Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & San Pedro de Atacama — Nature on a Grand Scale

Lima

Upon arrival to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, you will be greeted by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it just outside of arrivals. After a warm welcome, you will be guided to the lobby of the nearby Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol hotel where your representative will assist with check-in.. A welcome package containing a city map, tour vouchers, and other useful information will be waiting for you upon arrival to your first hotel.

Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol Lima Airport (B) (Suite)

Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley

A local representative will meet you in the lobby of the Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol, guide you to Jorge Chávez International Airport and assist with flight check-in.. Enjoy a private transfer to the Sacred Valley, stopping along the way to tour Sulca Textiles. A popular artisan outpost and outdoor museum, Sulca Textiles offers insight into an ancient and traditional way of weaving. Using the wool of alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and vicunas, weavers craft intricate designs through natural dyes. These unique dyes have existed in the Andes since the time of the Inca. In addition to admiring these vibrant works, you'll enjoy the chance to peruse outdoor crafts and observe nearby llamas and alpacas. Following your visit to Sulca Textiles, your private transfer concludes at your Sacred Valley hotel.. The effects of being at high altitude vary from person to person. While some travelers will experience no discomfort, others may find the process of acclimatization more challenging. To ensure an enjoyable experience in the coming days, take some time to rest and allow your body to adjust to the change in environment.

Accommodation: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness (B) (Deluxe Room), Lima

Sacred Valley

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the idyllic town of Chinchero would be similar to many other quiet Andean villages that dot the land if not for the bustling open-air market found in the main square. World-famous, this colorful fair operates seven days a week and is the best place in the country to barter for hand-woven dresses and carefully-crafted trinkets, or to simply peruse seemingly endless wares. Chinchero is also host to the remains of an Inca wall and an excellent fresco on the portico of the nearby colonial church, both of which will be visited. Open daily, Sunday is one of the best days to visit the market, which is when vendors are selling their fruits and vegetables for the week ahead. Carrying on with your guide and driver, visit Ollantaytambo Fortress,  the last Inca stronghold to resist the Spanish conquistadors. It is an incredible example of Inca military architecture, found on the outskirts of the namesake town in an area known as Temple Hill, and is often the starting point for intrepid hikers heading out on the last leg of the journey to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail. Lunch at Tunupa, a buffet-style restaurant featuring a range of Novo-Andean cuisine, is included.. The mandatory tourist ticket, necessary for explorations in and around the Sacred Valley, is included. At the start of your touring in the region, you will receive a physical Tourist Ticket, which should be kept with you at all times and remains valid throughout your stay, ensuring seamless access to key sites.

Accommodation: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness (B) (Deluxe Room)

Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Pueblo, Machu Picchu

Note on Luggage: This morning, the private guide and driver who accompany you to the train station in the Sacred Valley will also transport your primary luggage back to Cusco for secure storage. You will bring a personal overnight bag aboard the train to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival to Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will disembark the train and meet your Machu Picchu guide immediately. This local guide will ensure your overnight bag is forwarded to your hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo via hotel porters. This will allow you to continue directly to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Cusco, your primary luggage will be waiting for you.. In the company of a private driver and local representative, depart from the Sacred Valley en-route to Ollantaytambo Train Station, the penultimate stop on your journey into the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.. Board a shuttle bus in Machu Picchu Pueblo and begin the 30 minute ascent up Machu Picchu Mountain on a switchback road carved into the mountainside. Buses depart frequently, leaving Machu Picchu Pueblo approximately every 30 minutes.. Set near the base of the imposing Pinkuylluna Mountain, meander through the sleepy town of Ollantaytambo to arrive at the centrally-located train station where you will bid farewell to your local assistant and board the iconic Vistadome. Having settled in, the train will depart along a route that traces the Urubamba River, affording striking views of the dramatic landscape as you approach the valley below Machu Picchu. After a two-hour journey, the Vistadome will pull into a train station on the foothills beneath the ancient citadel in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Here, your local guide will welcome you together with local hotel porters who will transfer your luggage to your accommodation. Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply aboard the Vistadome: 1) Only one piece of hand luggage is permitted per guest, weighing a maximum of 11 lbs (5 kgs). 2) Hand luggage cannot be larger than 62 linear inches. Baggage that exceeds weight or measurement restrictions will not be permitted. Please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.. Steeped in mystery, the mountain citadel of Machu Picchu has dazzled visitors since its discovery by American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Believed to have been constructed sometime around 1450 CE and abandoned just over a century later, it is one of the world’s most prized heritage sites, and for good reason; complementing a fascinating history and incredible architecture are unforgettable views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the wild Urubamba River some 2,000 feet below. With a private guide catering to your personal interests and providing an informative overview of the history and architecture of this ancient citadel, gain a firsthand understanding of – and intimate appreciation for – the pièce de résistance in Peruvian travel. Depending on the timing of your arrival, you will visit the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel found atop Machu Picchu, to enjoy a leisurely lunch either before or after your in-depth tour.. Board a shuttle bus at the entrance to Machu Picchu and make the 30 minute return to nearby Machu Picchu Pueblo. Shuttle buses depart frequently, leaving Machu Picchu approximately every 30 minutes.

Accommodation: Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel (BD) (Superior Deluxe), Sacred Valley

Machu Picchu Pueblo, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Board a shuttle bus in Machu Picchu Pueblo and begin the 30 minute ascent up Machu Picchu Mountain on a switchback road carved into the mountainside. Buses depart frequently, leaving Machu Picchu Pueblo approximately every 30 minutes.. Savor a return journey to the breathtaking Inca citadel, exploring this world-famous landmark in greater depth. Accompanied by your knowledgeable private guide, discover Machu Picchu's incredible ruins, terraces and photogenic alpacas. Admire the stunning backdrop of Huayna Picchu Mountain and drink in the majesty of the citadel from the highest point of the complex. During this unforgettable exploration, your guide will help unravel the mysteries and astonishing history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.. Board a shuttle bus at the entrance to Machu Picchu and make the 30 minute return to nearby Machu Picchu Pueblo. Shuttle buses depart frequently, leaving Machu Picchu approximately every 30 minutes.. After a fascinating experience in the heart of the ancient Inca world, it is time to depart for the Imperial City, Cusco. Board the Vistadome in Machu Picchu Pueblo and relax as you embark on the scenic, four-hour journey to Poroy Train Station near Cusco. The route follows along the Urubamba River, climbing and descending through mountainous terrain utilizing, where necessary, a series of switchback rails. Consider purchasing a light snack or refreshment to make this sojourn through the countryside even more enjoyable. Before long, you will arrive at Poroy Station near Cusco.. Enjoy a private transfer between your hotel and Poroy Train Station with a professional driver and an English-speaking representative.

Accommodation: Aranwa Boutique Hotel (B) (Classic), Machu Picchu Pueblo

Cusco

Explore the historic side of Cusco in a privately guided walking tour. Stroll the cobbled streets of the San Blas district and visit a colonial church notable for its incredibly ornate wood-carved pulpit. Carrying onward, proceed to the Koricancha Temple, once walled in plated gold and featuring courtyard statues made of solid gold, Conquistadors described it as “fabulous beyond belief.” Today, the Church of Santo Domingo rests on the site of the original temple, making it an excellent location to learn about the intersection of Inca and Spanish culture and architecture from your expert local guide. Concluding with a visit to Plaza de Armas and Cusco Cathedral, this encompassing tour is an excellent introduction to the traditions and history of this incredible city.. What did Inca astronomers see and think when gazing up to the stars high above the city of Cusco? To answer these questions, a privately guided visit the Cusco planetarium is a must. Upon arrival, first learn about Inca theories of the night sky and then watch as a virtual presentation of the southern skies simulates astral movements, bringing to life constellations that cannot be observed in the northern hemisphere. To wrap up the tour, test your eye by participating in direct observations using a telescope found on-site which will be focused on the best and brightest constellations observable at the time of your visit (weather conditions permitting). Please note: As the evening in Cusco can be chilly, please be sure to bring warm clothing.

Accommodation: Aranwa Boutique Hotel (B) (Classic), Cusco

Cusco, La Paz

Enjoy a private transfer between your hotel and Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco alongside a professional driver and an English-speaking representative.. Board a flight in Cusco, Peru with direct service to La Paz, Bolivia. Approximate flight time is one hour. Please note, this flight is non-refundable.. A Visa and valid passport is required for all American citizens, including children, intending to visit Bolivia.  Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where citizens were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. Please speak to your Destination Expert if you have any questions regarding obtaining a Visa.. Upon arrival to La Paz International Airport, you will be greeted outside of Customs by an English-speaking guide holding a sign with your name on it. This guide will direct you to your awaiting driver and accompany to your first hotel to assist with check-in and answer any questions that you may have.. Settle in at your own pace, whether exploring independently or unwinding at your hotel with access to its full range of amenities.

Accommodation: Ritz Apart Hotel (B) (Grand Deluxe Suite), Cusco

La Paz

Strike out to visit the city of Tiwanaku, capital of an ancient civilization by the same name. Located roughly 45 miles outside the city of La Paz and near the south-eastern shores of Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku was once the largest settlement in the Latin world and is considered to be the birthplace of all American civilizations. This pre-Columbian ruin has sparked countless and seemingly endless archeological debates. The most recent radiocarbon tests show that this edification dates back to 1580 B.C, though others have contested the results. In this ancient and breathtaking city, visit the Kalasasaya Temple (Sun Temple) and the semi-subterranean Akapana Pyramid (Earth Pyramid). The tour also includes a visit to an impressive museum filled with ancient objects and tools that stand as proof of just how advanced this civilization really was. Lunch, as well as round-trip transfers, are included.. On the outskirts of La Paz an astonishing formation has taken shape over the millennia. Known as the Moon Valley, this all-but-lunar region is host to a mountain composed mainly of clay (as opposed to rock), which has eroded in a unique way, leaving a cascade of spires stretching across the valley. After arriving, your English-speaking guide will lead the way on a brief hike, allowing you to explore the region at your own pace, and when the time is right, will take you to a small ceramic workshop where you’ll learn about pottery in Bolivia and have the chance to purchase a keepsake if you so choose. Following your experience in the Moon Valley, you will be returned to your hotel in La Paz.

Accommodation: Ritz Apart Hotel (B) (Grand Deluxe Suite), La Paz

La Paz, Salar de Uyuni, Colchani

You will be privately transferred between La Paz International Airport and your hotel by a professional driver and English-speaking guide.. Board a flight in La Paz with direct service to Salar de Uyuni. Approximate flight duration is 45 minutes.. Depart Salar de Uyuni and transfer to the spectacular Salt Flats of Bolivia, pausing to visit the incredible Train Cemetery found in the desert. Explore a Colchani village, browse local handicrafts, and observe the salt extraction process done by hand. Continuing onward, immerse yourself in Incahuasi Island, located in the heart of the salt flat. The island is populated with giant cacti species reaching up to 26 feet in height. From April to November, the unique surface of the salt flats invites stunning photo opportunities. From December to March, the entire surface is covered with water, creating incredible reflections where the sky is mirrored on the salt flats below. This scenery is a paradise for photographers due to incredible optical effects. Please note: Incahuasi Island is inaccessible during the wet season, or when rains flood the flats. Rest assured, the scenery is still spectacular.

Accommodation: Luna Salada (B) (Standard Double - Salar View), La Paz

Colchani

Surrender to astonishing natural wonders as you return to the incredible salt flats of Salar de Uyuni. After exploring this truly otherworldly landscape, continue to the north side of salt flat to view the Coquesa Mummies, human archeological remains hidden in a little cave near Tunupa Volcano. At Tunupa Volcano you will also enjoy impressive views of the immense salt flats.

Accommodation: Luna Salada (B) (Standard Double - Salar View), Colchani

Colchani, Ojo de Perdiz

Begin your day in the salt flats of Bolivia with a trip to the Train Cemetery found in the middle of the desert. Here hulking relics from a bygone area rest like fossilized creatures in the otherwise empty land. Afterward, visit the magical villages of Sud Lípez and San Cristobal, two sleepy towns found in the southern section of the flats where you'll get a feel for local life in this remote corner of the world. Your next stop is the Rock Valley, where a group of large red rocks are found. Here you’ll break for a refreshing picnic lunch in the countryside before returning to your vehicle to continue onward to your hotel in the region of Ojo de Perdiz.

Accommodation: Tayka del Desierto (B) (Standard Room), Colchani

Ojo de Perdiz, San Pedro de Atacama

Depart Ojo de Perdiz for a private transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, stopping along the way to visit the a number of breathtaking geological wonders. Join your private guide to discover the breathtaking Stone Tree, the Red Lagoon, the Sol de Manana geysers, the hot springs of Polques, and the Green Lagoon. A testimony to the power of erosion over the passage of time, the Stone Tree in the Siloli Desert stands out amid the otherwise flattened, barren landscape. At the Eduardo Abaroa Reserve, visit the Red Lagoon to explore its incredibly diverse ecosystem, despite the desolate weather. Continuing onward, witness the geysers "Sol de Mañana", frequently active in the morning. Observe the hot springs of Polques, heated by nearby volcanoes, before journeying to the Green Lagoon, unique for the active microorganisms that color that water.. Located en-route to the Altiplano highlands, Nayara Alto Atacama invites you to explore the driest desert in the world alongside expert guides. Your program includes accommodation, shared transfers, a la carte lunches and dinners, daily excursions, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to the lodge's Puri SPA facilities. On arrival, you'll meet the dedicated staff before touring the grounds and settling in to your accommodations. Then, an Alto Atacama guide will provide an orientation of the area, and recommend which of the resort's selection of excursions may be best for you. Your guide will base their suggestions on your interests, fitness level, and the weather forecast to create a personalized plan for your stay. Clients travelling together may wish to participate in different activities or simply relax and take in the views. Please note that your acclimatization to Atacama's altitude level will play an important factor in scheduling excursions. Activities at higher elevations (ie. treks to the Tatio Geysers) are only possible after a few days of acclimation.

Accommodation: Nayara Alto Atacama (BLD) (Quitor ), Ojo de Perdiz

San Pedro de Atacama

As you acclimatize to Atacama's altitude, join your guide and a small group of fellow adventurers to explore the low zone of the basin, characteristic for its flat and regular surface. Because of their proximity, beauty and lower altitude, the Salt Mountain Range provides the ideal landscape for early days of adventure. Travel in time along the San Pedro River to find the 2,400 year-old village of Tulor, the earliest trace of Atacamenian settlement in the region. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Valley of the Moon, home to astonishing geological formations and impressive panoramas. Walk along the cliffs of the Salt Mountain Range where to observe the oasis of San Pedro. Trek along the Palama Ckepi to discover the different "eyes" of Atacama: the desert in the planet’s geological evolution, the oasis in the miracle of life brought by water, and the cultural history of Indigenous people.. To make the most of the privileged position in the desert, Nayara Alto Atacama has installed the only open air observatory in the region. It sits atop one of the many hills near the hotel. There, six swivel chairs and a powerful telescope enable guests to take in the intricacies of our universe with clarity hard to find anywhere else on Earth. This evening, an expert guide will accompany you on this group stargazing observation, answering questions and providing information on the long history of human astronomical discoveries.

Accommodation: Nayara Alto Atacama (BLD) (Quitor ), San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama

Set out to explore the Atacama Salt Flat during early days of acclimatization. Join your guide and small group of fellow explorers to experience the third largest salt flat in the world. Visit the Tamarugo Forest in Tambillo and continue up to Toconao, a local village known for its architecture typical of the area. Stop by the Flamingos National Reserve to watch a captivating sunset, where the sky blossoms into contrasting colors, reflections, light and shadows cast by the Andes Mountains. Opt to journey to Ojos del Salar, where two deep freshwater pools arise from the middle of the desert. From there, set off in search of the sunset at Tebinquinche, a turquoise lagoon formed by thawing snow and ice.

Accommodation: Nayara Alto Atacama (BLD) (Quitor ), San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama, Calama, Santiago

Enjoy a shared transfer by minibus to Calama Airport. This transfer will take approximately one hour.. Board a direct flight from Calama to Santiago. Approximate travel time is two hours. Please note that flights are not included in the price and must be purchased separately.