and field presentations from local experts
• All ground excursion transportation, including the Vistadome train through the Urubamba Valley
• Luggage porterage
• Gratuities to guides, drivers, and wait staff for included meals
• Airport assistance for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times