Machu Picchu by Train with Luxury Hotels

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Arrive to Lima on the flight of your choice today.  After picking up your luggage and clearing customs, walk across the street to the comfortable and conveniently located, Ramada Costa del Sol Hotel.  Settle into your room and rest up after your travels.  Tonight's hotel is selected for its location as most international flights arrive to Lima late at night.  If you have a flight arriving earlier in the day, we would be happy to arrange a luxury hotel for you in downtown Lima, at an additional cost.  

You have an exciting week ahead, filled with ancient ruins, local markets and the beautiful Andes Mountains!

Day 2 Fly Cusco (B)

Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua-speaking descendents of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos (Peru's rural farmers) in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. In the afternoon, you'll tour Cusco's largest open market and the adjacent witches' market. After tasting a few unique local foods, you will visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions. (If visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, you will visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form.  Overnight at the Hotel Monasterio in a Deluxe Room.

Day 3 Sacred Valley (B,L)

This morning, journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru.  The Sacred Valley often becomes one of the highlights of your trip and you will soon see why!  You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may also hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras, where pre-Columbian salt mines still operate today.  Visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops.  Eventually, you will make your way to the living Inca city of Urubamba where you can relax for the night at the Aranwa Hotel in a Junior Suite.

Day 4 Train to Machu Picchu (B)

This morning board the Vistadome train to continue our journey towards Machu Picchu (alternatively take the Hiram Bingham luxury train; contact us for details and pricing).  Follow the Urubamba River as it tumbles its way towards the Amazon and the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Ancient canals still bring water from the high mountains to the baths used by Inca priests. As visitors, you're welcomed to respectfully dip your hands in the cool water.  After your tour of the Machu Picchu, you'll return to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes) to the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel were you stay in a Junior Suite.

Day 5 Free Day at Machu Picchu (B)

Today is your chance to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu and to listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants before the hikers from the Inca Trail arrive. Later, you can climb the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu, hike to the Sun Gate which overlooks the ruins or take a walk through the lush cloudforest to the Temple of the Moon. In the late afternoon you'll return by train to Cusco with your guide.  Return to the Monasterio for the night. 

Day 6 Explore Cusco (B)

Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own.  You can visit the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of pickup trucks). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.  Live folk music and excellent food abounds in Cusco!

Day 7 Fly Lima and Return Home (B)

Or with more time, extend your trip with a visit to the Amazon or to Lake Titicaca.