Itinerary

Day 1      Lima

Arrive to Lima, former capital of the Spanish empire in the Americas.  You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel located in the Miraflores district, Lima's main cultural, commercial and entertainment area and the best area of the city for walking around.  (If you are interested and time allows, we can arrange a privately guided tour around Lima or visits to any of Lima's museums.)
Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores

Day 2      Cusco

You will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight over the Andes to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.  Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met for transfer to your hotel. You have the afternoon free to acclimatize to the altitude and explore a bit on your own.  Dinner on your own out at one of the city's excellent restaurants (we'll give you some recommendations).
Second Home Cusco (B) (upgrade to Monasterio Hotel is available)

Day 3      Cusco

Today you have a privately guided tour of this fascinating city, visiting the historical highlights and also making a visit to the massive fortress of Sacsahuaman that sits on the hill overlooking all of Cusco.  This fortress is where the Incans made their feircest stand against the Spanish conquistadors. You can walk down from Sacsahuaman to central Cusco by way of the San Blas neighborhood.
Second Home Cusco (B)

Day 4       Sacred Valley

Today you have a privately guided tour to visit some of the most impressive sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You'll get out and see the Sacred Valley on your own two feet, and have the chance to do some acclimatization walking (your private guide will be there to accommodate whatever level of additional hiking you want to do). In the late afternoon you'll be dropped off at your hotel in the heart of the Valley.
Hotel Sol y Luna (B,L)

Day 5     Mountain Biking in the Sacred Valley

Today you will continue your trip with one of the best one day mountain biking trips you could find anywhere.  Non-technical and almost all downhill, you start near the town of Chincheros and descend past the unique Incan site of Moray and the village of Maras, and finally past the ancient salt pans below Maras, to the valley floor.  A first class picnic lunch is included.  Not just for serious mountain-bikers, this is an accessible but still excellent mountain biking experience, visiting some off the beaten path locations.   Alternate activity:  you also have the option of a white water rafting trip on the Urubamba River (class III intermediate rapids), through the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Hotel Sol y Luna (B,L)

Day 6      Inca Trail Express (One Day Hike to Machu Picchu Along Inca Trail)

Today you will start your 2 day/1 night trip to Machu Picchu. In the morning you will catch the train towards Machu Picchu, but disembark at Kilometer 104, where you start your 4-5 hour hike to Machu Picchu along the last part of the Inca Trail.  You hike upward at a gentle grade for a couple hours, passing the large Incan site of Winay Wayna, and then hike along the last section of the classic Inca Trail for the last 2 hours to arrive at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 7     Machu Picchu

Today you make an unguided return visit to Machu Picchu in the early morning to observe the ruins and have the chance to explore on your own.   This is a great way to experience the site when there are far fewer people around. If you take the earliest shuttle up to the site, you can see the sun come up over the ruins. You'll also have the chance to hike up to the top of Huayna Picchu, the mountain that towers above Machu Picchu (about 2 hours roundtrip).  After visiting the ruins you will make your way down to the train station for your afternoon train back to Cusco, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.
Second Home Cusco (B)

Day 8     Return 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 in Lima on your last day prior to your international flight, we often arrange a driver for our travelers so you can go out to eat and see some of Lima prior to departure.
(B)

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