The window to the heart of the Andes

Peru: Ten Day Luxury Journey
by luxury hiram bingham train

We leave behind the modernity of Lima’s residential neighborhoods for the traditional world of the Andes; ancient archaeological sites, traditional communities, spectacular scenery, the immensity of Lake Titicaca and, of course, Machu Picchu itself.

Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Machupicchu – Puno – Lima

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

After your international flight you will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to the Country Club Hotel, located in the San Isidro district, which is one of the most upscale districts of Lima and a major financial quarter. This area has pleasant green areas, residential zones, excellent hotels and good restaurants.

Day 2: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas

We begin the day with a transfer to the airport for the one-hour flight to Cusco. Here you will be met at the airport by our tour guide and transferred to the Hotel Sol y Luna in the Sacred Valley, outside the city of Cusco. The lower altitude of the valley will help you become accustomed more easily. The drive will be a chance for you to enjoy the surrounding Andean scenery of valleys and high peaks. First we will visit the colonial village of Pisaq with its fascinating market where villagers trade traditional goods and offer their crafts to visiting travelers.

(Lunch at the hotel)

(Overnight at Sol y Luna Hotel in Urubamba)

Day 3: Urubamba Valley – Chinchero – Ollantaytambo

Today we will be able to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First we will make the short drive to Ollantaytambo, which still retains many of the buildings and the urban lay-out of the original Inca settlement. The ruins of Ollantaytambo’s temple-fortress are located above the village and offer fine views of the village and the Urubamba river valley. We will have lunch at the exclusive Casa Hacienda Orihuela, where we will also have chance to see its unique collection of Inca and colonial artifacts and artworks.

After lunch we will drive to the town of Chinchero, a charming colonial-era community with an interesting 17th century church which still retains its original frescos. The village also has notable Inca remains and extensive agricultural terraces. In Chinchero we will also attend a demonstration of traditional Andean spinning, dyeing and weaving techniques, as well as having the opportunity to shop for textiles from the people who make them.

(Overnight at Sol y Luna hotel in Urubamba)

Day 4: Urubamba - Machu Picchu

Today we take the one-hour bus ride to Poroy train station to board the luxury Hiram Bingham train to Machupicchu. This three and a half hour train ride is one of the most spectacular in the world, passing through valleys, deep canyons and cloud forest vegetation before reaching the village below Machu Picchu. A three course lunch will be served onboard. On arrival at Aguas Calientes train station we will take a 25 minute bus journey to the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel. After check in our guide will share his enormous knowledge with you on an afternoon tour of this new wonder of the world, known both as the Sacred City of the Incas and Lost City of the Incas, which has fascinated travelers since it was first discovered in 1911.

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will give you an early wake-up call so that you will be able to experience the sunrise over Machupicchu; because the hotel is located just three minutes away, you only have to get your camera ready and start taking pictures!

Today, led by our guide, you can choose between scaling the peak behind Machu Picchu known as Huayna Picchu to enjoy the views of the surrounding forest and Machu Picchu itself, or make the 30-minute walk to the Inca drawbridge or the hike up to the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu. (Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel)

In the evening you will take the Hiram Bingham train back to Cusco - a four course a la carte dinner will be served to you onboard. On arrival at Poroy station you will be transferred to the Hotel Monasterio in Cusco.

Day 6: Exploring the best of the city of Cusco

Today we will have a full day to visit the main sights of the city of Cusco and the mountains that surround the city. We will begin with the Temple of the Sun, known by its Inca name of Qorikancha, which is situated within the Spanish church of Santo Domingo, which was built over the temple. We will then go to the cathedral on the city’s Main Plaza, which was built in the 17th century and is home to beautiful colonial-era works of art, including paintings, a carved wooden choir stall and altars covered in silver and gold leaf. Leaving the city, in the hills around Cusco we will visit the monolithic fortified temple of Sacsayhuaman, with its enormous walls, as well as the carved limestone outcrop which is the fertility temple of Qenqo. Returning to Cusco we will take some time to visit the local city market of San Pedro, where you will see local products as well as have the chance to meet local people and see how they live.

(Dinner at the MAPcafe, one of the best restaurants in Cusco)

(Overnight at the Hotel Monasterio in Cusco)

Day 7: Arrival in Puno

You will have the morning free to relax before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Juliaca. You will be met off the flight by our local representative and driven for one hour across the high Andean plains to the Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection in Puno; along the way you will have fine views of Lake Titicaca.

Day 8: Lake Titicaca – Suasi Island

We will leave the city very early for the port, where we will take the boat for our tour of Lake Titicaca. The boat will take us to Suasi Island (shared service – if you require a private launch let us know in advance). On the way we will visit the floating Uros Islands, where we will be able to observe how this unique people live on artificial reed islands in the bay area. On the Uros totora reeds are used for the construction of the islands, houses and boats, and even as a food source. Our next stop will be Taquile Island, which is inhabited by Quechua-speaking people who live under Inca laws and have organized themselves on a communal basis to receive tourists. Local people dress traditionally and the Taquile weavings are of a particularly high quality.

Alter arriving at Suasi we will have a barbecue lunch and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing or taking part in eco-tourism activities such as visiting the island’s conservation area to observe its fauna and flora, as well as visiting the cultural center, walking on the beach or kayaking along the shore. Suasi is a privately-owned island and its management is fully ecological. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the region’s unique biodiversity as well as to enjoy the peace of the island’s remote location and the fine views of the surrounding lake. At night it is possible to observe the stars of the southern hemisphere with a computerized telescope and gather around a moonlit bonfire to enjoy the Andean night.

(Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection – Suasi Island)

Day 9: Suasi Island – Puno – Lima

After crossing to the mainland, we will journey overland to the airport in the city of Juliaca, eating a box lunch en route. Depending on the time of your flight and the time available, we will visit the pre-Inca burial site of Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo. This fascinating archeological site consists of a series of conical stone funerary towers built on a headland with fine views of the lake.

Upon your arrival at Lima airport you will be met by our representative and driven to the hotel.

Day 10: Lima

Today a day room will be provided for you at the hotel while you are escorted on a guided tour of the city which includes the best attractions of the historic center of Lima. In the evening there will be time for a farewell meal at one of Lima’s fine restaurants before you are driven to the airport for your return flight to your home country.