Itinerary

Day 1       Lima

When you arrive to Lima, the former capital of the Spanish empire in the Americas, you will be met by an English speaking representative holding a sign with your name on it.  You will then be transferred to your first class hotel ideally located in the Miraflores district, Lima’s main commercial and cultural district, and the best area of town for strolling around. (If you are interested and time permits, private tours of Lima or visits to any of Lima's museums can be arranged upon request.)
Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores

Day 2   Fly to Cusco / Sacred Valley of the Incas / Pisac & Ollantaytambo

Fly over the Andes to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire.  When you land in Cusco you will be met at the airport by a local representative who will transport you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a long fertile river valley surrounded by snow capped peaks that lies between Cusco and Machu Picchu.  You'll have the chance to visit remarkable Incan sites and small towns at Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and stop for a lunch at a great small restaurant founded by a renowned local chef.  Your private guide will be there to help you make the most of the entire experience.
Hotel Sol y Luna (B,L)

Day 3      Sacred Valley (Chincheros / Maras / Moray)

Today you have a full day of exploring more of the Sacred Valley, seeing less visited sites that will deepen your understanding of the local culture.  First you'll visit the small town of Chincheros up above the Valley floor.  After a first class picnic lunch lunch, you will make a visit to the unique Incan site of Moray, and the nearby town and ancient salt pans of Maras.  
Hotel Sol y Luna (B,L)

Day 4     Machu Picchu

Today you travel to Machu Picchu. In the morning you will be picked up at your hotel for transfer to the train station, where you catch the train to Machu Picchu.  You will visit this remarkable site with a private guide, enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, and then have the chance to explore the ruins on your own before returning to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.  (Your hotel in Aguas Calientes is one of the most highly regarded in South America; dinner is included at the hotel.)
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5      Machu Picchu

Today you make an unguided return visit to Machu Picchu in the early morning to observe the ruins. This is a great way to experience the site when there are far fewer people around.  You'll also have the chance to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the mountain that towers above Machu Picchu, or hike back along the Inca Trail to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate).  There is a lot to see in and around Machu Picchu.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (B,D)

Day 6        Return to Cusco

In the late morning you will take the train back to Cusco and be dropped off at your hotel, located in the historic San Blas district.  You will arrive back in Cusco by mid to late afternoon and have time to explore a bit on your own and eat out at one of the city's excellent restaurants.  Cusco is another of the highlights of a trip to Peru, a fascinating city built on the foundations of the former Incan capital.  You can observe massive Incan walls along many of the streets of the city.  The city also has a vibrant atmosphere and many excellent restaurants.
Hotel Second Home (a small boutique-style hotel in a restored colonial building)(B) (upgrade to the 5 star Monasterio Hotel is available)

Day 7       Cusco/Sacsahuaman

Today you'll have a privately guided exploration of Cusco, visiting the historical highlights.  Your excursion includes a visit to Sacsahuaman, the massive Incan fortress on the hills above the city, where you enjoy views out over Cusco and the entire surrounding area.  You have the afternoon free to explore some more of the city on your own.    
Second Home Cusco (B)

Day 8       Fly Home

In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival to Lima you will have assistance at the airport in making your connecting flight home.   If you have extra time before your international flight, we often arrange a driver for our travelers so they can go out to eat and see some of Lima before their flight.
(B)

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