Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Departure Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays
Ayni Peru´s Machu Picchu Luxury Tour is the perfect match for travelers that seek time to explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu at a pace that allows for rest & relaxation. Our luxury itinerary blends meaningful local experience with the region´s top highlights; along the way, you´ll have time to relax and enjoy exclusive luxury accommodations at your own pace.
Our tour begins with Cusco´s famous Sacred Valley of the Incas, a serene and wonderfully slow-paced region studded with Inca ruins, traditional towns and colorful markets. It’s here where you’ll get a taste of the profound cultural history and breathtaking beauty that define Cusco. Your Ayni travel planner and private guide will work to create an itinerary that fits your interests and style of travel, with activities that include archaeological visits, trips to local markets, time spent in traditional communities, Inca astronomy talks, days hikes, horseback riding, and much more!
Next, travel by First Class train through the Andes to the base of Machu Picchu. The ride is incredibly scenic, marked by snowy mountains, fields of wheat, potatoes and quinoa, and finally the lush high jungle. Your final day will be spent at the famed Inca citadel – an astonishing and powerful experience for any traveler. After a private tour of Machu Picchu with your very own guide, and Huayna Picchu climb (optional), we´ll return you to Cusco in time for a good night’s rest.
As with all Ayni Peru travel, this itinerary can be customized or combined with tours in Cusco and beyond. Please contact us for custom itineraries, quotes and questions.
Today we depart for the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is the impressive Inca fortress of Saqsayhuaman, constructed of huge, skillfully carved stones. From there, continue to the stunning Inca ruins of Pisac overlooking the valley. After time to appreciate the impressive ruins, descend to Pisac village to browse handicraft stalls and sample fresh empanadas in a traditional market. You’ll arrive at beautiful Hacienda Urubamba in early afternoon, with time to enjoy expansive views of the Sacred Valley, participate in bird watching activities, or take a guided walk through the surrounding countryside.
Meals: Lunch
After breakfast, continue exploration of the Sacred Valley at the archeological complex of Moray, characterized by sunken, circular terraces thought to be a site of agricultural research for the Incas. From there, continue to the Salineras of Maras. The Salineras are a cluster of hundreds of spring-fed, artisanal salt pools cascading down a steep hillside, and have been in use since before the arrival of the Incas in the area. You’ll likely have the opportunity to observe salt harvesting in the manner it has been done for hundreds of years.
Next, board your First Class train to Machu Picchu, where you’ll be able to relax and enjoy views of dramatic snowcapped peaks, fields of corn and barley, and finally lush, subtropical forest. From the train station, continue to Inkaterra´s Machu Picchu Pueblo. Evening free to relax and enjoy a nice dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, gourmet box lunch, dinner
We awake this morning to catch the bus to the gates of this Wonder of the World. Machu Picchu is among the most impressive UNESCO world heritage sites on the planet, and you´ll have the day to fully appreciate it´s power and beauty. You will ascend stone steps, through heavy tree cover to finally emerge at the top of the world – Machu Picchu! The incredible Inca stone construction will be spread below, alternately hidden and revealed by clouds. You’ll have a 2.5-3 hour private tour with your guide, and the option to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountaña in the afternoon (additional cost and based on availability; please inquire at the time of booking). In the afternoon, descend to Aguas Calientes for your return train. We will be waiting in the station for private tranfer to your hotel in Cusco for a good night’s rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch