Discover the ancient Inca ruins and local culture of Peru... Explore the Inca capital of Cusco and the Sacred Valley to witness living history around every corner. Ascend into the clouds toward Machu Picchu in a 1st class panoramic train with breathtaking views of the Andean landscape. Spend the night under the shadow of the mighty Machu Picchu for easy access to this ancient wonder.

Coca leaf reading: Purify your spirit with this ancient practice performed by a shaman just like the Incas did centuries ago!

The secrets of chocolate: Learn all about chocolate, from beans to bar, and its role in the local culture. Then, create your very own treat in a fun and tasty workshop.

Welcome to Peru! Arrive in Lima and settle into your hotel in the vibrant Miraflores district, full of great restaurants, cafes, shops, and pubs. Depending on your arrival time, you'll have time to explore your new surroundings such as Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid built over 1500 years ago! Or stretch your legs with a walk on the oceanfront boardwalk and through El Parque de Amor with its mosaïc walls and a giant cheeky statue depicting two lovers embracing. Otherwise, kick back and relax with a glass of wine at your Spanish colonial-era hotel. 

Included:

• Activities: Arrival (at your own expense); Free time
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

After breakfast, hit the streets of Lima's historic city center this morning for a walking tour with your tour leader as you make your way to the city's most iconic building: the San Francisco Monastery where you'll descend into its macabre catacombs.

Next up is a gourmet stroll through Old Lima as you try some of the local favorite street treats. End up at Alameda Chabuca Granda where the limeños (people of Lima) go to enjoy their snacks and chill. 

Meet in the evening for a street art tour around the bohemian Barranco neighborhood. This district is full of artists, musicians, and writers and is also known as the coolest neighborhood of Lima. There'll be time to stop at some amazing handicraft shops such as Dedalo, an Aladdin’s cave of unique souvenirs, decorative objects, handicrafts, clothing and jewelry by contemporary Peruvian designers. 

Dinner will be at one of Lima's top restaurants overlooking pre-Incan ruins that once served as an important administrative and ceremonial center many centuries ago.

Included:

• Activities: Lima city walking tour; San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs; Street food tour; Alameda Chabuca Granda; Barranco tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (street food tour), Dinner
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Today, you'll fly to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, and have some free time on arrival to get adjusted to the higher altitude if needed. The hotel is located in the picturesque neighborhood of San Blas, Cusco’s hip, artistic neighborhood, where you'll find many art studios and artisan workshops. 

Later, attend a healing ceremony guided by a real shaman who will use various instruments such as coca leaves, grains, wine, and seeds to purify your spirit. Coca leaves have been used for healing purposes in ceremonies in Central and South America for ages and this sacred plant is known for its transformational benefits.

Included:

• Transfers: Lima - Cusco (approximately 2 hours by plane)
• Activities: Healing ceremony with a shaman & coca leaf reading
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

After breakfast, you'll be on your merry way to the rustic town of Chinchero via the fertile Sacred Valley. Chinchero is a typical Andean village that the Inca believed to be the birthplace of the rainbow. Visit the colorful market where local artisans sell their handmade textiles, silver jewelry, pottery, and more. 

Next, onward to the Maras salt ponds, an impressive expanse of terraces covering a hillside, built by the Inca to harvest and gather salt. Lunch will follow at a local family's restaurant which is dedicated to high-level Peruvian food. The restaurant is literally "in the middle of nowhere" and you'll be able to enjoy spectacular views as you dine.

Continue to Moray to see the mind-boggling giant circular terraces used to plant various crops during the Inca reign. There are many theories about the purpose of these strange formations, from agricultural research to alien landing sites!

You'll have the rest of the evening free in Cusco to relax or explore the city.

Included:

• Activities: Sacred Valley scenic drive; Chinchero local market & town; Maras salt ponds; Moray terraces
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

You'll travel further through the awe-inspiring Sacred Valley today with a stop at El Mirador for breathtaking views of the entire valley. Before arriving in at your hotel in the valley, visit a family farm called Hacienda Sarapampa where they will share their corn production practices and traditions with you followed by a farm-to-fork lunch with more spectacular views of the Sacred Valley.

After a hearty lunch, pay a visit to the Pisac ruins to learn more about the Inca culture. Marvel at its impressive agricultural terraces and the magnificent stone-carved art of the Incas.

Thereafter, check in to the hotel and have some free time to rest. Later that night, gather as a group again for another delicious meal together.

Included:

• Transfers: Cusco - Sacred Valley (approximately 2 hours by bus)
• Activities: El Mirador; Hacienda Sarapampa; Pisac ruins; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Today, you'll journey to Ollantaytambo, one of the most important towns in the Sacred Valley of the Cusco Inca. It is known as the ‘Living Inca City’ as it is the only Inca town that is still inhabited. The inhabitants live in full respect of the traditions inherited by their ancestors. The picturesque streets contain original Inca architecture combining temples and colonial squares.

There'll be a visit to the archeological complex of Ollantaytambo, known for its step terraces and numerous Inca sites built into the side of the mountain overlooking the town. The ruins of Ollantaytambo are some of the best-preserved Inca ruins in Peru. Among these ruins are the Temple of Sun, the Enclosure of the 10 Niches, the Bath of the Ñusta, and the Platforms.

Next, head for lunch in Ollantaytambo before getting settled into your hotel for some free time to explore the town for the rest of the day.

Included:

• Transfers: Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo (approximately 1 hour by bus)
• Activities: Ollantaytambo ruins; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Get ready for an experience of a lifetime and a bucket list item in Peru: Machu Picchu!

This morning, board a 1st class car on the 360° Machu Picchu train towards Aguas Calientes. This train offers one of the most scenic rides you've ever experienced thanks to its panoramic windows and observation carriage. Have your cameras handy as you travel along the Urubamba River and up, up, up into the Andes ascending into the clouds! Once you've reached the top, head to the Lost City of the Incas and the Machu Picchu ruins. Explore the ruins and terraces of Machu Picchu with your guide while learning about the history of this world wonder.

Afterward, catch the bus back into Aguas Calientes in time for lunch as a group, and then, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure in this beautiful town. Most travelers to Machu Picchu take the train back down after their visit, but you will relax in an awe-inspiring hotel floating among the clouds between the Andes and the Amazon Basin. 

Dinner will be as a group tonight at the hotel.

*Note: The Machu Picchu train does not allow any check-in-sized luggage. You will need to pack an overnight bag for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. You can bring a backpack weighing no more than 8 kg (17 lbs) with dimensions of no more 46 linear inches/118 linear cm (height + length + width). Your main luggage will be safely stored in Ollantaytambo and will be picked up the next day.

Included:

• Transfers: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (approximately 2 hours by 360º Machu Picchu train and bus)
• Activities: Machu Picchu private guided tour; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel

You'll have the option to head back to Machu Picchu for an early morning visit at your leisure without the guide if you wish.* Alternatively, you can sleep in and relax at the hotel.

Later in the morning, depart to Ollantaytambo as you hop back on the 360º Machu Picchu train and enjoy the views on the way down as you bid farewell to Machu Picchu. Then, return to the beautiful city of Cusco with a stop for lunch on the way at an old colonial house, located in the middle of the valley and surrounded by stunning mountains and beautiful greenery.

In the afternoon, there'll be an interactive workshop to learn how to make your own chocolate straight from cocoa beans with cocoa experts. Learn all the secrets of chocolate and its use in the Maya culture and also create your own edible souvenir to take home! The rest of the evening is free in Cusco.

*NOTE: The 2nd Machu Picchu visit is an optional activity and requires advanced booking. When reserving your spot on the trip, you will be asked if you would like to participate. This activity costs $90 USD and includes round-trip transport.

Included:

• Transfers: Aguas Calientes - Cusco (approximately 3.5 hours by 360º Machu Picchu train & bus)
• Activities: Cocoa workshop and Chocolate museum; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel
• Optional activities: 2nd Machu Picchu morning visit

Catch a flight back to Lima this morning. Upon arrival in Lima, you will have some free time to explore the city some more or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. We recommend Larcomar, considered the coolest place to shop in Lima and built into the side of a cliff. It is a great place to visit even if you're not into shopping. From there, you can continue to Lima’s boardwalk for an enchanting stroll along the coastline. If you haven't had enough of Peru's tasty street food yet, head to the trendy Mercado 28 to check out its modern outdoor food court full of delicious fusion options.

At the end of the day, come together one last time for a farewell dinner in town.

Included:

• Transfers: Cusco - Lima (approximately 2 hours by plane)
• Activities: Free time; Farewell dinner
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Depending on your flight time, you will have free time on your own in Lima before catching your flight back home.

Included:

• Activities: Free time; Departure (at your own expense)
• Meals: Breakfast

*Itinerary is subject to change.