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Empire Treasures:
7 Days in the Heart of the Valley

Arrival in Lima - Transfer to Hotel in Miraflores

DAY 1

Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a Luxe Andes Peru representative, who will assist with VIP transfer to your luxury hotel in the exclusive Miraflores district. Once at the hotel, you’ll receive all necessary travel information and personalized assistance with the check-in process. Use this day to acclimatize and enjoy your boutique hotel’s amenities. If your arrival is early, we recommend exploring the vibrant Miraflores district, visiting the romantic Love Park with its spectacular Pacific Ocean views, or enjoying a welcome dinner at one of the city’s award-winning restaurants, where you can taste exquisite Peruvian gastronomy that has conquered international palates.

Transfer to Airport - Flight to Cusco - Transfer to Urubamba

DAY 2

After a gourmet breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Cusco, the ancient Inca Empire capital. Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you’ll be welcomed by your specialized guide who will offer comforting coca tea to facilitate altitude acclimatization. You’ll immediately begin descent to the Sacred Valley, specifically to Urubamba, located at lower altitude (2,874 meters) for better gradual acclimatization. During the panoramic journey, enjoy spectacular Andean landscapes and photographic stops at strategic viewpoints. Check into your boutique hotel in the heart of Sacred Valley, where you can relax and enjoy the environment’s serenity while naturally acclimatizing. The afternoon includes dinner with local organic products and free time to rest.

Maras, Moray, Salt Terraces and Chincheros

DAY 3

After breakfast, begin a full day exploring Sacred Valley’s most emblematic wonders. Start visiting the fascinating Maras salt terraces, where thousands of salt terraces have been exploited since Inca times, creating a surrealistic landscape of white mirrors that dramatically contrast with surrounding mountains. Continue to Moray, the enigmatic Inca agricultural laboratory with its concentric circular terraces used to experiment with different crops at various altitudes, demonstrating the Incas’ advanced agricultural knowledge. After a gourmet lunch with panoramic views, visit the picturesque town of Chincheros, famous for its traditional textiles and Sunday market. Here you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local communities and learn about ancestral dyeing and weaving techniques that remain alive today.

Pisaq Ruins, Pisaq Market and Ollantaytambo

DAY 4

Early morning, head to Pisaq, one of Sacred Valley’s most impressive archaeological jewels. Explore Pisaq ruins, a ceremonial and military complex crowning a mountain with perfectly preserved agricultural terraces and spectacular panoramic valley views. After archaeological exploration, descend to vibrant Pisaq market, considered one of Sacred Valley’s most authentic artisan markets. Here you can admire and acquire traditional textiles, ceramics, silver jewelry, and other handicrafts made by local communities. Continue to Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca town, where you’ll explore its imposing fortress and check into your boutique hotel to spend the night in this mystical town that preserves its original Inca urban layout.

Train to Aguas Calientes

DAY 5

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning to explore the fascinating town of Ollantaytambo more deeply, walking through its original cobblestone streets and visiting artisan workshops. You can climb to the fortress’s upper terraces for panoramic valley views or simply relax in this unique town’s mystical atmosphere. At midday, head to Ollantaytambo train station to board the luxury train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu’s base town. During this scenic approximately 1.5-hour journey, enjoy panoramic windows offering spectacular views of the Urubamba River winding through cloud forest, with mountains covered in lush vegetation. Arrival and accommodation at your boutique hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you can relax and prepare for the following day’s summit experience.

Machu Picchu - Train to Ollantaytambo - Transfer to Cusco

DAY 6

This is your trip’s most anticipated day. Very early morning, board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu citadel to enjoy sunrise over this world wonder. Your specialized guide will lead you through available circuits, revealing the architectural, astronomical, and ceremonial secrets of this archaeological jewel. Explore the most important sectors such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Residence, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana, while learning about the fascinating history and mysteries still surrounding this sacred citadel. After a deep and contemplative experience, descend to Aguas Calientes for a farewell lunch. In the afternoon, board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll be welcomed by your private driver for transfer to Cusco via the Sacred Valley scenic route. Arrival and accommodation at your luxury hotel in Cusco’s historic center, where you can rest and reflect on the transformative experience lived.

Transfer to Airport

DAY 7

After a final breakfast at your hotel, and depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have free time for last-minute shopping at Cusco’s artisan markets, visit the famous Hatunrumiyoc street with the twelve-angled stone, or simply relax at your hotel enjoying historic center views. Your Luxe Andes Peru representative will accompany you to Cusco airport for your return flight, ensuring your departure is as comfortable as your arrival. We bid farewell with the certainty that you carry indelible memories of an authentic and transformative experience in the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, having lived the true essence of Andean culture.

What’s Included

  • Personalized VIP airport assistance upon arrival and throughout your stay with dedicated representative.
  • Accommodation in carefully selected luxury hotels: boutique hotel in Miraflores (Lima), exclusive lodge in Sacred Valley (Urubamba), boutique hotel in Aguas Calientes, and luxury hotel in Cusco’s historic center.
  • Premium private transportation throughout the itinerary, including airport-hotel-airport transfers and luxury vehicles with professional driver.
  • Entrance tickets and permits to all archaeological sites and attractions: Machu Picchu, Maras Salt Terraces, Moray, Chincheros, Pisaq (ruins and market), and Ollantaytambo.
  • Specialized bilingual private guides and experts in Andean history, archaeology, and culture for each destination.
  • Luxury Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back with onboard service.
  • Meal plan included: All daily breakfasts, gourmet lunches during Sacred Valley excursions with local organic products.
  • Authentic cultural experiences with local communities in Chincheros and traditional Pisaq market.
  • 24/7 support during the trip with direct emergency line.
  • Welcome kit with detailed trip information, exclusive Sacred Valley maps, and local gifts.

 

What’s Not Included

  • International flights to and from Peru.
  • Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco (quotation available upon request).
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended for altitude excursions and archaeological activities).
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff (we suggest 10-15% of tour cost).
  • Dinners in Lima, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Cusco (except those specified in itinerary).
  • Alcoholic beverages during included meals and personal expenses.
  • Optional activities such as Huayna Picchu ascent, Machu Picchu Mountain, private spiritual ceremonies, or spa treatments.
  • Personal expenses including artisan market shopping, extra hotel services, phone calls, and laundry.
  • Altitude sickness prevention medication (available at local pharmacies).
  • Specialized equipment such as trekking poles, rain ponchos, or backpacks (available for rent).

 

Essential Recommendations

  1. Altitude Preparation: This itinerary includes stays in Cusco (3,400m) and visits to sites like Chincheros (3,762m). Immediate descent to Sacred Valley (2,874m) facilitates acclimatization. Consume coca tea regularly and avoid excessive efforts the first days.
  2. Specialized Travel Insurance: Acquire coverage including adventure activities, medical emergencies at altitude, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation. Verify specific coverage for Peru and archaeological activities.
  3. Layered Clothing for Sacred Valley: Andean climate varies significantly. Include: thermal clothing, waterproof jacket, comfortable trekking shoes, hat, UV protection sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen. A small backpack is indispensable for daily excursions.
  4. Moderate Physical Preparation: Visits to Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu require walks on irregular terrain and stone steps. Basic physical fitness level is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
  5. Hydration and Nutrition: Increase water consumption 2-3 days before the trip. In Sacred Valley, consume light meals rich in carbohydrates. Avoid excessive alcoholic beverages during the first days.
  6. Cultural Respect in Communities: Chincheros and Pisaq are living communities with ancestral traditions. Learn basic Spanish and Quechua phrases. Always ask permission before photographing people and be respectful during textile demonstrations.
  7. Financial Preparation: Bring Peruvian soles for artisan market purchases, tips, and minor expenses. In Pisaq and Chincheros, cash is preferable. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and main restaurants.
  8. Advance Reservations: Machu Picchu has daily visitor limits. Your tickets are guaranteed, but additional activities like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain require reservation months in advance.
  9. Strategic Packing: Pack a small suitcase for transfers between Sacred Valley hotels. Keep a day backpack with essentials: water, snacks, camera, documents, and warm clothing.
  10. Weather Flexibility: Sacred Valley can experience sudden rains, especially between November and March. Maintain flexibility in your schedule and trust your local guides’ experience for itinerary adjustments due to weather conditions.