Highlights of Peru – 5 Nights / 6 Days

Approximate altitude: 3,399 m

Approximate duration: Half day

After breakfast, board your domestic flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and one of South America’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Cities. Surrounded by the dramatic Andes, Cusco is celebrated for its remarkable blend of finely crafted Inca stonework and elegant Spanish colonial architecture, creating one of Peru’s most fascinating cultural destinations.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, allowing time to gradually acclimatise to the higher altitude. Relax, explore nearby streets at your own pace or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic mountain city before beginning your exploration of Peru’s remarkable archaeological treasures.

Overnight at Cusco

Breakfast

Approximate duration: 7–8 hours

Approximate altitude: Cusco 3,399 m | Sacsayhuamán 3,700 m | Urubamba 2,871 m

Today introduces you to the remarkable history of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, where centuries-old colonial buildings stand upon perfectly crafted Inca foundations. Begin your exploration in the Historic Centre of Cusco before visiting the magnificent Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), once the empire’s most sacred temple dedicated to the Sun God. Continue to the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, renowned for its colossal stone walls and extraordinary engineering, before discovering the ceremonial sites of Qenqo and Tambomachay, both celebrated for their religious significance and remarkable water systems.

After lunch, journey into the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, where fertile farmland, picturesque villages and towering Andean peaks create one of Peru’s most spectacular landscapes. Along the way, visit Awana Kancha, a traditional Andean textile centre where alpacas, llamas, vicuñas and guanacos can be seen while local artisans demonstrate centuries-old weaving techniques passed down through generations. The Sacred Valley’s lower altitude provides the ideal environment to continue acclimatising before your visit to Machu Picchu.

Overnight at Urubamba, Sacred Valley

Breakfast

Approximate duration: 8–10 hours including train journey

Approximate altitude: Maras 3,380 m | Moray 3,500 m | Ollantaytambo 2,792 m | Aguas Calientes 2,040 m

Today’s journey is dedicated to exploring the remarkable archaeological treasures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery, fertile valleys and exceptional Inca engineering. Begin with a visit to the extraordinary Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of terraced salt pools continue to be harvested using traditional methods that have remained largely unchanged since Inca times. Continue to the fascinating circular terraces of Moray, believed to have served as an agricultural research centre where the Incas experimented with crops under different microclimates.

The journey then continues to the magnificent Ollantaytambo Fortress, one of Peru’s best-preserved Inca settlements, celebrated for its impressive hillside terraces, ceremonial temples and charming cobbled streets. After lunch, board the panoramic Vistadome Observatory Train through the spectacular Urubamba Valley, where winding rivers, cloud forests and snow-capped Andean peaks create one of South America’s most memorable rail journeys. Arrive in Aguas Calientes, the picturesque gateway to the legendary sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Overnight at Aguas Calientes

Breakfast

Approximate duration: Full day

Approximate altitude: Machu Picchu 2,430 m | Cusco 3,399 m

Rise early for one of the highlights of your Highlights of Peru adventure as you travel by shuttle bus through the mist-covered Andes to Machu Picchu, Peru’s most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Hidden among the cloud forests for centuries, this extraordinary Inca citadel is renowned for its breathtaking mountain setting, remarkable stone architecture and fascinating history, making it one of the world’s most iconic archaeological destinations.

Accompanied by an experienced guide, explore the sanctuary using Circuit 2A or Circuit 2B, with Circuit 3B offered as an alternative subject to permit availability. Discover beautifully preserved temples, ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces and panoramic viewpoints while learning about the remarkable engineering, culture and spiritual significance of the Inca civilisation. After lunch in Aguas Calientes, board the panoramic Vistadome Observatory Train to Poroy before continuing by private transfer to Cusco, bringing an unforgettable day of exploration to a memorable conclusion.

Overnight at Cusco

Breakfast

Approximate duration: Airport transfer

Approximate altitude: 3,399 m

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Cusco before checking out of your hotel. At the appropriate time, transfer privately to Cusco Airport for your onward flight, bringing your unforgettable Highlights of Peru journey to a close. Depart with lasting memories of the remarkable Sacred Valley, the legendary Machu Picchu, breathtaking Andean landscapes and the extraordinary cultural heritage that makes Peru one of South America’s most captivating destinations.

Breakfast