A shorter version of our popular Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, this Peru private trip is a perfect extension to your travels in Latin America, or a great stand-alone for those with limited time.

This short-but-sweet private Peru walking tour features Lima's colonial heritage and Cusco's fascinating history, the impressive sites of the Sacred Valley, and walks and hikes to dramatic Inca ruins – including, of course, Machu Picchu. Our local guides lead the way with expert insight, community connections, and an infectious love of their beautiful country and unique culture.

DAY 1: Arrival and overnight in the walking-friendly Miraflores district of Lima.

DAY 2: Fly to Cusco, the center of the ancient Inca empire. Explore the cathedrals and plazas of the city, and venture into the countryside to discover impressive ruins.

DAY 3: Descend into the Sacred Valley. Visit a local school and walk along country trails into the remarkable Quechua town of Ollantaytambo.

DAY 4: Hike the final miles of the Inca Trail, through the Gate of the Sun, into Machu Picchu.*

DAY 5: Immerse yourself in the wonder of Machu Picchu, arriving by sunrise to enjoy the serenity of this peaceful time of day. Return to Cusco by train.

DAY 6: Depart from Cusco.

*Please note that Inca Trail hiking permits are limited and issued "first-come, first-served", so you are encouraged to reserve early.

In as country as large and diverse as Peru, one could easily explore its colonial cities, impressive mountains, and steamy jungles for years. Alas, we don't all have that luxury, and so this exceptional little trip highlights the most important experiences and awe-inspiring places that any traveler to Peru must see. Our experienced guides know how to set just the right pace – allowing you to maximize your time here, yet still giving you time to ponder the amazing places you've seen.

Most Convenient Airport:
Jorge Chavez Lima - Calleo International Airport, Lima, Peru (LIM - for international arrivals), and Cusco Valazco Astete Airport, Cusco, Peru (CUZ - for domestic arrivals from Lima on Day 2)

Meeting Time and Place:
Upon arrival of your international flight into Jorgé Chavez Lima - Calleo International Airport. A Boundless Journeys representative will transfer you to your Lima hotel. In the morning, you will be met again and returned to the airport for your flight to Cusco. You will be met by a Boundless Journeys representative upon arrival in Cusco, who will take you to your hotel to meet the rest of your group (if applicable) and your guide by 12:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Hotel Novotel in downtown Cusco. To make the best use of your day, please schedule your Lima-Cusco flight to arrive in Cusco before 10:00 a.m. on Day 2.

Departure Time and Place:
Cusco airport in time for your departing flights to Lima on the last day of the tour.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Physical Activity
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Typically, Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu is rated 2+, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walks and hikes on this trip are easy to moderate with some moderately strenuous options, at altitudes of 8,000 to 12,000 feet. Walks and hikes are generally from 3-6 hours in length with minimal vehicle support. This Private Collection trip offers a certain degree of flexibility to make the trip more challenging or leisurely to suit you and your companions.

Preparing for this Trip
It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip.  The more well prepared you are for the activities on this trip, the more you will enjoy yourself!  Please engage in moderate aerobic activities (hiking, jogging, cycling) for at least 30-45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip.  If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability.  Consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program.  

The Altitude
Peru’s geography is as diverse as its culture, with altitudes from sea level to over 22,000 feet. Our trip begins in Lima, on the Pacific coast. Cusco is situated at 11,150 feet, in the foothills of the Andes. After our second night, we travel to the Sacred Valley, where our hotel is located at 9,350 feet. Our third hotel, in Machu Picchu, is located at 6,500 feet. Our walks and hikes will take place at elevations of 8,000 feet to approximately 12,000 feet. There is time to move at a comfortable pace, allowing ourselves to adjust to the mountain air. Keeping well hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol, eating frequent, light meals, and getting plenty of rest will help with any effects of altitude that you may feel.

Weather
The mountainous areas of Peru have pronounced rainy and dry seasons, which are more responsible for the prevailing weather than seasonal temperature fluctuations. While the dry season lasts only from May through September, the most significant rains fall from January through March. Temperatures do not fluctuate as much, although nights do tend to be colder from May through September. Any time of year, dressing in layers is a good strategy, so that you can shed or add layers as the day heats and cools.

The following are average temperatures in Cusco throughout the year:

                    high          low

April:           67°F        41°F
July:            66°F        32°F
October:     69°F        41°F
December:  69°F        43°F

You may obtain more detailed weather information at www.weatherbase.com.

When to Reserve
It is important to reserve your trip early, as the Peruvian government has a permit system in place which strictly limits the number of hikers on the Inca Trail at any given time. Permits are issued without priority on a first-come, first-served basis, and they can only be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit, as well as your complete passport details (name, nationality, number, and expiration date) to reserve a permit for you. If you dream of hiking into Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail, now is the time to reserve.

When to Go
Peru is generally delightful for hiking from April through December. We generally avoid scheduling trips from January through March, as this is the height of the rainy season. The hillsides and valleys tend to be greener in April, May and June. Later in the dry season the fields turn golden, and the campesinos harvest their crops.
 

Overview: First-class Lima and Cusco hotels and authentic, historic country lodges, all private baths.


Night 1: Casa Andina Private Collection
Lima, Peru
                   
Lima’s newest luxury hotel (redesigned in 2008), located in the walking friendly Miraflores district of Lima, offers first-class accommodations close to fine dining and nightlife.


 

Night 2: Hotel Novotel
Cusco, Peru
       
Built to incorporate an early 16th-century house, this well-located hotel in the heart of historic Cusco showcases the exceptional style of colonial architecture.




Night 3: Posada del Inca
Yucay, Sacred Valley, Peru               

This country lodge is located on the site of a restored, 350-year-old monastery surrounded by the foothills of the Andes. Property features include a quaint chapel, restaurant, gift shop and lounge.


 

Night 4: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Machu Picchu Pueblo, Peru

Highest rated hotel in Machu Picchu region (Travel + Leisure, "World's Best Hotels"; January 2010)
                   
With Andean style individual bungalows in a quiet riverside spot in the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo, this acclaimed hotel is renowned for its progressive sustainability programs. An impressive tropical garden showcasing a wide variety of native plant species, stone paths, and canals flowing with spring water create a special atmosphere.

Night 5: Hotel Novotel
Cusco, Peru
       
Built to incorporate an early 16th-century house, this well-located hotel in the heart of historic Cusco showcases the exceptional style of colonial architecture.

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.
Casa Andina Private Collection, 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. If time allows, we may hike from this ancient ceremonial bath through scenic farmland and past the important archeological sites of Pukapukara and Q’enko, 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 sometimes occur in the area. It is mind-boggling to think of the work that went into producing these temples and fortresses. 

After time to freshen up at your hotel, your guide will be happy to suggest a restaurant for dinner.
Hotel Novotel, Cusco. Breakfast and lunch included.

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 visit to the local school, we depart 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, they were able to prevent 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 your guide can make recommendations for dining out.
Posada del Inca, Yucay. Breakfast and lunch included.

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 trailhead. Our train has large observation windows, allowing everyone to enjoy amazing views of the Andes rising precipitously above us. We disembark at kilometer 104, and begin our journey to Machu Picchu (alternatively, you may choose to continue by train and bus directly to Machu Picchu). 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 on our own or with our guides, or you may simply choose to find a quiet spot from which to soak in the splendor.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Machu Picchu Pueblo. All meals included.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important to sign up early, as the Peruvian government has a permit system in place which strictly limits the number of hikers on the Inca trail at any given time. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. If you dream of hiking into Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail, try to plan at least six months in advance. There are alternative hiking 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.

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. Breakfast and lunch included.

DAY 6 
Departure from Cusco

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Cusco airport in time for your flight to Lima.
Breakfast included.

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.

2-3 guests: $2,895 per person
4+ guests: $2,695 per person

• Expert leadership
• All accommodations
• Meals as noted in the itinerary
• Land transportation during the tour (Lima-Cusco airfare not included)
• Archeological site entrance fees
• All activities as noted in the itinerary