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6 Day Machu Picchu Discovery with 1 Day Inca Trail Hike
Highlights: Lima, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Cusco
Trip start: Lima
Trip end: Lima
Sample Prices (GBP per person, double occupancy. "Request a Quote" for an exact price.)
$MayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarApr
4pplN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
2pplN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Take advantage of this value tour, fully equipped with your own private guide and vehicle, as the top sights in Peru are showcased. Fly to Cusco the former capital of the Inca Empire and transfer to the Sacred Valley for acclimatization. Enjoy a day visiting the Maras & Moray Salt Mines and famous weaver Nilda Callañaupa, a woman who represents the true strong spirit of the Andean woman. Then take the train to Machu Picchu and indulge in the atmosphere of this spiritual, mystical ancient Inca citad. Have the chance to hike on the actual Inca Trail of the Incas for a day. Overnight in Aguas Calientes in a comfortable hotel before discovering the legendary mountaintop city of the Incas. Mystical, spiritual and cultural - it has left an impression on visitors through the ages. Return to Lima for a tour of this important city.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Lima
  • Meet and Greet
  • Lima: Airport Assistance(20:00/06:59) - Local Representative
  • Dinner (not included)
Ramada Costa Del Sol (B)
Day 2
Sacred Valley
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Airport Assistance (07:00/19:59) - Local Representative
  • Air - Lima - Cusco [Direct - LAN (1.15 hr) ] - Economy
  • Transfer - Cusco - Sacred Valley [2 hr] - Vehicle/Driver/Local Representative
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Sacred Valley: Afternoon acclimatization
  • Dinner (not included)
Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado
(Alt: Sol y Luna Lodge) (B)
Day 3
Sacred Valley
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Maras & Moray - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Partial Tourist Ticket - Included
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Weaving Tour
  • Dinner (not included)
Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado (B)
Day 4
Aguas Calientes
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo [Hotel to Train Station (Short Inka Trail)] - Vehicle/Driver/Local Rep
  • Train - Ollantaytambo - Inca Trail [Train to Km 104 (Short Inka Trail)] - Train ticket
  • Walk - Inca Trail - Machu Picchu [Short Inka Trail (with Box Lunch)] - Guide
  • Transfer - Shared - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes [Bus down to Aguas Calientes (30 min) (Short Inka Trail)] - Bus ticket
  • Dinner (included)
Sumaq Hotel (B,D)
Day 5
Cusco
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Shared - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu [Bus up to Machu Picchu (30 min) (Short Inka Trail)] - Bus ticket/Guide
  • Machu Picchu: Early Morning Machu Picchu Guided Hike (Short Inka Trail) - Guide/Entrance Ticket
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Transfer - Shared - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes [Bus down to Aguas Calientes (30 min) (Short Inka Trail)] - Bus ticket
  • Train - Aguas Calientes - Cusco [Vistadome Train (4 hrs) (Short Inka Trail)] - Train Ticket
  • Cusco: Transfer - Private - Train station - Vehicle/Driver/Local Representative
  • Dinner (not included)
Libertador Palacio Del Inka (B)
Day 6
Lima
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver/Local Representative
  • Air - Cusco - Lima [Direct - Lan (1.5 hrs) ] - Economy
  • Lima: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver/Local Representative (07:00/19:59)
  • Private - City & Museum Tour (with Lunch, 8 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver/Local Representative (07:00/19:59)
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Limais situated halfway alongPeru’s desert coastline, literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Taurí Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6, 1535, and thus beganLima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that graceLima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (GovernmentPalace). Cultural attractions aside, areas such as Barranco, Miraflores andSan Isidrohave much to offer the visitor in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport.

Conveniently located right beside theJorgeChavezAirportinLima, the Ramada Costa del Sol is a great choice for travelers. The 130 guest rooms include mini bars and climate control, so that one may feel practically at home. Breakfast offers a lovely range of options, with all the necessities required to start the day off. Also try the hotel restaurants, which feature items from across the world. For those who want to do some sightseeing, the Limas Cathedral and Larcomar shopping center and entertainment complex are not far from the hotel. Otherwise, spend some time using the sauna and massage services, which will guarantee a relaxing trip.

Overnight at Ramada Costa Del Sol.


Lima
Lima
Ramada Costa Del Sol
Ramada Costa Del Sol
Day 2 Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a valley in the Andes of Peru, close to Cusco. It is fed by rivers which descend through adjoining valleys and gorges, and contains numerous archaeological remains and villages. The valley was appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the empire's main points for the extraction of natural wealth, and the best place for maize production in Peru. The Sacred Valley is generally understood to include everything between Písac and Ollantaytambo, parallel to the Urubamba River, or Vilcanota River or Wilcamayu, as this Sacred River is called when passing through the valley.

Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport.

Fly from Lima to Cusco. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Flight times are subject to change based on availability and seasonality.

Our local representative will meet you for a transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Transfer time is approximately 2 hours

Take the rest of the day to acclimatize and enjoy time at leisure surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley.

The Sacred Valley’s most complete hotel: a mountain chalet-styled retreat with panoramic Andes views from every room and every angle. On more than 8 landscaped acres, it breathes an air of tranquility and relaxation. Unique among Sacred Valley hotels – most of which remain isolated in the valley, offering precious little for guests to do – it contains an extraordinary, full-service “Sacred Spa”, a domed Planetarium & Observatory for stargazing in the massive Southern Hemisphere sky, and gourmet restaurant and bar. Casa Andina organizes a wide range of activities for both families and adventures, including trekking, mountain biking, white water rafting, visits to Andean markets and Inca ruins, and ceramics, textiles, yoga and cooking classes.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado.


Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley
Sacred River
Sacred River
Casa Andina Private Collection, Sacred Valley
Casa Andina Private Collection, Sacred Valley
Day 3 Sacred Valley Enjoy a half day excursion to Maras & Moray. Maras is the principal salt production center of the area since Inca times and it is an extraordinary spectacle to observe the terraced white salt mines. At a short distance towards the west, are the circular terraces of Moray built by the Incas in order to create different micro-climates for agricultural purposes.

Includes tourist ticket and entrance fees.

In the Andean village of Chinchero, resides Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a true embodiment of the Andean female force. Nilda learned to weave as a child while tending the flocks in the fields of her village. When she was a teenager, Nilda worked with researchers on preserving the traditional themes and techniques of weaving in the Andean community. As an adult, Nilda traveled extensively to the U.S. to organize weaving exhibits and workshops in several universities and the Textile Museum of Washington D.C. Nilda offers an indigenous, multi-faceted perspective on the arts, as well as excellent facilitation and communication skills. She is truly a one of a kind artist. She will be happy to lead a relaxed, fascinating workshop on traditional back strap weaving techniques and a discussion on the role of weaving in a contemporary Andean culture. Nilda is the founder and director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. This organization is dedicated to preserving ancient textile designs and weaving techniques from all over the Andes".

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado.


Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez
Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez
Day 4 Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes is the colloquial name forMachu Picchupueblo, a town on theUrubambaRiverinPeru. It is best known as the closest town to the tourist attractionMachu Picchu, which is 6 km away, about a 1.5 hour walk. It has many hotels and restaurants for tourists, as well as natural hot baths, which give the town its name ("hot waters" in Spanish). The hydro electric plant about 8 km past Aguas Calientes is the end of the train line fromCusco. A few trains leave Cusco each morning to transport tourists from Cusco to Aguas Calientes to visitMachu Picchu; they are also used by local residents.

You wil be met at the hotel lobby by our local representative, and transferred by private vehicle and professional driver from your hotel in the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo Train Station.

Board the train that will take you to Km. 104 on the Cusco – Machu Picchu Railway. It is from here that you will meet your guide and start our trek! You will reach Km. 104 at around 10:00 am.

*Note: Bring only a small bag with you. Due to limited storage space on the train, passengers are asked to bring only one small piece of luggage. The rest of your luggage will be stored safely at your hotel and returned to you either in Cuzco or Sacred Valley.

Here we will start our journey crossing the Willkamayu River (Urubamba River) through a cable and wood bridge. We start the trek visiting the famous Inka Sanctuary of Chachabamba, a beautiful Inca palace with nice rooms and walls. After having a proper introduction of Inca History, we will climb up a trail of roughly 8 km.(3 hours), and afterwards we will reach the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna (2700 m), second only to Machupicchu in beauty. This fantastic site is a perfect example of Inca terrace farming, and it was probably an experimental laboratory for agricultural purposes in Inca times. The name Wiñaywayna comes from a name given to a beautiful orquid typical in the zone, and it means “Forever Young”.

Later on, we will continue our trek crossing this cloud forest section though a narrow path untill we reach the Inti Punku (Sun Gate). At this spot, you will have a great view of the most beautiful Inca Citadel of Peru, “Machu Picchu”. This is indeed a special point where most of the hikers gather to get the best photo of this sacred city. Afterwards, we descend towards Machu Picchu for a first glance at the next day's exploration!

We will then go down to Aguas Calientes by bus, where you will spend the night at your chosen hotel. This evening, hikers have the option of visiting and relaxing at the hot springs located in the upper section of the valley, or just walking around the small village.

For your convenience the bus ticket between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes is provided. Buses depart about every 30 minutes, once the bus is full.

The new luxury accommodations at Sumaq Hotel inMachu Picchuare remarkable, with unparalleled natural surroundings and solitude. The 60 rooms offer stunning views of the river flowing below, as well as private balconies. Enjoy high-quality toiletries and bath products. The hotel's considerate staffs are willing to go to all lengths to ensure guests are pleased with their stay. Chefs whip up mouth-watering cuisine, with ingredients and methods taken from across the world. Local specialties are also available. Test out the hotel spa, or take a short walk to the train station, where more restaurants and markets are available.

Overnight at Sumaq Hotel.


Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes
Chachabamba
Chachabamba
Sumaq Hotel, Machu Picchu
Sumaq Hotel, Machu Picchu
Day 5 Cusco

Cuscowas the former capital of the Inca Empire (founded AD 1100). The city today is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remnants of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Narrow alleys of whitewashed houses with sky-blue and bottle-green shutters open out onto elegant squares with stone-hewn fountains and elegant restaurants and posadas (inns). Colorful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls, and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewelry. The elegant Plaza de Armas, or main square, is lined with arcades and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and terracotta tiled roofs.

Meet your guide at the Bus Station for an early bus up to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach the ruins of Machu Picchu we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around the area and take in the beauty and pure air of this magical place.

For your convenience the bus ticket between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes is provided. Buses depart about every 30 minutes, once the bus is full.

Return to Cusco on the Vistadome train. Departs from Aguas Calientes at 3:25pm* and takes 4 hours to return to Cusco. Snacks are served on board.
*Note train times and schedules may vary based on availability

Our local representative will meet you with a private vehicle and professional driver for a train station transfer.

Situated in the historic area of Cusco, the Libertador Palacio del Inka is highly commended by past guests for its 5 star services and facilities. The 240 rooms and 14 suites are exceptionally well-appointed, with comfortable beds and stimulating views. The breakfast buffet is delicious, with a good spread of options that will satisfy everbody. The hotel has a grand, ancient atmosphere, and is simply impeccable when it comes to staff and an amiable atmosphere. There is plenty of lounging space for those who want to interact with other guests or friends. The Libertador is positioned very conveniently, making it an easy walk to key points in the city for shopping and sightseeing.

Overnight at Libertador Palacio Del Inka.


Cusco
Cusco
Bird's Eye-View of Aguas Calientes
Bird's Eye-View of Aguas Calientes
Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco
Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco
Day 6 Lima

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver.

Direct flight from Cusco to Lima. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Please note: Flights' rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver.

Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Colonial and Modern Lima in the company of your private vehicle, driver and English speaking Guide, passing by outstanding monuments such as the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Cathedral (closed on Sundays) at the Plaza Mayor. Visit the 17th century San Francisco Convent. Take a short tour of the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores where you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean.

After lunch at "La Rosa Nautica" (included in tour) visit the Larco Herrera Museum. Since 1926 this museum holds the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art with a unique assortment of erotic pottery, genuine and rich jewels in gold, silver and semi-precious stones. With more than 45,000 pieces of ceramics plus genuine mummies and marvellous Paracas textiles, this is a great place to visit.

Return to your hotel at day's end.

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).


Lima
Lima

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.