Peru - Kingdom of the Incas - 7 Days
CUSCO, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Hands down, Peru is Latin America's most renowned mix of environmental and cultural diversity. From its high altitude Andean spine to the jungled head-waters of the Amazon, opportunities for eco-adventures abound. Both New World and Old World empires have ruled here and their mix of blood still flows in the people who will welcome you. Like the Incas and Spaniards before them, most tourists make Cusco their initial base of conquest, and we can't argue. The Inca capital, nestled high in the Andes with the Sacred Valley and with the lost city of Machu Picchu nearby, it's the best place to see and do it all.
Day 1
Overnight flight to Cusco
Day 2
Welcome to Cusco, capital of the Incas. First off, just breathe and begin adjusting to the 10,500 ft. altitude. Leisurely orientation and walking tour of Plaza de Armas, Inca walls, Spanish churches, and markets.
Day 3
Half-day City Bus Tour with Bi-lingual guide, including the temple of Qorikancha, the ceremonial fortress of Saqsaywaman, Q'enko, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Day 4
All day Sacred Valley tour to several high Inca sites overlooking the Urubamba River, including elaborate Pisaq, it's famed market below, terraced Ollantanytambo, and sacred Chinchero.
Day 5
All day journey to Machu Picchu, the famed lost city of the Incas. It was never discovered by the Spanish, eventually abandoned and forgotten until its 1911 discovery by American Hiram Bingham. Its striking position on a remote precipice adds to its mystical aura. Guided tour of ruins.
Day 6
Final free day in Cusco. Optional activities: Horseback riding, Rafting.
Day 7
Return flight to the U.S.
Optional Extensions to this Itinerary - 4 days backpacking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, for the healthy and adventurous, overnight home-stay with a local Quechua family.
