Enjoy this amazing Bucket List Trip - a one of a kind National Geographic Journeys by G Adventures spectacular journey to Machu Picchu in Peru. This eight-day adventure into Peru’s culture and history offers an ideal introduction to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites. Take a scenic train to the famous citadel and enjoy free time to explore its many corners. Roam the Sacred Valley, taking in incredible views of the Andes. Traveling with knowledgeable guides who know this region best, we’ll leave no stone unturned.
Itinerary
Day 1 Lima
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included. Get ready for a very busy tour exploring the best of Peru in a week. We recommend booking a pre-night in Lima (in particular if your flight arrives into Lima in the evening) to recover from international flights and rest up before the excitement. Optional Lima tours and cooking class are highly recommended if you arrive a day early!
- Private Vehicle Jorge Chávez International Airport – Lima 45m-1h. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 2 Lima/Urubamba (Breakfast | Dinner)
Board an early flight to Cusco then head to the Sacred Valley. Explore the pre-Inca salt pans of Las Salineras and tour the Maras and Moray ruins. Enjoy a traditional pachamanca-style meal of local specialties.
- Board an early flight to Cusco then head to the Sacred Valley.
- Explore the pre-Inca salt pans of Las Salineras and tour the Maras and Moray ruins.
- Enjoy a traditional pachamanca-style meal of local specialties.
- Plane Lima – Cusco 1h-1h30m
- Private transfer to the Lima airport to catch a flight to Cusco.
- Private Vehicle Cusco – Urubamba 6h-8h 95km Times includes all stops and visits enroute through the Sacred Valley.
- Moray Ruins Guided -Tour Moray. Explore the ancient site of Moray, which archeologists believe was used to conduct agricultural experiments. Climb down to the bottom of the great circular depressions and notice how the temperature shifts with the depth – sometimes as much as 15°C (27°F)!
- Las Salineras Pre-Incan Salt Pans Guided Tour, Urubamba. Visit the pre-Incan salt pans of Las Salineras – still in use today. Marvel at the terraced pools set amongst the beauty of the Sacred Valley.
- Traditional Pachamanca Dinner, Urubamba. The thousand year-old tradition of Pachamanca involves baking an assortment of meat and vegetables in an oven of hot stones, earth, and grass. Meat is usually seasoned with local spices and wrapped in a banana leaf before it’s placed on the hot stones and can include lamb, pork, chicken or guinea pig. Savor this traditional meal prepared by an experienced chef.
- Accommodation Hotel San Agustin Urubamba (or similar)
Day 3 Urubamba (Breakfast | Lunch)
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the “Parque de la Papa” (“Potato Park”). An exclusive experience for Journeys travellers and part of G Adventures for Good, you'll walk through this rural community with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, weaving, and the importance of both to Andean culture. Also, explore the Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins and visit the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
- Pisac Ruins Guided Tour, Pisac. Tour the fascinating hilltop citadel of Pisac, an Incan ruin with plunging gorges, a ceremonial centre, and winding agriculture terracing that's still in use today. Be captivated by this truly amazing site sitting amid sweeping green valleys and mountain peaks. Explore the back of the site to see a pocketed cliff across Kitamayo Gorge, which once contained hundreds of Inca tombs.
- Ollantaytambo Ruins Guided Tour, Ollantaytambo. Tour the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo with a local guide. Take a step back in time at this Inca archaeological site; it still shows signs of its former glory, including agricultural terraces, a Temple Hill, and storehouses. Learn how the area, overlooking the Urubamba River Valley, was an important stronghold during warfare between the Spanish and Incas.
Day 4 Urubamba/Aguas Calientes (Breakfast)
Catch an early transfer to Ollantaytambo station and board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes with the option to visit the market and an optional Inca Trail Hike (5-6 hours).
There is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following morning - this afternoon visit is truly magical as most visitors will have departed the site at this time for their return trains and you will have the place almost to yourself! This is a true highlight of this tour!
- Private Vehicle Urubamba – Ollantaytambo 1h-2h
- Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes 1h30m Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Those who have chosen the option in advance to hike the "1-day Inca Trail" will disembark the train at km 104 to begin the trek. The trail rises steeply up into the mountains and will take hikers past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata, where the local guide will provide insights into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek's culmination at the Sun Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon with a chance for a preliminary exploration of Machu Picchu before the guided tour on Day 5. Transfer by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to rejoin the group and spend the night in a hotel. If time permits, take an optional visit to the nearby hot springs to soak your sore muscles.1-day Inca Trail option: Approximate Distance: 11 km Estimated hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Accommodation Hotel Taypikala Machu Picchu (or similar)
Day 5 Aguas Calientes/Cusco (Breakfast)
Day 6 Cusco (Breakfast)
Explore historic Cusco with options to visit museums or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, or mountain biking. You can also take a local cooking class. This evening, take in a different view of the night sky at the Cusco Planetarium. Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Inca relationship with the cosmos. Check out the on-site museum and use their telescopes to admire the stars and planets (views of course subject to weather/cloud cover!)
- For optional Cusco cooking class, you will be picked up from your hotel at approx. 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. You will return back to your hotel around 4pm
- Accommodation Taypikala Hotel Cusco (or similar)
Day 7 Cusco/Lima (Breakfast)
Fly back to Lima and spend an afternoon in Peru's bustling capital.
- Private transfer to the Cusco airport to catch a flight to Lima.
- Plane Cusco – Lima 1h30m-2h 572km
- Private transfer to the Lima hotel.
Many optional tours are available:
- Lima at Night and Water Circuit Lima - Get a different perspective of this vibrant city by visiting its highlights at night. Enjoy round-trip transportation and learn about the history at Plaza San Martin while taking in panoramic views, continue on to the iconic Plaza de Armas and soak it all in. End it off with a spectacular water show complete with lights, music, and dozens of fountains at the "Circuito Magico del Agua."
- Lima Paragliding - Glide over Costa Verde, hover over Lima’s city life and see the desert dunes over Pachacamac. Tandem flights are available to those who have never glided.
- Pachacamac - Lost Inca Citadel Pachacamac - Visit the Lost Inca Citadel - Pachacamac, a series of pre-Incan adobe structures dedicated to Pachacamac or the "Earth Maker" located about 30km from Lima.
- Lima City Tour - Discover Lima’s highlights on this half-day guided tour. Visit the San Francisco Church and its impressive catacombs, walk around Plaza de Armas, and get to know some of Lima's lovely neighbourhoods.
- Museum of the Inquisition - Visit the Peruvian Inquisition headquarters showcasing somewhat grotesque wax figures in scenes of imprisonment and torture.
Accommodation San Agustin Exclusive Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Lima (Breakfast)
Depart at any time. Your local CEO can assist with your airport transfers.
THIS TRIP MAY ALSO BE COMBINED WITH OTHER ADVENTURES SUCH AS AMAZON RIVER EXPLORATION AND MUCH MORE. ASK US FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Duration: 8 days
Start/Finish City: Lima to Lima
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys - Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Trip Type: Small Group Group trips min 8 travelers per departure. The maximum is no more than 16. Average 12 travelers.
My Own Room (single supplement) (Limited availability)
Pricing is available upon request. Tour runs throughout the year.
- Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single accommodation for all night stops
- Pre and post trip accommodation options in Lima
Optional added extras:
- 1-DAY INCA TRAIL HIKE - 1 Day Inca Trail Hike Permit Request: Want to hike the Inca Trail but for less time than the 4 day hike? This permit is perfect for you as you'll jump off the train early, hike six hours to the Sun Gate and meet up with the rest of the trip. Traverse cloud forests while enjoying spectacular views on this '1-day Inca Trail' trek. Start by disembarking the train at km 104. Follow the local guide as the trail rises steeply up into the mountains and winds past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata. Gain insight into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek's culmination at the Sun Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way, and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore a bit of Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following day. After, take one of the blue buses from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel in town. Opt to visit nearby hot springs to soak sore muscles, if time permits. **Please note this must be pre-booked as it requires an Inca Trail permit, which is on request and subject to availability.
- CUSCO COOKING CLASS - Channel your inner chef with a Peruvian cooking class. Head back to the kitchen for a hands-on lesson and learn to prepare local Peruvian specialties.
- LIMA COOKING CLASS (4HRS) - Get a taste of Peruvian cuisine, visit local markets, sample exotic fruit, select fresh ingredients, and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes influenced by China, Italy, West Africa, and Japan. Please note, if booking pre-tour, you will need to arrive a day earlier as this class takes place in the morning before the trip starts.
Required Passenger Details for booking:
- Full name as it appears on passport
- Gender
- Date of Birth
- Passport number
- Passport expiry date
- Nationality
It is mandatory for all G Adventures trip travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers for both emergency evacuation and repatriation. We also strongly recommend purchasing an all inclusive plan that covers cancellation/interruption insurance as well. We will send a quote over on request and add this for you once your booking is made.
National Geographic Journeys Special Inclusions:
- Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba
- National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Cusco Planetarium, Cusco
- G Adventures for Good: Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), Urubamba
- G Adventures for Good: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay.
- Arrival transfer. Two-day Sacred Valley tour including Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Pisac ruins and pre-Incan salt pans. Traditional pachamanca-style dinner.
- Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
- Explore ancient ruins off the beaten path in the Sacred Valley with our expert guide, take in mountain views on the scenic train to Machu Picchu, enjoy traditional treats and foods
- Meals Included: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Additional Information:
- The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator.
- The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travelers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
- Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
- To see as much as possible in a short period of time, this is a fast paced tour with some very early mornings and long days. We recommend booking pre and/or post nights in Lima, should you want some time to rest and explore on your own.
Group Leader - Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout and local guides.
Group Leader Details: All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Transport: Private van, train, plane, walking.
Solo Travelers - We believe single travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Solo accommodation is available at supplemental cost if preferred (limited availability)
Accomodation Hotels (7 nts).
Group Size Max 16, Avg 12.
Contact: Claire Maguire claire.maguire@cruiseplanners.com
Cell: 714-822-8647
Bucketlisttraveltrips.com
www.islandgirltravelandvacations.com
Bucket List Trips; Luxe and Adventure Travel; Ocean & River Cruises; All-inclusive Resorts; Group Travel Specialist
**Photography by Claire Maguire**