Peru: Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

The former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is often considered the most beautiful city in Peru. Inca temples, churches, museums and colonial palaces are made more picturesque by locals dressed in traditional clothing, creating postcard-worthy photo ops. Visit the beautiful Hacienda Sarapampa to savor lunch with the owner. At the Inkariy Museum, gain insights into the culture, religion and technology of the most important pre-Hispanic Peruvian cultures (including the Nazca and Inca) before making your way to your hotel.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas carves through the green peaks of the Peruvian Andes near Cusco, where snow-capped peaks form a dramatic backdrop. Deemed a spiritual epicenter by the Inca people due its alignment with the solar system and its exceptionally fertile land, the valley shares a kinship with nearby Machu Picchu. Discover two projects supported by A&K Philanthropy: first visit a remote village where local residents provide a hands-on introduction to the customs and crafts that make up their way of life before joining a local shaman in a traditional offering to Mother Earth (Pachamama), and then continue to Niños del Arco Iris (Children of the Rainbow). Later, listen as a renowned scholar and expert on the Incas sets the stage for your Machu Picchu visit.

Explore Ollantaytambo, a fortress of massive stone terraces that hug the mountain slopes before boarding a train to Machu Picchu, the Incas’ mighty mountain citadel. Travel by rail all the way, getting in your first visit to the archaeological site this afternoon, or opt to disembark en route at KM 104 to hike the Inca Trail (for an additional cost) to the Sun Gate, overlooking the sprawling citadel, later in the day.

Built in the shape of a puma by the Incas, Cusco stretches like a slumbering feline along the Huatanay valley. Far from sleepy, spirited cevicherías in San Blas add verve to the city’s UNESCO-protected historical quarter. From the heart of the city, where Spanish cathedrals anchor the Plaza de Armas, to the outskirts of the town where Sacsayhuamán — an Incan fortress built of colossal stones — still stands, diverse examples of centuries-old architecture abound. Visit an animal sanctuary to interact with the llamas and alpacas living there, and learn about the valuable fibers created from their coats. Listen to a private presentation of haunting Andean music by a regional expert. A farewell dinner at an elegant Cusco restaurant features innovative recipes that honor Peru’s culinary traditions.

Walk the San Blas Neighborhood, a unique, bohemian enclave where you find the workshops of artisans. Visit Sapantiana, a historic hydraulic structure with four levels of arched architecture. Fly to Lima, where you enjoy the use of a dayroom before a short walk to the airport to depart.