A Seamless Journey Through the Heart of the Andes
Immerse yourself in the majestic legacy of the Andes with our definitive 7-day flagship expedition. Carefully curated to provide a flawless, stress-free luxury experience, this journey takes you from the coastal capital of Lima to the staggering archaeological triumphs of the Sacred Valley, culminating in the mystical cloud forest of Machu Picchu and the imperial city of Cusco.
This itinerary is brilliantly designed not only for deep cultural immersion but also for optimal altitude acclimatization. You will uncover ancestral textile techniques in Chinchero, marvel at the geometric salt pans of Maras, and ride a panoramic train following the Urubamba River to the "Lost City of the Incas." Beyond the monumental ruins, this package introduces you to the living culture of Peru. You will walk the cobblestone streets of San Blas, stand before the megalithic walls of Sacsayhuaman, and crown your journey with a private, hands-on culinary masterclass where a professional Peruvian chef will guide you in preparing legendary Andean dishes and the perfect Pisco Sour. Every transfer, ticket, domestic flight, and hotel stay is meticulously handled, leaving you to simply absorb the magic of the Incan Empire.
Package Highlights
The Sacred Valley
Delve into the agricultural heartland of the Incas. Visit the master weavers of Chinchero, the Maras salt mines, the circular terraces of Moray, and the Ollantaytambo fortress.
Machu Picchu Citadel
Travel by panoramic train to Aguas Calientes and enjoy an extensive, private guided tour of the iconic citadel, uncovering the secrets of the Sun and Condor temples.
Megalithic Cusco
Explore the architectural wonders surrounding the imperial capital, including the colossal zigzag walls of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo's labyrinths, and the water shrines of Tambomachay.
Culinary Masterclass
Source fresh ingredients at the vibrant San Pedro market and enjoy a private cooking class with a professional chef, preparing iconic Peruvian dishes and a Pisco Sour.
Detailed Itinerary
The Classic Route
Maximum Altitude: 3,350 m / 10,991 ft (Cusco)
DAY 1: Welcome to Peru - Lima City of Kings
Arrival in Lima
Welcome to Peru! Because most international flights land late at night when domestic connections to Cusco are unavailable, we prioritize your comfort. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and assisted to one of the best premium hotels located very close to the airport. Enjoy a peaceful, restful night to recharge before your Andean adventure begins the next morning.
DAY 2: Flight to Cusco & The Sacred Valley
Chinchero Textiles & Andean Landscapes
After a nice breakfast, you will take a short domestic flight to Cusco (included). Upon arrival, your guide will pick you up to immediately descend into the Sacred Valley (2,800m), aiding your acclimatization. Surrounded by imposing mountain peaks, our first stop is the town of Chinchero. Here, you will witness local artisans keeping ancestral techniques alive, demonstrating how they dye and weave alpaca and sheep wool using the traditional "away" and loom.
Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo
We continue to the visually striking Maras salt mines, a vast network of terraced pools harvested since pre-Incan times. Next, you will explore Moray, an incredible agricultural laboratory featuring massive circular terraces. After a delicious local lunch, we will transfer you to the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where you will spend the night in the heart of the valley.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3: The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Scenic Train & The Lost City
Prepare for an incredible adventure! In the morning, you will board the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. During this 1.5-hour journey, watch the dramatic transition from Andean highlands to lush cloud forest. Upon arrival, your private guide will escort you via the dedicated shuttle bus up the zigzagging road directly to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.
Guided Exploration & Free Afternoon
During your comprehensive private tour, you will uncover the history behind the sacred terraces, aqueducts, and the iconic Sun and Condor temples. Afterwards, you have free time to explore short trails, such as the walk to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or the secret Inca Bridge. We will then return via bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax in the hot springs, enjoy dinner, and rest at one of the finest hotels in town.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4: Machu Picchu Free Morning & Return to Cusco
Optional Mountain Climb or Town Leisure
Today, the morning is yours to spend at your leisure. You have the option to revisit the citadel (second entrance ticket required) or take on the famous hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for unparalleled aerial views (permits are strictly limited and must be booked with us well in advance). Alternatively, you may stroll through the colorful alleys of Aguas Calientes or visit the thermal baths.
Return Journey to the Imperial City
In the afternoon, after lunch, you will board the panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the station, our private transfer will be waiting to drive you comfortably up to the high-altitude imperial city of Cusco, dropping you off at your premium hotel for the night.
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Megalithic Cusco & Surrounding Ruins
Sacsayhuaman & Qenqo
At 9:00 AM, our private transfer will pick you up to explore the archaeological wonders surrounding Cusco. The tour begins at the awe-inspiring fortress of Sacsayhuaman, featuring massive limestone blocks weighing up to 130 tons, meticulously fitted in a zigzag formation. Next, we visit Qenqo ("labyrinth"), a site carved directly into the bedrock, believed to have been used for astronomical and ceremonial mummification purposes.
Puca Pucara, Tambomachay & Free Afternoon
We continue to Puca Pucara, the "red fort" that served as a strategic military control point, and finally Tambomachay, the "Baths of the Inca," revered for its continuous, eternal water sources. Returning to the historic center at 1:30 PM, we will treat you to lunch at one of Cusco's finest traditional restaurants. You have the afternoon free for shopping or optional museum visits.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Imperial Cusco City & Culinary Masterclass
Walking Tour of the Incan Capital
Your guide will meet you to begin a walking tour through San Blas, the city's oldest neighborhood, famous for its bohemian artists and artisans. You will visit the flawless 12-angled stone, an architectural marvel, before entering the majestic Cusco Cathedral in the main plaza. The morning concludes at the Qoricancha, the opulent Temple of the Sun, the most revered religious site in the vast Inca Empire.
San Pedro Market & Cooking Class
After a superb lunch, we move to the vibrant San Pedro Market. Here, amidst the colorful stalls of giant corn, Andean cheeses, and exotic fruits, you will gather ingredients for your private cooking class. Under the guidance of a professional Peruvian chef, you will learn to prepare legendary Andean dishes. Your culinary masterclass concludes with an appetizer, a main dish, a dessert, and a toast with the famous Pisco Sour.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Prepared during class)
DAY 7: Departure from the Andes
Farewell to Peru
Enjoy your final Andean breakfast at the hotel. At the coordinated time, your private driver will transfer you to the Cusco airport for your domestic flight to Lima, allowing you plenty of time to catch your international connection back home. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of the Incan Empire!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Prices
What's Included
- Round-trip domestic flights (Lima - Cusco - Lima).
- Airport pick-ups and drop-offs in Lima and Cusco.
- 6 Nights premium hotel accommodation based on selected category.
- All private transportation via comfortable, air-conditioned vans.
- Round-trip scenic train tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Round-trip Consettur bus tickets (Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu citadel).
- Professional, English-speaking private guides for all excursions.
- All entrance tickets to archaeological sites (Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Sacsayhuaman, Qoricancha, Cathedral).
- Exclusive Peruvian Culinary Masterclass and San Pedro Market tour.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Not Included
- International flights to and from Peru.
- Permits for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climbs (Available upon request at booking).
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (optional).
Essential Recommendations
- Machu Picchu Circuits & Availability: To secure the most complete circuits (which explore the best parts of the ruins), booking months in advance is strictly required. For last-minute or high-season bookings, the Ministry of Culture releases 1,000 tickets daily for in-person purchase in Aguas Calientes for the following day. Your private guide will personally assist you in securing these tickets upon your arrival.
- Acclimatization: This itinerary is expertly designed to help you acclimate by taking you to the lower-altitude Sacred Valley before ascending to Cusco. Drink plenty of coca tea upon arrival.
- Train Luggage Limits: The train to Machu Picchu has a strict luggage limit (1 small backpack/bag per person). Your main luggage will be securely transferred and stored at your hotel in Cusco.