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| The mysteries of the Incas may never be entirely solved, but the astounding legacy they left behind in the mountains of Peru speaks volumes about these empire building, nature worshipping people. This non-camping journey reveals the treasures of the Inca world first in Cusco, archeological capitol of the Americas, then in Urubamba, the "sacred valley" of the Incas, where Inca rulers erected some of their most intriguing fortress-cities. As a grand finale, we settle in for two overnights at incomparable Machu Picchu to fully explore this perfect Inca city, so well hidden in the jungled ramparts of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that the Spaniards never knew of it. During our in-depth explorations of the Inca world we also discover that highland Peru is an extraordinary place beyond its archeological treasures, with its incomparable mountain beauty, traditional weaving arts, famed indigenous music, and lively Quechua markets. |
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Our walking tour takes us through this ancient city of red-roofed colonial buildings built on Inca masonry.
2: Cusco/Urubamba
We explore Pisac, the Inca's largest fortress-city perched atop the Urubamba Valley, then return to Cusco to visit Sacsayhuaman, the "head" of Cusco's puma-shaped town plan; Tambomachay with its Inca baths; and Kenko, with its water channels, thought to have been used for ritual sacrifice.
3: Moray/Urubamba Valley
After exploring Moray, with its striking Inca-carved terracing, we visit Ollantaytambo, a living Inca village with its original pre-Columbian street plan.
4 - 6: Machu Picchu/Cusco
We immerse ourselves in the splendor of Machu Picchu, a stunning city of stone perched on the edge of sheer precipice 1,500 feet above the Urubamba River. With two overnights at the ruins, we can enjoy Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves. On the afternoon of Day 6, we take the train back to Cusco.
7: Lima/Return to US
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