Machu Picchu & Colca Canyon

In the morning, transfer back to the airport for a quick flight to Arequipa (7,660 ft.), known as the “White City,” due to the many colonial buildings built of the area’s white volcanic rock. Upon arrival, take time to relax or explore on your own before an afternoon city tour. During the tour, visit Yanahuara, La Compania and the Convent of Santa Catalina, famous for its labyrinth of secluded rooms. Return to your Arequipa hotel for the evening. (B)

Depart Arequipa and ascend to the high elevation grasslands or puna, for incredible views of Mount El Misti and other snowcapped volcanoes lining the horizon. Throughout today’s drive, keep any eye out for herds of llamas, alpacas and the endangered vicuña. Descend into the Colca Valley where you pass the settlements of Chivay and Coporaque before arriving at the Colca Lodge near Yanque. The afternoon is free for you to relax in the pristine thermal baths, arrange a spa service or walk to the nearby town. (10,622 ft.) (B)

Today’s destination is Cruz del Condor, a viewpoint over the deepest part of the famed canyon where you can observe this magnificent endangered species. Watch as the condors leave their rocky sanctuary on the morning’s warm air currents, slowly ascending over the horizon. This regal sight will surely be a highlight of your Peru travels. Enjoy an optional short hike along the rim of the Colca Canyon for spectacular views of the colossal canyon! Transfer back to Arequipa in the late afternoon. (B)

Return to the Arequipa airport for your short flight to Cusco (10,856 feet). Your guide picks you up at the airport for an excursion through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop is Pisac’s hilltop citadel, featuring the civilization’s agricultural terracing along the steep valley walls, panoramic views of jagged granite peaks and the temple ruins. Descend down to the town of Pisac, known for one of the best Andean textile markets in Peru. After taking in some of the local culture and enjoying a traditional lunch, depart for Ollantaytambo (9,185 feet), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Stay overnight at a hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B,L)

Spend another day exploring the well preserved archaeological sites and dramatic landscapes of the Sacred Valley. This morning, pass small farms situated in the fertile Urubamba Valley surrounded by snowcapped mountains to reach Moray. This mysterious site includes three circular terraces, thought to have been used by the Incas as an open-air crop experimentation station. Continue past the small village and pre-Inca settlement of Maras. At this photogenic spot, a geo-thermally heated stream feeds hundreds of small salt terraces which create a striking white-on-brown landscape that has been used for salt mining since well before the Incas. Return to your Ollantaytambo hotel in the late afternoon. (B,L)

Start the day off with a refreshing walking tour of the Ollantayambo ruins. Next, head to the train station, where you’ll board the Vistadome train for the first leg of today’s unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu! Enjoy the panoramic views as the train follows the Urubamba River into the lush cloud forest, before arriving at the Aguas Caliente train station. Stop for lunch in town and then  board a bus that will take you to the gates of Machu Picchu (7,875 feet). Spend the afternoon exploring the famous ruins with your guide. Return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to relax and enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Machu Picchu during the early morning hours. Explore the numerous ruins including an optional climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu. By midday, you return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and an early afternoon train ride back to Ollantaytambo. Your private vehicle will be waiting at the station to deliver you to the Chinchero textile market, where members of the local weavers’ collective will explain the traditional weaving methods of the Sacred Valley. Continue on to your Cusco hotel for the evening. (10,856 feet) (B)

Huayna Picchu Hiking Details: 1.25 miles; approximately 2-3 hours hiking, the trail is narrow and very steep

Altitude min/max: from 7,875 ft to 8,835 ft.

Today begins with a guided walking tour through Cusco to see the colorful markets, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of regional cuisine, you tour the remaining prominent Inca sights in and around Cusco. These include the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; Puka Pukara the small fortress that once protected the royal capital; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to the comfort of your hotel to relax or continue to explore Cusco on your own. (B)

Transfer to the Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima and your connecting international flight, marking the end of SE services. If your schedule permits, trip extensions to other regions or extra days may also be arranged. (B)