Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley - A Luxury Small Group Journey (2023)

Arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel, located in the city’s exclusive residential district of Miraflores. Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, this “City of Kings” is a blend of colonial structures, pre-Colombian sites and modern conveniences.

Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima

Today, learn why Lima is considered one of the world’s premier culinary cities by discovering its history and flavours with top local chefs who introduce you to the unique food products of the Land of the Incas. Begin with a walking food tour of the bohemian Barranco neighbourhood and discover the essence of the Limeño lifestyle. Meet a local chef who takes you to his or her favourite places, where you are invited to sample some of the iconic dishes and spirits of Peru — an experience exclusive to A&K. After lunch, discover Peru’s capital, visiting Plaza de Armas, birthplace of the city, and the beautiful Cathedral, built in the 16th century. Then, take part in a Peruvian Chef ’s Table experience, savouring the delicious dishes you have cooked for dinner.

Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima | Meals: BLD

Fly to Cusco, located more than 3,352 metres above sea level. Stop for lunch in the central square, and then take part in a photography workshop, learning pointers from a professional, before proceeding to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, visit Manos de la Comunidad to interact with the South American camelids living there — such as llamas and alpacas — and learn about the valuable fibres created from their coats. Continue to your awe-inspiring resort, designed to fit in with the Sacred Valley’s landscapes.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba | Meals: BLD

Visit a remote village where the local residents provide a hands-on introduction to the customs and crafts that make up their way of life, including weaving and cooking, for an A&K-exclusive experience. Then, participate in one of Peru’s oldest and most sacred rituals when you join a local shaman in a traditional offering to Mother Earth (Pachamama). After this spiritual ceremony, visit the Kuychi Centre to meet the children at Niños del Arco Iris (Children of the Rainbow), a project supported by A&K Philanthropy, which provides education, nutrition, medical care and hope to children in the Sacred Valley. Eat lunch on site before returning to your hotel, where you prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu with a private lecture from a renowned scholar and certified expert on the Incas. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, gazing upon the soaring Andes and savouring a refreshing Scenic Sundowner.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba | Meals: BLD

Today, depending on your choice of departures, explore Ollantaytambo, a fortress of massive stone terraces that hug the mountain slopes and the site of the Incas’ greatest victory over the invading Spanish. Then, journey deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu aboard the Inca Rail First Class Train, gazing out at the spectacular Peruvian countryside. Alternatively, start by boarding a many-windowed Vistadome Train for the same scenic ride, but with a twist: disembark at KM 104 and set out with a guide on a hike that culminates at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), looking out over the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site. Either way, arrive for your overnight stay at the only hotel located on-site at Machu Picchu. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire. Although this “Lost City” was revealed to the rest of the world by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, its location was long known to locals. Its original purpose, however, remains a matter of some conjecture, as the Incas left no written records. In the early afternoon, explore the ruins with your expert guide and, as you wander amid the age-old stone walls, picture life as it might have been in this majestic citadel, set some 2,438 metres above sea level.

On select dates, engage in a more active Day-5 adventure, departing the train early for an expert-guided hike along the last portion of the Inca Trail, starting at KM 104 and ascending to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) overlooking Machu Picchu.

Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu | Meals: BLD

Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive, an experience some consider the spiritual highlight of the journey. After your explorations, bid adieu to this “Lost City of the Incas” and board the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. Continue to Cusco, where you check in to your hotel, once a 16th-century monastery and now a national monument that offers a delightful retreat from the bustle of Cusco, while set just off the city square. Enjoy an evening at leisure, free to relax or begin to explore Cusco on your own.

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco | Meals: BL

This morning, discover Cusco on a city tour that includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious building. Listen as a local expert explains how the historic clashes between the Incas and the Spanish played a role in forming today’s Peruvian culture. Later, visit the well-preserved ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a testament to Incan architectural skill. This imposing fortress, which witnessed the greatest battle between the Spanish and the Incas, is compiled from colossal stones and overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Visit the San Blas Neighbourhood, a unique, bohemian enclave where you find the workshops of artisans.
• Stroll San Pedro Market and Visit the Inca Museum for a taste of local fruits and cheese, and a glimpse of daily life, followed by a look back into Peru’s rich history.
• Explore with an Expert Photographer who helps you refine your skills and capture Cusco as a local sees it, including its narrow streets and beautiful houses.

Tonight, listen to a private Andean music presentation by a regional expert, and learn the history of his handmade instruments. Absorb not only the timeless quality of the Peruvian folk tunes he plays, but the unmistakable cultural identity revealed by their haunting, immersive melodies as well. Afterward, gather for a farewell dinner at an elegant Cusco restaurant, where the chef gathers local ingredients for use in innovative recipes that remain true to Peru’s culinary traditions.

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco | Meals: BLD

After a morning at leisure to sleep in, visit shops or simply relax, fly back to Lima. Later, board your departing flight.

Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport (dayroom) | Meals: B

Internal air included: Lima/Cusco; Cusco/Lima
This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 10:00 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: airport assistance in Lima upon return from Cusco on Day 8.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.

Included with every Luxury Small Group Journey

• English-Speaking Resident Tour Director and Local Guides
• Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations
• Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
• Travelling Bell Boy Luggage Handling
• Breakfast in Bed on Select Days
• Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
• Your Choice of Activity on Design Your Day
• Traveller’s Valet Laundry Service
• Internet Access
• Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
• Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.