Treasures of the Incas

Arrive in Cusco

Arrive in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Meet your trip leader at the airport and transfer to your hotel on the city's main square. Take a walking tour that introduces you to the history of the Inca civilization and its former capital with its ornate cathedrals, adobe walls, carved balconies, hidden courtyards, and cobblestone streets. In the evening, enjoy a group welcome toast with a lovely view of the city.

Visit Ancient Inca Ruins & Archeological Sites

Start your day with a tour of the Sachsayhuamán complex, a masterpiece of Inca architecture. Then, explore the Kenko temple, the military ruins at Puca Pucará, and the ceremonial bath of Tambo Machay. Afterwards, depart for the Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Learn how traditional Andean textiles are made, and explore the Pisac ruins to witness some of the finest Inca stonework in existence. Then, descend through a network of stairs, walkways, tunnels, and temples down to the town of Pisac and visit its colorful market.

Discover Maras, Moray and Misminay

Embark on a full-day exploration of the Urubama Valley, beginning in Moray with its impressive circular terraces built into the top of a limestone hill. Continue on to colonial village of Maras, where one of the finest salts in the world is extracted. Experience true Andean hospitality in the community of Misminay, where you'll be welcomed into a home for a traditional lunch. Then, join the locals in their daily activities: you might weave fabric using ancient techniques, help out with the crops, or even go for a donkey-back ride.

Hike Narrow Trails from Pumamarca to Ollantaytambo

Follow a dirt road high into the Andes, where you'll observe the native Quechua way of life in local villages. Hike an Incan path from a small archeological complex to the Choquicancha agricultural terraces, and enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley below.

Next, explore the incredibly well-preserved ruins at Ollantaytambo, one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the Inca Empire, and explore the town, which has been inhabited since the 13th century. On the way home, stop to see an artist use ancient techniques to make pottery.

Experience the Legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Ride a classic Vistadome train up the narrowing gorge of the Urubamba River. Then, begin your half-day hike along the Inca Trail to the lost citadel of Machu Picchu. After about 2 hours, the valley turns into a cloud-forest canyon. Continue uphill to Intipunku, the original entrance to Machu Picchu. Pause to absorb the awesome view, then follow the trail down into Aguas Calientes and relax at the hotel for the rest of your day. (Optionally, skip the hike, continue by train, and explore the Machu Picchu on your own in the afternoon.)

Explore Magical Machu Picchu

Enter the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu by morning light. Take a highly informative tour of the site's main structures and learn about their importance in the lives of the Incas. Take a challenging climb up Machu Picchu's Old Mountain (optional) and be rewarded by breathtaking views of the citadel and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy lunch, then return to the hotel to relax, join an excursion, or stroll the lush gardens, including the world's largest native orchid collection with 372 species.

Take a Scenic Train Ride to Cusco

Enjoy the morning at your leisure, either taking short local hikes or relaxing at the hotel. After lunch at the hotel's exquisite restaurant, Qunuq, catch the Vistadome train back down to Cusco and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, explore Cusco before a festive farewell dinner at a restaurant in Cusco.

Bid Farewell to Cusco & Fly Home

After breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning, depart on homeward-bound flights.