Peru & Machu Picchu

Itinerary at a glance

At 10,900 feet above sea level, the air of Cusco (1 night) is thin. We don’t mind—it allows us a reason to relax in our five-star hotel, a restored 16th century monastery. Acclimated, we start the next day with a walk through the Peruvian countryside to Sacsayhuaman, one of the most massive and stunning Inca architectural sites.

Leaving Cusco, we drive to the spectacular Urubamba Valley and the mountaintop ruins of Pisac, followed by a traditional lunch at a gracious hacienda. From our inn at the foot of the Andes (3 nights), we visit a remote Andean village... learn about ancient ceramic and weaving techniques...wonder among long-necked, shaggy coated llamas and alpacas...and visit a remote village school.

Aguas Calientes (2 nights) is our base for exploring Machu Picchu. We travel to the legendary ruin by train and bus. (Or skip the train and climb a stretch of the Inca Trail for a jaw-dropping entrance to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.) With two leisurely days here, you can see the site on your own as well as with your guide...and take an orchid or birdwatching walk at our luxurious hotel before we return to Cusco.