7-day luxury tour of Peru's Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley

Day 1: Welcome to the Sacred Valley!

Upon landing at Cusco's airport, meet a local representative for a private transfer towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Because of its lower elevation and peaceful atmosphere, the Sacred Valley is the perfect place to enjoy your first days in Cusco as you acclimatize.

Depending on how you are feeling, you can stop en-route at Pisac, a delightful little Andean town with an interesting street market. It's a great place to gain an initial sense of the local culture. Your first day will otherwise be spent relaxing and taking things easy, as it is best to acclimatize first.

Moray - Maras

Day 2: Bathe in the heritage of the region

Today, you'll visit some of the Sacred Valley's most notable sites: first is Moray, a particularly unusual Inca site with circular terraces built upon a natural depression, which seems to have been an agricultural experimental station.

Then it's on to Maras, a salt extraction complex consisting of thousands of small white terraces hanging on a steep mountain slope, fed by a highly saline water spring coming from within the mountain.

For lunch, head to Iskay, a boutique private home in the countryside with views of the Maras area. Your hosts will welcome and show you around before it's time to settle down for a meal based on local produce.

Finally, spend a creative afternoon painting, surrounded by the Andes as you enjoy a good wine! Your art teacher will be happy to help while you relax and paint the scenery.

Ollantaytambo

Day 3: Discover the secrets of Ollantaytambo

Start your day by visiting Ollantaytambo, a charming village that remains unchanged since Inca times. It is famed for its archaeological site, a fortress with impressive Inca stonework only seconded by Machu Picchu.

For lunch you'll enjoy a pachamanca, which in Quechua translates to 'earth pot'. With this traditional cooking technique, ingredients are prepared underground using pre-heated stones and leaves. The primary produce used are tubers, beef or lamb, and aromatic Andean herbs for flavor.

After lunch and depending on your energy levels, take a short hike up to the Pinkulluna viewpoint, or relax and continue exploring the narrow alleyways and hidden spots of beautiful Ollantaytambo.

Machu Picchu

Day 4: Gaze in awe upon Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu awaits! Today, at Ollantaytambo's train station, you'll board a premium first-class train to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the stunning landscapes out your window as you feast on a gourmet lunch aboard.

Upon arriving, ascend to Machu Picchu via a 30-minute bus, taking you up the steep zig-zagging road to the Machu Picchu Citadel, located in an impressive mountain setting. Once there, find a spot overlooking the site for an initial introductory talk about Machu Picchu. At around 2.30pm, when most of the crowds have started to disperse, you'll begin a guided tour around the main areas of the citadel. You'll have time to explore the site until it closes at around 5.30pm.

Your return train includes a gourmet dinner and the same comforts as on the outbound journey. Then, from Ollantaytambo's train station, you'll take a short transfer to your hotel to relax for the night.

Chinchero - Cusco

Day 5: Stroll through Cusco's cobblestone streets

After a long but fun day at Machu Picchu, today you can relax and sleep in before returning to Cusco. Along the way, you will stop by the colorful village of Chinchero, to visit a traditional textiles workshop for a very entertaining presentation.

Upon arrival into Cusco and after checking into your hotel, you'll have the afternoon free to wander around and discover this ancient city by yourself. Your local guide will be more than happy to offer the best recommendations for restaurants, shops, and additional activities in the city.

Cusco

Day 6: One final day in Cusco

It's time to discover Cusco’s historical center! Today's walking tour will take you not only through the most popular sites, such as the main square and Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), but also to a selection of lively neighborhoods and local markets filled with magic - the perfect way to get a more authentic feel of this fantastic city and its people.

A place where few others go, the San Francisco Church is unmissable while you're in Cusco: it features impressive colonial architecture, catacombs, and excellent rooftop views of the city. Finally, in the evening, you'll end the day with a farewell degustation meal at Map Cafe, a beautiful museum-restaurant venue.

Cusco

Day 7: Say goodbye to Peru

This morning, you'll have free time to explore the area at your leisure. You could perhaps take a last walk around Cusco's shops and markets, in search of souvenirs to bring home.

At a suitable time, head back to Cusco's airport to board a flight to Lima, for your connecting onward journey to your next destination.