Machu Picchu citadel emerging from morning clouds above the Urubamba valley

Machu Picchu & The Essence of the Andes

8 Days | 7 nights

Lima — The Sacred Valley — Machu Picchu — Cusco

Overview

Peru unveils an extraordinary tapestry of landscapes, cultural treasures, and natural wonders—each more captivating than the last. Renowned for its dramatic scenery, rich ancestral heritage, and world-acclaimed gastronomy, this remarkable destination offers an inspiring journey for the discerning traveler. Discover the very best of Peru below. From the ideal time to visit and the most exceptional destinations to curated experiences and must-see highlights, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to elevate your journey beyond expectations. This is more than travel—it is a deeply enriching experience that connects you with the land, its people, its wildlife, and ultimately, yourself. Throughout your journey, our expert South America specialists, dedicated local guides, and 24/7 Concierge service remain at your disposal, ensuring a seamless, personalized, and truly unforgettable experience.

Highlights

Explore Lima’s Larco Museum and soak up the bohemian atmosphere in the city’s Barranco neighborhood.
An exquisite culinary experience invites you to a charming hacienda on the outskirts of Cusco.
Begin with an exploration of Peru’s vibrant capital, Lima.
Begin your Machu Picchu experience with an exclusive briefing, setting the stage for an unforgettable visit.
Add an optional trek of the Inca Trail from KM 104 to Machu Picchu (for an additional fee).

Expedition Route

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Stop 1 · Days 1–2

Lima

Where Modern Flavors Meet Pacific Heritage

Stop 1 · Days 1–2

Lima

Where Modern Flavors Meet Pacific Heritage

HotelMiraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima

Itinerary

Lima:

Where Modern Flavors Meet Pacific Heritage

Arrive Lima, Peru

The capital of Peru and a world-renowned culinary capital, Lima. Welcomes travelers with a captivating fusion of ancient heritage and refined colonial elegance. Perched along the dramatic Pacific coastline, the city offers sweeping ocean views, a vibrant cultural scene, and one of the world’s most celebrated gastronomic capitals. By day, Lima enchants with its historic quarters, elegant plazas, and scenic coastal promenades; by night, it transforms into a sophisticated hub of award-winning restaurants, chic neighborhoods, and an atmosphere of effortless cosmopolitan charm.

Day 1|Optional Evening Activity - Larco Museum & Dinner

Larco Museum is one of those places in Lima that makes Peru’s past feel easy to understand—without needing a history degree. You walk into an 18th-century viceroyal mansion surrounded by gardens, and then follow galleries that move through thousands of years of ancient Peru in a clear, chronological flow. Along the way you’ll see everything from everyday objects to remarkable ceramics, and yes—the famous erotic gallery, which offers a thoughtful window into how pre-Hispanic cultures understood life, fertility, and the human body. A favorite detail: the museum also opens its “visible storage,” so you can literally see rows of catalogued pieces up close, like stepping behind the scenes

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Choose your dream stay from our handpicked hotels in Lima

Lima, Peru

Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima

The Sacred Valley:

The Heart of the Inca Empire

The Sacred Valley is where we shift from the Capital to the Andes—at a gentler altitude that helps you acclimatize comfortably before Cusco and Machu Picchu. Over these days, you’ll see why this region powered an empire: Inca terraces carved into mountainsides, the gleaming salt ponds of Maras, and living traditions in villages and artisan markets. Think of it as the perfect balance of culture and ease—scenic walks, meaningful local encounters, and farm-to-table flavors—all setting you up for the big moments still ahead.

Day 3|Sacred Valley and Hacienda Sarapampa

Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco remains the historic and cultural heart of the Andes and is widely regarded as one of Peru’s most enchanting cities. From the city, journey through the fertile landscapes of the Sacred Valley to the charming Hacienda Sarapampa, where you will savor a delightful lunch hosted by the estate’s owner, surrounded by beautiful countryside and sweeping Andean views. After this memorable culinary experience, continue to your hotel to relax and enjoy a peaceful evening—perfectly preparing you for the adventures that await the following day.

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Choose your dream stay from our handpicked hotels in The Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley, Peru

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Machu Picchu:

The Lost City of the Incas

Nothing quite prepares you for the moment Machu Picchu comes into view. Built by the Inca in the 15th century and hidden from the outside world for centuries, the citadel emerges from the cloud forest in dramatic harmony with the mountains that cradle it — stone terraces and temples seemingly carved from the peaks themselves. Perched at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, the Lost City of the Incas is one of those rare places that surpasses every expectation. Its scale, its precision, and the sheer audacity of its location leave a lasting impression long after you've left. The surrounding cloud forest, the sacred Urubamba River winding far below, and the mist that rolls through the ruins at dawn all contribute to an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on earth.

Day 5|Ollantaytambo & Scenic Train to Aguas Calientes – Optional Inca Trail Express

Explore Ollantaytambo, an extraordinary Inca fortress where monumental stone terraces rise dramatically along the mountainside, revealing the architectural mastery of the Inca civilization. From here, board a scenic train through the lush Andean valleys toward the legendary Machu Picchu, the Incas’ majestic mountain citadel. Your journey can unfold according to your preference. You may travel entirely by rail to Aguas Calientes, arriving in time for an initial exploration of the ruins later that afternoon. Alternatively, disembark along the way at Inca Trail KM 104 to hike a scenic portion of the Inca Trail, culminating at the iconic Sun Gate, where breathtaking views of the sprawling citadel await. If you choose the one-day Inca Trail hike from KM 104, it will replace the visit to Ollantaytambo town.

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Choose your dream stay from our handpicked hotels in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, Peru

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Cusco:

The Imperial City

End in the imperial Inca capital — a final morning to explore Cusco city before your departure

Day 7|Cusco Highlights

Today offers a wonderful opportunity to discover Cusco at a relaxed pace, with the insight and context of your expert guide. Begin at the historic Plaza de Armas, the city’s elegant main square, and visit the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, a masterpiece of colonial architecture and sacred art. Continue to Qorikancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun, where exquisitely crafted Inca stonework merges seamlessly with colonial construction—an architectural fusion unique to Cusco. From there, ascend to the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuamán, renowned for its colossal stone walls and sweeping views over the city. If time allows, conclude with a visit to San Pedro Market, a vibrant hub of local life where colorful stalls, fresh produce, and traditional crafts offer an authentic glimpse into Andean culture.

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