Hidden high in the Peruvian Andes, the ancient city of Machu Picchu reigns supreme as one of the world's coveted adventure travel destinations. Unknown to the outside world until 1911, Machu Picchu is an archeological and cultural gem and a premier World Heritage Site. Believed to have been built around 1440 as a summer retreat for the Incan royalty, the ruins are a spectacular testament to the amazing skills of a long lost Inca civilization.

On this small group adventure you will travel from Lima to Machu Picchu via Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and a beautiful train ride up the Sacred Valley of Urubamba. After an amazing and awe-inspiring day up in the mountains at Machu Picchu, your trip will finish with a visit to the beautiful Lake Titicaca and Umayo Lake.

Day 1:
LIMA

Arriving in Lima, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After you settle in, you will get together with our local guide to discuss the itinerary and to have any last minute questions answered. Should arrive in the morning or early afternoon, you can enjoy a guided tour of Lima, including the most important architectural icons of the city, such as the Main Square, Government Palace, City Hall, Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace. Additionally we will visit the San Francisco Convent, an architectonic jewel dating back to the 16th century. On our way to the modern area of the city, we will cross the exclusive district of San Isidro, the new financial heart of the city, to take a look at pre-Inca Huaca Huallamarca. Finally, we conclude our circuit in Miraflores, where we will visit the “Parque del Amor” (Love Park) an excellent spot to enjoy a great view of the Pacific Ocean. Overnight in Lima.


Day 2:
CUSCO

In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco. The rest of the morning is free to rest and get acclimatized to the altitude. In the afternoon we will take a tour of Cusco, visiting the Imperial City, the Santo Domingo Convent, the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture which dominates the city. Overnight in Cusco. (Includes breakfast).


Day 3:
SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

After breakfast, we will drive towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping along the way for fantastic views of the Urubamba valley, where the crops lay across the mountains like a colorful carpet. We will also visit the vibrant market of Pisac (open Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday only), where you will have free time to interact with the local craftsmen and, if you wish, purchase their hand-made souvenirs. Finally, we will visit Ollantaytambo, an attractive town of Inca origin with remarkable channels and stone streets. We will overnight in the Sacred Valley. (Includes breakfast and lunch).


Day 4:
MACHU PICCHU: THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS

Today you will visit one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring archeological finds in the world: Machu Picchu. In the morning we will board a train for an exciting trip up through the beautiful Sacred Valley of Urubamba. From Aguas Calientes, we will board a bus which will take us on a short drive up to Machu Picchu. Arriving at Machu Picchu will be an unforgettable experience. To get started, we will take a guided tour led by a professional tour guide who will explain the history of this mysterious and charming place. After the guided tour, you will have plenty of free time to explore the grounds on your own. A buffet lunch will be served at the nearby Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. In the afternoon, we will board the train that will take us back to Cusco. In the evening you can relax and/or enjoy Cusco’s nightlife. Overnight in Cusco. (Includes breakfast and lunch).


Day 5:
PUNO

Leaving Cusco, we will take a wonderfully scenic bus ride to Puno. Along the way we will visit Andahuaylillas and the Racchi ruins, also known as “The Temple of God Wiracocha.” After lunch, we will make stops at Pucara and then at La Raya, the highest point on the road between Cusco and Puno where there are excellent photo opportunities. The afternoon in Puno is free to spend as you wish. Overnight in Puno. (Includes breakfast and lunch).


Day 6:
LAKE TITICACA

Following a delicious breakfast, we will head out to the picturesque Lake Titicaca. Here we will visit the floating islands of the Uros, also called Lake Town. These islands are built using totora reed which are used as homes and trade centers for the natives. The reed is also used by the natives to make hand-made boats, their main means of transportation. Next, we will go to Taquile Island, where the local traditions are kept alive with ornate costumes and colorful typical dresses. Here the local people are very skilled artisans and it shows in every piece of work. Overnight in Puno. (Includes breakfast and lunch).


Day 7:
SILLUSTANI AND UMAYO LAKE

In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for the flight back to Lima. On the way we will visit Sillustani, an archaeological site that is famous for Chullpas – famous stone funerary towers with large circular bases that reach nearly 40 feet high and were used by the Collas and Incas. The ruins are located above Lake Umayo, providing spectacular views. Overnight in Lima. (Includes breakfast).


Day 8:
TRIP ENDS

Your adventure ends after breakfast. Transfer to the airport or, even better, continue with another one of our great adventures such as an adventure to the Galapagos Islands. (Breakfast is included)