Itinerary

Day 1 of WALKING TOUR All guests meet in Cusco/Walk Cusco

VBT No-Air Package guests: Meet your VBT Trip Leader at the first inn at 12 noon. The contact information for the first inn will be confirmed with your final documents. Please contact your first inn to advise them of any travel delays or changes so the staff can pass the message on to your VBT Trip Leaders.

VBT Air Package guests: You will arrive in Peru via Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport early this morning. You will need to clear Peruvian immigrations and customs before you transfer to your connecting flight to Cusco.

VBT Pre-Trip Extension guests: This morning, transfer from your hotel to Lima's Jorge Chaves International Airport for your flight to Cusco. Please be waiting in the hotel reception area 15 minutes prior to your transfer time; you received this time from your VBT representative on your first day in Lima. Once you have arrived at the airport in Lima please check in and proceed to the departure lounge.

Upon arrival at Cusco airport, claim your luggage and look in the arrivals hall for your VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign. (Please note: Make certain that your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so your VBT representative can identify you.) Your representative will make arrangements for the transfer to your hotel in Cusco, approximately a 20-minute drive.

Once you arrive in Cusco (10,912-foot elevation), it will prove very helpful to rest and avoid strenuous activity as your body acclimates to the altitude. Also, beware of dehydration and drink plenty of water to help avoid altitude sickness. A couple of hours' rest now will go a long way in making you more comfortable later. See your Handbook for other tips on dealing with high altitude.

In the mid afternoon, join your fellow travelers and VBT Trip Leaders for a brief orientation followed by a walking tour of Cusco. Evidence of both the original Inca city and the Spanish colonial city established in 1533 will be pointed out as we explore Korikancha (the Temple of the Sun), Cusco Cathedral and the San Blas district. In Incan times, San Blas was a settlement for ancient craftsmen who saw “yachay” – Quechua for “teach and learn” – as their special calling. Today, the area is famous for the unusual Baroque-style pulpit in the San Blas Church and for its artists and artisans.

In the evening, get to know your fellow travelers and Trip Leaders at a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 2 of WALKING TOUR Tambomachay/Puka Pukara/Sacsayhuaman

After breakfast, we transfer north of Cusco (25 minutes) to begin our day, taking our time as we trace our way back in the direction of the city, visiting the most important Incan monuments. This is a spectacular area for our walks, with Andean mountain views, colorful villages and impressive remains of the Inca Empire. Walking on a mostly gentle downhill slope, today provides further opportunity to acclimate to the altitude.

We first visit Tambomachay (the highest elevation of the day at 12,500 feet), which may have fulfilled an important religious function linked to water and the regeneration of the land.

We'll stop to explore the complexes of Puka Pukara, Qenqo and Laqo. Our Trip Leaders help paint a picture of priests standing atop Qenqo, pouring llama blood into the carved zig-zag channels.

We find a comfortable meadow overlook to enjoy a picnic lunch. We learn about the survival of some pre-Hispanic rituals and their impact on Andean life, too.

After lunch, saving the most impressive for last, we visit Sacsayhuaman. Though only a fraction of its original size and scope, the stonework of this fortress will astound and baffle. We take a moment to look back over the orange tile rooftops of Cusco before our short transfer into the city.

Cusco and it's many dining options are at your doorstep tonight.

Day 3 of WALKING TOUR Cuyuni Community

We start the day with a visit to a local Peruvian market where we have a chance to view the diverse fruits and vegetables, including some of the more than 4000 different types of potatoes grown in Peru, as well as interact with the vendors as they barter their wares. We then shuttle to the start of our morning walk where we will have the opportunity to explore how local life unfolds in the peaceful Andean Highlands. We begin our walk along the ancient farming paths in this primarily agricultural community. We will make various stops along our walk today to learn about the local agriculture, religious ceremonies and textile production in this region.

Dinner tonight is on your own.

Day 4 of WALKING TOUR Pisac Ruins/Moray Terraces/Maras

After breakfast, we visit the mountaintop site of Pisac. Despite the excellent condition of many of the structures, little is conclusively known about the site's actual purpose. It appears to have been part city, part ceremonial center and part military complex.

We then transfer to explore the ancient terraces at Moray. Started before the Inca, these enormous concentric circle terraces are thought to be part of an experimental agricultural complex that was improved and enlarged upon by the Inca. We stop and picnic here, before shuttling to the outskirts of Maras village.

We walk scenic footpaths downhill to Maras village and the Maras salt mines. The terraced Inca salt pans of Salineras are still mined for salt using methods unchanged over centuries. These mines are fed by underground saltwater springs. From here, we continue to walk downhill to the Urubamba River, where we meet our shuttle. On our way to our hotel in Yanahuara (9,373 feet), we stop at a typical Andean chicheria for an opportunity to sample some of the region's more unusual (but commonly consumed) food and drink, including chicha (corn beer).

We have a chance to relax in our comfortable accommodations, built around a former monastery, before we celebrate our visit to the Sacred Valley over a special dinner.

Day 5 of WALKING TOUR Ollantaytambo

On our last day in the Sacred Valley, we start with a visit to the studio of a famous Peruvian potter, Pablo Seminario, where we enjoy a guided tour and have the opportunity to purchase some of his work.

We then visit Ollantaytambo. Called just “Ollanta” for short, it is best known for its fortress perched above the village, the site of one of the few Incan victories over the Spanish. The village is one of few in Peru that still maintain the Inca system of urban planning. You'll feel as though you've stepped back in time as you wander the cobblestoned streets. Homes and streets here have not changed dramatically since Incan times. Enjoy free time for lunch in this interesting town.

Gather together again this evening for dinner.

Day 6 of WALKING TOUR The Inca Tail/Machu Picchu

We shuttle early this morning to catch the narrow-gauge Vistadome train. Our train ride is down the narrowing valley offering breathtaking views of the river and surrounding peaks.

Hikers disembark at the “Km 104” marker (7,183 feet) to start one of the world's iconic walks. This is the final stage of the famed Inca Trail. The walk offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, cloud forests and an unforgettable entry into the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Expect to be on the legendary trail for five hours with a mostly continuous ascent. An elevation gain and loss of about 2,000 feet and some steep stair climbing will keep you on your toes. (Note that a minibus support van will not be available on the Inca Trail. You will be required to hike the entire 8 miles.) A picnic break is well deserved.

All your effort is rewarded when you arrive at Intipunku, the Sun Gate (8,954 feet), the most spectacular approach to Machu Picchu from above. This was the original entrance to the “Lost City.” Take some time to take it all in! Then, continue down to our hotel located below Machu Picchu. You'll have all of tomorrow to discover the wonder of Machu Picchu, both with your Trip Leaders and independently.

For those looking for a less strenuous option – and for those unable to obtain a permit for the Inca Trail – you'll stay on the train past Km 104, arriving in Aguas Calientes in the late morning. Check into the inn and grab lunch. You may wish to take advantage of the spa services, or walk the incredible orchid gardens at the inn. You may also take the bus up to the main entrance of Machu Picchu and hike in to meet the rest of the group, or just walk the site at your own pace.

Tonight, we enjoy dinner at our acclaimed inn.

Day 7 of WALKING TOUR Machu Picchu

Today is a day to explore at your own pace. Early morning options include birding on the hotel grounds and taking the shuttle up to explore Machu Picchu as the sun rises – and before the day trippers arrive from Cusco. Shuttle buses operate on a regular schedule from our hotel to the ruins and back. Trip Leaders will be leading a number of guided walks around Machu Picchu and in the surrounding area, including a round trip walk to Inca Bridge (1.8 miles) and to Mandor Waterfalls (4.3 miles). A scurry up nearby Huayna Picchu (9,000 feet) provides another option for a spectacular viewpoint.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure at the café near the entry gate, in one of the restaurants in Aguas Calientes or at your hotel.

Return to the hotel when you choose. You may wish to continue your exploration until dusk, or return to the hotel by shuttle bus or on foot (2,000-foot descent). Enjoy recounting the day over an included dinner tonight.

Day 8 of WALKING TOUR Cusco

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast this morning. If you are up early, there are several walking trails that begin right at the hotel, or you may wish to visit the tea plantation located within the hotel grounds.

Leaving from our hotel, we return through the Sacred Valley to Cusco by Vistadome train.

There is time to soak in some last Andean culture in the colorful plazas of Cusco. Tonight, we're out on the town for a festive dinner.

Day 9 of VBT Land Package VBT Tour ends/Peruvian Amazon Extension begins

VBT No-Air Package guests: Our tour finishes at the hotel after breakfast this morning. The hotel will help you book a taxi at your own expense to the Cusco airport.

VBT Air Package: There will be a mid-morning transfer to the airport in Cusco for the flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to Miraflores and comfortable rooms for day use. There is an opportunity for last-minute shopping, a visit to the beach, a massage or a nap. Tonight, check-out of the hotel and transfer to a memorable farewell dinner in Lima. Continue on to the airport and check in for flights departing in the late evening.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

VBT Post-Trip Extension guests: If you have chosen the optional Post-Trip Extension, you will catch a mid-morning flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. A VBT representative meets you when you land. Register at the Butterfly House and transfer to the boarding wharf. After 45 minutes by boat, arrive at Reserva Amazonica. Lunch is included today. Enjoy the extensive trail system with an interpretive guide. An included “River by Night” excursion is available, or you might catch a nature presentation in the Eco Center. Dinner is in the lodge dinning room tonight.

Day 10 of AIR PACKAGE Air Package Guests Arrive Home

Flights arrive in the United States this morning, allowing for connections.

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