Expanding World Travel To Peru

Day

Activity/Location

1

Arrive in Lima and transfer to our hotel. If arriving during the day, your hotel will be in the neighborhood of Miraflores, with good shopping and restaurants, and you'll have an included city tour in the afternoon.  If arriving late at night, you'll be close to the airport for a bit more sleep before your next day's flight, and you'll have a city tour upon your return to Lima.
 

2-3

A short flight this morning brings us to Cuzco, capital of the old Inca Empire.  On an included city tour, we'll have time to explore Cuzco's markets and churches and visit the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsaywaman.  Over the course of today and your free day tomorrow, there is the opportunity to visit Cuzco's excellent Inca Museum, retrace the steps of the conquistador Pizarro and the Inca rebellion that almost retook Cuzco, take walks to little known Inca sites above town, and generally take in the splendor and beauty of this fascinating region.
 

4

This morning we're off to the Sacred Valley, a short and scenic ride from Cuzco.  Fifteen hundred feet lower than Cuzco, the warm and fertile Sacred Valley was of immense strategic and agricultural importance to the Incas.  We'll visit two sites today: Pisac and Ollantaytambo.  Pisac is a beautiful Andean town with a great handicrafts market.  After shopping and bargaining for Andean goods, we'll head up to the imposing Inca fortress/temple above the town.  Then in the early afternoon, we'll head down the valley to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca village still inhabited today.  Peer through ancient, trapezoidal doorways into courtyards where life has changed little in 500 years, then explore the huge ruins which loom above the town.  Early to bed, as we head further down the valley tomorrow to Machu Picchu.
 

5-6

This morning we're off on a beautiful morning train journey down the Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu.  Unlike most other companies' trips, we actually spend a night at the village below Machu Picchu.  So after your guided Machu Picchu tour, take your time and enjoy this magnificent place.  While most of the tourists are heading down to catch the afternoon train, we can stick around and have the site almost to ourselves, and also come back the next day for more exploration.  This allows us plenty of time at the ruins, as well as time for some beautiful day hikes in the surrounding mountains.  We return to Cuzco by train on the afternoon of Day 6. 

If you wish to return to Cuzco on Day 6 for a free day there instead, you are welcome to.  Just let us know in our booking form.  Also, those wishing to add days in Cuzco after visiting Machu Picchu may do so at a rate of US$120 per night (double room).  There is plenty to see, including Inca ruins, colonial churches, museums, and colorful local markets.  There is also plenty to do, such as horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking.  Our Cuzco coordinator will assist you in planning your time there.  When you're ready to return to Lima and your flight out, you will be transferred to/from the airports in Cuzco and Lima and will have a room at our hotel in Lima that night.  Again, let us know when you fill out the booking form.
 

7

After a morning flight to Lima, it's a free day or an included city tour, depending upon your itinerary. For your free time, we include our own useful guide to Lima and are always happy to recommend activities or make restaurant reservations.  Just ask!

8

Departure Day.  International flights may depart any time today, or on Day 7 if you've got less time.