Mayfair Travel private National Geographic Journey with G Adventures - 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. Travelling with knowledgeable guides who know this region best, we’ll leave no stone unturned.

Arrive Lima any time.  We'll meet you at the airport and take you to our hotel.  Meet your fellow travel companions and your G Adventures CEO (Chief Experience Officer) at tonight's welcome orientation.

Board an early flight to Cusco then head to the scenic 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.

Hotel San Agustin Urubamba (or similar)

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.

Catch an early transfer to Ollantaytambo station  and board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes with the option to visit  the market.  For serious archaeology  buffs, there is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu  before the guided tour the following morning.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins. Get free time to explore  on your own or take an optional visit to the Inca Bridge before  returning to Cusco by train.

Rise  and shine – the best time to see the Lost City of the Incas is in the  early morning light. Follow the local guide to Machu Picchu to learn  about its history at a leisurely pace. Gain local insight into the Inti  Mach’ay cave, Inti Watana, the Temple of the Water, the Temple of the  Condor, and the Room of the Three Windows. Take time to sit and feel the  energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site  and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World (in a worldwide  Internet poll).

Hotel:  Taypikala Hotel Cusco (or similar)

Explore historic Cusco with options to visit  museums or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, or mountain biking.  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.

Please remember that star gazing is completely weather dependent and sometimes there can be cloudy skies.

Hotel Taypikala (or similar)

Fly back to Lima and spend an afternoon in Peru's bustling capital.

Depart at any time