World of the Incas: Iconic Itinerary
Luxury Peru & Machu Picchu, as Seen in Condé Nast Traveler
This is an upgraded version of our classic World of the Incas adventure, including an optional 1-day hike on the Inca Trail.
Explore Peru’s most entrancing ancient Incan wonders, along with its blend of traditional and contemporary culture. Centuries ago, the Incas governed this vast realm, which was connected by thousands of miles of stone-paved highways, from their cultural and religious center in Cusco. Many stone monuments stand today, a testament to the skill of their master architects.
Designed for those who wish to deepen their appreciation of the Incas with a luxury Machu Picchu experience, this exciting cultural and archaeological adventure takes us into the very heart of the ancient empire, while enjoying present-day Peru at the same time. Well-paced and well-planned for gradual adjustment to the highlands altitude.
Trip Highlights:
- Join Quechua villagers at the traditional market in Pisac
- Visit a family in Chinchero, enjoy a weaving demonstration by master craftswomen
- Take a one-day hike on the Inca Trail to arrive to Machu Picchu on foot
- Wander the cobbled streets of Cusco and visit the nearby pre-Columbian sites
- Enjoy upgraded lodging at the Monasterio boutique hotel in Cusco
- Take in the sights and sounds of Lima, including the magnificent Larco Herrera Museum
World of the Incas: Iconic Itinerary
Luxury Machu Picchu Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: USA / LIMA OR CUSCO
Arrive to Lima this evening and spend the night.
DAY 2: LIMA / CUSCO / SACRED VALLEY
Fly to Cusco, and descend into the Sacred Valley to the town of Pisac.
DAY 3: CHINCHERO / OLLANTAYTAMBO
Deepen exploration of the Sacred Valley in two of its traditional towns.
DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU
Arrive by train or on foot via the Inca Trail to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU
Spend a second day at Machu Picchu for early morning light and optional hiking.
DAY 6: MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
Return by train from Machu Picchu to the colonial city of Cusco.
DAY 7: CUSCO
A private tour of Cusco’s best markets, squares, and nearby pre-Columbian sites.
DAY 8: CUSCO / LIMA OR USA
Flight to Lima and guided sight-seeing before boarding an overnight flight home.
DAY 9: USA
Make your onward connections home.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.
World of the Incas: Iconic Itinerary
Dates & Rates
Departures
On request any week throughout the season. April-May or September-October are ideal months in the Andes of Peru. January-March is the rainy (but less crowded) season.Note: The Km 104 hike requires hiking permits that can sell out 3-4 months in advance, so plan early.
2025 Land Cost
4-6 participants: from $8,100 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $7,600 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $3,100
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.
World of the Incas: Iconic Itinerary
Luxury Machu Picchu: Accommodations
BELMOND HOTEL RIO SAGRADO
Belmond – the luxury travel brand formerly known as Orient Express – is pleased to introduce its resort and spa Hotel Rio Sacrado to Peru’s Sacred Valley. Set on the banks of the Urubamba River, it is built with natural materials to resemble an authentic Andean village.
MIRAFLORES PARK HOTEL
Located on the Malecon de la Reserva, the 5-star Miraflores Park Hotel has 81 suites offering guests the ideal space for work and rest. Enjoy ample private bathrooms in marble and granite, comfortable king-size beds, and a splendid ocean view.
JW MARRIOTT HOTEL
Enjoy a view of the Pacific Ocean against the shoreline at one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top-20 Latin American hotels, the JW Marriott Hotel Lima. This 5-Star facility has prime location near the Larcomar shopping and entertainment center, and luxurious amenities.
LIBERTADOR TAMBO DEL INKA
Tambo del Inka, an exclusive Starwood property, is the Sacred Valley’s premier resort and spa. It is the only hotel in Urubamba with a private train station to Machu Picchu, and one of only two with a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool.
SANCTUARY LODGE
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, by Belmond, enjoys a unique position at the entrance of the Inca Citadel ruins. The unequaled location of this upscale 4-star hotel allows guests easy access to Machu Picchu, as well as breathtaking scenery and bird watching.
PALACIO NAZARENAS HOTEL
Meet Cusco’s newest boutique hotel: Palacio Nazarenas by Belmond. The finest in its class, Nazarenas offers 55 Suites housed in 18th century convent that has preserved traditional courtyards and frescoes. It is also home of Cusco’s only outdoor heated pool.
World of the Incas: Iconic Itinerary
Extensions
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Cusco or Lima
Season: April to December
Families and travelers with limited time, who want a taste of the Amazon rainforest, will enjoy the Reserva Amazonica or Sandoval Lake lodge, 45 min by boat from Puerto Maldonado. Both allow access to small oxbow lakes as well as forest trails with a variety of habitats.
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Cusco
Season: April to November
Introduction: For those who want to experience authentic Quechua culture first-hand and feel like you’ve traveled back in time, nothing beats a visit with a family on Taquile Island, one of Lake Titicaca’s natural islands.
Length: 5 days/4 nights from Lima
Season: Mid-April to mid-November
Introduction: Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca in southern Peru is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Since its walls are not as vertical, the valley is filled with small towns that preserve their ancestral traditions.
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Lima
Season: Year-round
A visit to Paracas is a journey to one of South America’s most important protected coastal-marine systems. Whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and sea otters are just a few the 36 species of marine and land mammals found in the reserve.
Length: 5 Days/4 Nights from Cusco
Season: April to October
For travelers wanting to maximize their wildlife viewing opportunities in a short extension, few places in the Amazon Basin can compete with Manu National Park in southeastern Peru. It is considered to be one of the most pristine and important rainforest reserves on the planet!
Length: 4 days/3 nights from Lima
Season:Year-round
Long before the Incas controlled the country, sophisticated cultures existed along the Peruvian coast; and northern Peru is one of the best destinations for visiting the remains of their cities. Moche sites including the renowned Lord of Sipan and the pyramids.
Length: 3 days/2 nights from Lima
Season:Year-round
The mysterious lines etched into the coastal plains near the town of Nazca have fascinated scientists, archaeologists and visitors for decades. Best viewed from the air, Nazca figures such as the monkey, fish, hands and whale are highlights.