Peru: Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley 8 days from $5,810
Journey into the realm of the ancient Inca to discover the fortresses and temples—and the present-day culture—of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and encounter the extraordinary citadel of Machu Picchu.
HIGHLIGHTS
Embark on private guided tours of important Inca sites, from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. �
Explore the history of enchanting Cusco—and its lively street food scene—with a private guide. �
Experience the beautiful Sacred Valley by bike, or horseback, or on a variety of hikes. �
Stay in a 16th-century manor house in Cusco and a charming casita in the cloud forests below Machu Picchu. �
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1 & 2 – Lima and Cusco, Peru Arrive in Lima and enjoy an evening at leisure. If time permits, head out with a private guide the next morning to discover the city. Fly to Cusco and settle into a 16thcentury manor house. The rest of the day will be yours to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude (11,200 feet). Day 3 – Cusco Explore Cusco, the capital of the Inca, on a full-day tour with a private guide. Visit baroque cathedrals, and see remnants of Inca walls and temples, including the Koricancha. Wander through the fortress of Sacsayhuaman to admire its stunning stone masonry.
Then, delve into the street food scene, trying out Andean favorites from cuy to chicha with your guide. Days 4 & 5 – Sacred Valley Travel into the beautiful Sacred Valley with your private guide today. Venture into Pisac, known for its immense Sunday market but also home to impressive Inca ruins. View the agricultural terraces of Moray, and the pre-Inca salt pans at Maras. From your lodge, you’ll have a range of options for exploring the valley the next day, from hikes to mountain biking or horseback riding. We recommend joining a guide on a spectacular fullday hike from Chinchero to Urquillos. Alternatively, enjoy a morning walk followed by a shared visit to an Andean weaving workshop. Day 6 – Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Tour Ollantaytambo with your private guide, exploring Inca defenses and temples as well as the charming town. Then set off on a scenic train journey, following the Urubamba River into the mountains and spotting Inca sites along the way. Disembark in Aguas Calientes and spend the afternoon discovering the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu with your private guide. Settle into your casita in the cloud forest this evening. Days 7 & 8 – Machu Picchu and Cusco During a free morning, return to the citadel or join a lodge naturalist for a birding walk or a tour of the many orchid species growing wild on the property. Take the train back to Ollantaytambo and return by private car to Cusco for your final night. Fly home via Lima the next day.
WHERE TO STAY Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in one of Lima’s most stylish districts. Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection Stunning colonial manor house in Cusco, built on the foundations of an Inca ceremonial site. Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa Relais & Chateaux property in the heart of the Sacred Valley, with individual casitas. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Charming casitas tucked into a private cloud forest reserve at the foot of Machu Picchu.
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