Explore Machu Picchu

Overview

Explore Machu Picchu

This eight-day adventure into Peru’s culture and history offers an ideal introduction to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites. Take a scenic train to the famous citadel and enjoy free time to explore its many corners. Roam the Sacred Valley, taking in incredible views of the Andes. Travelling with knowledgeable guides who know this region best, we’ll leave no stone unturned.

What's Included:

Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba
National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Cusco Planetarium, Cusco
G Adventures for Good: Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), Urubamba
G Adventures for Good: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
Arrival transfer
Two-day Sacred Valley tour including Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Pisac ruins and pre-Incan salt pans
Traditional pachamanca-style dinner
Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu
Internal flights
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Lima

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Day 2: Lima/Urubamba

Board an early flight to Cusco then on to the Sacred Valley to explore the pre-Inca salt pans of Las Salineras and tour the Maras and Moray ruins. Enjoy a traditional pachamanca-style meal of local specialties.

Day 3: Urubamba

Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the “Parque de la Papa” (“Potato Park”). Exclusive to Journeys travellers and part of G Adventures for Good – walk through this rural community with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, weaving, and the importance of both to Andean culture. Also, explore the Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins and visit the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.

Day 4: Urubamba/Aguas Calientes

Catch an early transfer to Ollantaytambo station and board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes with option to visit the market.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes/Cusco

Enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins. Free time to explore on your own or take an optional visit to the Inca Bridge before returning to Cusco by train.

Day 6: Cusco

Explore historic Cusco with options to visit museums or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking. This evening, look to the night sky for a different view at the Cusco Planetarium. Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Inca relationship with the cosmos. Check out the on-site museum and use the telescopes to admire the stars.

Day 7: Cusco/Lima

Fly back to Lima and spend an afternoon in Peru's bustling capital.

Day 8: Lima

Depart at any time.

Hand Picked By

G Adventures are the world's largest independently owned, small-group adventure travel company. We showcase some of their National Geographic Journeys, a collection of unique tours designed to take you deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places they explore. They offer more inclusions, greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and the freedom to roam, all within the structure and security of travelling in a small group.

Louise Pye