MORE INFORMATION
Peru Tour Itinerary
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.
DAY 1
Overnight in Lima
Upon the arrival of your international flight to Lima, you will be met by a Boundless Journeys representative to transfer you to your hotel for the night, located in the upscale Miraflores district of the city.
Hotel El Pardo, Lima
No meals
DAY 2
Arrival to Cusco; afternoon city tour; Tambomachay, Q’enko and Sacsayhuaman
Walk – easy to moderate, 2-3 hours.
In the morning you will be transferred to the Lima international airport in time for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, we begin our exploration of the land of the Incas in the city of Cusco (11,150’), whose name is taken from the Quechua word for “naval” or “center.” Here, dramatic Spanish colonial architecture blends with solid Inca masonry in a harmony belying the area’s tumultuous history. Beautiful cathedrals abound, often built directly on top of ancient Inca temples. The juxtaposition of pagan and Christian art and architecture is fascinating. After exploring the center of Cusco, we drive to the surrounding countryside for a walk beginning at the ruins of Tambomachay, or El Baño del Inca. Depending on the time, from this ancient ceremonial bath we may hike through scenic farmland and past the important archeological sites of Pukapukara and Q’enqo, finally reaching the impressive site of Sacsayhuaman. Here we encounter our first example of the huge boulders the Incas used in building temples and fortresses. The stonework of the Incas is unsurpassed by that of any other culture. Massive rocks were painstakingly ground to fit so perfectly together that no mortar was needed, and many walls have remained for over 500 years in spite of the tremors that strike the area on a regular basis. It is mind-boggling to think of the work that went into producing these temples and fortresses.
Your guide will be happy to make recommendations for places to dine in Cusco this evening.
Hotel Novotel, Cusco
Meals: B, L
DAY 3
Into the Sacred Valley
Hike – easy to moderate, 2-4 hours on dirt roads and trails; some steep stone stairs at ruins.
Today’s hike begins in one of the mountain villages near the town of Ollantaytambo. After a short visit to the local school, we depart the village of Patacancha on foot, passing through the small village of Huillac. Taking our time on foot allows us a glimpse of the agricultural life the campesinos have lived for centuries, growing wheat and potatoes and raising sheep and guinea pigs. We pass through remote areas where we may see isolated herds of llama or alpaca roaming amid the patchwork of cultivated fields. After a picnic lunch we return to Ollantaytambo, a charming town of cobblestone streets, ingenious aqueducts, and colorful market stalls at the base of an impressive ruin. Exactly how the Incas moved the rose colored stone blocks from their quarry miles away is a mystery to this day. This spot, at a narrow part of the valley, is the only place where the Incas managed to stave off the Spanish conquest, by using their canals to flood the valley floor, preventing the invaders’ advance.
Tonight you may choose to enjoy dinner in the charming restaurant at our hotel, which offers a mix of traditional Andean and continental dishes, or you guide can make recommendations for dining out.
Posada del Inca, Yucay
Meals: B, L
DAY 4
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or Machu Picchu by Rail
Optional hike – moderately strenuous, 5-6 hours.
Today we hike the final miles into Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail, beginning with a scenic train ride to the start of our hike. Our train has large windows and a glass ceiling, allowing amazing views of the Andes rising precipitously above us. If you choose, you may disembark at kilometer 104, and continue our journey to Machu Picchu on foot. We soon come upon Chachabamba, a small Inca village in ruins. Our trail continues to climb gradually, switching back and forth across the steep hillside. The views are spectacular, and we may begin to recognize some of the steep, forest covered mountains that surround Machu Picchu, although the lost citadel remains out of sight. After a few hours, the trail becomes more forested and we turn a corner to see the picture-perfect ruins of Wiñya Wayna before us. We take time to have lunch at the ruins, and marvel at the ingenuity of the people who created this complex village in such an unlikely place. From Wiñya Wayna, the trail begins to evoke a sense of history – ancient stone steps, pavements and complex retaining walls, still half covered with vegetation, surround us. A final steep ascent brings us to Intipunku (the Gate of the Sun), and as we come through the gate, the first unforgettable sight of Machu Picchu emerges below us. We have a few hours this afternoon to explore the lost city, or you may simply choose to find a quiet spot from which to soak in the splendor.
Late this afternoon we board a bus for a short ride to our hotel in the festive small town of Machu Picchu, where we enjoy a feast in celebration of our hike.
PLEASE NOTE: It is important to sign up early, as the Peruvian government has a new permit system in place which strictly limits the number of hikers on the trail at any given time. Permits are issued without priority on a first-come, first-served basis. If you dream of hiking into Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail, now is the time to reserve. There are alternative options if permits are not available at the time when you reserve. This will not affect our visit to Machu Picchu, just the hike to the ruins.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Pueblo
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5
Sunrise at Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
Touring Machu Picchu – easy 3-5 hours.
For those who wish to rise early, a very special experience is in store. An early bus will bring us back to Machu Picchu before sunrise, so that we can quietly enjoy the ruins before the crowds begin to arrive later in the morning. There is plenty of time to learn more about the complexities of this mountaintop city before boarding the Vistadome train to return to Cusco. The ride takes a few hours, giving us plenty of time to relax, enjoy the views, and reflect on our journey.
Tonight you are free to enjoy dinner at one of Cusco’s fine restaurants. Your guide will be happy to make recommendations.
Hotel Novotel, Cusco
Meals: B, L
DAY 6
Departure from Cusco
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Cusco airport in time for your flight to Lima. If your international flight does not leave Lima until the evening, you may wish to reserve a day-use room at the airport hotel, and possibly a guided Lima city tour.
Meals: B