Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Salar de Uyuni — A Journey Beyond the Familiar

Lima

Upon arrival to Lima, you will be welcomed outside of Customs by an English-speaking assistant holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel to 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: Villa Barranco (B) (Junior Suite), Lima

Lima

Set out with your private guide to tour one of the oldest colonial mansions in all of Lima. Casa Aliaga has been owned and lived in by the same family, through 16 generations, since Francisco Pizarro granted the land to Jerónimo de Aliaga in 1535. Explore this architectural wonder before marveling at nearby centuries-old buildings. The past is brought to light in colonial Lima, starting with a stop at the Government Palace and City Hall in Plaza Mayor. In the same square, completed in 1774, is the San Francisco Convent. An impressive example of Spanish Baroque architecture, it remains as striking today as it was in the 18th century despite the multiple earthquakes that have shook its foundation. Extensive catacombs underneath the convent host the remains of an estimated 25,000 individuals who were buried prior to the opening of Lima’s city cemetery; a visit to the aged tombs is one you won’t soon forget. To round out the tour, make a stop at Museo del Pisco to enjoy a refreshing Pisco Sour before returning to your hotel.. Lima’s dining scene is a vibrant showcase of creativity and heritage, where some of Latin America’s most celebrated restaurants redefine Peruvian cuisine. From the avant-garde tasting menus at Central to the bold Nikkei flavors of Osaka, the city offers remarkable variety. Favorites like Mayta and Astrid & Gastón highlight contemporary Peruvian cuisine at its finest, while trendy spots like Kion add a vibrant fusion of Peruvian and Asian influences. Please speak to your Destination Expert to secure a reservation.

Accommodation: Villa Barranco (B) (Junior Suite), Lima

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.. Board a flight in Lima with direct service to Cusco. Approximate flight time is one hour and 15 minutes. This is a separate purchase.. 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: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay (B) (Suite), Lima

Sacred Valley

Treat yourself to an authentic taste of the Andes with a privately guided trip to the local Quechua community of Huilloc. Here, a host family will prepare a home-cooked, organic meal with local products harvested in traditional and sustainable ways, which you will help deliver to those tending nearby fields. In a fast moving world, the people of Huilloc offer hospitality based on old, unwritten laws of the community which stipulate that visitors are to feel like honored guests, rooted in a desire to share the community’s history and traditions. Certain to be a trip highlight, discover that the centuries-old traditions of the Inca are alive and well while enjoying a native snack alongside an inviting Quechua family before carrying on to the ancient fortress, Ollantaytambo. The last Inca stronghold to resist Spanish conquistadors, the fortress is an incredible example of Inca military architecture and is found on the outskirts of the namesake town in an area known as Temple Hill, often the starting point for intrepid hikers heading out on the last leg of the journey to Machu Picchu.. 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: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay (B) (Suite), Sacred Valley

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.. Pass by beautiful orchids and watch nearby floating clouds as you and your private local guide hike Machu Picchu Mountain. Featuring a 360 degree view of the famed Inca city and the surrounding region, once you reach the summit you will feel as if you are on top of the world and have the opportunity to take incredible pictures of Huayna Picchu and the Vilcanota Valley. A picturesque tour like few others on Earth, you're sure to remember your hike of Machu Picchu Mountain for years to come.. 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: Novotel Cusco (B) (Deluxe Room), Machu Picchu Pueblo

Cusco

At Rooftop Kitchen, host to the most immersive culinary course in Cusco, learn the tricks and techniques behind preparing exotic, delicious and healthy dishes that feature ingredients such as red quinoa, yellow aji and other locally grown specialties that are a distinct part of Peruvian cuisine but are easily found across the world. On this three hour course, prepare two sophisticated and easy-to-make meals that offer rich Peruvian flavors and gain the expertise to demonstrate your newly acquired skills back home. To cap off this highly interactive culinary course, enjoy your creations while sipping on a delicious pisco sour cocktail before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation: Novotel Cusco (B) (Deluxe Room)

Cusco, Juliaca, Puno

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 from Cusco with service to Juliaca. Approximate travel is 4 to 5 hours with layover in Lima. Please note this flight is not included in your itinerary price and must be purchased separately.. Depart Juliaca and transfer to Puno, pausing en-route to explore the impressive Sillustani tombs. Nestled on a small hilltop overlooking Lake Umayo, Sillustani is home to 100 burial towers, each demonstrating complex engineering, more than other Incas constructions.

Accommodation: GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca (B) (Premium Sunset Room), Cusco

Puno

Enjoy a private expedition by boat to visit Uros and Taquile Islands alongside an English-speaking guide. A Quechua speaking population developed an efficient and unique social system that continues to be passed from generation to generation in these parts. The islands are also famous for being the birthplace of one of the world’s finest hand weaving techniques. After boarding a small boat and venturing out onto the waters of Lake Titicaca, visit one of the native Uros communities located on a man-made floating island in the lake. The lives of those living on the Uros Islands are entirely interwoven with the "Totora" reed which grows abundantly in the shallows of the lake. This way of life began over 500 years ago when the Uros built the islands in an effort to isolate themselves from the Coyas and the Incas. Next, travel to Taquile Island, a peaceful island with no roads or electricity but plenty of hills and archeological ruins. Lunch at a local restaurant on Taquile Island is included. Following your tour of Taquile Island, you will be returned to your hotel.

Accommodation: GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca (B) (Premium Sunset Room), Puno

Puno, La Paz

Set out with your private guide and driver to transfer to the shores of world-famous Lake Titicaca near Copacabana. Join like-minded travelers in a brief visit of the town before boarding a catamaran to Sun Island, birthplace of the Inca Empire. This legendary island invites you to explore its Inca Garden, Stairs and Fountain along with its Inti Wata Cultural Complex, showcasing plenty of archeological treasures. Soon after, stop by the Titicaca Reed Shipbuilders Display Center, the Pachamama agricultural Inca Terraces, the Intica Lounge and the Manco Kapac, where a variety of Andean camelids live. Finally, enjoy a unique sailing experience aboard a traditional reed vessel for a panoramic visit to the Pilkokaina Inca Palace. Afterwards, re-board the catamaran and enjoy a buffet lunch as the ship navigates to the Bolivian side of the lake, taking in views of the Andean Mountains along the way. The vessel will cross the Tiquina Strait to reach Chua Port where you will disembark the ship and transfer to La Paz.. 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.

Accommodation: Suites Camino Real (B) (Royal Suite), Puno

La Paz

The famous Witches Market of La Paz, locally known as Mercado de los Brujos, is host to all kinds of rare handicrafts and trinkets - as well as tinctures and oils that allege to assist in search for wealth or to help identify infidelity - and you’ll discover this firsthand today alongside your private guide. Later, visit the colonial Church of San Francisco, and vibrant Sagarnaga Street, another popular place to find well-made charms. You'll also visit Murillo Square where the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Government Palace and Parliament buildings are located, learning about the city's political past along the way, before arriving at the ever-popular Jaen Street, a colonial neighborhood where a number of interesting museums are clustered, including a replica of the semi-subterranean temple of Tiwanaku culture. After touring La Paz, the scene shifts to the outskirts of the city, where 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 Making completing the 30-minute drive to reach the valley, set out with your guide as they lead the way on a brief hike to explore the region at your own pace. When the time is right, visit a small ceramic workshop where you’ll learn about pottery in Bolivia and also have the chance to purchase a keepsake if you so choose. After a day exploring La Paz and the Moon Valley, you will be returned to your hotel.. Gustu is arguably the best restaurant in Bolivia. Working exclusively with local Bolivian products, the cuisine utilizes fresh ingredients from the many varying regions within the country; from dry and cold Andean landscapes to the warm and rich Amazonian river beds and everywhere in between. Tonight, settle in for a seven-course meal paired with beverages in Gustu’s modern and inviting dining room. To ensure a smooth evening, round-trip transfers with a bilingual guide and private driver will also be arranged.

Accommodation: Suites Camino Real (B) (Royal Suite), La Paz

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.

Accommodation: Suites Camino Real (B) (Royal 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.. After landing in Salar de Uyuni, meet your private guide and driver, then set out to explore one of the country’s quintessential highlights. The mesmerizing salt flats found in and around Salar de Uyuni are spectacular year-round. From April to November, the annual dry season, the salt flats – cracked in a mosaic of dry-mud tiles – gives the opportunity to play with perspective, while from December to March, the salt flats are sheeted in water, becoming a gigantic reflective mirror where the sky is paralleled on the flats below. The scenery is a paradise for photography lovers due to the incredible optical effects no matter the time of year. Continuing onward, you will then visit Incahuasi Island which is located in the heart of the salt flat. The largest of a group of islands in this isolated ecosystem, Incahuasi is populated with giant cacti species that measures up to 26 feet in height; an other-worldly sight in this seemingly-lunar landscape. Following your time on the salt flats, you will be delivered to your hotel in Colchani. Please note: Incahuasi Island is inaccessible during the wet season, or when rains flood the flats. Rest assured, the scenery is still spectacular.

Accommodation: Palacio de Sal (B) (Suite), La Paz

Colchani

Embark on an unforgettable journey with your private driver and guide to explore the north-side of the salt flat. In addition to the impressive scenery, the region pays homage to rich local history. Visit the Coquesa Mummies resting in a small cave near Tunupa Volcano. Dated to approximately 700 BCE, these remains prove that humans have been in the flats for millennia. At Tunupa Volcano, marvel at impressive views of the immense salt flats, perhaps most enjoyed over sunset. Drink in astonishing views before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation: Palacio de Sal (B) (Suite), Colchani

Colchani, Salar de Uyuni, La Paz

You will be transferred between your hotel in Colchani and the airport in Salar de Uyuni by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Approximate travel time is 30 minutes.. Board a flight in Salar de Uyuni with direct service to La Paz. Approximate flight duration is 50 minutes.. You will be privately transferred between La Paz International Airport and your hotel by a professional driver and English-speaking guide.. Ten years ago, the highest city in Bolivia was also ranked among the world’s poorest. Nowadays, new residential structures have appeared – expensive and impressive buildings – many of which were designed be renowned architect Freddy Mamani. Mamani envisioned this large network of buildings and supervised the construction of more than 140 units, all in a new style called Cholet. After a hotel pick up, transfer to the La Paz Cable Car Station to enjoy a scenic journey between the mountains on board one of the most modern and unique transportation options in South America. Two lines connects the city of La Paz and El Alto, La Paz’s neighboring city and Bolivia’s second largest. During the ride, take in amazing views of the city, and upon arrival to El Alto, continue to the Villa Adela neighborhood where you can observe the buildings of the new Cholets. Wander through a couple buildings to appreciate the decor and architectural style, learning about the Cholet style founded by Mamani. Afterward, you’ll return to La Paz and be returned to your hotel.

Accommodation: Suites Camino Real (B) (Double Suite), Colchani

La Paz

You will be privately transferred between La Paz International Airport and your hotel by a professional driver and English-speaking guide.