Machu Picchu by Royal Inca Trek

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

You are met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for overnight in Lima.Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital city Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima, and it is here you find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro. To get a feel for colonial Lima, be in the Plaza de Armas at noon to watch the changing of the Palace Guard. Walk the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to get a taste for life in a large South American city. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. The more affluent districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, which are on the coast, offer good nightlife and cafés. Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known.

Day 2 Cuzco

Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight to Cuzco (as early as 4am). In Cuzco you are transferred to the hotel. Relax or explore this ancient city.Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 21st Century way of life. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend as well as the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area and a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude.Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the city’s most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build; it is also one of the city’s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco. While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. Today the ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure. There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. Our best advice for making he most of Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore!

Day 3 Cuzco

Enjoy your day at leisure. There are many Inca ruins around Cuzco itself, including the great sanctuary and temple to the sun, Sacsayhuaman, of ceremonial importance during the winter solstice celebration Inti Raymi. With abundance of optional excursions and activities for you to choose from, ranging from cultural and historical tours to adrenaline and adventure activities, there are just not enough hours in the day!

Day 4 Sacred Valley

Travel with a local guide through the Sacred Valley, including the picturesque town and Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must see for any trip to Peru – from stark Mountain passes to lush green Valleys, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking, Keep an eye out for the herds of Llama that pepper this Andean landscape. Highlights of the area include the impressive Pisac ruins and the town of Pisac with it’s colourful artisan market (market days only). As well, the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo which is strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest.

Day 5 Aguas Calientes

Ride a morning train through the Urubamba Valley to the start of Royal Inca Trek. This historic path opens a world of possibilities as you hike part of the ancient trail that winds by the ruins of Winayhuayna. After the scenic hike, visitors arrive at the thermal hot spring town of Aguas Calientes for a restful overnight visit.This town is the base for all visitors planning on touring the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu. Accessible by train that winds through the steep Urubamba Valley or on foot by trekking the Inca Trail, Aguas Calientes is a gem in the heart of the Andes. Visit the town market, enjoy the numerous restaurants or relax in the natural mountain hot baths that gave the town its name. For serious archaeology buffs, there is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following morning.

Day 6 Aguas Calientes

Rise early for a guided tour of the inspiring Machu Picchu ruins, then spend some time on your own at the site before returning to Cuzco in the late afternoon and transferring to your hotel for the night.

Day 7 Cuzco

Depart Cuzco at any time.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Superior hotel (6 nts)
Brochure Notes	You are hiking on a portion of the Inca Trail & permits are required.Extra nights hotel in Cuzco and return flight to Lima can be arranged.Minimum age 12.
Departure	Daily
Group Size	No Minimum
Meals Included	6B, 1L
StartFinish	Lima to Cuzco
Transport	Car, Van, Shuttle, Train, Local Flight, Walking

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