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- Duration
- 8 Days
- Activity Level
- Active
- Group Size
- 40
Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley
Travel to the mist-shrouded mountain citadel of the Incas. So remote and inaccessible that it was left untouched by the Spanish conquistadors, Machu Picchu was unknown to the outside world until Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. During your time in the Peruvian highlands, you will have a chance to explore the famous city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Ride the train through the Urubamba Valley, marvel at the massive stone stairs at Ollantaytambo and break bread in the home of a local Peruvian family outside of Cusco.
Itinerary
Day 7: Depart Main Program | Flight to Lima, Peru
Monday, March 3, 2025
Depending on flight schedules guests may take a group flight to Lima this evening.
Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Lima Hotel
Day 8: Lima | Flight to Cusco | Sacred Valley
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
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 at leisure to refresh before tomorrow's exciting expedition to the heights of Peru.
Overnight: Sonesta Posadas del Inca – Yucay (B,L)
Day 9: Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
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. 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
Thursday, March 6, 2025
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, then begin the return to Cusco.
Overnight: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel (B)
Day 11: Cusco | Sacsayhuaman | Kenko | Villa Tipon | Cusco
Friday, March 7, 2025
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 archaelogical sites.
Enjoy lunch at a private home and hear an informative discussion about modern Peru followed by a traditional Pachamama ceremony.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Overnight: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel (B,L)
Day 12: Cusco
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Today's 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.
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,D)
Day 13: Cusco | Flight to Lima | Depart for U.S.
Sunday, March 9, 2025
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)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Post-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.
Activity Level: 4
Active
Tour days tend to be long and include many full-day excursions via various modes of transportation, flow at a brisk pace and may include extended travel days with morning and/or evening activities. Excursions may require standing and walking to city centers where coaches are prohibited, along with extended periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces including cobblestones and paths and/or trails that may be gravel, sand, dirt or other unpaved surface. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct variations in altitude and/or temperature. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.
• Altitudes vary—up to a maximum of 11,200 feet in Cusco.
Accommodations
Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
March 3
Travelers appreciate this property for its convenient location directly across from the Lima airport. The hotel offers modern amenities and conveniences, including a restaurant, spa (additional fees apply) and fitness facilities.
Room Amenities: Individual climate control, cable/satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, alarm clock/radio, safe, coffee and tea maker, minibar, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca – Yucay
March 4
Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial-style monastery surrounded by beautiful gardens. Rooms offer the comfort of modern amenities and the charm of rustic decorative features.
Room Amenities: Individual climate control, TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, safe, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
March 5
Only a short walk away from Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) and the train station, but worlds apart from its hustle and bustle, the Inkaterra is nestled on 12 quiet acres of forest with nature trails, waterfalls and the world’s largest private collection of indigenous orchids. Relax in this lovely hotel's atmosphere of refinement and warm hospitality while exploring nature and encountering the wonders of the Inca civilization.
Room Amenities: Individual climate control, complimentary Wi-Fi, and en suite bathroom with environmentally friendly sundries and hair dryer.
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
March 6 - March 8
This luxurious property is situated near Cusco's main square, only minutes away from colonial buildings, restaurants and shops. Built in a 16th-century mansion, its décor, sculptures and carvings accentuate the colonial period. Each room is well-appointed and elegantly decorated with traditional furniture and frescoes.
Room Amenities: System supplying an additional 30% oxygen—to assist in preventing ill effects from altitude sickness (request at check-in to have this feature turned on), individual climate control, LCD TV, iPod docking station, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, safe, minibar, and en suite bathroom with organic sundries and hair dryer.
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.
Post-Tour Rate***
Double: $5,190
Deluxe Double: $5,890
Single: $7,190
Deluxe Single: $7,990
—rate includes $1,195/person internal airfare—
Post-tour rates are per person based on double occupancy, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Internal airfare to/from Cusco is included. Airfare otherwise not included.
What's Included
- 6 nights premium accommodations and a group room on departure day
- 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 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