Discover the highlights of the region on our unique, comprehensive, and immersive journey showcasing the very best of Peru

One of our most popular trips, this is a great way to discover the highlights of Peru: stroll the back streets of Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire; explore stunning highland ruins where the Incas flourished; then the grand finale, a magical one-day hike along the last stretch of the traditional Inca Trail to the sprawling storybook ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the most inspiring sites in the world. The view from Intipunku, the “Gate of the Sun,” is stop-in-your-tracks breathtaking and more than enough reason to visit this astonishing country.

Click here for all our Machu Picchu Travel & Adventures

Click here for all Peru Travel & Adventures

Click here for all South America Travel & Adventures with MTS
 

Activities

Easy touring, easy to moderate day hikes (and 1 optional moderate to strenuous hike) at medium elevation (max. 12,398')

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• See the best of Peru on this unique and comprehensive itinerary with the Andean adventure experts since 1971!
• Explore the timeless city of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its spectacular Inca ruins
• Enjoy scenic day hikes to ancient fortresses and out-of-the-way villages, and relax at night in the finest hotel accommodations
• Take a one-day hike along the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, and spend two nights and one full day exploring this iconic site—more than with any other company
• Perfect if you’re limited in time or prefer not to trek or camp

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Lima End Location: Lima

BRIEF Itinerary

• 

  Day 1 : Arrive in Lima – connect with flight to Cusco

  Meet in Lima, Peru, and fly to Cuzco. Afternoon walking tour of the town with an introduction to the illustrious history of the Inca civilization. Overnight at the elegant Hotel Monasterio.

• 

  Day 2 : Cusco – Pisac – Urubamba Valley

  Visit the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, and Tambo Machay en route to the Urubamba Valley. Afternoon at the hilltop ruins of Pisac, the largest fortress-city complex of the Incas, with a hike to the valley floor.

• 

  Day 3 : The Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Maras, and Moray

  In the highlands, visit the town of Chinchero (12,398'), the earthworks at Moray, and hike to the salt pools below Maras.

• Day 4 : Huiloc and Ollantaytambo

  Travel into the Andes to the village of Huilloc and hike to Ollantaytambo.

• 

  Day 5 : Machu Picchu

  Enjoy the beautiful train ride all of the way to Machu Picchu. Or get off the train at Kilometer 104 and hike along the famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu.

• 

  Day 6 : Machu Picchu

  Morning tour of Machu Picchu. Afternoon is free to explore on your own.

• 

  Day 7 : Machu Picchu – return to Cusco

  The morning is free to explore on your own. Late train departure for Cusco.

• 

  Day 8 : Fly home

  Fly to Lima. Afternoon tour, including the Gold Museum. Depart from Lima (or continue with one of our extensions to the Amazon rainforest or Lake Titicaca).

• 

  Hotel Monasterio

  Cusco

  Built as a monastery in 1592, Hotel Monasterio retains the charm and ambience that has existed for centuries whilst boasting a reputation as one of the world's finest hotels. The ideal base from which to discover the delights of Cusco and the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, Hotel Monasterio offers fine service in beautifully impeccable surroundings.

• 

  Casa Andina Private Collection—Urubamba

  The Sacred Valley’s most complete hotel: a mountain chalet-styled retreat with panoramic Andes views from every room and every angle. On more than 8 beautifully-landscaped acres, it contains an extraordinary, full-service “Sacred Spa”, a domed Planetarium & Observatory for stargazing in the massive Southern Hemisphere sky, and gourmet restaurant and bar.

  The 85 inviting, spacious rooms overlook the property’s extensive gardens and feature either private balconies or sunny sitting areas. Equidistant between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, the hotel is perfectly positioned for easy access to the valley’s abundant attractions and incomparable Inca ruins, including world-renowned Machu Picchu.

• 

  Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

  A luxury boutique hotel just steps from the train, but a secluded natural paradise. Located in the small town of Aguas Calientes on the banks of the Urubamba River, the Pueblo Hotel was rated by Travel + Leisure readers  as a top 500 hotel of the world in 2006. Rustic elegance distinguishes the private bungalows, each with its own fireplace, and the lush gardens are home to orchids, exotic birds and other flora and fauna.

• 

  Casa Andina Private Collection—Miraflores

  The Casa Andina Private Collection—Miraflores hotel is the top of its class in every aspect. Once the Miraflores César's, Lima’s fondly remembered, original five-star hotel, this modern icon was dramatically transformed in 2008 into the capital’s newest luxury hotel. Its quintessential Limeño flavor reverberates in the exquisite art collection of contemporary local artists and prized colonial-era antiques, in both public spaces and accommodations.

  The 17-story hotel, with views over Miraflores and the Pacific coast, offers 148 sophisticated, contemporary luxury rooms and suites, with soundproofing and LCD flatscreen TVs in every room. First-class amenities include a heated, covered pool and breezy terrace, gymnasium with the latest exercise equipment, prestigious Joop salon & massage room, business center, and 5 multimedia-equipped corporate event & meeting rooms.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Manolo Lazo

  Manolo Lazo is one of Peru’s most experienced adventure travel guides, with more than 15 years of experience leading treks and whitewater rafting trips. A resident of Cusco, Manolo is well versed in the rich history of the Andes as well as the classic trekking routes that follow the ancient Inca trade paths. His knowledge of the country, its people, and traditions add immensely to your appreciation of the trip. Manolo is fluent in English as well as Spanish, and conversant in Quechua—the historic language of the Incas, and he has a gift for instilling confidence in every trekker.

• Manuel Luna

  Manuel started out as a field assistant with Mountain Travel Sobek more than 20 years ago, and is now considered one of the finest trek and tour leaders in Peru. Manuel graduated with a degree in agriculture and raises white corn on a farm in a valley near Cusco.

photo credits: ©Christopher Bettencourt