Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco
Today we arrive in the historic city of Cusco, at 3,326 m above sea level. According to Inca legend, the city was built by Sapa Inca Pachacuti, the man who transformed the Kingdom of Cusco from a sleepy city-state into the vast empire of Tahuantinsuyu. Archaeological evidence however, points to a slower, more organic growth of the city beginning before Pachacuti. The original Inca city, said to have been founded in the eleventh century, was sacked by Pizarro in 1535. There are original Incan architecture remains at the palace of the Incas, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun. After settling into our five-star hotel, a converted 16th-century monastery with period art on the walls and oxygenated rooms, we will have a chance to explore the city by foot before dinner.

Day 2: The Sacred Valley
After a leisurely breakfast, we head out of Cusco to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas which winds through the Andes. Fed by numerous rivers that descend through adjoining valleys and gorges, the valley contains significant archaeological remains and villages. One of the Inca empire's main points for the extraction of natural wealth, it was also the best place for maize production in Peru. Here we have a chance to visit the historic sites of Pisac, with it's agricultural terraces, citadel and still-running water, the fortress of Ollantaytambo and a number of other sights along the way. Overnight in Ollantaytambo.

Day 3: Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
In the morning we depart from Ollantaytambo by train, bound for Machu Picchu. The Vistadome Train with its ample glass, provides great views on the 1.5 hour journey alongside the Inca Trail. Upon arrival, we check into the luxurious Inkaterra Hotel, set in a secluded forest, at the periphery of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). In the afternoon we visit town and have an opportunity for a bird, nature or orchid walk through the surrounding forest.

Day 4: Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu (Quechua: "Old Peak") is a pre-Columbian Inca site located at 2,430 m above sea level on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, about 70 km northwest of Cusco. Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu is the most familiar symbol of the Inca Empire. It was built around the year 1450 and abandoned one-hundred years later, at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Forgotten for centuries by all except for a few locals, the site was brought to worldwide attention in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American historian. Since then Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction: declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

After an early breakfast, we ascend the mountain to one of the new wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. We catch the early light on the ruins, before the trains arrive for the day. This is a chance to experience the ruins with the fewest people possible. After a guided tour of the site, we have an optional hike up to the summit of Huyana Picchu for a breathtaking aerial view and a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we'll enjoy the local hot springs. An optional twilight walk through the forest leaves us ready for dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Machu Picchu
This morning we can chose from excursions through the forest, a visit to town, indulge in our on-site spa services or a second trip to the Machu Picchu site. This is a chance to climb Huyana Picchu if you missed it yesterday, or to hike to the Inca Bridge, the Sun Gate, or simply enjoy the energy of the site. An afternoon train takes us back to Cusco where we enjoy a leisurely farewell dinner on the main plaza.

Day 6: Cusco to Lima
After breakfast at the hotel, we will have the chance to explore the city of Cusco further before an afternoon transfer to Lima. We catch our flights home from Jorge Chavez International Airport.

More information from Adventure Canada:

• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips