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8 Day Inca Explorer
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
4ppl2,0792,0792,0792,0792,0792,0792,0792,0792,2102,2102,2102,210
2ppl2,3082,3082,3082,3082,3082,3082,3082,3082,4562,4562,4562,456
* 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 [+]

Start your trip off with a breathtaking flight to Cusco the former capital of the Inca Empire. From here, transfer to the Sacred Valley for acclimazatrion before starting your adventure. Explore Inka sites and the local culture before taking the train to Machu Picchu to discover the legendary mountaintop city of the Incas located at 2,430 metres. Indulge in the mysterious atmosphere of long gone ages during your private guided tour of the ancient citadel. The nearby Aguas Calientes is the best place to relax for the night so you may spend more time exploring "The Lost City of the Incas" at leisure the next day. Return to Cuzco, a beautiful city with well preserved colonial architecture and a vivid culture which are evidence of a rich, complex and fascinating history. your next destination will be Lima. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the modern city is a curious mix of the modern mega city with some 'islands of modernity' and colonial architecture in the city center. An impressive and exciting city tour will guide your through the complex diversity of the capital of Peru before your international flight will bring you back home. With this remarkable variety of experiences you will be able to explore and discover more than you ever imagined.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Lima
  • Lima: Airport Assistance (07:00/19:59) - 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
  • Cusco: Afternoon acclimatization
  • Dinner (not included)
Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado
(Alt: Libertador Tambo del Inka)
(Alt: Rio Sagrado) (B)
Day 3
Sacred Valley
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Sacred Valley: Private - Chinchero Market with Maras & Moray (with Buffet Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Tourist Ticket - Included
  • Dinner (not included)
Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado (B)
Day 4
Sacred Valley
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - Pisac Ruins, Market & Ollantaytambo Tour (with Wayra Buffet Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado (B)
Day 5
Aguas Calientes
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo [Hotel to Train Station] - Vehicle/Driver/Local Representative
  • Train - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes [Vistadome (2 hrs)] - Train ticket/Guide
  • Aguas Calientes: Private - Machu Picchu Tour (with Lunch) (with Vistadome Train, C) - Guide/Bus&Entrance tickets
  • Dinner (included)
Sumaq Hotel
(Alt: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo)
(Alt: Sanctuary Lodge) (B,D)
Day 6
Cusco
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Shared - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu [Bus up to Machu Picchu (30 min)] - Bus ticket
  • Machu Picchu: Entrance Fee - Entrance Fee
  • Wayna Picchu Hike - Entrance Fee
  • Transfer - Shared - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes [Bus down to Aguas Calientes (30 min)] - Bus ticket
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Train - Aguas Calientes - Cusco [Vistadome (4 hrs)] - Train Ticket
  • Cusco: Transfer - Private - Train station - Vehicle/Driver/Local Representative
  • Dinner (not included)
Libertador Palacio Del Inka
(Alt: Aranwa Boutique)
(Alt: Hotel Monasterio) (B)
Day 7
Cusco
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - 1/2 d City Tour & Ruins (3hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Libertador Palacio Del Inka (B)
Day 8
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.

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 afternoon to rest at your hotel so as to allow your body to acclimatize. Try to minimize physical activity to avoid the effects of altitude sickness.

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
Afternoon Relaxation
Afternoon Relaxation
Casa Andina Private Collection, Sacred Valley
Casa Andina Private Collection, Sacred Valley
Day 3 Sacred Valley

32 Km (18 miles) from Cusco and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the town of Chinchero appears in the middle of the puna. At a very colourful fair in the main square, the local people wearing bright dresses get together to barter their products: goods as well as handicrafts. Around the main square, the remains of an Inca wall and the frescoes on the portico of the Colonial church can be observed. The excursion continues to Maras, the principal salt production center since Inca times. Extraordinary spectacle of 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. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Sundays and Thursdays only. Approximate tour duration is 8 hrs.

Includes tourist ticket and entrance fees.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado.


Chinchero Market
Chinchero Market
Day 4 Sacred Valley

Enjoy a full day excursion to the Pisac ruins located on the top of a hill overlooking the Vilcanota (Urubamba) river, a series of terraces, canals, houses, food storage and temples can be seen in very good shape. The most notable is the “Intihuatana” or solar calendar made out of a big piece of red stone. Continue to visit the Pisac Market where artisans from all over the area congregate to sell their crafts. Buffet lunch in a countryside restaurant and visit to Ollantaytambo, a fortress built during the Inca Empire, excellent sample of military architecture. 8 hours in duration

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado.


Pisac ruins
Pisac ruins
Day 5 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.

Once you get to the train station together with your guide, you will board the Vistadome train for a 2 hour journey to the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu. Before reaching Machu Picchu, the train travels along the Urubamba River, with awe-inspiring views of the dramatic canyon.

*Note: When you board the train to visit Machu Picchu with overnight, 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.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will board the bus (shared service) up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes 30 minutes and once you get there you will enjoy a private guided tour of Machu Picchu. The Inca Citadel lies between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu (“Young Peak” and “Old Peak”). The Inca Pachacutec built the Citadel using sharp stone blocks, fitted together perfectly. Houses, temples, a public square are all connected by narrow roads and steps cut into the mountainside. There are many theories as to the purpose of Machu Picchu; a temple to the sun? A fortress against jungle inhabitants? A sanctuary for the Incas? The mysterious lost city awaits you!

After the tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Afterwards, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

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
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
Sumaq Hotel, Machu Picchu
Sumaq Hotel, Machu Picchu
Day 6 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.

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

The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is provided for your convenience.

For your convenience, the entrance fee for the hike to Wayna Picchu is included. There are two start times to do this: 7am and 10am. When booking your trip please specify which time you prefer.

The eternal guardian of the Sanctuary, Wayna Picchu (meaning “YoungMountain’ in Quechua) towers over the Incan city, and an amazing view can be appreciated from the top. The route to the top of the mountain is treacherous, with very narrow pathways, and to conquer the summit is truly a rewarding experience! Along the route and at the top of the mountain are sacred structures and eye-catching terraces, built right against the slope’s edge. Depending on each person's hiking pace, this activity may take up to 3 hours. This activity is on your own; please speak to your sales agent about organizing a guide to accompany you.

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 on your own (no guide). The 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 7 Cusco

High in the Andes, 3000m above sea level, lies the historic city of Cusco, with its unique blend of Spanish and Inca cultures. Take a half day private tour of the city including the best of Cusco: the Koricancha Temple (Temple of the Sun) and the Cathedral with its magnificent chapels and baroque altars and paintings from the Cusquenian School. The tour also includes the surrounding ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca bath of Tambomachay, the labyrinth of Puca Pucara and the amphitheatre of Kenko.

Overnight at Libertador Palacio Del Inka.


Sacsayhuaman Fortress
Sacsayhuaman Fortress
Day 8 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.