The Heart of Peru — Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

We’re off! Today we’ll depart Salt Lake City and begin our journey south to Peru. It’s time to settle in, get some rest and get excited for the history, culture and adventure waiting for us in South America.

Meals: In Flight

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, we’ll transfer into the city and begin getting acquainted with Peru’s fascinating capital.

This afternoon we’ll head out for a city tour, where we’ll get our first look at Lima’s history, architecture and culture. It’s a great introduction to the country and the beginning of the story we’ll follow from Peru’s coastal capital all the way into the ancient heartland of the Incas.

This morning we’ll fly from Lima high into the Andes to Cuzco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and our gateway to some of Peru’s greatest treasures.

After arriving and getting settled, we’ll head out for an afternoon city tour. Cuzco is fascinating because its history is visible everywhere—from ancient Inca stonework to the Spanish colonial architecture built around and sometimes directly upon it. We’ll begin learning the stories behind this remarkable city while also giving ourselves time to adjust to the higher elevation.

Today we’ll leave Cuzco behind and travel into the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas for a full day of exploration.

Surrounded by soaring Andean peaks, traditional communities and dramatic scenery, the valley played an important role in Inca life and culture. As we travel through the region, we’ll gain a greater appreciation for how the geography, agriculture and traditions of the Andes helped shape this remarkable civilization.

Tonight we’ll overnight right in the Sacred Valley, putting us in the perfect position for tomorrow’s journey to Machu Picchu!

Today is one of those days we’ve been waiting for! We’ll travel by bus and train through spectacular mountain scenery as we make our way toward legendary Machu Picchu. The journey itself is part of the experience as the landscape changes around us and we travel deeper into the Andes.

Upon arrival, we’ll enter the famous citadel and begin exploring this extraordinary Inca site. Surrounded by steep green mountains and dramatic valleys, it’s difficult to describe that first moment when you finally see Machu Picchu with your own eyes.

And we’re not going to rush it! We’ll overnight nearby because tomorrow we get to go back and experience it again.

One visit just isn’t enough! This morning we’ll return to the citadel for a second opportunity to experience Machu Picchu. Having another visit gives us more time to take in the setting, appreciate the remarkable stonework and simply enjoy being in one of the world’s most unforgettable places.

After our visit, we’ll descend by bus and board the train for our journey back toward Cuzco. Sit back and enjoy the scenery—we’ll have plenty to talk about after two incredible days at Machu Picchu!

After our adventures through the Andes, we’ll fly from Cuzco back to Lima today for our final day in Peru. For those ending their journey here, we’ll prepare for our overnight flight home with some pretty amazing memories of Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

But for those who aren’t ready to go home just yet—the adventure continues! Our Peru + Galápagos travelers will connect through Lima and continue to Quito, Ecuador, beginning the next chapter of our South American journey.

Peru Tour Overnight: Lima / Late-Night Departure
Peru + Galápagos Guests Overnight: Quito

Shortly after midnight (Monday night), our Peru-only travelers will depart Lima for the journey home and return today with photographs and souvenirs, of course, but hopefully something more—a greater appreciation for the people and culture of Peru, a better understanding of the extraordinary Inca civilization, and the memory of standing high in the Andes looking out over Machu Picchu.

Or, Wait…Don’t Go Home Yet!

Combine Peru with our Ecuador & Galápagos Islands Adventure and trade ancient Inca cities for giant tortoises, volcanic landscapes, snorkeling, island hopping and the remarkable wildlife of the Galápagos. From Machu Picchu to the Galápagos—now THAT is a South American adventure!