Empire of the Incas Journey

On arrival in Cusco, we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel.

In the afternoon, we take an exclusive stroll through the city. We begin at Plaza de San Cristóbal, where we enjoy panoramic views across Cusco - once the capital of the vast Inca Empire. We then visit San Pedro Market, a lively hub that supplies much of the city. Here, we discover local produce and gain insight into regional ingredients and daily life.

Our tour continues to Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important temple in the Inca world. Its walls were originally covered in gold, reflecting the Incas’ devotion to Inti, the sun god. From the artisan quarter of San Blas, we walk along Hatun Rumiyoc Street, passing the former palace of Inca Roca - now the Archbishop’s Palace - and pausing to admire the famous Twelve Angled Stone, a remarkable example of Inca stonework. We conclude at the Plaza de Armas with a visit to the Cathedral, home to significant colonial artworks.

This morning, we head above Cusco to explore the impressive archaeological sites that overlook the city. We visit Sacsayhuamán, a monumental complex known for its enormous stone walls, some weighing over 100 tonnes, fitted together with extraordinary precision.

We continue to Q’enqo, an important ceremonial site featuring an altar carved into natural rock, believed to have been used for ritual offerings. From there, we stop at Puca Pucará, a strategic lookout point, before visiting Tambomachay, a finely constructed site associated with water worship and the Andean worldview.

The afternoon is free for you to explore Cusco at your own pace. You may stroll through its cobbled streets, visit museums or relax in one of the cafés around the Plaza de Armas. Your included tourist ticket also grants access to additional archaeological sites and cultural attractions not visited with the group.

Cusco - Sacred Valley. Today we explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We travel to Chinchero, one of the most traditional and colourful villages in the valley, known for its weaving heritage. We visit a textile centre where we learn about ancestral Inca techniques for spinning and dyeing alpaca wool using natural pigments. We also see the Inca plaza and its colonial church, built on Inca foundations.

We continue to Moray, an extraordinary archaeological site of concentric circular terraces. These terraces created different microclimates and were likely used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas to experiment with crops.

After lunch, we visit Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns, where the original street plan remains in use. We explore the impressive fortress complex, including the Temple of the Ten Windows, the Princess Baths and the Sun Temple. From the heights above the village, we take in sweeping views across the valley before settling into our accommodation in the area.

Sacred Valley - Machu Pichu - Cusco. Today we visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We board our selected train at Ollantaytambo station and travel through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. On arrival, our staff assist us in boarding the bus that winds up the mountain road, offering spectacular views of the Urubamba River far below.

At the summit, Machu Picchu reveals its terraces, temples, ceremonial spaces and residential areas, all set against a dramatic Andean backdrop. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, the site remained hidden from the outside world until 1911. As we explore, we gain insight into its history, architecture and enduring mystery.After lunch, we return by train and transfer back to our hotel in Cusco.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before your private transfer to the airport. We assist with your luggage and ensure a timely arrival for your onward flight, bringing your journey through Peru to a smooth and comfortable close.